The Best Things to Do in Sydney This Weekend

Looking for the best things to do in Sydney this weekend? The city is buzzing with festive fun, family outings and big-ticket events.

The magical Lightfields installation has arrived, transforming The Vineyard into a glowy wonderland. More winter magic is happening at Winterfest, and snowy adventures are on the cards at the top flake-finding locations. There's a new rally-inspired go-karting track to check out, a blood-sucking exhibition (yes, really!), a mega Harry Potter toy sale, and FREE FIFA World Cup live sites to cheer on the Socceroos with the kids!

Have a good one, folks! 

All events featured in this guide are run by independent organisers, with details sourced from their official websites at the time of publishing. We do our best to keep everything up to date, but cancellations can occur. It's always a good idea to double-check the latest information on the official event pages before heading out.

What's On in Sydney This Weekend

Things to do All Weekend

Things to do on Saturday

Things to do on Sunday

FREE & Cheap This Weekend in Sydney
 

Things to do All Weekend in Sydney

1. See Bluey's Big Play at Sydney Opera House

It's the moment you've been waiting for — Bluey is making his return to the stage in Bluey's Big Play The Stage Show at Sydney Opera House!

Based on an original story written by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, Bluey's Big Play The Stage Show promises to be a delightful theatrical experience for children and their grown-ups. Audiences of all ages will see Bluey, Bingo, Bandit, and Chilli as they've never seen them before, as the Heeler family embark on this unique live show that is playful, touching, and, as always, just a little bit cheeky, featuring brilliantly crafted puppets and iconic sets. 

Where:  Sydney Opera House
When:   10-21 June 2026
Cost:     Tickets from $54.90*

*$8.95 booking fee applies per transaction

2. Step Into Lightfields at The Vineyard

Lightfields at The Vineyard is giving Sydney’s north-west a glow-up this weekend, with a walk-through winter lantern trail lighting up the grounds after dark.

Wander past giant glowing sculptures, illuminated characters and playful surprises around the trail, then settle in for dinner, drinks or a cosy family night out at The Vineyard. It's pram-friendly, family-friendly and best seen once the sun goes down, with tickets required and advance bookings recommended.

Where:   The Vineyard, 725 Windsor Road, Vineyard
When:    Until 30 August 2026. Weeknights 5 pm - 10 pm, weekends 4 pm - 11 pm.
Cost:      General Admission (16+) $10, Kids (3-15 yrs) $5, Infants (0-2 yrs) FREE.

3. CHIFF Sydney: The Children's International Film Festival is Back!

Young film lovers, the wait is over! The Children's International Film Festival (CHIFF) is back this weekend in Sydney, bringing the magic of cinema straight to your little ones.

Whether you have a curious toddler or a film-obsessed tweenager, CHIFF has something special in store. Created for kids aged 3 to 12, this beloved festival serves up a hand-selected mix of international and homegrown feature films and shorts on the big screen. And this year's program is the most exciting yet with 30 incredible children's films drawn from every corner of the globe.

Spanning beloved animated features to must-see new releases, the lineup goes well beyond the ordinary. Many of these gems have only ever screened at prestigious international festivals, making CHIFF the rare opportunity to see them right here in Australia.

Where:  Ritz Cinemas, 45 St Pauls St, Randwick
When:   Saturday 6 June to Friday 10 July 2026
Cost:     Single Admission $17 for adults, children, seniors, and concession admission
              Family Pass $57 (2 adults and 2 children, or 1 adult and 3 children)

4. Visit Winterfest at Mounties

Western Sydney is getting a big winter weekend treat as Winterfest takes over Mounties with free family fun, fiery food and plenty to keep little festival-goers busy.

Bossman Experiences is bringing the flavour with more than 25 food trucks and street eats, so arrive hungry and ready to graze. There'll also be a free marshmallow fire pit, adding a sweet little winter moment to the day. On Sunday 21 June from 12 pm to 4 pm, kids can enjoy free face painting, crafts and activities, while live entertainment keeps the atmosphere buzzing throughout the afternoon.

