21.09.2022

Now that the south west is emerging from winter hibernation, there is a palpable sense of excitement in the air. The cooler months are behind us and it’s time to start planning for all the good times ahead. Whether you are a self-proclaimed foodie, certified wine aficionado, or fitness fanatic, October is here to jump start your spring.

Out in the vines, little, fluffy buds have begun to burst from the canes, aka ‘budburst’. This is a sure sign that they have, just like us, left winter dormancy behind them and are ready to embrace the new growing season ahead. Perfectly timed with this appearance of spring in the vineyard comes Fine Vines Festival, a celebration of our region’s extraordinary winemaking and viticulture. This festival will take you behind the scenes opening the doors to small producers, museum tastings, decadent degustations, and much more. Whether you are a wino or more of an ‘I don’t know’, you will gain a whole new understanding and appreciation of our region’s unique terroir.

Spring sun means that muddy tracks are starting to dry up. Now kudos to all those hardcore devotees that rode through muck and grime all winter long, but for those who parked their bikes until brighter days, October is full of signs that it is time to get back in the saddle… or seat! First up is a cycling film night in Busselton to awe and inspire. Next there is the Cape to Cape MTB, our very own Tour de France, where we swap alpine mountains for sandy beaches and rocky trails winding along our favourite coastline.

Is all of this adrenaline and action a bit too overwhelming? Well kick back and vibe out at Strings Attached, the West Australia Guitar Festival. Revel in the musical stylings of Australia’s best guitarists, mix and mingle with the musicians, and learn all about this iconic instrument.

Whatever you decide to do with your October, be sure to get out and about to enjoy the breathtaking display of spring. It’s all sunshine, wildflowers, and stellar surf here on out until summer!

Oktoberfest at Black Brewing Co | 1 October

Cowaramup

You don’t have to fly all the way to Munich to get your authentic Oktoberfest experience this year because Black Brewing Co has got you covered. This October the Caves Rd institution will transform into a Bavarian beer hall for a day complete with German fare, cold beer, local wine, and great tunes. Don your finest dirndl and lederhosen because it is time to toast to the motherland of brewing. Tickets include a drink token, food token, a commemorative Beer mug, and, of course, loads of epic memories.

Strings Attached: The West Australian Guitar Festival | 7 - 9 October

Margaret River

From acoustic to classical, electric to bass, Strings Attached has got it all. Spread across three days, this event has a fantastic line up of Australian guitar legends as well as various workshops, jam sessions, masterclasses, exhibits and more. Encompassing a swath of different genres and styles, it is geared at all fingerpicking string fans. Whether you choose a wood bending demonstration or the ‘find your sound’ workshop, you are sure to come away with a new appreciation for music and the talented few that have truly mastered the art.

Contemporary Dance: Julia

Margaret River

To all the contemporary dance fans of the region, JULIA is coming to the Margaret River HEART. It is a meaningful and riveting solo dance theatre piece by Natalie Allen, co-created with Sally Richardson. Inspiration is drawn from Julia Gillard’s famous misogyny speech in parliament, as well as her time as Prime Minister. Touching on the #MeToo movement, the experience of sexism, misogyny, discrimination and violence against women, it is a powerful and political call to action. Recommended for 14 years and up, it is 65 minutes without an interval.

Fine Vines Festival | 14 – 23 October

Margaret River Region

Margaret River Region’s favourite springtime, wine-centric festival returns with over 35 different experiences stretched across ten tantalizing days. The Fine Vines Festival is stacked with wine paired brunches, once in a lifetime dining experiences, as well as educational tastings and tours. Perhaps even more exciting is the opportunity to explore the secluded corners of the region’s winescape. With some producers only opening their doors for this very event, you are guaranteed to try a sip of something new or uncover a fresh favourite winery. Whether you want to learn, explore, enjoy or indulge, Fine Vines Festival will spoil you to pieces with its long list of elevated and enticing events.

Tickets for the 2022 Fine Vines Festival are on sale, grab yours now – these events sell out!

