Some trips begin with a destination you’ve always wanted to visit. Others begin with an event you wouldn’t miss for the world. In Western Australia, 2027 is shaping up to give you plenty of reasons to do both.
From world-class tennis and high-speed sailing to live performances, footy rivalries, international rugby and celebrations of food and wine, the state’s events calendar offers plenty of excuses to head west. And the best part? There’s even more to discover once the main event is over.
Whether you’re planning a summer getaway in Perth or looking for a reason to explore beyond the city, here are six must-see events worth building your Western Australia adventure around.
✦ The short version
- United Cup: Kick off 2027 with world-class tennis, international stars and summer vibes in Perth.
- Australia Sail Grand Prix Perth: Watch high-speed catamarans race across the waters of Fremantle / Walyalup on 20–21 February.
- Perth Festival: Discover live performances, immersive experiences and cultural events from 5–28 February.
- AFL Origin: Experience the excitement of a state-versus-state footy showdown in Perth, on 27 February.
- Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027: Be part of the opening celebrations on 1 October, with seven matches coming to Perth.
- Pair’d Margaret River Region: Savour world-class wine, food and music in a dreamlike regional celebration in late 2027.
1. United Cup: serve up a summer to remember

Some years start with resolutions. Others start with a serve. In early 2027, the United Cup returns to Perth City / Boorloo, bringing together some of tennis’s biggest names for a mixed-team competition where players represent their countries.
With national pride on the line and a vibrant summer atmosphere, there’s plenty to enjoy whether you follow every tournament or simply love the energy of a major sporting event. Pick your team, settle into the action and give your new year something to cheer about.
Between matches, Perth has plenty more to offer. Spend time exploring its stunning beaches, discover its award-winning food and wine or make room for an unforgettable wildlife experience. After all, a few days of tennis are an excellent excuse for a proper summer holiday.
2. Australia Sail Grand Prix Perth: experience the thrill of the open water

Forget everything you thought you knew about sailing. On 20–21 February 2027, the Australia Sail Grand Prix Perth returns to Fremantle / Walyalup, bringing high-speed racing back to Western Australian waters.
Following its sold-out debut in 2026, the event will see national teams compete aboard identical, high-tech foiling catamarans, racing at speeds of more than 100 km/h. With boats lifting above the water and national pride on the line, expect plenty of heart-racing moments.
Make the racing the centrepiece of your visit, rather than the whole itinerary. Leave a little time on either side to explore Fremantle, enjoy a relaxed meal and take in the waterfront atmosphere. There’s no reason your whole weekend needs to move at the same speed as the boats.
3. Perth Festival: where the city becomes a stage

For a different kind of live action, turn your attention to Perth’s cultural calendar. From 5 to 28 February 2027, Perth Festival returns with a celebration of creativity, performance and storytelling.
One of Australia’s longest-running and most celebrated arts festivals, it brings together world-class performances, immersive experiences, outdoor concerts and cultural events. The result is a city that becomes part of the experience, rather than simply the place where it happens.
Whether you already have a favourite art form or prefer to discover something unexpected, leave room for a little curiosity. Spend the day exploring the Swan Valley before heading back to Perth for an evening show. It’s a chance to turn a night at the festival into a full day of discovery.
4. AFL Origin: where state pride takes centre stage

There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere of a major footy showdown, especially when state pride is on the line. On 27 February 2027, AFL Origin returns to Perth, bringing together some of Australian football’s biggest stars for a state-versus-state clash.
Reigniting one of Australia’s fiercest sporting rivalries, the event brings elite talent, passionate supporters and the kind of atmosphere that makes every moment feel bigger. For dedicated fans, it’s a chance to see top players come together in a different setting. For visitors, it’s an invitation to experience the excitement of a major Australian sporting occasion.
Travelling interstate for the match? Give yourself more than a quick arrival and departure. Make the game your starting point, then set aside a day to explore Rottnest Island / Wadjemup before discovering more of Perth at your own pace. The final siren doesn’t have to signal the end of your holiday.
5. Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027: be part of the opening excitement

All out passion. All out rivalry. All out glory.
The Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, the world’s third-largest sporting event, is heading to Australia and Perth will be there from the very beginning.
On 1 October 2027, the city will host the opening ceremony and first match, setting the stage for an international celebration of rugby. With 24 teams playing 52 matches across seven Australian cities, the tournament promises plenty of reasons to get behind your favourites. Perth will host seven of those matches, bringing international rivalries, electric crowds and a festival atmosphere to Western Australia.
Whether you’re following your team or coming for the experience of a global sporting event, think beyond match day when planning your visit. Between fixtures, explore Perth’s coastline, enjoy an unhurried seaside meal and watch the sun set over the ocean. Some of the best moments might happen when you’re not watching the scoreboard.
6. Pair’d Margaret River Region: where great tastes meet great experiences

Some trips are best savoured slowly. Set to return in late 2027, Pair’d Margaret River Region is a dreamlike celebration of world-class wine, food and music, grounded in the spirit of the Margaret River Region.
Whether you’re a seasoned sommelier, a dedicated foodie or simply someone who appreciates good music and even better bites, Pair’d offers a reason to slow down and savour the experience. Wine, food and music share the spotlight, giving you more than one way to discover what makes the region special.
Make the event the highlight of a longer regional escape rather than a stop you rush through. With the event program selling out year on year, it’s worth keeping an eye on the official website for announcements about the 2027 dates and program.
Conclusion: Make 2027 your year to explore Western Australia.

A great event can be the reason you book the trip. What you do around it can turn it into something much bigger.
Come for the tennis and leave time for Perth’s beaches. Follow the excitement of a sailing race with a slower afternoon in Fremantle or make a food and wine celebration the starting point for exploring the Margaret River Region. Choose the experience that speaks to you, then give yourself room to enjoy more than the headline event.
With KAYAK, you can compare flights, accommodation and car hire to start planning a getaway that fits your travel style. Pick your event, build your itinerary and leave a little space for whatever catches your eye along the way.
Because a great event gives you a date to travel. Western Australia gives you a reason to stay.







