Perth Festival 2026 will see the city itself turned into a stage, with performances and installations reimagining Perth’s landmarks – from office towers and cathedrals to riversides and the night sky – as sites of artistic discovery.

Opening on 6 February (until 1 March), the second program under Artistic Director Anna Reece promises a celebration of “this time and place”, showcasing 13 Perth Festival commissions, 20 world premieres and nine Australian premieres or exclusives across 23 days.

Reece said the Festival is about opening doors – literally and metaphorically – to reveal the creative pulse of Perth.“We don’t just put on shows, we take over the city with brilliant artists and their truth telling and mischief making. This is not just art you want – it’s art you need.”

Fine, raw or dark: The music highlights

A new fine music series, Sanctum, will take place in St Mary’s Cathedral, hosting Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble Roomful of Teeth, Irish fiddler Martin Hayes, and WASO musicians led by Riley Skevington.

Chamber music stars Tommaso Lonquich, Umberto Clerici and Claudio Martínez Mehner will perform, while Swedish...