Havana Brown, Thelma Plum and Gisella Colletti will headline the 2026 Channel 7 Mandurah Crab Fest in Mandurah, Western Australia, as the beloved free regional celebration returns to the calendar. The announcement confirms a notable mix of pop, blues and contemporary performances set against Mandurah’s coastal backdrop, with organizers emphasising a family-friendly program and a strong regional flavour that celebrates the city’s lifestyle.
Mandurah’s Crab Fest has long been a highlight on the WA events calendar, drawing visitors from across the region to enjoy seafood stalls, local musicians and a program aimed at all ages. While the festival’s core appeal remains its seafood focus, the organisers consistently expand the music line-up to offer broader entertainment across stages, food precincts and family zones. For 2026, the festival appears to be leaning into a mix of recognisable Australian acts and home-grown talent, with past iterations underscoring the event’s role as a showcase for the region’s cultural life as well as its culinary strengths.
As with previous years, the Crab Fest is expected to blanket a substantial portion of Mandurah’s waterfront precinct, turning the city into a hub of activity over the festival period. The involvement of Channel 7 as a sponsor underscores the event’s status in the WA community, helping to coordinate broadcasts, promotions and community initiatives that accompany the live performances. Attendees can anticipate a program that balances headline sets with community acts, street food traders and family-focused activations designed to keep visitors entertained from morning to evening.
Organisers have signalled that additional acts and the exact schedule are still being finalised, with the full lineup and performance times likely to be announced closer to the festival dates. Local businesses, tourism operators and regional volunteers are expected to again play a key role in running the event, contributing to Mandurah’s economy and showcasing the region’s hospitality. While the precise dates remain to be confirmed, anticipation for a major regional event that brings a high-energy music component to a free, accessible celebration is already building among residents and visitors alike.
Fans of Havana Brown are likely to recall her high-energy performances, while Thelma Plum’s repertoire has drawn praise for storytelling and stage presence. Gisella Colletti, known for Australian Idol visibility, adds a contemporary pop element that complements the broader music mix on offer. The combination signals a festival weekend that aims to appeal to diverse tastes while keeping the crab festival’s seafood-centric identity intact. With the event footprint and schedule not yet finalised, those planning a WA getaway in early to mid-year should stay tuned for official updates and a detailed program as details are released.
What we know
- The event is the Channel 7 Mandurah Crab Fest, a free regional celebration in Mandurah, WA.
- Headlining acts include Havana Brown, Thelma Plum and Gisella Colletti.
- The festival combines live music with seafood stalls, family activities and community programming.
- Channel 7 is a sponsor, supporting promotions and broadcasts related to the event.
- Mandurah remains the focal location, with the waterfront area typically hosting the bulk of activities.
- Exact dates and a full schedule are yet to be officially announced.
The broader aim of the festival remains to celebrate Mandurah’s regional lifestyle while providing a zero-cost entry point for families and visitors to enjoy music, food and culture in a coastal setting. Organisers frequently stress accessibility and community engagement, ensuring the celebration is welcoming to locals as well as visitors from across WA.
What we don’t know
- The precise dates of the 2026 festival and the official timetable for performances.
- The full lineup beyond the three headline acts and whether additional Australian acts will be added.
- Details on stage locations, capacity, and crowd management plans for the waterfront precinct.
- Any changes to the festival format or new activations planned for the year.
- Ticketing nuances for optional experiences or upgrades, if applicable, given the event is advertised as free for general attendance.
As the event dates approach, expectations will build around a return of Mandurah’s Crab Fest to its status as a premier regional attraction. Local authorities and festival organisers will likely release a comprehensive schedule, maps and safety information to help attendees plan their visit. For now, fans are encouraged to monitor official festival channels for updates and to prepare for a weekend that blends coastal views, live music and Mandurah’s famous seafood offerings.
In the meantime, residents and regional travellers can start mapping out a visit that aligns with the festival’s family-friendly ethos, ensuring they experience Mandurah’s hospitality while enjoying this year’s musical lineup.
