What’s Happening in August?

A transitional season, Djilba marks the beginning of the end of winter. Now if that’s not enough to be excited about, then just wait until you hear about our chock a block August events calendar complete with a world class festival, comedy nights, wine events and more!

August may still be cool with some rainy patches, but interwoven are bright, crisp days that remind us that spring is just around the corner. As our rugged coastline begins to erupt with new signs of life, our oceans are packed with playful whales making their way from the freezing Antarctic to warmer waters for breeding season. A time of rebirth and change, there is so much to look forward to… and even more so if you happen to be a movie buff.

If you love cinema, August is here to make your Cannes Film Festival dreams come true with CinefestOz. Now in its 15th year, the 2022 program is bigger and better than ever with 6 days jam packed with feature premiers, live screenings, industry symposiums, free community events, as well as opening and closing parties. With over 270 events in more than 35 different venues across the region including craft breweries, premier wineries, local cinemas, bars and galleries, this is a film festival you do not want to miss!

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

Do you know your merlot from your malbec? No winter is complete without the Margaret River Wine Association’s much adored trio of events, Winter Wine Options. Even if you missed the first two instalments, it’s not too late to swan in for the final and knock out the competition.

Wine Options is a wine focused quiz where anyone from wine lovers to industry professionals duke it out to see who really knows their stuff. Blind taste a range of wines and deliberate with your team to answer a series of multiple choice questions.

Held on August 5th at the River, this event is also a costume competition so be sure to don your best fancy dress and go into the running to win the coveted Perpetual Barrell Head Trophy. And the ultimate bragging rights, of course!

Head down to Augusta for a 4-day golf event culminating in the 2022 Aglime State Sand Greens Championship. Starting out on Thursday is the Elders Super Scroungers Event. Then a 4-Ball best ball competition will be held on Friday.

These two events are open to all male golfers with a Golf Link handicap. Then Saturday and Sunday, WA’s best amateur golfers will vie for the title of State Sand Greens Champion. Please see the GOLFWA website for full details.

Watch in awe as female athletes and adventurers run the length of New Zealand, solo hike to the summit of Mt Everest, and get some major air in skis at the Gutsy Girls Adventure Film Tour.

Coming to the Margaret River Heart, this film fest will inspire and uplift with a selection of films varying in length, styles, and stories all connected by the incredible and determined women they feature.

With tales of courage, grit, adventure and commitment the aim is to bring the female adventurous spirit into the spotlight, but don’t be fooled. This night is not just for women, it’s for all those passionate about inclusion and diversity in the great outdoors!

For a night with free flowing wine and frivolity, join Merrick Watts for an unforgettable tasting experience.

Both the idiot and the expert, Merrick is a wine specialist as well as a comedian. After selling out shows at both the Adelaide Fringe and Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Merrick is now gracing our fine wine region with his presence.

Included in the ticket is a 70 minute wine tasting show, six fabulous wines from Credaro, a three course meal from Shelter Brewing, and some bangers to swing your hips to served up by DJ Pedro Moshman. Laugh, drink, learn, eat, and dance the night away at this raucous event!

Start your engines! The Australian Human Powered Vehicles Super Series is coming to the Busselton foreshore this August 21st.

Schools from all over WA will race Human Powered Vehicles around a rigorous and exhilarating street circuit that is over a kilometre long. Presented by Australian International Pedal Prix Inc, this race is shaping up to be a day of family fun. And the cherry on top? Spectating is free!

Starting out with a splash, CinefestOZ will be taking over the Margaret River Heart for the WA premiere of the much anticipated film, 6 Festivals.

Arrive early for delicious canapes and welcome refreshments provided by local legends Forester Estate and Eagles Bay Brewing. While you are there, browse the Dig Deep art exhibition by Natalie Briney. Then sit back and enjoy the film.

Shot at leading Australian music festivals and featuring real artists, it follows three friends, Maxie, Summer, and James who share a deep passion for music. A love letter to young friendship and the life-altering power of live music, this film will set the stage for the epic festival to come.

Australia’s premier destination film festival, CinefestOZ, returns to the Margaret River Region this August. With the apt theme of Dig Deep, the 2022 programme is overflowing with events ranging from free screenings to red-carpet events from Bunbury all the way to Augusta. Catering to everyone from filmmakers to film-lovers alike, this 6 day getaway has something for everyone.

From the glitz and glam of world premiers and after parties to low-key, intimate in-conversation lunches, this festival has plenty to get excited about. At the centre is the announcement of the prestigious CinefestOZ Film Prize, Australia’s largest film award of $100,000, so be sure to check out the screenings of finalists. It is shaping up to be a tight race!

To top it all off, the festival includes IndigifestOZ, the Cinesnaps Student Competition plus free community screenings and industry workshops. While IndigifestOZ cultivates an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal talent in film, the Cinesnaps Student Competition gives young filmmakers the chance to showcase their work and win a $1,000 cash prize.

Not a filmmaker? Well, free screenings will take place across the region featuring a series of Cinefest films. Last but certainly not least, for those industry folk, be sure to check out the inspiring talks, discussions, debates, networking and more at the Esplanade Hotel on Thursday 25th and Friday 26th of August.

This August, be entertained, educated, and uplifted through the power of cinema at CinefestOZ. Check out the 2022 program, book your accommodation, and start planning now!

The brewers at Black Brewing Co have created the ultimate winter beer, with their upcoming release of a Hazelnut Affogato Stout.

Join them for a four course feast to celebrate the launch, inspired by the Italian love of good food and coffee, and accompanied by live music and a roaring fire to set the scene. Bookings essential.

Celebrate cultural diversity through the eyes of the country’s best stand-up comedians. The star-studded line-up includes Ivan Aristeguieta, Dilruk Jayasinha, Georgie Carroll, Andy Saunders, Joe White and Ting Lim.

Throughout the gala they may jest and jive about the myriad of things that set us apart, but in the end the night centres on the silly, sentimental bits that bring us together. Your sides may be sore from copious laughter, but your soul will be nourished by this night of hilarity and inclusion.

It is time to start planning for the Margaret River Region’s favourite art event!

Open Studios begins on the 10th of September and it is stacking up to be two fabulous weeks of immersive and interactive art experiences all set against the awe-inspiring south west spring landscape. With a record 168 artists joining in for this year’s event, you are guaranteed to discover some new and hidden talent tucked away in our sprawling creative community.

Get lost bouncing along the dirt country roads and unearth painters, sculptures, printers, potters, designers, creators, photographers and much more. Meet the artists themselves and let them guide you through their process, their pieces, their space and maybe even purchase something for your own collection!

With studios spanning from Eagle Bay all the way down Witchcliffe, this truly is a celebration of the vast and varied artistic talent right here on our doorstep. Do not miss this once a year artistic experience – you won’t find anything else like it in the southern hemisphere!