Your Week: Awesome Arts, Perth International Burlesque Festival, Plein Air and more this week in Perth

Perth Royal Show Today to September 28, 10am-9pm, Claremont Showground, ClaremontYou know spring is in the air when the Perth Royal Show gets cranking. With more than 400 entertainers, 300 performances, and more than 101 free things to see and do, it’s little wonder the show continues to be a school holiday highlight. From impressive farm animals (we always love seeing the chickens) to thrilling rides, competitions and awesome exhibitions and, of course, show bags, the show offers a day out that is excellent value for money. Tickets $12.50 to $22, entry for kids aged 15 and under is free, from perthroyalshow.com.au. Yates’ Springtime at Araluen Tulip Festival Today to October 6, Croyden Road, Roleystone Spring is in full bloom at Araluen, where you can enjoy a lush 59ha of pristine bushland. Wander through a sea of tulips, grab a bite at the recently relaunched Chalet Healy, or hop on the park train. Visit today for the Kids Get Potted activity from 10.30am-12.30pm (bookings required), perfect for little green thumbs. There is live music and a range of school holiday activities on offer this week, including pot decorating workshops for families, mermaid hair, and face painting with Freedom Fairies. Tickets $15-$25 on weekdays, $22-$35 on weekends. Tickets to Kids Get Potted are $55, and include park entry. Tickets and more info at bit.ly/tulips24. Plein Air Down Under Outdoor Painting Festival Today to Monday, 10am, various locations around Mandurah and Pinjarra Celebrate the joy of painting in the great outdoors, or just watch artists at work at this local interpretation of the international Plein Air movement. More than 200 artists are expected to attend, capturing the beauty of WA’s landscapes. With more than $12,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs, artists of all skill levels are invited to join, from first-timers to seasoned pros. Award-winning artists Lori Putnam from the US, Australian Leon Holmes, and Tony Robinson from the UK will all be in attendance. In addition to creating art, there will be workshops, exhibitions, awards, artist talks, and more. Free. More more info visit pleinairdownunder.com. Awesome Arts Festival Tuesday to September 28, Various locations around Perth Cultural Centre and Yagan SquareCalling all kids (and fun-loving grown-ups). The AWESOME Festival is back, and is it too obvious to say it’s . . . awesome? Visitors can check out Woody’s Bush Cabaret, The Lollipop Ladies, circus skills workshops, ballet performances and storytelling sessions. Go shopping at the kids’ market, try your hand at some creative activities, and watch short films made by local school kids. There is a great variety of ticketed and free events, including free ballet shows by WAAPA students. For more information and tickets, visit awesomearts.com. Markets @ The Quay for Telethon Tuesday, 3pm to 8pm, Elizabeth QuayShop till you drop at cute craft stalls, munch on treats from food trucks, and enjoy live music under the stars. Kids can meet the one and only Fat Cat (from 5pm-6pm), get their faces painted, or ride the EQ Express — all while supporting a great cause. Plus, there’s a silent art auction and loads of entertainment. All funds raised go to Telethon. Free entry. Donations welcome for some activities. William Crighton with Melody Pool Thursday, 8pm, Mojos, North FremantleBlues and roots muso William Crighton hits town, fresh off the back of an ARIA win, a worldwide tour with Midnight Oil and The Dead South, his first Glastonbury performance and the release of his third album, Water And Dust. Crighton’s songs blend traditional sounds and creative experimentation and bring stories to life, from Aussie history to surreal conversations with ants. Joining him is the talented Melody Pool. Tickets, $35 from Moshtix. Perth International Burlesque Festival Friday to October 12 in Perth, then October 19 in Geraldton and November 9 in Albany, various locations. Hold on to your garters, a fabulous feast of burlesque, cabaret, and variety is hitting town. Hosted by the sensational drag queen BeBe Gunn, the festival features top-tier acts, including the Queen of Burlesque Samson Night and Princess of Burlesque Margo Mayhem, both from the US. The festival kicks off on Friday with Peep Show, a Charity Student Showcase at The Tease Factory, but the main events are happening across the weekend of October 11-12, including the major gala show at the State Theatre. For tickets and more info, visit perthburlesquefestival.com