What’s Happening in February?

The kids are back to school, sporting competitions are firing up and the January holiday zen has been replaced with a jam-packed diary of things to do, see, listen to and recover from. Don’t let that stop you, though: there is so much happening this month in the Margaret River Region, you won’t want to miss out.

The outdoor cinemas are still cranking through the best of the silver screen, fitness fiends are running, swimming and sailing to their heart’s content and there is more music and live entertainment than you can poke a stick at.

Rug up, pack a picnic and enjoy one of the most loved events every year down in Margaret River. Movies at Cape Mentelle runs throughout the warmer months and sees a carefully picked program of new release and well-loved classics on the silver screen. Be sure to bring a jumper, it can get nippy once the sun goes down.

If you haven’t got along to Margaret River’s latest hot spot, now is your chance. Head along to the Family Funday Sunday at The Colony Concept and the kids will get a free lunch out too. There’ll be face painting, bee competitions, games and educational sessions by the chief bee keeper plus plenty of space to run about.

Hopefully you’ve been training alongside all of that festive feasting recently, as the Sunsmart Busselton Half Marathon and Fun Run is one of the most enjoyable courses to run in WA. The flattest route going around, the event is renowned for helping runners get that elusive ‘personal best’. For spectators it’s even better: you get to sit on the beach at Busselton’s beautiful foreshore and enjoy the atmosphere. Wins all round.

Music fans, this is the date to put in the diary. Sugarloaf Rock is bringing together some of the biggest bands for a full day fiesta. Headliners include Grinspoon and Wolfmother alongside Dead Letter Circus, Stonefield, Abbe May and more. Of course, being in the Margaret River region there’s guaranteed to be some fabulous food and wine to refuel with once the dancing legs need a rest.

Time flies when you’re having fun! This year marks the 25^th year for the Busselton Jetty Swim, one of the state’s most enjoyable and accessible open water swims. The pros will race the 3.6km swim in about 40 minutes, but it’s perfectly fine to take your time and clock in at the three hour mark – or spectate. The celebrations are plentiful this year, with over 10,000 people expected to join in and fireworks once the day’s activities have drawn to a close.

One of the most creative times of the year in Busselton, Fringe Festival 2020 sees a delightful range of music, theatre, stand-up comedy and cabaret on offer. Head on down to a performance at one of the many venues taking part, or enjoy the Fringe Fun Day at the ArtGeo Complex as the street is closed off and a bar pops up, and festivities ensue for the entirety of the day.

One of the most lovely ways to round off the weekend is down at Pioneer Park in Cowaramup with this summer’s season of Arts Margaret River Sundowners. Get in nice and early, thrown down a picnic blanket and enjoy the talents of local musicians as the golden afternoon turns to dusk. Dancing is encouraged!

This is the first year that the South West Craft Beer Fest settles into its new home on the Busselton Foreshore. This year is the biggest yet with over 25 breweries and cideries bringing in the best of their brews and ferments for you to sample. With more than 130 different options to taste, you’ll need to make sure you save yourself for your favs. Whether you like the dark and bitter ales, the light frothy stuff or something in-between, you’ll find it here.

Did you know that WA’s premier yacht regatta is right here in the South West? The Club Marine Geographe Bay Race Week is full of fun for everyone, even if you don’t know your port from your starboard. There’s lots to keep busy with both on and off the water, with a nautical festival feel to all of the activities.

Head down to the Dunsborough foreshore for your fill of installation artwork over the long weekend at Sculpture By The Bay. Part of the Dunsborough Arts Festival, it’s a chance to catch over fifty works on display in the town, alongside 40 smaller indoor pieces at the Christian Fletcher Gallery. With an estimated 10,000 people gazing on the pieces last year, this is one popular weekend in the region’s cultural calendar.

One of the biggest days of the year for the humble town of Augusta, the Augusta River Festival is a fun day out for all of the family. Filled with live music, food stalls, local crafts and goodies on offer, and of course the famous Blackwood regatta where handmade rafts are in the race for first prize. Be sure to stick around until the evening firework display.