Where:  Mounties Mt Pritchard, 254 Humphries Rd, Mount Pritchard
When:   19-21 June 2026
Cost:     General admission is FREE

5. Bloodsuckers: Nature's Vampires at Australian Museum

For kids who can't get enough of the weird, the wriggly, and the wonderfully disgusting, the Australian Museum's newest exhibition might just be their dream come true.

Bloodsuckers: Nature's Vampires has arrived in Sydney, and it's as captivating as it is creepy. Rather than leaning into old folklore, the exhibition dives deep into the real science behind some of nature's most notorious creatures, including leeches, mosquitoes, vampire bats, and plenty more. Fair warning: once your child discovers that leeches can go an entire year between meals, expect that fact to make a regular appearance at the dinner table.

Far from a passive walk-past-the-display-cases experience, Bloodsuckers is built for curious families who want to get hands-on. Kids can step into a mosquito swarm simulator, peer through microscopes, and get up close with tactile models, while also learning about the surprisingly important role these creatures play in modern medicine.

Where:  Australian Museum, 1 William Street, Sydney
When:   Open daily until 11 October 2026
Cost:     $28 for adults; $18 for kids (4-15 years); $78 for a family of 4; under 3s go FREE 

6. Step Into Digipark: Sydney's Next-Level Immersive Entertainment Experience

The future of family fun has arrived in the heart of the city, and it's unlike anything Sydney has seen before!

Digipark is now open at Westfield Sydney, bringing together the very best in immersive technology for an experience that'll leave kids and adults completely wide-eyed. From virtual reality worlds to 9D cinemas and hands-on interactive spaces, every corner of Digipark is designed to blur the line between imagination and reality. The highlight? Space & Time Cube, a jaw-dropping holographic journey that has to be seen to be believed.

Where:    Westfield Sydney, Level 5, Cnr Pitt St Mall & Market St
When:     Open daily from 10 am to 10 pm
Cost:       From $39 per person

7. Put Pedal to the Metal at PowerPlay

Got kids who like their weekend plans with a side of speed? PowerPlay Northmead is Australia's only rally-inspired indoor karting venue, bringing electric go-karts, drifting corners and a seriously fun two-level track to Western Sydney.

Designed by rally pros and built for both first-timers and mini revheads, it's a high-energy indoor activity for families keen to swap the usual weekend routine for a few fast laps, friendly competition and plenty of bragging rights.

Location: Unit 3/1B Redbank Rd, Northmead

8. BIG W's Toy Sale Casts a Spell With a Magical Harry Potter Range

Calling all Harry Potter fans, stock the toy cupboard this weekend in Sydney with BIG W's magical Toy Sale that's loaded with epic Harry Potter finds. 

With spellbinding LEGO^® sets, Monopoly with an enchanting twist and Hogwarts student-inspired costumes for young witches and wizards alike, BIG W is bringing the world of Harry Potter home with these toy sale highlights. 

Where:  BIG W online and at select stores
When:   Tuesday 9 June to Wednesday 8 July 2026

9. Journey to the Sistine Chapel Right Here in Sydney

If you've ever stood in the actual Sistine Chapel, craning your neck at the ceiling and wishing you could get closer, this is your chance.

Developed with the express permission of the Vatican Museums, the world-first immersive Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition brings Michelangelo's masterpiece to life through cutting-edge projection technology and ultra-high-resolution imagery sourced directly from the Vatican archives — and it's right here at St Mary's Cathedral Forecourt! An introductory gallery walks you through the history and architecture of the Chapel before the centrepiece immerses you in a monumental recreation of the interior, revealing brushstroke details rarely visible to the naked eye.

Allow around 60 minutes, and book ahead — tickets are timed-entry.

Where:  St Mary's Cathedral Forecourt
When:   16 May to 19 July 2026
Cost:     $50 per adult; $35 per teen (13-17 years); $15 per child (5-12 years); $120 for Family Passes (2 adults and 2 children, plus $10 per extra child)
Duration:  Approximately 60 minutes

10. See Tony Albert: Not a Souvenir at Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

Tony Albert is taking over the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia with a bold new exhibition that invites visitors to look closer at the stories Australia tells about identity, culture, history and belonging.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbour, Tony Albert: Not a Souvenir brings together an impressive collection of works spanning photography, sculpture, painting, installation and assemblage, alongside powerful new pieces created for the exhibition. Thought-provoking, visually striking and packed with conversation starters, it's an inspiring outing for families with older kids and teens ready to experience art that challenges perspectives and sparks curiosity.

