The Best of the Month of May

The change of season brings some new fun and different things to do around town and beyond. This year, the choices are endless but we have narrowed down some of the fab festivals that you should put in your diary for May.

Spanish Film Festival

For the movie aficionados and the lovers of all things Española, the Spanish Film Festival ticks all those boxes and many more.

The 21st annual Spanish Film Festival kicks off in Perth on Thursday and runs until the 16th of May.

This year will see 25 phenomenal movies showcased that evoke all the things we love about Spanish culture and cinema.

The festival opens with the groovy comedy The Tribe, starring Paco León and Carmen Machi, following a ‘street dancing’ cleaning lady reunited with her long-lost son. Other highlights include No Filter, It’s For Your Own Good and Abracadabra. Closing the festival is Mexican great Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth, to honour his recent Oscar success for The Shape of Water.

Where: Cinema Paradiso, 164 James Street, Northbridge

When: 26 April – 16 May

Perth Comedy Festival

The opportunity for deep down belly laughs is an experience not to be missed and the Perth Comedy Festival will bring that in spades. There is a tonne of fantastic fun nights on offer that will keep your grin wide and your spirit soaring.

With many known hilarious names such as Stephen K Amos, Shawn Wayans, Nazeem Hussain, Matt Okine, Wil Anderson and Alice Fraser, you are guaranteed to get your major chuckle on.

Where: Various venues around Perth

When: Until 20 May

Bickley Valley Harvest Festival

Another 21st birthday is being celebrated with the annual Bickley Valley Harvest Festival. This festival in the Perth Hills flaunts the true essence of Autumn with vibrant fall colours in the vineyards, orchards and gardens. There will be a bucket load of fun activities for all ages and entertainment provided by some much-loved local talent. Taste the wines, enjoy the ambience or make some new friends.

A weekend of taking in the scenery, from flourishing forest, wispy wildflowers, and the chirps, croaks and squeaks from the animal locals to beautiful bushwalking, creeks and waterfalls, it’s the perfect weekend away. Don’t forget to try some of the local fruit and veg because they are delicious!

Where: 17 venues are taking place this year

When: 5 – 6 May

These are just a few of the gems we are gearing up for in May. Others worth a visit include Mount Hawthorn Streets and Lanes Festival and Fremantle Heritage Festival.

words by emily carstairs