Street Arts Festival puts City back on world stage

Fremantle’s renowned International Street Arts Festival returns this Easter, highlighting again the city’s ability to perform on a world stage.

Back from a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the iconic festival is the largest of its kind in Australasia and will again see audiences flock to the port city over four days from 7–10 April. Around 150,000 people attended the event when it was last held in 2019.

It’s the jewel in the crown of the City of Fremantle’s arts and cultural program and yet another reason why Time Magazine last year named Freo one of the World’s Greatest Places. 

Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge said the City had been working hard post-COVID to enhance Fremantle’s status as a destination city and the return of the Streets Arts Festival would provide another welcome boost for businesses.

“Once again this Easter, the streets of our historic city will be transformed into an open-air theatre packed with amazing, weird and wacky performers, as our much-loved festival comes back with a bang,” she said.

“It’s fantastic to welcome back international and interstate visitors. Tourism is one of our major economic drivers and we know businesses can’t wait to have the festival back as a drawcard to complement the fantastic food, entertainment and hospitality offerings in our city.”

Fremantle takes on an even stronger cosmopolitan vibe during the festival with the closure of the renowned Cappuccino Strip to vehicles, allowing venues to extend their alfresco dining out onto the street.

Night shows will complement the daily program of festival activities which will be held on stages around the city including at Walyalup Koort, Esplanade Park and Fishing Boat Harbour. 

Audiences are encouraged to explore the city between performances. Mayor Fitzhardinge said this and other major festivals and events post-COVID, such as the popular Falls Festival earlier this year highlighted Fremantle’s attractiveness as a destination.

The Fremantle International Street Arts Festival is delivered by the City of Fremantle in partnership with local businesses. 

International acts from Japan, Scotland, Zimbabwe, Norther Ireland, Ethiopia, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, the Philippines and the USA will join performers from around Australia for the festival.

“Whether you’re coming from around the corner or around the world, you can be sure of a very warm welcome in Freo this Easter,” Mayor Fitzhardinge said.

For full program details and all other events in Fremantle, visit streetartsfestival.com.au and visitfremantle.com.au.