Avon Descent Festival weekend








For some perfect family fun, check out the Avon Descent Festivals!
During the weekend of the 50th celebration of the Avon Descent, community members can enjoy all the action from the riverbanks during the Northam, Toodyay, Belmont and Bayswater Festival events.
The Lotterywest Avon Descent Festivals, held in Northam, Toodyay, Swan and Bayswater, are a series of family-orientated events held annually on a weekend in August alongside the Avon Descent and are a perfect opportunity for family and friends to get outdoors and experience the excitement of the event.
Enjoy free entry, rides, entertainment, spectacular food and race commentary! Fun for everyone!
Sunday 1st August
Avon Descent Community Day – Armadale
Date: Sunday 1st August 2021
Time: 11am – 3pm
Location: Champion Lakes Regatta Centre
In partnership with the Avon Descent, the City of Armadale is proud to present the Avon Descent Community day at the world-class Champion Lakes Regatta Centre as the first official event of the Avon Descent!
Come and try dragonboating, kayak and ski sprint races to watch, live music, activities for all ages, club stalls, food trucks and much more!
Free ticketed event. Tickets available now


Friday 11 August
Northam Bilya Festival
Avon Descent Start Line
Date: Friday 11 August 2023
Time: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Location: Bilya Koort Boodja Centre Garden, Avon Mall, Minson Avenue, Northam
Come to Northam’s Bilya Festival! Enjoy our spectacular community street parade and immerse yourself in a winter wonderland, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Avon Descent. Offering the most exciting amusements, food stalls, and live entertainment that you’ll find in the Avon Valley this year! Come and celebrate the evening in style with the Shire of Northam.
Saturday 12 August
Toodyay International Food Fest
Combine the thrill of the Avon Descent with delicious international cuisine.
Date: Saturday, 12 August 2023
Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Location: Stirling and Duidgee Parks, Toodyay
The Shire of Toodyay’s International Food Fest will keep visitors fed and entertained on Saturday, 12 August 2023. Just an hour’s drive from the CBD, come and enjoy international cuisine from all corners of the globe including international music and entertainment.


Sunday 13 August
City of Swan Avon Descent Festival
Date: Sunday, 13 August 2023
Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Location: Lilac Hill Park, Caversham
This year’s City of Swan Avon Descent Festival will feature a series of family-orientated events held alongside the 50th Avon Descent race. This fun-filled weekend is the perfect opportunity to get outdoors and experience the excitement of the race, which passes through the Swan Valley vineyard region, Upper Swan Bridge and Bells Rapids. At the festival, spectator’s can sample delicious gourmet food and wine from local growers as you wander through pop-up artisan markets. Watch and cheer from arguably the best seat in the house, the banks of Lilac Hill, as competitors paddle and race by.
The Avon Descent Festival is proudly presented by the City of Swan and Perth Airport, and supported by Lotterywest and VCMPerth Events.
Basso’s Community Gathering – Town of Bassendean
View the Avon Descent from one of our picturesque riverside reserves.
Date: Sunday, 4 August 2019
Time: 11:00am – 2:00pm
Location: Point Reserve, Bassendean
The Town of Bassendean invites families to view the Avon Descent from the banks of beautiful Point Reserve. Pack a picnic and head down from 11:00am to enjoy free activities including a free sausage sizzle and giant games.
For more information, call (08) 9377 8000 or visit www.bassendean.wa.gov.au

Avon Descent Family Fun Day – City of Belmont
Get up close to the action with a free day of fun on the Swan River.
Date: Sunday, 13 August 2023
Time: 11:00am – 3:00pm
Location: Garvey Park, Ascot
Don’t miss a moment of the race with a live race feed, expert commentary, kid’s entertainment and activities, discounted food and coffee, and more in the beautiful surrounds of Garvey Park. Soak up the experience of the Avon Descent in a prime river position.
(Photo sourced from the City of Belmont, WA, Facebook page).


City of Bayswater Avon Descent Finish Line Festival 2023
Nothing beats an exciting finish!
Date: Sunday, 13 August 2023
Time: 11:00am – 4:00pm
Location: Riverside Gardens, Milne Street, Bayswater
Join support crews and spectators in welcoming competitors over the finish line of the 50th Avon Descent at the City of Bayswater Finish Line Festival. Listen to live commentary and watch the race live on the big screen. Enjoy a sensational day of free entertainment, children’s activities, food and more, while celebrating the natural beauty of the Swan River (Derbal Yerrigan) and its cultural and spiritual significance to the Noongar people.