In 2026, Albany, known as Kinjarling on Menang Noongar Boodja, is inviting the world to witness something extraordinary. Marking Western Australia’s first bicentenary, Albany 2026 acknowledges the first place where Aboriginal and British people commenced living together on the western side of Australia and uses this historic moment as a springboard for culture, connection and shared stories that reach far deeper into time.
But Albany 2026 isn’t just about dates on a calendar; it’s a year-long program of major cultural experiences and community-led celebrations that honour ancient traditions, reflect on shared history and inspire future generations to walk, listen and connect with place and people.
This is a celebration that looks outward and inward. Albany’s story spans tens of thousands of years of Menang Noongar culture and knowledge, early exploration and settlement, and today’s vibrant multicultural community. Albany 2026 shines a light on the region’s deep heritage while embracing reconciliation, creativity and shared experience as cornerstones of a meaningful future.
From immersive visual art and storytelling to large-scale installations and community gatherings, the year’s program brings together moments of wonder, remembrance and celebration.
Highlights from the Albany 2026 Program
Albany Then and Now: Historical Panoramas of Menang Noongar Boodja
Running until 1 June
Step into Albany’s evolving story through a striking panoramic exhibition that spans more than a century. Part of Albany 2026, this immersive experience brings together Menang heritage, military history, architectural character and contemporary community life through a large, curved-screen audio visual display, interactive technology and expert narration.
A powerful and reflective way to see Kinjarling from past to present.
KAARLA WIRREN
16 May | Albany’s Historic Whaling Station
Set beneath the night sky in the dramatic amphitheatre of Albany’s Historic Whaling Station, KAARLA WIRREN is a powerful celebration of fire, story and connection.
The vision of Menang Elder Aunty Carol Pettersen, presented by Southern Edge Arts with Noongar Associate Director Rachael Colmer, this moving performance brings together fire artists and local young people in a deeply collaborative work developed over six months.
Audiences are invited to gather, picnic-style, as stories unfold through light, movement and shared experience, reflecting on the past while looking toward a shared future.
Albany WA Day Festival
1 June | Museum of the Great Southern
Celebrate WA Day in Albany with a vibrant, family-friendly event at the Museum of the Great Southern.
Set against the region’s striking coastal backdrop, the day unfolds with live music, creative workshops, storytelling and interactive experiences designed for all ages.
Throughout the day, enjoy performances from local artists alongside hands-on activities that invite participation and discovery. Step into Living Histories, a dedicated storytelling space where community voices, cultures and experiences are brought to life through engaging sessions and performances.
Binalup Menang | First Light, First People
26 June – 26 July 2026 | Albany Town Hall
A powerful Menang-led collaboration between Elders and acclaimed portrait photographer Nic Duncan, this exhibition features a series of 30 portraits celebrating the contributions of Menang people to the Albany community.
Through recorded conversations and storytelling, the exhibition honours both Elders and emerging leaders recognising those shaping the region’s past, present and future, and creating a lasting legacy for generations to come.
Albany Maritime Festival
1 – 31 July 2026 | Albany
As winter settles over the Great Southern, Albany comes alive with a month-long celebration of its rich maritime heritage.
From live music and art exhibitions to film screenings, markets and family-friendly experiences, the Maritime Festival invites visitors to explore the stories, culture and community spirit of this historic port city.
A vibrant and immersive winter program that celebrates Albany’s enduring connection to the sea.
Wild Gravel
24 October | Stirling Range National Park
Escape the ordinary and step into the wild splendour of the Stirling Range National Park. Wild Gravel is more than an event, it’s an experience: a celebration of outdoor spirit, personal challenge, and community connection. Whether you prefer pedalling, pounding the dirt underfoot, or strolling with friends and family, there’s a route here for you.
With options ranging from a gentle 5 km walk to a 150 km gravel ride, Wild Gravel caters to all ages, abilities and ambitions.
Ongoing experiences
Albany 2026 isn’t just about headline events, it’s also a season rich with local activations, exhibitions and community moments. From art exhibitions and historical panoramas to intimate cultural tours and shared gatherings, the program reflects the diversity of voices and experiences that make this region special.
Plan Your Albany 2026 Adventure
Albany 2026 is an invitation to experience the Great Southern at its most meaningful where culture, coastlines and connection converge.
Wander with the wild by pairing Albany 2026’s program with the region’s unforgettable experiences:
- Greet the day at Middleton Beach with a locally brewed coffee as the sun lifts over King George Sound.
- Walk the dramatic cliffs and coastal trails of Torndirrup National Park, where the Gap and Natural Bridge reveal the raw power of the Southern Ocean.
- Step into the region’s layered history at Albany’s Historic Whaling Station, a place of reflection and renewal.
- Experience the ANZAC legacy through immersive storytelling at the award-winning National ANZAC Centre.
- Deepen your understanding of Country through Aboriginal-led On-Country experiences, including tours with Kurrah Mia.
- Indulge in world renowned wines, grown and crafted across the Great Southern’s cool-climate vineyards.
Albany 2026 is more than a calendar of events, it’s a chance to slow down, reflect and connect with a place rich in history and culture. Head to the Albany 2026 website to explore the full program and begin planning your journey.
