The WA Day Festival is coming to Carnarvon on Friday 9 October from 3pm to 7pm, bringing an afternoon of free live entertainment, culture, family fun and community celebration to Gwoonwardu Mia Cultural Centre.

From live music and cultural performances to dinosaurs, reptiles, a silent disco and a spectacular community-led fire sculpture, plus plenty for younger Festival-goers, with live kids’ stage shows, a special Timmy Turtle book reading, face painting and hands-on activities all afternoon, there’s plenty happening.

Here are 10 things you won’t want to miss.

1. Live music from Lilly Gogos and Raymond Edney

Settle in for an afternoon of live music, including performances from award-winning singer-songwriter Lilly Gogos and Raymond Edney as part of the Festival’s Sundowner program.

Blending her love of gospel, soul, country and blues, Lilly is known for her powerful, emotive performances and has toured extensively across remote and regional Australia. She recently completed a music residency at the ANU School of Music, where she created her new song, If I Could.

She’ll take the WA Day Festival stage alongside Raymond Edney, with more live music and cultural performances happening throughout the afternoon.

2. See the community-led fire sculpture

A spectacular fire sculpture display created by the community will serve as a powerful and collective artistic expression. Community members have come together to make the installation so they can tell interconnected stories that have shaped the Gascoyne region over time.

3. Get creative at the WA Day cookie station

Get hands-on at the interactive WA Day cookie station – a sweet addition to the afternoon and one of plenty of activities designed to keep little Festival-goers entertained.

4. Meet the reptiles from Red Dirt Reptile Encounters

Get up close with some of Australia’s fascinating reptiles with Red Dirt Reptile Encounters.

Featuring snakes, frogs, lizards and more, the interactive experience gives kids and adults the chance to meet the animals while learning more about their behaviour and the environments they call home.

5. Hit the dance floor at Kidchella

Grab a pair of headphones and get ready to dance at the Kidchella Silent Disco.

Kids can choose their tunes and hit the dance floor, making it a fun and colourful addition to an afternoon packed with free entertainment.

6. Experience the culture of the Gascoyne

Local culture and storytelling take centre stage with performances and presentations from Pundara Dancers, the Kuwinywardu Boys and Creality – Living Histories, sharing stories and connections that help shape the Gascoyne region.

7. Come face-to-face with a dinosaur There’ll be some prehistoric visitors roaming Gwoonwardu Mia, with a roving dinosaur and baby dinosaur puppet joining the Festival. Keep an eye out as they make their way through the event – you never know where they might appear next.

8. Eat local

Come hungry, because local food vendors will be serving up plenty to enjoy throughout the afternoon.

9. Connect with the Carnarvon community

The event is a great opportunity to see and meet new local community members, groups and organisations. If you’re new to the area or a little curious, you’ll get the opportunity to converse with new and old faces and dive deeper into the uniqueness of the region.

10. Explore Gwoonwardu Mia

While you’re there, take the opportunity to explore Gwoonwardu Mia Cultural Centre and discover more about the rich and diverse culture, history and stories of the Gascoyne.

It’s a fitting home for an event that brings people together to celebrate the people, stories and experiences that make Western Australia what it is.

The Carnarvon WA Day Festival takes over Gwoonwardu Mia Cultural Centre on Friday 9 October from 3pm to 7pm. With live music, cultural performances, kids’ entertainment, interactive activities, local food and plenty more to discover, it’s an afternoon made for the Carnarvon community. Best of all, entry is completely free.