August 2026

Wood Fire Survey 2026

Bond Store Gallery, Old Courthouse Complex – 30 July – 24 August

Wood Fire Survey 2026 brings together 13 artists from Western Australia’s South West and Great Southern regions in a showcase of wood‑fired ceramics. Highlighting the unique processes and traditions of wood firing, the exhibition celebrates the craftsmanship, creativity, and unique regional identity of Southern WA’s ceramic artists.

Opening Event: Saturday 1 August @ 11am

Australia Wide Nine

Saltwater Gallery – 31 July – 30 August 

Australia Wide Nine is a touring exhibition showcasing the textile artwork of Ozquilt Network members from across Australia and overseas.

Saltwater Gallery is open daily from 10am – 4pm

Connections Through Film

Saltwater Gallery – 31 July – 30 August 

Richie Valentino is an award-winning film maker who has been creating animated short films under the banner of Valentino Productions since 2014. Through engaging storytelling, Richie explores themes of equality, compassion, inclusion and the importance of looking out for one another.

Saltwater Gallery is open daily from 10am – 4pm

Art After Dark – Australia Wide Nine

Saltwater Gallery – Friday 7 August ~ 5pm – 8pm

Ease into the weekend with Friday night drinks at Saltwater Bar, as the gallery shifts tempo for a relaxed, after-hours experience. Take your time exploring the Ozquilt Network exhibition, Australia Wide Nine — drink in hand — accompanied by live music from Dan White.

Djinda Kaatijin

Saltwater Upstairs Theatre – Wednesday 12 August @ 10am 

Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company’s Djinda Kaatijin is a vibrant and engaging theatre production that teaches us about the significance of the stars in Noongar storytelling, imagination, and creativity.

In Conversation with Barbara Weeks

Saltwater Gallery – Thursday 13 August @ 10.30am – 11am 

Join respected local textile artist, Barbara Weeks, for an insightful artist talk presented in the Saltwater Gallery as part of the Ozquilt Network touring exhibition, Australia Wide Nine.

Tea & Textiles – SOLD OUT

Saltwater Gallery – Wednesday 19 August @ 10.30am

Slow down, stitch, and spend a relaxing morning surrounded by beautiful textile art. Join local textile artist and exhibition participant Barbara Weeks for a welcoming morning of creativity, conversation and inspiration as part of our touring quilt exhibition.

Bandwidth Plug-in

Saltwater – Thursday 20 August @ 1.30pm -4.30pm

Hosted by Creative Tech Village – BANDWIDTH explores the capacity behind creativity: how leaders manage, scale, and grow bold creative visions without burning out.

Noir

Saltwater Busselton Foyer – Saturday, 22 August @ 5.30pm 

Noir – Award-winning jazz singer Michelle Nicolle and acclaimed composer and pianist Paul Grabowsky will perform beloved ballads by artists such as Frank Sinatra and Cole Porter.

Crazy Mosaics: Fragmentation

Fodder Room at the Old Courthouse Complex – Sunday 23 August @ 9.30am

Join Barbara Weeks for a paper design workshop for textile artists, mosaics and stained glass. This workshop is presented alongside the Australia Wide Nine Ozquilt Network touring exhibition.

Community Music Morning

Saltwater Main Foyer – Tuesday, 25 August @ 11am 

Experience an uplifting morning of community music as beloved local groups No Strings Attached, Busselton Ukulele Group, and Voices of the Vasse come together for a special free performance in the grand foyer of Saltwater. Enjoy a vibrant mix of melodies, harmonies, and local talent in a welcoming setting for all ages.

Shared Waters – Stories From Sea & Shore

Bond Store Gallery, Old Courthouse Complex – 27 August – 27 September

Kay Manolas & Sharon Williams

Shared Waters – Stories From Sea & Shore explores the enduring relationship between people and the marine environment. Through ceramic sculpture, painting and paper relief, two artists reflect on the rhythms, textures and stories that emerge where land meets sea. Opening Event: Saturday 29 August @ 11am.

Nautical Nonsense – Rolling Hills & Salty Tails

Deadly Day

Old Courthouse Complex – Saturday, 29 August @ 2pm 

CinefestOZ Film Festival presents Deadly Day – a FREE event that shine a spotlight on magnificent First Nations filmmakers, artists, performers, and storytellers. Expect an engaging, exciting and dazzling community event, with a curated selection of experiences to enjoy. Think dance, film, artist workshops, food and much more.

September 2026

CinefestOZ Industry Conference

Saltwater Conference Suite – Thursday 3 September – Friday 4 September

The CinefestOZ Industry Conference is the biggest of its kind presented in Western Australia. The two-day program, features presentations, discussion panels and workshops and will focus on learning from respected industry leaders and spotlighting creative successes for future growth.

Confluence

Saltwater Gallery – 4 September – 4 October

Confluence is a group exhibition featuring more than 80 works by Margaret River Region Open Studios artists.

Saltwater Gallery is open daily from 10am – 4pm

Film Prize Celebration – CinefestOZ Gala Night

Saltwater – Saturday 5 September @ 7pm

Celebrate the grand finale of CinefestOZ at the spectacular Film Prize Celebration at Saltwater – full of glamour, drama, an unforgettable spectacle not to be missed.

Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge

Upstairs Theatre – Tuesday 8 September @ 10am & 12.30pm

Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge is a delightful adaptation of the beloved book by Mem Fox and Julie Vivas. The show is produced by one of Australia’s longest-running children’s theatre company, Spare Parts Puppet Theatre. Ideal for age 5+ and their families.

Boogie Down South

Saltwater Theatre – 25 – 27 September @ 7pm 

Boogie Down South is a celebration of community, live music and dancing bringing together some of Western Australia’s finest jazz and rhythm bands for a weekend of unforgettable entertainment. Enjoy the high-energy and award-winning sounds of Adam Hall & the Velvet Playboys, Adrian Hix & His Rhythm Six, and the powerhouse Oz Big Band as they perform classic swing, jump blues, and big band favourites. Audiences will also be treated to inspiring performances by some of Australia’s top swing dancers alongside internationally renowned instructors.

OCTOBER 2026

Through the Lens of Tony Mott

Saltwater Upstairs Theatre – Friday 2 October @ 7.30pm 

Step into the electrifying world of rock and roll through the lens of legendary Australian photographer Tony Mott. Through the Lens of Tony Mott will provide insights about Tony’s career capturing the raw energy and iconic moments of music legends over four decades.

Just Me

Saltwater Gallery – 10 October – 8 November

Saltwater Gallery is proud to present Just Me, a compelling solo exhibition by City of Busselton Art Award winner, Elmari Steyn. Working in intaglio printmaking, Steyn brings together a powerful selection of works spanning a 15-year period, offering a richly layered survey of both early explorations and recent developments.

Saltwater Gallery is open daily from 10am – 4pm

Australian Regional Tourism Convention

Saltwater Conference Suite – Monday 19 October

Recognised as the most significant annual event for industry, practitioners and government agencies involved in regional tourism, the Australian Regional Tourism Convention provides a national forum to discuss the issues, challenges and opportunities shaping regional destinations.

NOVEMBER 2026

CATALPA

Saltwater Upstairs Theatre – Wednesday 11 November @ 7.30pm 

Catalpa presents the remarkable true story of the daring 1876 rescue of six Irish prisoners from Fremantle Prison. Packed with adventure, courage and intrigue, this gripping production celebrates the enduring pursuit of freedom.