What is the AWESOME Festival?
The AWESOME Festival has reunited with Barking Gecko Arts to continue bringing transformative arts experiences to young audiences across Western Australia. The AWESOME Festival’s mission is to provide ever-expanding opportunities for Western Australia’s children to actively engage with the arts and intensify their connectivity with the broader world in which they live.
Every year we present the AWESOME International Arts Festival for Bright Young Things in Perth during the September School Holidays for children aged 0-12. The AWESOME Festival is a world-class arts festival that brings colour and excitement every year through a kaleidoscope of performances, workshops, exhibitions, activities and events.
2025 AWESOME Festival dates:
Perth: Tuesday 30 September – Saturday 4 October
2025 AWESOME Festival Hubs dates:
Kwinana: Saturday 20 September
Esperance: Tuesday 30 September – Saturday 4 October
Beverley: Tuesday 7 October – Wednesday 8 October
Hopetoun: Tuesday 7 October – Tuesday 14 October
Events
Additional events will be uploaded online as they become available. The complete program is expected to be ready by the end of August or early September.
Teddy Bear Story Time with Renae Hayward
Tues 30 Sept, 10 am
The Story Place, State Theatre Library of WA
Grab your teddy bears and your grown-ups for a special story time for little kids! Join Renae Hayward and her teddy, Harriet, for some nursery rhyme fun and a reading of her latest book, Say Goodnight.
Spontaneous Stories with James Foley
Wed 1 Oct & Fri 3 Oct, 11:15 am
Education Room, State Library of WA
Join James Foley for a laugh-out-loud session where the kids are in charge. Bring your weirdest and wackiest ideas for stories, because we’ll be mashing them up into the funniest Franken-tale you’ve ever heard – which James will illustrate, live.
Boodja Barna: Land Creatures with Jayden Boundry
Fri 3 Oct, 11 am
The Story Place, State Library of WA
Join Noongar language teacher and cultural consultant Jayden Boundry for an enriching workshop celebrating Boodja Barna: Land Creatures, part of his Noongar First Words series. This beautiful picture book introduces babies and toddlers to Australian animals through their traditional Noongar names – Yongka (Kangaroo), Weitj (Emu), and Nyingarn (Echidna).
Classic Adventures: Witches & Wizards
Presented by West Australian Symphony Orchestra
Sat 4 Oct 11:30am & 1:30 pm | Heath Ledger Theatre, State Theatre Centre
Magic and mischief for the whole family!
Get ready for a spellbinding symphonic event! Grab your capes and wands as WASO whisks you away on an enchanting journey through magical worlds. With thrilling music from Harry Potter, Wicked, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and Stravinsky’s Firebird, this concert promises an unforgettable experience filled with wizardry and wonder!
Runt and the Diabolical Dognapping
Tues 30 Sept, 12 pm
Ground Floor Theatre, State Library of WA
Award-winning author Craig Silvey is back with the much-anticipated sequel to his highly acclaimed, best-selling family favourite, Runt.
Join the State Library of Western Australia for this special event to celebrate the launch of Craig Silvey’s brilliant new novel. Enjoy a lively author talk and Q&A, with the chance to purchase your own copy of this delightful sequel and have it personally signed.
You’re Too Little with Katie Stewart
Thu 2 Oct, 11 am
The Story Place, State Library of WA
Katie Stewart will read her latest book, You’re Too Little. Then there will be games involving puppets, bringing out the themes of the book (believing in yourself, knowing your strengths and giving a goal everything you have). A craft activity will follow, making a pygmy possum by colouring, cutting out and gluing.
Weaving Wildlife Magic into Adventure Writing
A Workshop with Deb Fitzpatrick
Sat 4 Oct, 11 am
The Story Place, State Library of WA
Award-winning author Deb Fitzpatrick loves weaving Australian wildlife into her adventure stories and creating young characters who make a difference. This workshop will explore how young writers can fuel their fiction with things that fascinate them in real life.