Where:  Galleries: Level 3, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, 
               140 George Street, The Rocks
When:    21 May – 19 October 2026
Cost:      Adults: $35 + booking fee
               Concession: $28 + booking fee
               Tertiary: $20 + booking fee
               Children under 18 and MCA Members: Free

11. Ogle at This Year's Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes

The Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes 2026 are giving families a colourful culture fix at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, with famous portraits, striking landscapes, sculptures and contemporary artworks all under one roof.

Kids under 12 can visit for free, and creative little gallery-goers can also check out the Young Archie exhibition, featuring artworks by young artists aged 5 to 18.

This is one of our favourite things to do in Sydney this weekend for families who want an outing that feels inspiring, indoors and a little bit special.

Where:  Art Gallery of New South Wales, Art Gallery Road, The Domain, Sydney
When:   9 May to 16 August 2026
Cost:     $30 per adult; $10 for 12 - 17 years; $70 for a family
              Free for children under 12

12. Cast Spells at Harry Potter™ The Exhibition

Potterheads, this one's been a long time coming! The most extensive touring Harry Potter exhibition ever created has finally landed in Sydney, and it's every bit as magical as you'd hope.

Choose your Hogwarts house, wand and Patronus to begin a personalised journey through the wizarding world, then squeeze into the Cupboard Under the Stairs, brew potions, cast spells, pot a mandrake, and practise your Quidditch skills. There's even a first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone encased in a Gringotts-inspired vault. This is one Sydney event you don't want to miss!

Curious about what's inside? We apparated to the new exhibition and have all the info you need to know before you go! Read our ellaslist review. 

Where:   Fever Pavilion at Sydney Showground
When:    From 14 May 2026
Cost:      Tickets from $33 per adult and from $20 per child

13. Step Into Titanic: A Voyage Through Time VR Experience

A weekend activity for the older kids, Titanic: A Voyage Through Time is setting sail in Sydney with an immersive VR adventure that drops families right into the story of the world's most famous ship.

This interactive experience takes visitors from the eerie wreck site resting on the ocean floor back to the grandeur of 1912, where the Titanic was the height of luxury and ambition. Families can explore lavish rooms, walk the iconic Grand Staircase and uncover the personal stories of passengers and crew as the ship's unforgettable journey unfolds around them.

Blending history, technology and cinematic storytelling, Titanic: A Voyage Through Time is a fascinating experience for curious kids, tweens and teens who love stepping inside real-life stories and seeing history in a whole new way.

Where:  Fever Pavilion, Sydney Olympic Park
When:   Until 30 August 2026
Cost:     $49.50 per adult; $40.50 for kids (10-17 years)

14. See Amazing Acrobatic Acts at Stardust Circus

Stardust Circus is loaded with big-top energy, flying trapeze thrills and just enough gasp-worthy stunts to make even parents suddenly very aware of gravity.

This classic Aussie circus brings the whole family under the red-and-yellow big top for a two-hour show packed with high-wire acts, aerial performers, magic, clowns, the Wheel of Death, and animal acts, including dogs, pigs, and goats.

Families can catch the circus at Penrith until 24 May, Castle Hill from 29 May to 21 June, and Rosehill from 26 June to 26 July, with a mix of evening and family-friendly daytime sessions. 

Where & When:
Castle Hill Showgrounds - 29 May to 21 June 2026
Showgrounds Rd

Rosehill Racecourse Carpark - 26 June to 26 July 2026
Cnr James Ruse Drive and Grand Ave

Cost:  Tickets start at $30 per child and $40 per adult

Things to do on Saturday in Sydney

15. Watch the FIFA World Cup Live in Sydney

World Cup fever has hit Sydney, and this time the kids can get in on the action, too. Free live sites across the city will bring the FIFA World Cup 2026 to giant screens, with families able to grab a spot on the grass, pick up something tasty from a food truck, and cheer on the Socceroos with a crowd.

