As the year draws to a close, Perth is buzzing with a vibrant lineup of culinary, cultural, and community events to kickstart 2026. From a luxurious Amazon-inspired New Year's Eve feast to a major arts festival and local market gems, there's plenty to fill your summer calendar.
A Culinary Adventure for New Year's Eve
For food lovers still finalising their December 31 plans, UMA restaurant is offering a unique four-course journey through the Amazon. Priced at $219 per person, the experience begins with champagne, oysters, and caviar on arrival. The menu promises to blend South American flavours with premium Western Australian produce.
Highlights from the special NYE menu include pan de yema (egg yolk bread), ceviche de atun (tuna ceviche), pato al gamboa (sous vide duck breast), and braised beef tequenos. Bookings and full details are available through umaperth.com.au.
Local Favourites and Fresh Finds
Close to the STM office, The Herdsman Market remains a beloved destination for fresh, high-quality goods. This comprehensive market is a one-stop shop for everything from chef-made meals and gourmet salads to fresh sushi from the fish merchant.
Shoppers can also find a delicatessen, a selection of local bread and pastries, cuts from Creative Meats gourmet butcher, and seasonal fruit and vegetables. The market's flower stall is a particularly popular spot for picking up a beautiful bouquet. More information can be found at theherdsman.com.au.
Artist-in-Residence at Cottesloe's Heritage Collective
In the arts scene, talented Perth artist Elle Campbell has been named the new artist-in-residence at The Heritage Collective in Cottesloe. Known for her abstract and bold works, Campbell will utilise the oceanfront space for both her practice and to host workshops.
Campbell describes the venue as a place that offers "space for reflection, rest, and creative renewal — nurturing both our work and the heart, mind, and spirit." Details about her residency and upcoming workshops are available at heritagecollective.com.au.
Perth Festival's Summer of Worldly Experiences
Mark your calendars, as the much-anticipated Perth Festival runs from February 6 to March 1, billing itself as your summer invitation to otherworldly experiences. The program spans music, film, theatre, visual arts, and literary events across multiple venues.
The festival's music lineup is particularly strong this year. Surf rock band King Stingray will perform at the East Perth Power Station on February 27. The same iconic venue will host Australian alt-rock supergroup Bleak Squad on February 8, featuring members from Dirty Three, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, Magic Dirt, and Art of Fighting.
On February 21, the BlakOut event will take over two stages with performances by Jordyn With A Why, Keanu Nelson, and Baker Boy. Another standout is singer Somi, whose music fuses the soul of East African folk with New York jazz; she will perform at The Embassy at Perth Town Hall on February 13 and 14. The full program and tickets are at perthfestival.com.au.
