WA Folk Music and Dance Calendar

If you see TBC (to be confirmed) next to an event then check with the contact before going.
PLEASE NOTE A number of the clubs will be in holiday mode approaching the festive season (that’s Christmas, New Year & Aus Day for the non politically correct folk).
So some may not be running in late December and/or January. Check with the contact before going.

Friday 3rd December
— Hills Folk Club.(1st Friday)
HILLS FOLK CLUB is delighted to welcome Margaret & Geoff Morgan to our Club at Falls Farm on Friday 5th December. They are recognised for their longstanding contribution to the West Australian folk scene and the powerful range of Margaret’s voice with Geoff’s careful accompaniment on guitar reflect what good folk music is all about at our local folk clubs. This is a performance not be missed. A special performance for our last Club night for the year will be Rebecca Lodge on fiddle and her dad, Mark Brockman, on accordion, which will include a new Christmas song as a surprise for you all. There is a history to this song which Rebecca will share with you on the night. Dave Hoffman on accordion and Alan Malcolm will be playing some happy tunes together and will also be mixing some music with Rebecca and Mark to keep your toes tapping. We are also pleased to have invited Phil & Yvonne Gray from ‘Warralakin’ as they are always entertaining with their songs they have picked up from their Australian bush travels. There are some spots for entertainers who would like to sing two or three festive songs just for fun, so please just book a spot with me before the night if possible. As this is our last Club night for 2025 we are endeavouring to make the night as friendly & bright as possible, so to this end the usual Christmas rule will be applied that all songs have to have a happy ending!
Hills Folk Club is held at Falls Farm Cottage on Neil Tonkin Park, Cagney Way, Lesmurdie at 8pm. $10 entry.
Contact Pauline Tonkin 92916026 paulinekevin@bigpond.com or Peter ‘Murph’ Murphy at 94546144 murf2murf4@gmail.com

— WA Bush Poets & Yarnspinners Monthly Muster.
7 pm, TBC
The Auditorium, Swan Care Bentley Park, 26 Plantation Drive, Bentley WA
Contact: Bill Gordon billgordon1948@gmail.com Mob: 0428 651 098

12th December
— Wanneroo Folk Club In Warwick
Feature Artists: Annual Windup Amarach, Warralakin, Carmel Charleton, The Rambling Bilbies
A fun night being almost Christmas it will have a festive theme. A chance for the WAFF committee performers to strut their stuff. I’m sure you know them all (John Ralph is playing with Amarach). …But wait we have more! Amarach are doing an extended Christmas set. In case you don’t know them: Amárach is a Perth-based, Celtic-inspired folk band, comprised of both folk- and classically-trained musicians. “Amárach” means “tomorrow” in the Irish language, reflecting their aim to shepherd the beauty and mysticism of traditional Celtic music into the modern, Australian folk scene. They played at the Fringe Festival last year with good revies and are booked for the next one. It will be a wonderful night of music variety. As usual we ask you bring a plate of finger food to share at the half time supper break.
Doors open 7 pm for a 7:30 start
Tea & coffee provided, for other refreshment bring your own
Admission: $12 ($10 WAFF Members) Cash is preferred, Card facilities will be available.
more info at wafolk.org.au or email wafolk@hotmail.com

Saturday, 13th of December 2025
— Mandurah Soiree.
starting time now 2.30 p.m. to 3.30, break till 4.00, finishing at approximately 5.00 p.m. with the usual jam session for those who wish to stay on for a while. Looking forward to catching up with you all.
Please also note, the next Soirees will be on Saturday, 13th of December, and Saturday 14th of February 2026. I believe this has now been set in stone. I will shortly be amending our email list, so please let me know if you wish to continue receiving the Soiree’s emails, or you would like me to delete your contact details. If you wish to delete, I would like to thank you, on behalf of Iain and Tanya who started the Soiree all those years ago, and Lusy and myself for your support and interest without which the Soiree would not have become the fun it is today. Many thanks again, The Soiree is an associate member of the West Australian Folk Federation, and as such we would like to thank them for their support and encouragement-it is a great help to the Soiree, and is one of the best contacts for anyone wishing to attend the Soiree. Because the Soiree is held in a family home, initial contact is by email, word of mouth, or personal recommendation. If you are interested, we look forward to hearing from you. Email address is: ilo78333@bigpond.net.au

