Perth’s most beloved children’s arts festival is back. The AWESOME International Arts Festival for Bright Young Things will once again transform the Perth Cultural Centre from Tuesday, September 30 to Saturday, October 4, with a vibrant program of theatre, music, dance, literature, and creative activities created for children aged 0 to 12 and the adults who share their world.
One of this year’s most anticipated events is Aliwah Bardinar!, a new musical theatre production by Breaksea. Created by award-winning duo Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse, the show tells the Noongar creation story of how Bardinar, the Western Rosella, gained its brilliant colours. With original songs, puppetry, choreography and dazzling costumes, it offers families a joyful introduction to Noongar language and culture.
Music lovers will be captivated by the West Australian Symphony Orchestra’s Classic Adventures: Witches & Wizards, a concert filled with favourites from Harry Potter, Wicked, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and Stravinsky’s Firebird. The West Australian Ballet also returns with Storytime Adventures, inviting children aged 3 to 7 to step into classic tales such as Cinderella, The Rainbow Fish and Possum Magic through movement and dance.
Other highlights include Seam Together by The Seamstresses, where modern-day superheroes Polly and Barking Gecko Arts presents Reasons to Stay Inside, a heartwarming performance about friendship, imagination and facing fears. Children and their adults can also enjoy Drip Drop Play by Ad Lib Collective, an immersive sensory world of water and sound, while Oddysea takes families on an undersea journey created by Sensorium Theatre, a company recognised for its work with children who have profound and multiple learning disabilities and those on the autism spectrum. Although designed with these audiences in mind, Oddysea is suitable for all ages and abilities, offering an inclusive and magical experience for everyone.
Esther use their trusty sewing machine Esme to transform the old into new, sparking conversations about sustainability, and The Quadrangle by Whiskey & Boots, which brings the voices of children themselves to the stage in a moving verbatim performance accompanied by live music.
Beyond the theatre, the Urban Orchard will be transformed into the Teddy Bears’ Garden, a whimsical space filled with free teddy bear–themed creative activities. The Garden will also host the ever-popular Kids’ Markets, where young entrepreneurs proudly showcase their creations. Adding to the fun, festival-goers can enjoy the exclusive Bardinar Rainbow Pop at Chicho Gelato, inspired by the vivid colours of the Western Rosella from Aliwah Bardinar!.
With many events free and ticketed performances kept at affordable prices, the Festival is the perfect outing for grandparents and grandchildren to enjoy together. A partnership with the City of Perth Parking also makes a visit easier, offering five hours of parking for just $9.
The full program is now available, offering a range of free and budget-friendly experiences, with some events already selling out quickly. Visit bit.ly/awesomefestival2025 to see the complete program.
