HoopsFest Bounce Nation Fan Zone set to ignite Perth

The National Basketball League (NBL) in partnership with The City of Perth has today announced the HoopsFest Bounce Nation Fan Zone. A free event, set to transform Forrest Place into a buzzing, four day celebration of basketball and culture this January.

Running from 15 to 18 January, the HoopsFest Bounce Nation Fan Zone will become the beating heart of HoopsFest, Australia’s biggest and best basketball festival, welcoming fans of all ages into a vibrant and fully immersive festival precinct. HoopsFest is proudly supported by the WA Government through Tourism Western Australia.

Perfectly positioned in the centre of Perth, the Bounce Nation Fan Zone will deliver an energetic mix of live entertainment, interactive activations, competitions, and player appearances featuring some of the biggest names in Australian basketball.

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A pop up half court will anchor the space, hosting open shoot arounds, skill sessions, competitions, 3x3 Hustle events, and a Special Olympics showcase. Fans will also have the chance to meet NBL and WNBL stars through signing sessions and community appearances across the jam packed schedule.

The precinct will come to life with DJs, food trucks, giveaways, merchandise, sponsor activations, and family friendly activities, creating an inclusive and welcoming festival hub for locals, visitors, families, and city workers to enjoy during Perth’s summer holidays.

The HoopsFest Bounce Nation Fan Zone is completely free and open to everyone.

WA Tourism Minister, the Hon. Reece Whitby MLA said “The excitement extends beyond the court, with basketball fans set to enjoy the return of Sneakerland, Australia’s largest sneaker culture festival alongside the HoopsFest Bounce Nation Fan Zone, which celebrates basketball culture through music, entertainment, fashion and more, in the heart of the city at Perth’s Forrest Place”.

“HoopsFest 2026 will further build on WA's reputation as a major events destination and joins a vibrant summer of events including the United Cup, the Oracle Perth Sail Grand Prix presented by KPMG also in January, and HSBC SVNS Perth and 2026 AAMI AFL Origin taking place in February.”

“HoopsFest is an example of the Cook Government’s economic diversification strategy and is expected to attract thousands of out of state visitors to Western Australia, providing a significant boost to the tourism hospitality industry and local jobs, with last year’s inaugural event generating more than $6.1 million in economic impact for the State.”

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City of Perth Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds added, “It’s an honour for Perth to once again host HoopsFest, an epic celebration of basketball that brings players and fans together from across Australia and New Zealand.”

“Our City will be right at the heart of the action, with Forrest Place to be transformed into a vibrant fan zone, perfect for a community that loves its sport. We’re excited to be part of the festivities and to cheer on our own Wildcats and Perth Lynx.”

Alex Hamilton, Chief Event and Project Officer, NBL Group said, “The Bounce Nation Fan Zone captures exactly what HoopsFest is all about, creating moments that bring people together, celebrate basketball culture and energise the whole city. Partnering with the City of Perth allows us to deliver something genuinely special for the community, and we’re excited to make Forrest Place a must visit destination throughout the festival.”

Fan Zone Dates and Operating Hours:‍

• Thursday, January 15: 12pm – 8pm
• Friday, January 16: 12pm – 8pm
• Saturday, January 17: 12pm – 8pm
• Sunday, January 18: 10am – 4pm

HoopsFest Perth 2026 will be one of the largest basketball celebrations ever held in Australia, and the Fan Zone will play a central role in uniting the community and bringing the festival to life in the heart of the city.

Tickets for HoopsFest Perth are on sale now here.