Australia's group stage includes USA vs Australia at 5 am on Saturday, 20 June, and Paraguay vs Australia at 12 pm on Friday, 26 June. Check out our list of the best spots to watch the FIFA World Cup live in Sydney — go the Socceroos!

16. Play at the Brand-New Somerville Park

There's a brand-new playground to check out this weekend in Sydney at Somerville Park!

Eastwood's Somerville Park has had a schmick makeover, which includes a new playground, new multipurpose courts, upgraded sports fields, outdoor fitness stations, and more. 

Location:  675 Blaxland Rd, Eastwood

17. Shop For Epic Aldi Special Buys

The middle aisle is calling your name this Saturday in Sydney! 

We love a good Aldi middle aisle browse, and Saturday holds the holy grail of Aldi bargains. What's on sale this Saturday? Saturday's Special Buys are back and geared towards saving big on kitchen appliances and white goods — grab a roomy 9L Air Fryer for under $100!

As always, stock is limited and moves fast, so get in early to avoid missing out. Check out our rundown of what's in the middle aisle this week at Aldi.

18. Go on a Snowy Adventure

June has arrived, which means the snow season in NSW has officially started!

While it might be a little too early to see snow close to Sydney in areas such as the Blue Mountains, further afield at Corin Forest (around 3.5-4 hours away), you'll definitely get to experience a decent dusting with the family this long weekend. Definitely worth the road trip!

Check out more spots to see snow near Sydney this season.

19. Enjoy Some Winter Fruit Picking

Now that it's officially winter, there's no better time to grab the whole family and go on a winter fruit-picking adventure!

Farms such as TNT Produce, Ford's Farm and Watkins Family Farm are open on the long weekend, so grab your baskets and get ready for a big haul of fresh winter fruit.

Check out our full list of the top farms for winter fruit picking in Sydney and NSW. 

20. Shop Up a Storm at EQ Markets

If you can't get enough of market shopping in Sydney, EQ's Market Canopy comes alive with a colourful mix of stalls, scents and sounds that make it very hard to just pop in for one thing! Locals know the drill: arrive hungry, leave with a tote bag full of goodies you didn't plan on buying (but absolutely needed).

EQ Markets is where you'll find everything from farm-fresh fruit and veg to crusty artisan breads, small-batch cheeses and street food worth lining up for. Whether you're grabbing ingredients for dinner or treating yourself to something delicious on the spot, there's plenty to tempt even the pickiest eaters.

Beyond the food, EQ Markets are packed with stalls selling boutique fashion, handmade jewellery, homewares and gifts you won't spot in your usual shopping centres. There's always something happening, from live music to street performers bringing extra energy to the space. 

Where:  Entertainment Quarter, 122 Lang Road, Moore Park (under The Market Canopy)
When:   Every Wednesday and Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm
Cost:     FREE

Things to do on Sunday in Sydney

21. Hit the Road on a Classic Sunday Drive

Pack the snacks, load the playlist, and prepare for at least one "are we there yet?" before you've left the driveway — a 2-hour Sunday drive from Sydney is a very wholesome way to rescue the weekend.

Our ellaslist round-up covers easy family escapes under around two hours from the city, from riverside picnics and pram-friendly boardwalks at Bobbin Head to doughnut stops in Berry, apple-country adventures in Bilpin, rainforest wandering at Minnamurra, coastal fun on the Central Coast, action-packed pit stops in Penrith, country cafes in Bowral and classic Blue Mountains views.

Whether your crew is chasing bushwalks, bakeries, beaches, playgrounds, animal encounters or just somewhere scenic to eat hot chips in the car, it's the kind of low-effort family adventure that makes Sunday feel like a mini holiday.

Check out our list of the top 10 Sunday drives less than 2 hours from Sydney.

22. Stroll Through The Rocks Markets

How about a little market shopping to brighten your Saturday or Sunday in Sydney? The Rocks Markets are on every Saturday and Sunday and have some of the best stalls in Sydney with killer views to boot.

