What’s happening in October?

For events and happenings, you’ve come to the right place. Seekers of adventure will be spoilt for choice, whether on or off the shore, while live music is set to flood the airways of the South West. 

Visiting with little ones in tow? The region’s got you covered with kids’ workshops, activities and special events during the school holidays. 

Read on for your October itinerary. 

Header image by Daniela Tommasi.

Explore Mammoth Cave after dark and learn about the extinct megafauna that once roamed the region. Encounter lifelike replicas of these ancient creatures at Megafauna Nightstalks and hear stories of their lives and environments before journeying through the karri forest by torchlight. 

There’s always something happening at Origins Markets. Bring the kids along for some face painting, kids’ pop-up markets, or let their imagination run wild with a range of creative workshops. Find their full lineup of workshops here.

Join chef Christine Manfield at Lady Lola for a long lunch with flowing wines and live sounds backed by the glow of a South West sunset. Enjoy a 5-course lunch with paired wines, or swing by for their ‘Golden Hour’ DJ set for entertainment with tunes all afternoon.

Fantasy meets fine dining with A Taste of Pure Imagination at Tiller Dining. Savour every last bite of this exclusive five-course dinner with paired drinks inspired by the whimsical world of Willy Wonka, reimagined for the adult palate.

Cheeky, loud, black, and proud, Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s Deadly Funny is an exciting night of incredible comedians and storytellers. Now in its 20th year, the deadly competition aims to unearth the freshest comedians from the oldest culture on earth. Open to First Nations comedians and storytellers, find more information and register for the workshop here.

LS Merchants are throwing a celebration in the name of orange wine. The 4th edition of the Orange Party will see fellow winemakers from Si Vintners, Walsh & Sons, Black Cocky and Amato Vino pouring orange wines for the masses all day. Lil Pharaohs will be serving up Middle Eastern food, and River & Vines Events will ensure a groovy Sunday sesh boogie on the lawn.

It’s Cape to Cape MTB time! Australia’s largest and most popular four-day MTB stage race, which is just as fun for the spectators, this event is nothing short of epic. Starting at Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse and finishing four days later at Wise Wine in Eagle Bay, the Cape to Cape MTB course makes its way through a network of trails along the coast, through National Parks, forest, farmlands, mountain bike parks and bush.

Busselton Foreshore will become the beer garden with the best ocean views with the return of Beerhall at Shelter. Explore over 20 beers on tap from across the South West and the world, but if you’re not quite the beer fan, jump over to the Cocktail bar by Bar Love, or Wine bar by LS Merchants. Enjoy the Oktoberfest-inspired Fire Kitchen, Seafood Shack, live music, axe throwing, hot sauce comp, stein holding, keg rolling, plus heaps more!

Golden Globe and Oscar-nominated Actor, Director and Producer Griffin Dunne is headed for the Margaret River Region. He’ll be joining Voyager Estate for a relaxed, intimate in-conversation dinner hosted by Ben O’Shea. Voyager Head Chef Travis Crane will present an immersive three-course menu, with a glass of Voyager Estate sparkling on arrival. On Sunday, Jo Trilling (ABC Radio Perth Afternoons) will be joined by Griffin at Margaret River HEART – Nala Bardip Mia, for all the behind-the-scenes tales of glamour and grit that defined his extraordinary career at the heart of Hollywood and literary legend.

The Molloy Holiday Park Annual Bream Competition is a weekend of fishing, fun, and friendly competition. Seasoned anglers or casual line casters alike, this is the perfect event to enjoy the great outdoors and the beautiful Blackwood River. Great prizes for the biggest bream plus live weigh-ins and leaderboard updates, BBQ, raffles, and entertainment throughout the weekend.

Cycle for charity throughout the region with Tour de Gracetown. Challenging yet welcoming, both 75km and 100km rides are all abilities and e-bike friendly. This family-friendly event starts with a sundowner at Fraser Gallop Estate with all money raised going towards local legends River Angels.

Busselton Pavilion are bringing a little country flair to the coast with a night of live music, line dancing and hearty eats. Expect DJs, boot-scootin’ line dancing, cowboy bites and drink specials.

Comedian Tim Ross and musician Kit Warhurst are bringing their live performance MOTEL to The Timothée Resort. Praised by Arts Hub as ‘comedic geniuses,’ MOTEL takes audiences on a sentimental and hilarious journey through classic Australian holidays and motels. In honour of this, The Timothée Resort has crafted a special package that includes a 2-night stay, a pre-show buffet dinner, breakfast, plus tickets to the show.

Bask in spectacular scenery track whilst supporting the Heart Foundation. Coastrek is an exciting mix of fun, fitness, friends and fundraising, hiking 35km or 20km along the Cape to Cape. The event is sold out however individual vacancies on some teams are available. 

Pair’d Margaret River Region will once again transform the region into a celebration of incredible wine, food and music with an event program that invites you to indulge, explore and connect across breathtaking locations in the South West.

Welcome summer in with a 20km swim in the pristine waters of Geographe Bay. WA’s newest open water swim event starts in Dunsborough finishing at the iconic Busselton Jetty. The action extends beyond the water with beach parties along the course where solo, duo and teams will have the opportunity to fuel up, swap swimmers and hear the cheers of spectators.