14th December 2025
–Matilda’s music.(2nd and 4th Sunday)
Matilda’s provides an open-mic venue for community musicians to perform in front of an audience. The vibe is very casual and supportive
We meet in the Hollywood and Subiaco Bowling Club, 42 Smyth Road Nedlands, from 2 until 5pm on the second and fourth Sundays of each month and usually attract between 20 and 40 people, of whom 10 to 12 are performers
New players and listeners are always welcome and the players register is open from 1.45 while we’re setting up. $5 entry
Every Wednesday there’s an informal jam session from 4 to 6pm for anyone who wants to turn up and make music. No entry fee
Enquiries to David: davidjbt@gmail.com

19th December
— Swan Acoustic.(3rd Friday of the month)
Swan Acoustic was launched on Friday February 21st, 2025, at the Swan Bowling and Recreation Club on the corner of James and Attfield Streets, Guildford.
Operating under the banner of the WAFF, in addition to seasoned performers, it offers an opportunity for acts (young and mature) starting out, learning to perform in an intimate, live audience atmosphere. This offers a unique opportunity to develop the skills required to engage with the audience, and present music in a safe and supportive environment. Original music is encouraged – both song and instrumental.
The music commences at 7:00pm and will conclude around 10:00pm. The bowling club is run entirely by friendly volunteers and they offer an economical single choice meal available from around 6:00pm, but be early as there only a set number of meals and they disappear quickly! You’re welcome to bring your own snacks.
Be aware that this is a licensed venue and so NO BYO drinks and any minors are to be accompanied by an adult.
Club nights will be the 3rd Friday of each month, unless otherwise advertised.
If you have any queries at all, call or message Phil Gray on 0404 629 125.

21th December — Greenbushes Acoustic.(3rd Sunday) TBC
RSL Hall in Greenbushes 1:30 and 3:30pm
Greenbushes Acoustic is a mental health support group with an acoustic music focus in Greenbushes. The main aim is to bring people together to play, sing and listen to live acoustic music, build relationships and community, as well as skills. The inclusive Support Group is open to people of all ages, skills, and abilities. We provide a creative and mutual learning space to foster mental health maintenance and recovery. Greenbushes Acoustic started as Greenbushes Folk Club in September 2020 for an acoustic music picnic that has become a monthly event, now held regularly on the third Sunday of each month. Everyone is invited to our free events. Please bring your own picnic and chairs, as well as your family, friends and neighbours. Your donation is welcome.
Lee on 0491 009 134 or Irma on 0466 640 455
email: hello@greenbushesacoustic.club
web: greenbushesacoustic.club

Monday 22nd December (4th Monday)
— Sunset Coast Shanty Crew .
the Pirate Bar, 25 Green Street, Mt Hawthorn
The Sunset Coast Shanty Crew meets on the 4th Monday of the month.
Format : Everybody who comes along will be given the opportunity to lead a song of their choice. You are not obliged to sing and the song does not have to be in our song book but must have a nautical theme.
Song Book : Link to the SCSC Song Book Drive Please download the song book to your phone, this way the links in the PDF song book will work. Or you can email me back and I’ll send you a copy
Come along for a meal and a pint, with singing from 7:30 onwards until we run out of voice (usually a couple of hours)!
Website: www.LeeShoreSongs.com
FB @Sunset.Coast.Shanty.Crew
email: SunsetCoastShantyCrew@gmail.com

