Makuru Arts Festival

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Various times
5-27 June 2026

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About the event

This June, Makuru Festival returns to light up winter with warmth, creativity and connection.

As the Nyungar season of Makuru brings cool winds and rain, the City of Cockburn comes alive with a vibrant celebration of music, theatre, workshops and more. It’s a time to gather, share stories, and experience the power of art in the heart of winter.

The 2026 program offers a rich mix of theatre, music and immersive experiences for all ages. Highlights include the award-winning An Imaginary Life (based on the novel by David Malouf and adapted by Humphrey Bower), the soothing sounds of Australian Baroque, the return of Sunday Afternoon Music curated by Billie Rogers, and laugh-out-loud moments with Improv RPG.

Families can enjoy a dedicated weekend of programming featuring award-winning show ARCO and get involved in SPARK Arts Day – a hands-on, high-energy celebration of creativity designed especially for primary school–aged kids. Across one action-packed day, young people can dive into a range of artforms through creative workshops led by WA leading artists.

A diverse range of hands-on arts workshops, led by Kate Creatrix, rounds out the program—inviting both adults and children to create, connect and explore.

Warm yourself with art this winter at Makuru Festival.
 

Events

Event When Description Book Now
World Music Cafe Friday 5 June, 6:45pm World Music Café presents the Esfandiar Shahmir Ensemble, La Pandilla Flamenca with Danza Viva, and Raices. The World Music Café ‘Dinner & Show’ includes a delicious tapas menu by chef Tamara Rodriguez and her talented Casa Latina catering team that caters for all dietary requirements. https://events.humanitix.com/world-music-cafe-at-the-makura-festival
In Conversation- Kylie Bracknell and Friends Saturday 6 June, 4pm Join us for a cosy afternoon in the gallery space—settle in for a film screening, hear from leading WA artists sharing stories, music and surprises. Enjoy a cup of tea as you soak up an afternoon of art and connection. https://megatix.com.au/events/makuru-arts-festival26
Australian Baroque – Mindful Music Sunday 7 June, 3pm Immerse yourself in a transformative concert that blends exquisite Baroque music with guided mindfulness exercises. Presented by Australian Baroque in collaboration with the School of Practical Philosophy https://megatix.com.au/events/makuru-arts-festival26
An Imaginary Life Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11 June, 7pm An intimate duet for actor and musician, a story about learning to live wherever we find ourselves. To coexist with people who are already here. And learning to belong here by coming to terms with who we are, and who we can be here.
Seminal Australian classic novel An Imaginary Life by David Malouf has been adapted by actor Humphrey Bower and is performed by Humphrey and live musician Pavan Kumar Hari.
https://megatix.com.au/events/makuru-arts-festival26
Paint and Sip Saturday 13 June, 3pm Sip, splash, and see where it takes you. Join Kate Hannah Creatrix for a Paint & Sip that’s all about letting loose and getting creative. https://megatix.com.au/events/makuru-arts-festival26
Sunday Arvo Music - Songwriters Circle Sunday 14 June, 2pm Settle in for an inspiring afternoon of music, story and song celebrating women in music.
Inspired by Nashville’s Bluebird Café “in the round” tradition, Helen Shanahan, Emily Barker, Billie Rogers and Carla Geneve share a circle of songs, stories and surprises.
Set in the spirit of Makuru, this intimate performance weaves original music with personal storytelling for a rare glimpse into each artist’s creative world.
Food and drink available for purchase by Cool Fodder (formally Little Hawk).
https://megatix.com.au/events/makuru-arts-festival26
Snuggleplay (Artists in residence) 15-19 June, 10am and 1pm A new multi-sensory theatre show is being developed for babies with disability and developmental delay. Each performance will involve live sound, movement and creative play with your baby sitting in a circle with 6 to 8 other babies and their grown-up. For registration or more information contact
[email protected]
Improv RPG Wednesday 17 June, 7pm Bringing the world’s most popular tabletop game, Dungeons and Dragons, to life- this show throws away the gaming table and uses props, costume live music and world class improvisation to whisk audiences away to fantasy worlds beyond belief. No two shows are ever the same! https://megatix.com.au/events/makuru-arts-festival26
ARCO Jnr and ARCO Snr Saturday 20 June, 3pm and 6pm Adam Kelly, in his words is an autistic gentlemen, brings his award-winning show ARCO to the stage, joined by his fish friend Finbar.
This heartfelt and humorous work explores connection, identity and seeing the world through a different lens.
https://megatix.com.au/events/makuru-arts-festival26
SPARK Arts Day Sunday 21 June, 10-3pm SPARK Arts Day is a high-energy, hands-on celebration of creativity for primary school–aged kids.
Explore puppetry, circus, dance, music, improv and visual arts through fun, artist-led workshops.
Drop in, try something new and follow your curiosity—stay for an hour or the whole day and get creative.
https://megatix.com.au/events/spark-arts-day-makuru-arts-festival
Echoes in Draft Saturday 27 June, 2pm Join us for an afternoon of fresh stories filled with possibility.
Echoes in Draft is a table-read development program by Blue Joy Theatre supporting emerging voices and in-progress works for stage and performance.
Through live readings, audiences hear new scripts take shape—raw, evolving, and alive with possibility.
https://megatix.com.au/events/makuru-arts-festival26
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All events are free excluding World Music Cafe. Ticket registration to all events is requitred. 

 
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Event location

Memorial Hall

435 Carrington Street
Hamilton Hill 6163

The available map is equipped with additional accessibility features including in-map voice and accessible colour choice. If you would like to access these features, please make sure they are switched on.

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More information and contact

Contact Title Events and Culture

Email [email protected]

Phone 08 9411 3444

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Contact

Address

City of Cockburn
Whadjuk Boodjar
9 Coleville Crescent,
Spearwood 6163

PO Box 1215, Bibra Lake DC,
Western Australia, 6965

Office opening hours:
8.30am to 4.30pm
Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)

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Cockburn Nyungar moort Beeliar boodja-k kaadadjiny. Koora, yeyi, benang baalap nidja boodja-k kaaradjiny.
Ngalak kaditj boodjar kep wer kaadidjiny kalyakool yoodaniny, wer koora wer yeyi ngalak Birdiya koota-djinanginy.

The City of Cockburn acknowledges the Nyungar people of Beeliar Boodjar. Long ago, now and in the future they care for Country.
We acknowledge a continuing connection to Land, Waters and Culture and pay our respects to Elders, past and present.