Sun, Sculptures, and the Luck of the Irish: Your Saturday Morning Briefing

The Saturday Vibe: A City in Festival Mode

Perth is buzzing this Saturday as the city fully embraces the autumn festival season. With temperatures forecast to hit a comfortable 28°C and plenty of sunshine, the mood is one of outdoor celebration and coastal wandering. Whether you are heading to the shoreline or the city center, expect a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere as several of Western Australia’s most iconic annual traditions converge on the same weekend.

Key Talking Point: The 'Footy Gap' and the Asian Cup Takeover

While the AFL season is officially underway, footy fans will notice a curious silence at Optus Stadium today. A major talking point across the city is the 'delayed' home start for our local teams. Both the Fremantle Dockers and the West Coast Eagles are playing interstate this weekend, with Fremantle taking on Geelong at GMHBA Stadium this afternoon. The reason for the empty nest at home? Optus Stadium is currently being prepared for the massive AFC Women's Asian Cup semi-finals, which are scheduled for March 17. Local fans will have to wait until Round 2 on March 21 for the first double-header AFL weekend in Perth, making the upcoming international soccer matches the primary focus for our world-class stadium right now.

Feel-Good Story: A Silver Anniversary and Seaside Art

There is plenty to smile about today as the Channel 7 Mandurah Crab Fest celebrates a historic 25th anniversary. This massive free community event has officially transformed the Mandurah waterfront into a seafood and music hub. Saturday night’s festivities are set to peak with a headline performance by DJ Havana Brown on the Seaside Estate Music Stage, followed by a spectacular fireworks display at 8:45 pm.

Closer to the CBD, the 'feel-good' energy continues at Cottesloe Beach. After a hiatus in 2025, Sculpture by the Sea has returned for its 21st exhibition. Walking the white sands to view 70 large-scale installations from international and local artists has long been a favorite Perth pastime, and its return after a year off has brought a renewed sense of cultural pride to the coast.

Saturday Morning To-Do List

• St Patrick’s Day Parade: The festivities kick off at 10:00 am this morning at the corner of Beaufort and Brisbane Streets in Highgate, ending with a family festival at Birdwood Square until 6:00 pm.
• Sunset Sculptures: If you are visiting Cottesloe, aim for the 'Golden Hour' to see the artworks illuminated by the Indian Ocean sunset—but be prepared for crowds.
• Mandurah Transit: If you are heading south for the Crab Fest, authorities recommend using the train and shuttle services to avoid the heavy traffic expected for the 25th-anniversary crowds.