The Joondalup Festival has announced its 2026 program, featuring three major free public artworks that will transform parks, lakes, and the coast. The festival runs from March 7 to 22.
The event opens with Crystal People, 52 luminescent human forms rising from the lakes in Sir James McCusker Park, Illuka. These solar-powered crystalline figures shimmer and charge in daylight, glowing translucently at dusk for a 24-hour art experience.
Hillarys Boat Harbour hosts the Australian debut of Acqua Forte Parade, a floating water theatre by French company Ilotopie. Illuminated characters on floats glide across a 400-metre water route with soundscape and pyrotechnics over four nights from March 12.
From March 19 to 22, The Whale, an interactive installation by Spare Parts Puppet Theatre, appears at Tom Simpson Park in Mullaloo. Visitors can stand beneath the giant marionette and help bring it to life.
Other events include Confetti & Chaos (March 13-14), a comedy dinner at Hillarys Yacht Club; Mamma Mia! Immersive (March 21-22), a singalong cinema event; and the Common People Dance Eisteddfod (March 8), a community dance battle. Mayor Daniel Kingston said the program blends large-scale spectacles with community joy and artistic talent.