23rd December
— Merriwa Acoustic Music Club (usually monthly 4th Tuesday)
Merriwa Acoustic Music Club (MAMC) is normally held every 4th Tuesday of each month at Jenolan Way Community Centre in Merriwa (very near the end of the highway north with lots of safe parking). MAMC has a simple ‘sing around’ format with each participant getting to preform two songs (or whatever it is you do… poem, dance, etc.) each cycle through the group. Everyone from complete beginners to accomplished performers are welcome. All types of instruments are also welcomed as is almost any style of music (bluegrass, folk, pop, rock, and more). We additionally have a featured club member lead the group in trying out and learning a new song together each month. MAMC has a purpose for fun, learning, encouragement, and in it’s small way – community service. If you would like to know more write: Oakyfolky@msn.com.
Also… just a reminder that our “Song Writing Workshop” will be Saturday 6 July from 1 PM until 5 PM. Mark your calendars. It will be very affordable for club members. More details will soon follow.

23rd December
— Bunbury Folk Club. (4th Thursday)
Bunbury Mission To Seafarers. 7-9pm
Looking forward to seeing you all. Put your name on the blackboard to perform or just come along to listen and enjoy the atmosphere.

26th December
— Folk and Shanty Club. (Monthly, last Friday) TBC
Albany King River Hall 7pm-10pm
“The Albany Folk & Shanty Club” is hosted by “Amity Rogues ” on the last Friday of each month. Open mic night where you are invited to sing shanties, folk, traditional, recite poetry, play some tunes…and everything in between. Admission is $5/person, $10 per family, to help pay for the hire of the hall. BYO drinks and nibbles. Free hot drinks available. Family friendly

28th December
— Perth Scottish Fiddlers.(last Sunday) TBC
Formed in 2009 to give musicians the opportunity to learn and play the rich and extensive fiddle music of Scotland. We meet on the last Sunday of the month, 1.30 – 4.00pm at St Andrews Church hall, 259 Barker Road, Subiaco. All string players welcome. perthscottishfiddlers@gmail.com, www.perthscottishfiddlers.com.au

13th, 14th, 20th, 21st February
— Fred Smith Domesticity.
Pleased to say I’ll be crossing the Nullarbor for a two-week run of performances in the second half of February 2026. Specifically: I’m putting together a WA all-star band to play my new show Domesticity: Songs from the Domestic Frontier in Kalamunda on 13 February and Narrogin on 14 February. We debuted Domesticity last year at the Adelaide Fringe to five-star reviews which I have pasted below for my self-aggrandizement and your information.
It’s got a warm heart this show and makes for a perfect Valentine’s Day outing. Fewer fatalities than my Afghanistan shows.
Then on Friday 20 February we’ll be hitting the Fremantle Park Club with my other new show “America”. It’s about a troubled little country just south of Canada. It’s a lot of fun; until it isn’t. Synopsis also pasted below.
Then I’ll fang it down to Albany to play new songs and old in the beautiful Wesley Church on Saturday 21 February.
Then rest up for a week in the Great Southern ahead of Nannup Festival which is always so lovely.
If you’d like to host me for a house concert in the gaps in the program please email my manager (i.e. me). He’d love to hear from you.

27 Feb – 2 Mar 2026
— Nannup Music Festival 2026 .
A true music lover’s festival, the 37th Nannup Music Festival will present an eclectic mix of original live acts over the WA Labour Day long weekend, on 27 Feb – 2 Mar 2026, set to the stunning backdrop of Western Australia’s South West and of the regional town of Nannup. The awarded festival will showcase a diverse lineup of over 100 WA, national and international acts, across free and ticketed stages. Framed by the NMF’s Nannup Emerging Artists Award, Remote Aboriginal Artist Development program, a variety of workshops, kids’ activities, camping, food vendors and artisan markets, the NMF promises and delivers an inspiring weekend of discovery, enjoyed by thousands of ticket holders and visitors.
https://www.nannupmusicfestival.org/

27-29 March 2026
— Playmakers 2026 .
Playmakers is a three-day music festival featuring workshops and performances, in the beautiful bushland setting of Fairbridge Village, Pinjarra.
View the line-up as it’s released here: https://playmakerswa.com.au/programme/
Tickets & accommodation bookings here: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1471567
Playmakers 2026 is brought to you in partnership with Little Folk Inc.

