Intro
Photo: Walk Of The Whales. Presented by Barking Gecko Arts
The AWESOME International Arts Festival for Bright Young Things has returned this week, bringing five days of theatre, music, visual arts, storytelling, and hands-on creative experiences for children and their families.
Presented by Barking Gecko Arts, the 2026 Festival will be its largest to date, expanding to three metropolitan hubs and travelling to Kununurra, Albany, Beverley and Bunbury throughout October.
For nearly 30 years, the AWESOME Festival has been WA’s leading children's arts festival, connecting young audiences with international and local artists.
This year's program features two world premieres, international artists from Scotland and the Netherlands, and a mix of free and ticketed events to inspire creativity, curiosity, and play.
Nothing at the festival costs more than $10 and even better, you can use your Kids Access All Areas vouchers towards ticketed events!
The Festival adopts a Social Model of Disability approach, embedding accessibility throughout the program and providing a comprehensive access guide to ensure broad participation.
Explore the AWESOME Festival program
Learn more about the Kids Access All Areas Vouchers Program
Walk of the Whales, Barking Gecko Arts’ new adaptation of Nick Bland’s award-winning picture book, headlines the Festival alongside Sensorium Theatre’s Snuggle Play, created especially for babies with disabilities.
Scottish theatre-maker Alice Mary Cooper presents Experts Radio Lab, an interactive pop-up where children become experts in a colourful 1980s-inspired radio studio. Dutch artist Simone de Jong brings the enchanting family production Hermit to the State Theatre Centre.
The Festival offers a range of free experiences for families, including the Bean Bag Proms outdoor concert series, hands-on workshops, and exhibitions. Yagan Square will feature four shows by Born in a Taxi, with zebra-led Beyoncé dance parties, rogue security guards, and giant lizards. At the State Library of Western Australia, clown librarians will engage young visitors with storytelling and laughter. At Boola Bardip, children can create their Perfect City with artist Charlotte Meagher.
Following a sell-out season earlier this year, the outstanding production based on James Foley's Stellarphant returns to the Festival, alongside the launch of his new book, Amazing Astro Animals. The Festival's literature program is back with local authors bringing WA stories to life.