Shire supported events happening this month
Festivals for runners, readers and green thumbs. Celebrations honouring Augusta and local authors. Plus a huge range of workshops, May really is a massive month for events across our Shire.
We’re in the second half of the magical Wadandi season of Djeran. Cooler nights, dew-filled mornings, and light south-westerly winds have returned, making time on Country extra special.
The timing for the 2026 Margaret River Ultra couldn’t be more perfect. With Wadandi Boodja as a beautiful backdrop, it’s no surprise this iconic event has become a bucket-list experience, attracting runners from across Australia and around the world (along with locals) to take on spectacular 80km and 42km courses.
Djeran is also perfect for curling up with a good book. And if that’s more your thing, you’re in luck. We’re proud to partner with Arts Margaret River to deliver programming at the Nala Bardip Mia - Margaret River HEART, and this month Arts Margaret River presents its flagship event, the Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival. This three-day celebration of storytelling brings together Australian and international authors, journalists and big thinkers. It’s a must for book lovers and curious minds.
You also won’t want to miss the launch of Artzability’s Living Stories - a collection of locally written and illustrated works by 11 local authors, sharing powerful perspectives shaped by lived experience with disability. More than a book launch, this event amplifies voices that deserve to be heard.
Green thumbs of all skill levels will love the Margaret River Edible Gardens Festival. Connect with the joy of growing your own food by exploring local gardens and learning from experienced growers.
Coinciding with National Reconciliation Week is Kwobba Koornt – a free, family-friendly cultural celebration. Led by respected Elders and cultural custodians the event will feature cultural activities and collaborative community land art installation honouring Wardandi Boodja.
To round out the month, Whalesong Festival celebrates all things Augusta and the annual whale migration through a vibrant program of free and ticketed experiences. Think live music, street parades, sand sculptures, kite displays, boat harbour festivities, guided walks, yoga, film screenings and more.
There’s also some great workshops from our partners Mind-Ed, Margaret River Business Network, Lower Blackwood LCDC. Plus, Rec Connect is back with Friday night fun and games for teens!
From culture and community to nature and connection, there truly is something for everyone.
We’re so proud to support these diverse events through our grants program and community partnerships to celebrate the place we call home and the people who make it so special.
Check out the full list of events below.
P.S. Keep an eye out for the launch of Cabin Fever program. Our favourite winter festival is saying cheers to 10 years with a mix of new and returning events. Tickets go on sale Wednesday 6 May.
May Events
1, 8, 15, 22, 29 May – Rec Connect
A fun, safe and welcoming space for our high school kids to hang out with friends or just relax and unwind.
7 May – Frontline Leadership Training
A workshop for emerging leaders in hospitality, tourism and wine to build leadership skills and create exceptional experiences, presented by Margaret River Business Network.
8 May – State Budget Sundowner
Unpacking the WA State Budget with Hon Don Punch MLA and Hon Jackie Jarvis MLC. Includes a Q&A session. Presented by Margaret River Business Network.
9–10 May – Margaret River Ultra Marathon
An iconic trail running event featuring 80km and 42km courses through our region’s stunning forests, trails, beaches and wineries.
12 May – Accidental Counsellor Training
A practical workshop equipping participants with skills to support people experiencing crisis. Presented by Mind-Ed Margaret River.
14 May – Toddler Tales (Augusta Library)
A fun, free session of stories, songs and crafts for toddlers and their caregivers.
15 May – LGBTIQA Suicide Prevention Training
A free workshop focused on creating safer, more inclusive communities and supporting LGBTIQA+ people. Presented by Mind-Ed Margaret River.
15–17 May – Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival
Bold Conversations, Big Ideas and Brilliant Stories, A three-day celebration of storytelling Presented by Arts Margaret River.
18 May – Smarter Grazing for Better Land
A workshop exploring how livestock can be used to improve land health and productivity. Presented by Lower Blackwood LCDC.
18 May – Your Child in a Smartphone World
Anke Lasserre from Family Flow presents practical tools and strategies to help keep your children safe online, set healthy boundaries, and reduce friction at home.
20 May – Scams Awareness
Scams cost Australians over $2 billion in 2025. Learn how to spot scams, protect your personal information, and know what to do if you’re targeted at this free presentation.
22–24 May – Edible Gardens Festival
A celebration of homegrown food with open gardens, expert tips and inspiration for all skill levels.
25 May – Living Stories - Voices of Resilience Book Launch
Join Artzability for the launch of Living Stories - a collection of locally written and illustrated works by 11 talented authors living with disability.
29 May – 1 June – Augusta Whalesong Festival
A vibrant festival celebrating all things Augusta and the and the annual whale migration. Presented by Augusta Community Resource Centre.
31 May – Kwobba Koornt (Reconciliation Week Event)
Get involved in Reconciliation Week with a free, family-friendly event hosted by the Nala Boodja Eco Clan. Includes a collaborative community land art installation.