17-19 April
— FAIRBRIDGE FESTIVAL 2026.
Fairbridge Village, Pinjarra. FAIRBRIDGE FESTIVAL 2026 IS CALLING — THE COUNTDOWN IS ON! Members pre-release tickets NOW available
You may have heard the whispers… and yes, they’re true: Fairbridge Festival is coming home. We’re returning to where it all began – Fairbridge Village to rekindle the spirit that made this festival such a cherished part of Western Australia’s cultural landscape. After some challenging years, we’re rebuilding with care, passion, and purpose – smaller to start with, but rich in heart, music, and meaning. We’re literally banking on the support from our loyal base that has supported the festival since its inception in 1993. Of course, new people are always welcome to experience this unique event. The entirely volunteer-run committee is working towards reinstating Fairbridge Festival to its rightful place as WA’s favourite family music festival – a joyful meeting place for generations of music lovers, artists, and friends. Back to a grass roots music aficionados’ event with the three-festivals-in-one format – kids, youth and adults – it was renowned for.
MEMBER PRE-RELEASE: Sunday 9 November for one week only FolkWorld financial (Ordinary) members will enjoy exclusive early access to discounted tickets, camping and coveted cottage accommodation before the public release later this month.
If not yet a member, there’s still time to join via here. Members will be issued with a password and direct booking link. To be eligble, registrations must be received no later than 5pm Wednesday 12 November.
EARLY BIRD PRICING FOR NON-MEMBERS Early bird tickets open 23 November and run until 31 December. Although not live yet, for reference, some ticket details are available here.
OPPORTUNITIES TO BE INVOLVED We’re rebuilding Fairbridge Festival the way it began powered by volunteers. We truly appreciate the public’s patience and enthusiasm as we navigate this return together. Information for markets, artists and volunteers will be released soon. In the meantime, enquiries can be directed to www 17 – 19 April 2026 Fairbridge Village, Pinjarra FAIRBRIDGE FESTIVAL 2026 IS CALLING — THE COUNTDOWN IS ON! Members pre-release tickets NOW available You may have heard the whispers… and yes, they’re true: Fairbridge Festival is coming home. We’re returning to where it all began – Fairbridge Village to rekindle the spirit that made this festival such a cherished part of Western Australia’s cultural landscape. After some challenging years, we’re rebuilding with care, passion, and purpose – smaller to start with, but rich in heart, music, and meaning. We’re literally banking on the support from our loyal base that has supported the festival since its inception in 1993. Of course, new people are always welcome to experience this unique event. The entirely volunteer-run committee is working towards reinstating Fairbridge Festival to its rightful place as WA’s favourite family music festival – a joyful meeting place for generations of music lovers, artists, and friends. Back to a grass roots music aficionados’ event with the three-festivals-in-one format – kids, youth and adults – it was renowned for. MEMBER PRE-RELEASE: Sunday 9 November for one week only FolkWorld financial (Ordinary) members will enjoy exclusive early access to discounted tickets, camping and coveted cottage accommodation before the public release later this month. If not yet a member, there’s still time to join via here. Members will be issued with a password and direct booking link. To be eligble, registrations must be received no later than 5pm Wednesday 12 November. EARLY BIRD PRICING FOR NON-MEMBERS Early bird tickets open 23 November and run until 31 December. Although not live yet, for reference, some ticket details are available here. OPPORTUNITIES TO BE INVOLVED We’re rebuilding Fairbridge Festival the way it began powered by volunteers. We truly appreciate the public’s patience and enthusiasm as we navigate this return together. Information for markets, artists and volunteers will be released soon. In the meantime, enquiries can be directed to www.hello@folkworld.com.au.
THE MUSIC At least one international and one interstate artist have already been confirmed but we’re keeping our powder dry for a BIG artist announcement much like we always did.. For more details, interview and pic requests, please contact: Leanne Casellas | leannecasellas@gmail.com | 0449 020 536

WEST AUSTRALIAN FOLK FEDERATION INC.