Albany 2026 is heading into its final season with a packed program of exhibitions, performances, community gatherings and major events set to carry the city through spring and summer.
The newly released The Lighter Months program brings together events taking place from September to December, offering residents and visitors a guide to the final months of Western Australia’s first bicentenary year.
Albany 2026 Coordinator Adam Gregory said the program reflected the breadth of experiences still to come as the year moved towards its conclusion.
“Albany 2026 has already given our community so many opportunities to reflect, connect and experience our city in new ways, but there is still an extraordinary amount ahead of us,” Mr Gregory said.
“The Lighter Months brings together events that share stories of Country and community, showcase local creativity and invite people to experience Albany’s streets, venues and landscapes in completely different ways.
“Whether you are interested in theatre, music, visual art, history, food and wine or simply coming together with the community, there is something in this program for you.”
September will begin with Between the Mountain and the Sea, an exhibition and documentary exploring the stories, people and heritage of the Wellstead district, before Albany-based artist Peter Morse presents the immersive multimedia song cycle Numen at the Albany Town Hall.
Later in the month, the Menang community-led Mapping Menang project will share deeply held stories of family, Country and connection at Barmup/Strawberry Hill.
The September long weekend will deliver a particularly busy stretch of events, with Theatre 180 presenting Our Place: Rain or Shine at the Albany Entertainment Centre, the Southern Art and Craft Trail and Bloom Festival opening across the region, and The Spring Social transforming Stirling Terrace into a vibrant pedestrian precinct across two evenings.
October will bring the Great Southern Noongar Festival to Alison Hartman Gardens, followed by the world premiere season of The Song Catchers, created for Albany 2026 by West Australian Opera and Breaksea.
In November, thousands of handmade lanterns will illuminate the coastline from Emu Point to Binalup/Middleton Beach during Carrying the Fire, creating a breathtaking temporary artwork shaped by the community.
The final weeks of the year will include the Albany Christmas Lights, Christmas Festival and Pageant, the centenary of the Albany Boxing Day Races and the New Year’s Eve Picnic and Fireworks at Anzac Peace Park, which will farewell Albany 2026 with fireworks at 9pm and midnight.
“This program captures the energy we hoped Albany 2026 would create: a city alive with stories, ideas, creativity and shared experiences,” Mr Gregory said.
“As we enter the final months of the year, we encourage everyone to explore the program, try something new and make the most of this remarkable moment in Albany’s story.”
The Lighter Months program is available now. Explore the full program and find event details here.
