Another month down for 2026, and we still have endless events to soak up across Perth — almost 400 on our guide alone.
This month is a blend of everything that those of us that love arts and culture look forward to. Festivals put together exciting programs, and sports are well and truly back across multiple codes.
Head to our events guide to explore March events, or better yet, scroll for our monthly must-sees.
AFC Women’s Asian Cup
March 1 – 17
A true festival of international women’s soccer, where Asia’s top 12 teams compete head-to-head.
Perth won the hosting rights for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup group stage, leading all the way to the semi-finals. Countries like Japan, Vietnam and Chinese Taipei face off against each other and the Australian Matildas for the Cup, with the opening ceremony match against the Philippines played at Optus Stadium, Sam Kerr kicking the winning score.
After the Cup kicks off, matches are played at Perth Rectangular Stadium, with tickets as low as $30 each, making the festivities an easy night out for fans and families. We’ll be following closely to see which teams make the semi-final match, returning to Optus Stadium before the finalists continue on to play their final at Sydney Olympic Park.
Joondalup Festival
March 7 – 22
16 days of exploration in Perth’s northern suburbs makes for two weeks where the value of community is on full display.
This program has it all — including sold-out events! Dance, orchestra, puppetry and a Mamma Mia singalong fill out the program, consisting of both free and ticketed events.
Highlights include the Crystal People, an art installation at James McCusker Park in Iluka, or join in on the Acqua Forte Parade at Hillarys Boat Harbour, a theatrical parade across four nights, performed from ‘the water stage.’
Alliance Française French Film Festival
March 12 – April 15
Another festival comes to Perth with a program that opens us up to new experiences, art and culture!
The AFFFF enters its 37th year running, remaining the largest celebration of French film outside of France. Expect to see timeless masterpieces, thrillers, family films and Cannes competitors, all screening at Luna Palace Cinemas and Palace Raine Square.
On our watch list is A Private Life, Jodie Foster’s first French-language role, and Couture, a drama set during Paris Fashion Week and starring Angelina Jolie.
AFL 2026 at Optus Stadium
March 21 & 22
The long-awaited return of the AFL season is here, with Opening Round kicking off this week for select teams, and Perth hosting its first games of the season two weeks later in Round Two.
The West Coast Eagles are looking to improve off a dismal one-win season last year, whereas the Fremantle Dockers aim to claim finals success after bowing out in last year’s sell-out Qualifying Final at Optus Stadium.
We’re excited for that footy feeling at Optus that we’ve missed over the off-season – excitement, community, screaming fans, and now with full-strength beer! While both teams play away for Round One, a weekend of back-to-back games is set for March 21 & 22. On Saturday, Fremantle hosts Melbourne, and Sunday sees a clash between West Coast and North Melbourne, which should be an exciting matchup.