The program features contemporary and classical music, dance, theatre, performance, literature and ideas, visual arts, large-scale public works.

Alexander's aim was "to offer the best cultural events that are available from British, European, American, Asian and Australian sources".

[4] The drama students would create outdoor productions starting in 1953 and continuing to 1969 directed by Jeana Bradley.

[5] In 1964, the Shakespeare's 400th anniversary, the New Fortune Theatre opened in the Arts Building with a production of Hamlet directed by Jeanna Bradley.

With new artistic director Lindy Hume and a new four-year strategic plan, there was a significant shift in direction for the festival: towards increased community involvement, and developing stronger partnerships with local arts organisations and regional centres.

[15] Keynote speakers and featured authors since then have included notable writers from Australia and overseas, such as Germaine Greer, Hilary Mantel,[16][17] Ahdaf Soueif (2013 opener),[18] Ben Okri, Esi Edugyan and Chloe Hooper.

It took place not only at the University Club of Western Australia, but also in public libraries, in bars and on the streets of the city.

[24][25] Films formed part of the Perth Festival's offerings since its inception in January 1953, being shown at the Somerville Auditorium at UWA.

Audiences rose from 21,000 in 1977 to 65,000 in 1985, but the festival was no longer bringing new films into the country, leaving that to Sydney and Melbourne.

[39] The festival was held from 10 February to 4 March, and was the first year led by new artistic director, Jonathan Holloway.

[44] This year also featured sold-out event, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, who played at the Chevron City Gardens.

[45] The festival had an outdoor concert series that featured an elaborate venue that transformed a common area of the city into a water themed futuristic type atmosphere.

The festival spanned 26 days and headlined by acts such as the Black Eyed Peas and Proton, both of which sold out the venue.