The Lotterywest Avon Descent Festivals, are a series of spectacular events held annually on the second weekend in August alongside the Avon Descent. They are a perfect opportunity for family and friends to get outdoors and experience the gathering of local community and the excitement of the events.
First held in 1973, the Avon Descent is Western Australia's unique paddle and powerboat sporting event. Avon Descent competitors challenge the Avon and Swan Rivers in a variety of paddle and power craft in an exciting two-day challenge over 124 gruelling kilometres.
The Northam Bilya Festival
Date & Time: Friday, 9 August, 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Location: Bilya Koort Boodja Centre Garden, Minson Ave, Northam
Click here for the FESTIVAL MAP
The Northam community goes all-out for their biggest event of the year, with their street parade of floats in this years theme of ‘Homegrown’, food stalls and live music. Kids are in for a treat with amusement rides and activities, capped off with a spectacular fireworks display over the Avon River.
Photo by Angie Roe Photography
Toodyay International Food Fest
Date & Time: Saturday, 10 August,10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Stirling & Duidgee Parks, Stirling Terrace, Toodyay
The festival features live international music performances, over 30 global cuisines from food vansand stalls. Head along to the Toodyay International Food Fest to enjoy watching the participants glideand race by while experiencing the Skate Park competition and an array of DJ's in the afternoon.
City of Swan Avon Descent Festival
Date & Time: Sunday, 11 August,10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location: Lilac Hill Park, 850 W Swan Rd, Caversham
This Festival is packed with family-friendly activities, amusement rides and food trucks. Attendees areencouraged to bring reusable water bottles and utilize Go2Cup and refill stations. This year the festival will highlight artisan market stalls, a clothing swap supported by EMRC (bring along your clothes andget swapping) and enjoy the new woodchopping competitions!
Photo by Soco Studios
City of Bayswater Finish Line Festival
Date & Time: Sunday, 11 August.11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Location: Riverside Gardens, Milne Street, Bayswater
Riverside Gardens in Bayswater gives everyone a chance to cheer in the Avon Descent Participantswhile enjoying family entertainment, kids rides, food trucks and a WA Birds of Prey feature tent. Close to the city, this is a great location for everyone to attend and an idyllic way to finish off afantastic weekend of excitement.
Together the Shire Northam, Shire of Toodyay, City of Swan and the City of Bayswater aim to create a family-friendly atmosphere to connect the local communities along the Avon and Swan Rivers.
Lotterywest has been a major community supporter of the Avon Descent Festivals since 2004.
Find out more about the race, including details on how to compete, by visiting www.avondescent.com.au/.