This year, Albany marks a significant milestone as it celebrates its bicentenary, commemorating 200 years since European settlers began living alongside the traditional custodians of the land, the Menang Noongar people. The anniversary reflects a deep history of coexistence and cultural exchange, showcasing Albany as a vibrant community in Western Australia.
As part of the celebrations, Albany has launched Albany 2026, a year-long program filled with diverse events aimed at highlighting the city’s culture, history, and natural beauty. Key figures in this celebration include Alice Rule and Terry Eaton, both awarded the title of Honorary Freeman of the City of Albany. Rule has been a prominent advocate for environmental initiatives, notably the Tidy Town movement, while Eaton has dedicated over 20 years to managing the Albany Police and Community Youth Centre (PCYC) and promoting local sports.
Flagship Events and Community Engagement
The year kicked off with the Kaya 2026 event on December 31, 2025, which featured an array of live performances, films, music, and fireworks, setting an exciting tone for the year ahead. Upcoming celebrations include the Binalup Festival at Middleton Beach and a Bicentenary Swim on January 26, 2026, both designed to engage families and the wider community.
From March 6 to 8, 2026, the night sky will dazzle with First Lights Kinjarling, a choreographed drone display narrated by local Menang elders, telling the creation stories of the Stirling Range and Frenchman Bay. Following this, the last three weekends of March will feature Lighting the Sound, an extraordinary outdoor light installation by Finnish artist Kari Kola, expected to attract approximately 15,000 visitors each weekend as it illuminates the rugged slopes of the Torndirrup Peninsula.
Exhibitions and Cultural Productions
The Museum of the Great Southern will host the Albany Then & Now exhibition, showcasing the city’s transformation over the past two centuries through rich visual displays. Another exhibition, Kalguyal: Connections to Menang Country, will explore early fishing techniques used by the Menang people. To enhance visitor experiences, an interactive app named Albany Is will launch in June, featuring local stories and histories tied to significant locations in the city.
The theatrical landscape of Albany will also come alive in 2026. A new play titled Our Place, Rain or Shine will be performed by THEATRE 180 at the Albany Entertainment Centre on September 25 and 26, focusing on the city’s identity. Additionally, a collaboration between the WA Opera, Breaksea, and Menang elders will present The Song Catchers, a unique performance intertwining music and storytelling through the journey of characters Tipu, a curious fox, and Marri, an echidna.
The celebrations will culminate in November with Carrying the Fire, a community-led event where locals and visitors will unite in a symbolic walk along a coastal trail, illuminating the path with lamps in a demonstration of community spirit.
Throughout the year, Albany will also highlight traditional sporting events, art installations, and community workshops focused on local history, including whaling and Anzac commemorations. Albany’s bicentenary not only acknowledges its past but also serves as a platform for building a unified future, blending the rich heritages of both Indigenous and settler communities.
