The Spring school holidays in Sydney are always huge for the arts, especially with a whole host of family festivals happening. This may be the best time of the year to get artsploring!
FESTIVAL VIBES
Check the festival websites for specific times/tickets for associated activities and events.
Sydney Fringe
ARA Darling Quarter Theatre/Entertainment Quarter/Darling Quarter
September 1 – 30
This year’s Fringe Kids lineup may be the largest in the festival’s history. Over the school holidays, there is two weeks of programming at ARA Darling Quarter Theatre, in partnership with Monkey Baa. There are also other activities throughout the festival at the additional locations. A few highlights:
- Winni Wizard
- CABOX – Cardboard crafting
- Circus and magic shows
- 101 Ways to Annoy Your Parents and Other Really Old People
- More
Spot On Children’s Festival
Riverside Theatres (Parramatta)
September 24 – October 4
Riverside Theare’s annual children’s festival never fails to offer a huge lineup of shows and activities. There is something for just about every age and taste. Some of the highlights:
- Adam Mada magic
- Shows and workshops with The Vegetable Plot, Cluster Arts, and Shake Theatre
- Possum Magic (READ OUR REVIEW HERE)
- Room on the Broom
- More
Play! Kids Festival
The Pavilion Performing Arts Centre (Sutherland)
October 4 – 7
“It’s time to play!This October school holidays The Pavilion is a playground for kids with a range of performances, workshops and concerts from some of Sydney’s best children’s performing arts companies.” Some highlights:
- The Listies present Hamlet: Prince of Skidmark
- Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo
- Meet the Sydney Youth Orchestra
- Circus and art workshops
- More
WOW Festival
Casula Powerhouse
October 5 – 7
Casula Powerhouse’s WOW Festival is one of the highlights of our artsploring year. Energetic, accessible, and kid-centric, it’s a bit of a wonderland with different adventures around every corner. There are many free activities, and the ticketed events are capped at $20. Some of the highlights of this year’s festival:
- Concerts by Peter Combes, Josh Pyke, Tiptoe Giants, and Angie Who
- Interactive theatre
- Making with Boxwars and “The Big Build”
- Art workshops, including clay, collage, magic, and kite making
- Market stalls by kid-makers
- More
ON STAGE
Alphabetical Sydney
“Inspired by Hilary Bell and Antonia Pesenti’s best-selling picture book, this immersive musical will take you on an alphabetical journey around the world’s most famous harbour city. Climb aboard the tour bus to discover their Sydney, one letter at a time!”
Location: Sydney Opera House
Dates: 20 – 26 September
Recommended age: 4+
Workshops: On September 25 and 26, Alphabetical Sydney creators Hilary Bell and Antonia Pesenti will be in the Centre for Creativity running workshops where kids aged 7 – 10 will make illustrations and zines based on the Sydney Opera House. (Ticketed, bookings required. Full information here.)
Waru – journey of the small turtle
“Join our heroine Migi as she undertakes a journey of discovery and survival. A contemporary saltwater Lagaw Kazil (Island Children) story inspired by the totemic system of the green turtle, Waru is an interactive and immersive introduction to Torres Strait Islander culture and dance for kids ages 3 and up and their families.” Bangarra Dance Theatre’s first ever work for children! READ OUR REVIEW HERE
Location: Bangarra Dance Theatre
Dates: 27 September – 14 October
Recommended age: 3+
The Princess and the Pea (and the Brave Escape)
“There is the fairytale you know and love… but what isn’t known, what no book has ever recorded, is why exactly the princess was out in the middle of a storm, in the middle of a night, at the end of an adventure. This story is that story… This stunning theatrical production comes alive with classical music performed live by ACO musicians. It’s perfect for audiences of all ages who need a reminder that they can be brave, even if they feel scared of the unknown.”
Location: Australian Chamber Orchestra (Pier 2/3)
Dates: 27 September – 7 October
Recommended age: Children aged 3 – 10 and their families. (Children under 2-years are free on a parent’s lap).
Tinkerbell and the Dream Fairies
“In an enchanting world of song and dance, the adventurous Tinkerbell meets up with the fairies from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Together, the cheeky Mustardseed, fluttery Moth, daring Cobweb and sweet Peaseblossom go on a magical quest with Tinkerbell.”
Location: Royal Botanic Garden
Dates: 23 September – 8 October
Room on the Broom and The Gruffalo
Two of Julia Donaldson’s most beloved books are live on stage in Chatswood.
Location: The Concourse
Room on the Broom
Dates: 29 September – 1 October
The Gruffalo
Dates: 2 October – 4 October
Wicked
“The Broadway sensation WICKED looks at what happened in the Land of Oz… but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin, who is smart, fiery, misunderstood and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships… until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.””
Location: Sydney Lyric Theatre
Dates: Tickets currently on sale through December 31
Recommended age: 8+
Lottery note: You can try your luck at winning a pair of $45 tickets each week in the online lottery at TodayTix.
ART GALLERIES AND MAKING
Art Gallery of NSW
These school holidays at Art Gallery of NSW, there are free drop-in and make activities and guided tours for families. And, if you haven’t visited the children’s art library, it is a must-do for kids of all ages. Find the school holidays schedule here.
Museum of Contemporary Art
“We’re inviting families to play with the possibilities of art, sound and music. Use everyday objects and recording equipment to create your very own sound-based artwork.” Free, drop-in.
Dates: 27 – 30 September, 10a.m. – 4p.m.
Sensory-friendly session: Friday 30 September, 10a.m. – 12p.m.
Paper Planet
” For September School Holiday fun, venture into a world of gigantic cardboard trees and endless possibilities. Run wild as you help create this ever-growing installation, using only paper, sticky tape and your imagination!”
Location: Sydney Opera House’s Centre for Creativity
Dates: 23 September – 7 October
Recommended age: 3+
LIBRARY LOVERS
Be sure to check the lineup at your local library. Many offer school holidays activities based on reading, making, and creativity. And, they are usually free!
Happy artsploring these school holidays, Sydney!
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