The countdown has officially begun for one of Western Australia's most anticipated regional celebrations, with chart-topping artists confirmed to headline the milestone 25th anniversary of the Channel 7 Mandurah Crab Fest in March 2026.
A Star-Studded Lineup for a Major Milestone
International superstar DJ Havana Brown and beloved Australian singer-songwriter Thelma Plum will bring their signature sounds to the Seaside Estate Music Stage as headline acts for this year's festival. Brown, who made history as the first female DJ to sign a major recording label deal in Australia, will perform her triple platinum hit We Run The Night and other crowd favorites on Saturday, March 14.
The following day, Gamilaraay musician Thelma Plum will take the stage, bringing tracks from her critically acclaimed debut album Better in Blak, which became one of Australia's most successful albums of 2019. Her title track famously reached the top 10 of Triple J's Hottest 100, cementing her status as one of the country's most compelling musical voices.
Supporting Talent and Community Celebration
Adding to the impressive lineup, Perth singer-songwriter and 2025 Australian Idol contestant Gisella Colletti will perform on Saturday alongside a diverse range of talented local performers. This combination of international stars and homegrown talent reflects the festival's commitment to showcasing both established and emerging artists.
Mandurah Mayor Amber Kearns expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming celebration, stating that Crab Fest represents the very essence of Mandurah's vibrant community spirit. "This event brings locals and visitors together to experience a full weekend of food, music, connection, and the energy that makes this place so special," Ms Kearns said.
Expanding Festival Footprint and Activities
The 2026 edition will stretch across Mandurah's picturesque waterfront areas, encompassing the city centre, Eastern and Western Foreshores, Mandjar Square, and the award-winning Mandurah Ocean Marina. Attendees can look forward to an extensive program featuring:
- The Seaside Estate Music Stage with multiple headline performances
- The popular Spudshed Cooking Stage with culinary demonstrations
- Free family entertainment and dedicated Children's Stage activities
- Action sports demonstrations and water activations
- Fireworks displays lighting up the evening sky
- Pop-up food stalls and licensed bars showcasing local flavors
Community and Corporate Partnerships
Seven West Media WA Chief Executive Maryna Fewster highlighted the organization's pride in continuing their long-standing partnership with the City of Mandurah. "Seven and The West are deeply connected to local communities, and we value events like Crab Fest that bring people together to celebrate the energy, pride and character of the region," Ms Fewster added.
The festival represents a significant collaboration between local government, corporate partners, and community organizations. Mayor Kearns acknowledged the tremendous effort behind the scenes, noting that local businesses, tourism operators, volunteers, and community groups contribute enormously to making this event a standout success.
A Quarter Century of Regional Excellence
Reaching its 25th anniversary represents a major milestone for Crab Fest, which has grown into one of WA's largest free regional events, attracting more than 100,000 visitors annually. The festival has become synonymous with Mandurah's lifestyle, offering something for every taste while celebrating the region's unique coastal character.
Supported by the State Government through Tourism WA's Regional Events Program, the Channel 7 Mandurah Crab Fest continues to evolve while maintaining its community-focused roots. As the March 14-15 weekend approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of music, food, and community spirit in one of Western Australia's most beautiful coastal settings.