The Big Bike Film Night | 18 October

Busselton

Part tribute to the humble bike, part celebration of human-powered stories, this curated selection of movies will get you geared up for a spring filled with cycling. While one film will take you on a breathtaking ride of a lifetime set against a sky filled with hot air balloons, another will show a journey from Germany to India on a tandem bike where the pedalists discuss modern day slavery. Whether on a single speed, unicycle or BMX, these films will serve up excitement, drama, comedy, and plenty of inspiration!

WSL Cape Naturaliste Pro | 20 October

Yallingup

The WSL Cape Naturaliste Pro returns to Yallingup for the first time since 2019, casting a spotlight on our very own wave wonderland. As part of the West Australian Pro Surf Series, this event gives the next generation of surfers the chance to gain ranking points and prize money on the WSL Qualifying Series. Head to Yallingup to check out the new talent as they surf their way into stardom.

Cape To Cape MTB | 20 – 23 October

Margaret River Region

With all the wineries, breweries, and surf spots, it is easy to overlook the web of interconnected bike trails that weave across our region. Well, the Cape to Cape MTB is all about putting our sick tracks front and centre with a course that extends for 210km along the most beautiful stretch of coast. Commencing at the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse in Augusta, riders will undertake an impressive 45 to 65 kms per day to reach the finish line at Cape Naturaliste. While not for the faint of heart, those up for the challenge will be rewarded with gorgeous scenery and the ultimate bragging rights.

Perth Comedy Festival Showcase Tour | 21 October

Margaret River

The Perth Comedy Festival is taking the show on the road, stopping in Margaret River to serve up some good times and big belly laughs. The showcase will feature some of the festival’s hottest acts, condensed and curated to create two hours of hilarity. With fresh faces as well as comedic heroes, you never know exactly what you are going to get but you are guaranteed to enjoy the journey! Grab some pals and prepare to be entertained.

Couple outside the Big Love Tiny Chapel on their wedding day

Pop-Up Elvis Wedding Day | 22 October

Cowaramup

If you were one of the many that streamed to the cinema to catch Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis and found a new appreciation for the King of Rock n Roll – then listen up. This is not a drill! There is a cute chapel on wheels called the Big Love Tiny Chapel, and ten lucky lovebirds will have the opportunity to get legally wed on October 22nd at Colonial Brewing Co. Think whimsical, Vegas inspired ceremony led by Frank Pesely himself, professional Elvis impersonator extraordinaire. An easy, affordable, and definitely memorable way to say I do!

For more information and to secure your ceremony before they are booked out, visit biglovetinychapel.com or find BigLove.TinyChapel on Facebook and Instagram.

Augusta & Districts Spring Show | 22 & 23 October

Augusta

On Saturday, 22nd October, and Sunday, 23rd October, cruise down Augusta way for their annual horticultural show complete with arts, crafts, cookery, photography, and children’s classes. You can even show off your fluffy friend on Sunday afternoon at the pet show! All entry tickets include morning or afternoon tea.

Busselton Show | 28 & 29 October

Busselton

The longest running agricultural show in WA is back to provide some much-needed spring fun. Now in its 161th year, it is safe to say this city knows how to put on a show. Set in Churchill Park, it will include sideshow rides, games, stalls, displays, entertainment and, not to mention, fireworks on the Friday night. Set around 2 days of competition including everything from equestrian prowess to needlework to brewing – entries are still open so show off your skills!

Endurance Events - Busselton Jetty Swim

FOR THE DIARY

Busselton Jetty Swim | 11 & 12 February

Busselton

It may seem a long way off, but key registration dates have been released for next year’s Busselton Jetty Swim – and this event sells out every year! The fixture is one of the region’s biggest and longest-running sporting events, celebrating its 27th anniversary in 2022. The participation ballot opens on 1st of October, closing on the 9th of October at 11.59pm. On the 17th October, all entrants will be notified of the ballot results thanks to a random shuffle draw, resulting in confirmed entries and a waitlist.