At The Rocks Markets, you'll discover the finest in food, art, design, music, and wellness, all brought together for great weekend fun. Enjoy free yoga classes, mingle with traders, check out demonstrations, and shop for unique artwork and jewellery. And of course, don't miss out on the delicious market bites!

Where:  The Rocks, Sydney
When:   Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm
Cost:     FREE

FREE & Cheap This Weekend in Sydney

23. Free Bunnings Kids' Activities

Did you know that your local Bunnings holds the key to a fun and stress-free morning out with the kids? Every weekend, your local store runs free Bunnings kids' activities and events. These DIY workshops and activities are genuinely one of Sydney's best-kept weekend secrets for families.

Kids get hands-on with real projects, learn practical skills, and best of all, take home something they made themselves. So if you're looking for something free and fun for the kids to do this weekend in Sydney, look no further!

Where:  All Sydney Bunnings stores — Find your local
When:   Every Saturday and Sunday (times change per store)
Cost:     FREE, bookings recommended

24. Watch Badu Gili at the Sydney Opera House

For a beautiful free Sydney moment this weekend, head to the Opera House for Badu Gili: Healing Spirit.

The six-minute projection lights up the eastern Bennelong sails with vivid animation and First Nations storytelling, weaving together works by local and international First Nations artists. Grab a spot on the Monumental Steps after dark and make it an easy harbour-side stop before or after dinner.

Where:    Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney
When:     Nightly at 5.40 pm, 6 pm, 6 pm, 7 pm, and 7.30 pm
Cost:       FREE 

25. Go Deep Under Water at Ultimate Depth

Ultimate Depth at the Australian National Maritime Museum is taking families on a deep-sea adventure without the need for wetsuits, submarines or anyone saying "are we there yet?" 

This immersive temporary exhibition dives from the ocean's bright, sunlit surface to the deepest, darkest parts of the sea, exploring five incredible ocean zones and the weird, wonderful creatures that call them home.

Kids can make their own deep-sea creature and release it into the Midnight Zone, learn how ocean life survives under crushing pressure, and come face-to-face with James Cameron's famous DEEPSEA CHALLENGER submersible, which travelled to the Mariana Trench in 2012.

Where:  Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour
When:   Now on
Cost:     FREE entry

26. Explore Alchemy of a Rainforest

Ready to be whisked away into the heart of a rainforest? The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is inviting families to step into an enchanted world with their immersive exhibition, Alchemy of a Rainforest.

For just $1, this magical experience will transport you to a lush, green paradise without leaving the city. You'll be greeted by towering walk-through sculptures and a glittering, undulating canopy, all reimagined with recycled materials by the talented crew at ERTH. The canopy shimmers overhead, inviting you to look up and let your imagination soar.

Where:  The Calyx at Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney
When:   Open daily from 10 am to 4 pm; see the website for closures.
Cost:     Entry by gold coin donation

27. Explore The Curious World of Pamela Allen at the State Library of NSW

Step straight into storytime at The Curious World of Pamela Allen, a delightful exhibition bringing her much-loved books to life for the very first time in Australia.

Now open at the State Library of New South Wales, this immersive experience invites families to wander through the playful worlds behind classics like Mr Archimedes' Bath, Alexander's Outing and Who Sank the Boat?

Little readers can slide beneath Mr McGee's tree, interact with oversized storybook pages, splash alongside familiar animal characters and dress up as their favourites, all while discovering cosy corners made for quiet reading. Equal parts exhibition and hands-on play space, it's a joyful outing designed for families to explore, imagine and share a love of storytelling together.

Where:  State Library of NSW, 1 Shakespeare Place, Sydney
When:   Until July 2027
Cost:     FREE

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About ellaslist

ellaslist is a trusted local guide for families across Sydney and NSW, written by parents, carers and family lifestyle editors who understand what makes an outing with kids genuinely work. Our team researches and curates the best family-friendly events, attractions, playgrounds, restaurants and school holiday activities, with practical details on age suitability, accessibility, parking, public transport, facilities and family-friendly tips.

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