BREAKING: Albany, Australia, has officially launched its year-long bicentenary celebrations, marking 200 years of European settlement among the traditional owners, the Menang Noongar people. The festivities began on December 31, 2025, with the family-friendly Kaya 2026 event, showcasing live performances, films, and fireworks.
This milestone is not just about history; it reflects a deep connection between two cultures that have coexisted for two centuries. Honorary Freeman of Albany, Alice Rule, and Terry Eaton, both advocates for community engagement, symbolize the spirit of Albany. Ms. Rule, a champion of the Tidy Town movement since the 1970s, and Mr. Eaton, a former manager of Albany PCYC, embody the strong community ties essential to this historic city.
The bicentenary, branded as Albany 2026, features numerous flagship events designed to celebrate the city’s rich culture, landscape, and history. On January 26, 2026, the Binalup Festival at Middleton Beach and a Bicentenary Swim will offer additional excitement, drawing residents and tourists alike.
From March 6 to 8, 2026, the night sky will be transformed during the First Lights Kinjarling event, featuring a stunning drone display narrating creation stories by local Menang elders. This unique showcase will illuminate significant locations such as the Stirling Range and Frenchman Bay.
In a record-breaking highlight, the world’s largest outdoor light installation, Lighting the Sound, will take place over the final three weekends of March. Finnish artist Kari Kola will project a mesmerizing network of red and green lights across 10 km of the Torndirrup Peninsula, attracting an estimated 15,000 visitors each weekend.
The Museum of the Great Southern will host the Albany Then & Now exhibition, showcasing the evolution of iconic landscapes and streetscapes. Additionally, the Kalguyal: Connections to Menang Country exhibition will explore early fishing techniques and Indigenous customs.
A groundbreaking interactive app, Albany Is, will launch in June, allowing users to hear stories from local residents about significant locations, including Albany’s Town Jetty, enriching the visitor experience with personal narratives.
Theatrical performances are also pivotal in the 2026 calendar. Our Place, Rain or Shine, will be performed on September 25 and 26 at the Albany Entertainment Centre, highlighting the city’s identity. Moreover, a collaboration between the WA Opera and Menang elders will present The Song Catchers, a musical journey narrated through a curious fox and an echidna, blending music and storytelling in an innovative format.
The celebratory year will culminate in November with Carrying the Fire, a community-led event where hundreds will unite in a moving display of solidarity along a coastal trail, carrying lamps to symbolize unity and hope.
Albany’s bicentenary celebrations are set to engage the community and honor the shared history of European settlers and Indigenous custodians. With a rich calendar of events planned, Albany is poised to attract thousands of visitors eager to participate in this historic commemoration.
Stay tuned for more updates as Albany 2026 unfolds with additional events and highlights throughout the year.
