JOONDALUP FESTIVAL IS BACK WITH ITS MOST AMBITIOUS PROGRAM YET

WE’RE BACK, BABY!

Every March, the City of Joondalup transforms – its parks glowing after dark, its lakes rippling with art, its harbour turning into a full-blown theatrical playground, and its community stepping proudly into the spotlight.

And in 2026, Joondalup Festival is doing what we do best: bringing world-class creativity right into the heart of Perth’s north, and inviting everyone to embrace the unusual, unexpected and occasionally “wait… what did I just witness?” moments.

Running from March 7-22, 2026, this year’s program is big, bold, and beautifully bonkers in all the best ways — jam-packed with international spectacles, free family fun, participatory art, exhibitions, workshops, live performances and more. Whether you’re here for culture, community, chaos, or you’re simply curious about what happens when art escapes the gallery and runs wild in public space, Joondalup Festival 2026 has something ready to spark your imagination.

Here’s a taste of what’s coming:

An Opening Weekend Spectacular

We’re launching with KAYA, a breathtaking fusion of music, storytelling, dance and visuals led by acclaimed Noongar performer Phil Walleystack. Set under the stars at Neil Hawkins Park, this free celebration of Noongar culture is powerful, immersive and deeply rooted in Country – the perfect way to kick off two weeks of big feelings and bigger stories across the city.

Just around the corner, the lakes of Sir James McCusker Park will shimmer with Crystal People – 52 glowing, wind-swayed human forms by renowned French artists Ilotopie. They move with light, weather and time, shifting from dreamy daytime silhouettes to luminescent night-time companions. It’s meditative, mesmerising and maybe just a wee bit magical.

And because we believe in starting strong, Common People Dance Eisteddfod returns on March 8 with everyday legends, outrageous choreography, glitter storms, cheeky sabotage and absolute community joy. As always, they’re on the hunt for new dancers – so if your inner performer is whispering “it’s my time”… registrations close February 1!

Global-Scale Spectacle at Hillarys

After wowing audiences with our Water Dragons in 2025, Hillarys is levelling up in 2026 with Acqua Forte Parade, transforming the harbour into a surreal, fire-lit water theatre for four unforgettable nights. Expect glowing riders, floating beds, mythical beasts, fire pots, ethereal creatures and illuminated characters gliding through the harbour like they’ve wandered out of someone’s dream journal.

It’s immersive, it’s free, it’s the Australian debut, and honestly? You’ve never seen Hillarys like this. Bring snacks. Bring friends. Bring a sense of wonder.

A Major New Exhibition – Free for the First Time Anywhere

One of our 2026 program’s crown jewels lands at Joondalup Contemporary Art Gallery: Christine de Grancy’s ‘A Day with David’ – a rare, intimate photographic exhibition capturing David Bowie’s deeply personal 1994 visit to the Gugging Psychiatric Clinic.

This is the first time these photographs have EVER been presented free anywhere in the world, offering an unprecedented glimpse into Bowie’s empathy, creativity and connection with Gugging’s Art Brut community. If you love Bowie, photography, music history or simply witnessing an icon in quiet human moments, this one’s for you.

Participate, Move, Create, Explore

While we do love a spectacle, what really gets us going is getting our beautiful community involved.

• Dawn Flow invites you to start your mornings with lakeside yoga beside the glowing Crystal People.
• The Whale by Spare Parts Puppet Theatre turns a giant airborne marionette into a collaborative, hands-on experience.
• Time Changes: Vinyl Workshop gives old LPs a brand-new purpose – on your wall.
• Mamma Mia! Immersive Cinema, Guttered (pictured below), and The Story of Edith Cowan bring song, dance and storytelling to unexpected corners of the city.

Everywhere you look, something is happening – and we’d be absolutely thrilled if you join in!

Free, Family-Friendly, and Full of Wonder

With cozzie livs always front of mind, we’ve packed the program with free outdoor installations, community events and family-friendly experiences to hopefully help you forget about it, even if it’s just for a few magical moments. From beachside puppetry to lakeside artworks, dance battles to fire-lit parades, Joondalup Festival 2026 is designed to be accessible, inspiring and joyfully shared across generations.

Your Festival Starts Here

Whether you’re building a full festival itinerary or cherry-picking a few unmissable highlights, Joondalup Festival 2026 promises two weeks of creativity, spectacle and warm community spirit.

Dive into the full program, round up your favourite humans, and get ready – we’re bursting into March with a bang.

Joondalup Festival 2026 is proudly presented by the City of Joondalup, with support from major partners; the WA Government through Tourism Western Australia’s Metro Events Program, the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure, Lotterywest and Uptown Joondalup.