Joondalup Festival 2026 to Showcase Noongar Culture and Art

The Joondalup Festival has announced its exciting line-up for the 2026 program, set to run from March 7 to March 22, 2026. This year’s festival will feature three major free public artworks, transforming parks, lakes, and coastal areas into vibrant spaces of cultural expression. The event promises a rich tapestry of performances, activations, and community engagements, inviting attendees of all ages to celebrate art and culture.

Kicking off the festival will be a performance by acclaimed Noongar artist Phil Walleystack. His show, titled Phil Walleystack Kaya, blends music, storytelling, and dance to highlight the living culture of the Noongar people. This dynamic presentation will sweep audiences through the ancient songlines of Noongar Boodjar, merging deep cultural knowledge with contemporary performance. With a supporting cast that includes a band, a string quartet, traditional dancers, and Noongar chants, Walleystack will deliver a powerful experience marked by soaring vocals and personal narratives.

The performance will be held under the open sky at Neil Hawkins Park, creating a fully immersive environment enhanced by spectacular visual projections and live rhythms that echo the heartbeat of the land. Walleystack expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “Bringing Kaya to the Joondalup Festival is something I’m really looking forward to, especially collaborating with Lux Events to create a visual landscape that supports the story and invites audiences deeper into my work.”

Festival Highlights and Community Engagement

Beyond Walleystack’s opening performance, the festival will host over a dozen events in unique locations around the city. Attendees can participate in activities ranging from sunrise yoga sessions overlooking the Crystal People to music and storytelling sessions led by Indigenous community leaders. This year’s festival seeks to unlock a world of wonder, appealing to families, first-time visitors, and culture enthusiasts.

The Joondalup Festival has been a significant cultural event since its inception in 1998. It has evolved into a platform showcasing world-class performances from across Australia. In recognition of its impact, the festival was named National Winner for best cultural, arts, and music event at the Australian Event Awards in 2023, and has received multiple accolades in subsequent years.

Joondalup Mayor Daniel Kingston emphasized the festival’s role in fostering community spirit and artistic expression. “We’re proud to be welcoming back Joondalup Festival for 2026 with another stellar lineup. This March, we’re bringing the fun to venues all across the City with a range of extraordinary performances and installations,” he stated. He highlighted major attractions such as The Whale, Acqua Forte Parade, and Crystal People, ensuring that each presentation remains free for public enjoyment.

Support and Accessibility

The Joondalup Festival is made possible through the support of various partners, including the Western Australia government via Tourism Western Australia’s Metro Events Program, Lotterywest, the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure, and Uptown Joondalup. This collaboration underscores the festival’s commitment to accessibility and community engagement.

The complete program for the Joondalup Festival 2026 is now available online, inviting everyone to experience the artistic brilliance and cultural narratives that the festival has to offer. With its vibrant atmosphere and diverse range of events, the Joondalup Festival promises to be a memorable celebration of First Nations culture and community connection.