What’s Happening in August?

Plus we may not be able to span the globe, but August is decidedly the month where the world is coming to the Margaret River Region.

Think: Australia’s equivalent to Cannes Film Festival, stage shows, musicals, opera and dance at the Margaret River HEART venue, wintry indoor movie screenings and a very special truffle event. CinefestOZ is the headline act of the month (and the most star-studded soiree in the South West) replete with red carpet feature film premieres and a gala awards night.

Outdoorsy types, you’re in luck too. It’s the perfect time for a stroll along the Cape to Cape Track. Get set to catch the wildflowers just beginning to unfurl, and the whales are unmissable while you’re gazing over the ocean’s horizon.

Read on for the full details and to lock those dates in the diary.

Get cosy indoors by the jetty with marine-themed movies this month. Cape Mentelle bean bags will keep you comfortable, and tickets include a popcorn tasting tray and a selection of drinks. My Octopus Teacher is screening on August 5, or Chasing Coral on the 19th.

A tribute to the classic American singer-songwriter, Grammy Award-winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee. The Margaret River HEART will light up with Neil Diamond favourites like Sweet Caroline & Red, Red Wine.

An international cast brought together from the world’s finest musical productions will hit the stage at Margaret River HEART to bring some ultimate winter cheer. The show is a revue of all your favourite smash musical hits including The Lion King, Mamma Mia, The Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Wicked and many, many more.

A contemporary Irish music and dance show – laugh, cry & jig!

Immerse yourself this truffle season in an intensive food and wine experience. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes visit to the winery and cellar at Voyager Estate (complete with barrel tastings and truffle snacks) followed by a four-course lunch at the restaurant.

What’s better then a great night out? A great night out for a great cause! Acclaimed hypnotist Matt Hale is going to be in Busselton for one night only, and if you have ever been to one of his shows you know you’re in for a real treat. There will also be a silent auction, DJ entertainment, and a delicious dinner from the talented chef’s at Shelter Brewing Co. Guaranteed giggles included.

The Spanish colour and rhythm of Bizet’s famous opera come to Margaret River HEART, with Opera Australia singers, a live chamber orchestra and a children’s choir drawn from the local community.

Australia’s most iconic destination film festival is back this month! CinefestOZ is your chance to enjoy Australia’s answer to the Cannes Film Festival, attracting the crème de la crème of Australia’s film industry.  With more than 40 live events and screenings from Busselton to Augusta, this celebration of the home-grown and international big screen brings five days of immersive film experiences in the region’s cinemas, wineries, boutique breweries, small bars and galleries. Think world premiers including full red carpet events, intimate in-conversation lunches, a community day celebrating Indigenous filmmakers alongside stall holders and local produce, and screenings of the finalists for the prestigious CinefestOZ Film Prize.

There really is something for everyone, download the CinefestOZ app to have the full program at your fingertips as soon as it launches on the 30th of July.

Nature Conservation Margaret River Region will be holding a fundraising cocktail party, to raise funds to protect the treasured coastline at at Gracetown. Held at the beautiful Cullen Wines, tickets include a spring tasting menu with matching wines, live music, and an exciting charity auction with some epic items on offer.