8 Perth experiences you need to add to your summer bucket list immediately.

You hear that? That’s the sweet sound of summer on the horizon.

Summer in Perth, I may add. And, if I’m being totally honest here, there’s no better place to experience those well-loved months. 

Not just because it has some of the best weather and coastlines in Australia, but because when it’s summer, Perth just knows precisely how to do it.

From light festivals to truly breathtaking live musical performances, it’s got something for everybody. 

Here are seven things you need to add to your summer to-do list. Immediately.

Twilight Hawkers Market

You say ‘food’, and we say ‘yes’.

Yep, Perth’s biggest food market is back, and better than ever. (I can already smell the delicious aromas and please ignore my stomach rumbling.)

It’s a celebration of Perth’s diverse food culture, and is the perfect way to ring in the end of a week at work, or start the weekend with the family. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Twilight Hawkers Market (@twilighthawkersmarket)

Do I need to say any more? Probably not.

You can add it to your calendar every Friday night from now to 31 March, between 4:30pm and 9:30pm.

Pride Parade

After a two-year hiatus, PrideFEST returns to Northbridge and is set to be next level.

Expect lights, colour, music and truly spectacular outfits.  

At the end of the parade, spectators are invited to party on as the procession moves into Russell Square.

What's in the Square, you ask? A free, family-friendly community party filled with incredible entertainment including DJ Timbee, Dean Misdale and Kween Kong from RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under. 

Get your sparkles ready for 26 November, with festivities kicking off at 6pm and the parade commencing at 7:30pm. 

City of Light Shows

That time of year is quickly approaching – yep, I'm talking about the City of Light Shows.

Last year, over 7,000 Perthians got to enjoy the 60th anniversary of the annual event, and this year, the City of Light Shows are back each month throughout summer.

Along with mesmerising light installations and 3D displays, visitors will get to see the much-loved city centre lit up with drone and firework shows at Elizabeth Quay. 

It’s the perfect reminder why Perth gets to call itself the City of Light. And rightly so.

Shows run from 19-20 November, 31 December, and 17-18 February at Elizabeth Quay. 

Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail

Continuing on with this lil’ theme, Perth will be celebrating the festive season again with the magical Christmas Lights Trail. 

Now in its sixth year, the Christmas Lights Trail covers 6km across the city, and has 35 unique large-scale light installations, well and truly bringing the festive spirit. From Christmas icons and favourite Aussie animals, to breathtaking and immersive light projections on historic buildings, every single member of the family will be in awe. 

If that doesn’t tempt you enough, to throw in some extra Christmas joy, there’s roaming entertainment each night with surprise appearances from Santa. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by City of Perth (@cityofperth)

And for an extra special experience, you can also catch the live Christmas Nativity in Forrest Place on 17 and 18 December. You and the family will be able to sit back and watch the traditional story of Christmas told live on stage, alongside some Christmas carols and performances. 

Count. Me. In. 

Check out the Christmas Lights Trail from 18 November to 2 January. You can view the map here.

Alinta Energy Christmas Pageant

And just in case you want to bask in even more festive energy, you can head into the city centre for the annual Alinta Energy Christmas Pageant. 

At the event, spectators will get to watch as a truly spectacular parade of lit-up floats and over 2,500 performers make their way down St George's Terrace.

You can catch the parade on 3 December from 7:30pm. 

Ice Cream Factory

Festival fans, have I got news for you. Perth's favourite summer festival, Ice Cream Factory, is returning for four weeks of shows. 

From some of the best local and national DJs, artist and bands (I'm talking The Veronicas, Tigerlily and Vera Blue), to vibe-worthy bars and outdoor beer gardens, it's an event that practically screams 'summer'. 

Grab your tickets for a Friday, Saturday or Sunday between 2 December to 1 January. 

Rooftop Movies

Located in Northbridge, it’s an open-air cinema experience like no other.

With panoramic city views, sunset drinks, superior movie snacks, and some of our favourite movies under the stars, it’s a must-do during the summer. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rooftop Movies (@rooftopmovies)

It’s the perfect night out with friends or family, and fresh movies are dropped every month.

You’ll be able to grab a beanbag and enjoy the view from now until 2 April.

New Year’s Eve

And since we've got Christmas covered, let’s talk New Year’s Eve because Perth has got you sorted.

With spectacular firework displays over Elizabeth Quay, and an array of NYE parties and events across the city, the options are endless. 

I'll see you there on 31 December.

The City of Perth is the best place to celebrate summer. Explore upcoming events here.

Feature Image: Instagram @cityofperth/@twilighthawkersmarket/@rooftopmovies.