Perth is gearing up for a spectacular year in 2026, with an unprecedented calendar of world-class events set to transform Western Australia into a global hub for entertainment, sport, and culture. From February through to December, the city will play host to a diverse lineup designed to cater to every taste, promising unforgettable moments for locals and visitors alike.
A Year of World-Class Entertainment and Sport
The 2026 schedule is a testament to Perth's growing stature on the international stage. The city will welcome a dazzling array of global music icons, elite athletes, and blockbuster theatrical productions, bringing excitement and spectacle to venues across the state. This packed agenda underscores a significant post-pandemic resurgence for the local events scene, positioning Perth for a landmark year of tourism and community engagement.
The year kicks off with major sporting events already in motion. The United Cup tennis tournament is currently underway at Crown Perth, featuring superstars like world No. 3 Coco Gauff and former No. 1 Naomi Osaka. This is swiftly followed by the high-octane Oracle Perth Sail Grand Prix in Fremantle on January 17-18, where locals will witness the world's fastest foiling catamarans race at breathtaking speeds just metres from the shore.
Star-Studded Music and Comedy Lineup
Music fans have an extraordinary year in store. Pop superstar Ed Sheeran returns for two sold-out nights at Optus Stadium on January 31 and February 1 as part of his 'Loop Tour'. February also brings the punk-pop energy of Good Charlotte to RAC Arena on the 17th, their first full Australian tour in eight years.
The following week sees Grammy-nominated band OneRepublic at RAC Arena on February 18, and global trailblazer Lorde makes her highly anticipated return on February 25. Pop powerhouse Kesha brings her electrifying show to Perth HPC on February 26. To cap off the year, pop icon Lady Gaga is confirmed for a major Perth performance in December, details of which are still to be announced.
Comedy is also well represented, with US sensation Matt Rife bringing his 'Stay Golden' world tour to the Mt Claremont High Performance Centre on February 3-5. Later, the razor-sharp Jimmy Carr will perform his 'Laughs Funny' show at RAC Arena on April 21.
Major Sporting Events and Cultural Highlights
2026 is a huge year for international sport in Western Australia. Perth is a key hub for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, running from July 23 to August 2. The event will see Australia's best athletes, including stars like swimmer Ariarne Titmus and track sensation Rohan Browning, competing for glory and bringing a global spotlight to the city.
In March, elite women's football takes centre stage as Perth hosts the AFC Women's Asian Cup from March 1. The Matildas, featuring Sam Kerr and Mary Fowler, will open their campaign on home soil, with matches at Optus Stadium and HBF Park. Later in the year, HBF Park will host four Rugby League World Cup matches in late October, including a double-header featuring the Australian Jillaroos against England on October 24.
Other sporting highlights include the return of the HSBC SVNS rugby sevens to HBF Park on February 7, and a blockbuster AFL State of Origin clash between WA and Victoria at Optus Stadium on Valentine's Day.
Theatre and film buffs are also catered for. Pretty Woman: The Musical arrives at Crown Theatre Perth in April, while the acclaimed MJ: The Michael Jackson Musical begins its season on June 7. Cinemas will see major releases including the new adaptation of Wuthering Heights starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi on February 11, Toy Story 5 from June 19, and the next Hunger Games prequel, Sunrise on the Reaping.
From the Winter Olympics in February to the Winter Paralympics in March, and from nostalgic 90s pop reunions like FIVE's 'Keep On Movin' Tour' in May to the indie sounds of the Laneway Festival in February, Perth's 2026 calendar is a comprehensive showcase of global talent and homegrown excellence. It promises to be a year that cements the city's reputation as a premier destination for major events.
