Are you as curious as we are about the first-ever World Fringe Festival to hit Perth? Kicking off on Australia Day, the festival has invited over 800 local and international artists to perform in the festival’s 150 comedy, cabaret, theatre, fashion and musical events.

We’re especially excited about the Laneway Night Markets, happening this weekend. Over 45 stallholders will be setting up shop in Hook and Lock Lanes in Northbridge, in a weekend devoted to celebrating the kick-off of the festival, Chinese New Year and WA’s amazing local talent.

For the fashionistas, you’ll find stall upon stall selling one-of-a-kind clothing and accessories. Buy a hat from All The Pretty Ones Are, laser-cut jewellery from White Square, or an outfit from Freo-based label Wild.Horses. Or if op shopping is more your flavour, there are heaps of stalls selling vintage threads.

Then there are stalls selling art and home wares, which are sure to remind you of that gift you were meant to buy. Choose from screen prints, stationery, photographs, paintings, toys, flowers and stencil art.

If you’re interested in getting a bite to eat, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Grab some spicy tacos from La Cucaracha or a steaming plate of paella from Ole Paella. Finish it off with a visit to Jean Pierre Sancho, voted best bakery in Australia, for one of their unbelievably delicious macaroons. Or, if the heat is getting to you, pay a visit Delish Ice for a hand-made popsicle made from the season’s freshest produce.

Once you’re finished exploring, sit back and enjoy the free entertainment. Saturday night will see a performance by The Lost Circus – a three-person troupe whose act seeks to remind us of the circus’s long forgotten attractions. On Sunday night, shoppers will be treated to a live performance by the five-piece band Swingset.

Where: Hook and Lock Lanes, Northbridge
Hours: Sat 28 Jan, 5-10pm, Sun 29 Jan, 3-8pm
Details: www.onwilliam.com.au