Experience Albany 2026 - a historic bicentenary celebration

28 Flinders Parade, Albany WA 6330

Led by the City of Albany, a year-long program of events is planned to reflect honestly on the past, celebrate the community today, and shape a future built on shared understanding and reconciliation. This incredible program, guided by local Elders and a strong artistic vision, is the perfect reason to head south this year.

You can expect large-scale light installations, intimate performances, traditional yarns, incredible food, and community gatherings that will transform the city and bring to life a new chapter in Albany’s story.

Featured events and unique experiences

Here are some of the major highlights you won't want to miss during this year-long celebration:

  • Albany is (January 2026) - Experience an immersive soundscape designed to be listened to on personal devices while exploring coastal or urban trails. This unique project coalesces the stories of the Menang people and the community, creating a living portrait of Albany.

  • Lighting the Sound (March 2026) - A collaboration between FORM and renowned Finnish light artist Kari Kola, this is set to be the largest outdoor light installation ever staged on Earth, taking place across three weekends in March.

  • Taste Great Southern (March 2026) - This beloved epicurean adventure celebrates local produce, wine, and culinary talent, bringing local, national, and international talent onboard.

  • Sculpture at Binalup (10 - 19 April 2026) - In the vein of Sculpture by the Sea, this new outdoor sculpture exhibition will take place right here at Middleton Beach. Expect large-scale artworks, including contemporary pieces that amplify the voices of Menang Noongar artists.

  • Maritime Festival & Folk and Shanty Festival (July 2026) - This month-long program celebrates Albany’s rich maritime history with music, art exhibitions, film screenings, and markets. It features the International Folk N Shanty Festival running from 10 - 12 July 2026.

  • First Lights - This spectacular three-night event features a guided walk and sound journey across Menang Country, followed by a drone light show connecting story, constellations, and place.

  • Carrying the Fire (November 2026) - The celebration edges closer to conclusion with a stunning lantern procession that invites the entire community to walk together in a poetic act of unity and gratitude.

Keep up to date with the latest event details at the official Albany 2026 website.

Plan your historic getaway now

With a spectacular calendar of events running all year, demand for accommodation in Albany will be extremely high throughout 2026.

With a front-row coastal location, BIG4 Middleton Beach is the perfect base for your stay in Albany. We strongly encourage you to secure your booking early to avoid missing out on this historic celebration!

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Albany 2026 Bicentenary City of Albany FB page Oct 2025

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • BIG4 Middleton Beach booking terms and conditions and park guidelines are available here.
  • Yes, we welcome your furry friends on caravan and camping sites during low and mid-season; however, we do not accept pets during school holidays or public holiday long weekends. Conditions apply, please refer to our Pets page here.
  • Open fires are prohibited in the park, but there is a cosy wood fireplace located in the Campers Kitchen, for all guests to enjoy in the cooler months.
  • There are electric and gas BBQ’s in the park located by the pool, amenity block, camp kitchen and by gated entrance at far end of park.

BIG4 Middleton Beach reception hours are:

  • 8:00 am – 8:00 pm during low and mid-seasons
  • 8:00 am – 9:00 pm during high season

We are open 7 days a week and have a wide range of tourist information, gas bottle refills and a range of convenience items available in our Park General Store.