The forecast of strong winds and heavy rain this weekend have forced organisers to cancel this weekend’s The Spring Social event in the CBD.
Stirling Terrace was set to be transformed into a vibrant pedestrian hub fitted out with food and wine markets, live music, entertainment and alfresco dining as part of The Spring Social.
Running across Saturday and Sunday from 5-9pm, the free event was part of the Albany 2026 calendar and marks the opening of the warmer months.
However the long weekend weather had other ideas, the City of Albany on Friday cancelling plans due to the forecast of strong winds making it unsafe to install and operate event infrastructure, with the decision made to ensure the safety of community, event staff, suppliers and performers.
Albany 2026 Coordinator Adam Gregory said the decision was made after careful consideration.
“We are disappointed that we won’t be able to present The Spring Social this weekend, particularly after the work that has gone into bringing the event together,” Mr Gregory said.
“However, the safety of our community, staff, suppliers and performers has to come first as the forecast winds mean it is not safe to install and operate the temporary event infrastructure.
“We know the community was looking forward to getting out and enjoying the weekend, but there are still plenty of great things happening across Albany, including Numen at Albany Town Hall and Our Place: Rain or Shine at Albany Entertainment Centre on Saturday.
“With the AFL grand final also taking place, we encourage people to get out, enjoy the atmosphere, grab a meal or drink at a local hospitality venue and support our CBD businesses.”
Traffic was to be cut off from the iconic drag, with roaming performers, and trading hours of hospitality businesses Dylan’s On The Terrace, Wilson Brewing Company, Six Degrees, Gourmandise & Co and Kate’s Place extended to create a bustling street party.
One of the flagship items on the agenda was the showcase of local vino, presented by Great Southern Wines.
Welcomed by a striking floral installation put together by Flourish Eclectic — complete with a couch make of grass as the perfect photo backdrop — the dedicated wine market was going to feature the products of 10 wineries across the Mt Barker, Denmark, Porongurups, Frankland River and Albany sub-regions.
“It’s just a really exciting opportunity to be part of the street festival, and I think it’s great that the council’s opened up the the area for people to come down with their families and enjoy it all,” Great Southern Wines executive officer Mark Forrest said.
“People will get chance to see wines from the different regions, even if they’re locals.
“It’s just nice to see what’s out there, and the the wineries all love being here to show what they have.”
For those keen to dabble in more than just a sampling sip of local products, a one-hour wine-tasting masterclass was on offer.
Hosted by the owners and winemakers of Alkoomi, Galafrey Wines, Ferngrove, and Duke’s Vineyard, the workshop was set to teach participants a little bit about the process behind each vintage and how to detect individual flavours each bottle is made of.
Market stalls hosting anything from preserved seaweed art and locally made jewellery to honey and sugar biscuits, were to be open for perusal, while local act RnB Soul Train were scheduled for three 45-minute sets per night.
Younger visitors were catered for by two children’s zones boasting chalk drawing, bubbles, face painting, glitter tattoos, fire pits and free marshmallows.
Prior to the cancellation, Albany mayor Greg Stocks said the event would highlight the distinctive character of Stirling Terrace, first developed in the 1830s and hosting some of Albany’s best Victorian and Federation-period buildings.
“Stirling Terrace has been at the heart of Albany for generations, and every building, laneway and corner has a story to tell,” he said.
“The Spring Social is an opportunity to bring those stories to life, encouraging people to explore the terrace, experience its unique character and celebrate the history that has shaped it.
“We have seen through Lighting the Sound just how much potential there is in Stirling Terrace when we create space for people to come together, explore the street and support our local businesses.
“Whether people choose to settle in for dinner, sample local wines, browse the market stalls or simply enjoy an evening stroll, the Spring Social is an invitation to experience one of Albany’s most beautiful streets in a completely different way.”
While the event will not proceed, the community can still enjoy free glitter tattoos at the Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre on Saturday 10am to 2pm and Sunday noon to 2pm.
Stirling Terrace will remain open to traffic throughout the weekend.
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