Adidas Community Always | The Rechabite | EPISODE 37*
Once a temperance hall devoted to sobriety, The Rechabite has transformed into one of Perth’s most magnetic cultural playgrounds. A century after its original commission by the Independent Order of Rechabites, the venue now pulses with contradiction – a multi-story maze of dance floors, dining, and immersive performance, where mischief takes center stage and community spirit still runs deep. From basement to rooftop, it champions independent artists and boundary-pushing ideas, offering a home for the bold, the curious, and the joyfully offbeat. The Rechabite isn’t just a venue – it’s a living, breathing celebration of art, identity, and the unexpected.
Can you share the origin of The Rechabite idea? What inspired it, and how do you view its significance within the Perth community today?
The Rechabite started with a bit of a spicy contradiction. The building was commissioned a century ago as the local HQ for the Independent Order of Rechabites, a global temperance movement that fought against the "evil influence of liquor." Back then, it was all about strictly sober fun and community spirit. Fast forward a century, and we’ve flipped it on its head with our multi-level palace of surprise and delight, with bars on every floor, where the drinks flow freely and the music’s loud – but community spirit is still at our core, just with a bit more mischief and mayhem.
At The Rechabite, the festival never stops. We’re a place where independent artists, playful ideas, and adventurous audiences come together. It’s unpredictable, immersive, and never boring – just how we like it.
Tell us a little bit about what The Rechabite does day to day.
Day to day, The Rechabite is a beast that never sleeps. It’s a mix of live music, club nights, theatre, drinking, dining, and a bunch of unexpected surprises. On the ground floor, Double Rainbow Eating House keeps the fire going with bold, Korean-ish, share-style dishes. Meander up the stairs (or lift!) to Hello Rooftop Bar and you'll find the perfect spot for sunset drinks and late-night DJ sets. The Rechabite Hall is at the heart of the venue, constantly switching things up with cabaret spectaculars, live music, and immersive club experiences. And if you venture to the depths, you'll discover the basement Goodwill Club that keeps the party going into the early hours of the morning.
Behind the scenes, we’re always putting together the next event, collaborating with artists, and dreaming up fresh ways to keep it interesting. There's no typical day here, and honestly, that’s what makes it fun.
What are some key events that have stood out at The Rechabite?
Where do we even start? We’ve been lucky to collaborate with some incredible promoters and festivals like Perth Festival and Fringe World (among many others!) to host a range of standout events and some of the best party crews in P-Town. Rave Relief during PRIDE is an annual bonkers, glorious mess of an event and kind of indicative of what we strive for in our reputation as a place that celebrates, and is a home and hub for, the greatest diversity of communities. In terms of truly memorable international performances, Weyes Blood created real magic – so too Kae Tempest, who had every soul occupying the multi-level balconies in the hall riveted in the palm of their hand. Flewnt's Bloc Party ft. Inkabee was emotional, without a dry eye in the house, while the energy at events like Skin on Skin, Flight Facilities, and Soju Gang was absolutely electric. So many parties crafted with so many wildly talented people! And of course, beholding Peaches crawl through a giant inflatable condom across a standing audience will go down in history – how could it not? Oh, and Nick Allbrook stage-diving after he climbed up to a balcony the last time we celebrated a HAL birthday in the venue was cool AF!
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