July is officially/unofficially the month of Cabin Fever Festival – where local eateries, breweries and wineries can get a bit loose under the cover of darkness and colder weather to turn the region into a hotspot of all-out revelry.
It’s when down south shakes off the sun and sand stereotype to really lean into those winter vibes and showcase the best of what it has to offer.
The festival runs from July 15 to 24, and this year is packing some real heat with over 40 events focusing on indulgence, decadence, fiery feasts, wild music and more. The programme encompasses everything from luxe fine-dining dinners to food markets; DJ sets to drag queen shows. A small snippet of experiences to expect? Hot chips and hot sauce; brunch; vinyl records; roaring coals/fireplaces/bonfires; soup; farm tours; street eats; masterclasses in beef, wine, cheese, chocolate, coffee and sake; pub singing; brews and cocktails; cheese toasties and fondue. Phew!
In a special twist for 2022, the festival team is introducing The Cabin for the first time ever – presented by Shelter Brewing Co at the Busselton foreshore. The space will be a festival hub over three days from July 15 to 17, 12pm to 9pm: a marquee space with lounge areas, live music, warmth, beverages and merrymaking.
The beginning of July also marks NAIDOC Week, the annual national celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The Margaret River Region honours the traditional owners of this land, the Wadandi (Saltwater) people, and their elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge the Wadandi people’s 60,000-year custodianship of this special place, and we thank them for generously sharing with us their immensely deep cultural knowledge and connection to the land.