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.

It's a free-festivals kind of weekend, with Parramatta Lanes, Gymea Village Festival, Festival of Mosman and Norton Street Italian Festa delivering free family fun and plenty of delicious food! The inimitable David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) exhibition opens, Sculpture by the Sea continues, and there's a Mad Hatter's Halloween Party awaiting your spooky presence!

Have a good one, folks! 

All events featured in this guide are run by independent organisers, and we sourced details 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

Camden Funfair & Fireworks

Camden is turning up the fun this weekend with two days of carnival action at Camden Funfair & Fireworks!

Get ready for dodgem cars, jumping castles, pony rides, carnival games and plenty of showbags to tempt the kids. There'll be food trucks dishing up delicious eats, market stalls to browse, and live music and line dancing to keep the party going. The big finale? A spectacular fireworks display lighting up the sky on Saturday night!

Where: Camden Bicentennial Equestrian Park, entry off Cawdor Road, Camden
When:  Saturday 24 October 2026, 2-10 pm and Sunday 25 October, 11 am-2 pm
Cost:    $2 entry plus booking fees; under-fives free. Unlimited ride wristbands $35 online (plus booking fee) or $40 on the day.

Experience David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)

Sydney's newest immersive art experience has arrived, and it's bringing a serious splash of colour to Carriageworks!

David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) takes visitors inside the extraordinary imagination of one of the world's most celebrated artists. Watch enormous artworks come alive through dazzling 360-degree projections, animation and music as Hockney himself narrates the journey through six decades of creativity. From his famous swimming pools to vibrant landscapes, this larger-than-life exhibition is a fascinating way to introduce kids to art without the traditional gallery experience. Allow around an hour to explore.

Where:  Bay 17, Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh
When:   22 October 2026 to 24 January 2027
Cost:     Tickets from $39.90, plus a $5 booking fee per transaction

Ogle at Cirque du Soleil KOOZA

Hold onto your seats, Sydney! Cirque du Soleil's KOOZA has rolled into town, bringing jaw-dropping circus action to the Big Top at Moore Park.

Prepare for gasp-out-loud moments as extraordinary acrobats defy gravity, daring performers tackle the famous Wheel of Death, and cheeky clowns deliver plenty of laughs. Following the adventures of a curious character called The Innocent, KOOZA is a thrilling return to traditional circus entertainment with Cirque du Soleil's signature theatrical magic.

A spectacular family treat, although some loud or intense moments may be frightening for younger children.

Where:  Under the Big Top, The Entertainment Quarter, 122 Lang Road, Moore Park
When:   17 October 2026 to 3 January 2027
Cost:     Tickets from $79 across the season

See SIX the Musical

History class has never sounded this good! The six wives of Henry VIII are taking centre stage at Theatre Royal Sydney in SIX the Musical.

Forget dusty history books – these Tudor queens are grabbing the microphone and reclaiming their stories in an electrifying pop concert packed with catchy songs and plenty of attitude. Running for just 80 minutes, this award-winning musical is a fabulous introduction to live theatre for tweens and teens who love their pop music with a little royal drama. Recommended for ages 10+.

Where: Theatre Royal Sydney, 108 King Street, Sydney
When:  Until 20 December 2026
Cost:    Tickets from $69.50 plus booking fees; prices vary by performance

Enter the Hundred Acre Wood at The Grounds

A honey-coloured makeover lands in the laneways of The Grounds this weekend, with Winnie the Pooh taking over from Saturday 12 September as part of a Disney-themed celebration marking 100 years of the character.

Expect the venue's signature over-the-top installations and plenty of photo bait among the Hundred Acre Wood styling.

Where: The Grounds of Alexandria, 7A/2 Huntley Street, Alexandria
When:  Until 1 November 2026
Cost:    Free for diners at The Cafe, The Garden or The Potting Shed

Journey to the Moon at LUNA

Houston, we have a new immersive experience! Sydney families will soon be able to swap Earth for the Moon without travelling quite as far as NASA.

LUNA: A Journey to the Moon is bringing its immersive virtual reality adventure to Sydney Olympic Park from September 2026, sending visitors straight into the story of Apollo 11. From astronaut training and the thunderous launch of Saturn V to floating through space and setting foot on the lunar surface, this is a history lesson with considerably more wow factor.

Where: Fever Pavilion, Olympic Boulevard, Sydney Olympic Park
When:  From September 2026
Cost:    $49.50 for adults; $40.50 for kids (10-17); Group Bundles (min. 4 tickets): $40.50 per ticket
Age Requirement: For ages 10+

Things to do on Saturday in Sydney

Wander Through Parramatta Lanes

Parramatta's streets are getting a serious makeover this weekend as Parramatta Lanes returns for its 15th anniversary!

More than 20 locations across the CBD are transforming into a buzzing playground of street food, live music and seriously cool art installations. Families can follow the colourful art trail, discover a giant inflatable sculpture and check out a quirky mini-golf experience before hunting down something delicious from more than 70 food stalls and pop-ups. Saturday is your last chance to catch the festival, so round up the crew and head west for a night of free entertainment!

Where: Various streets and laneways across Parramatta CBD
When:  21-24 October 2026. Saturday 24 October, 5-10.30 pm
Cost:    FREE entry; food and drinks extra

Attend The Mad Hatter's Halloween Party at South Eveleigh

South Eveleigh is heading down the rabbit hole for a wonderfully wacky Alice in Wonderland-inspired celebration.

This Saturday, little monsters aged three and over can join the Mad Hatter's Halloween Workshop, where they'll decorate their own spooky hats, masks or Halloween accessories. The $5 workshop even includes a $10 voucher for The Grounds Coffee Factory, making it a pretty sweet deal for families. Bookings are essential, so don't miss this important date!

Where: The Grounds Coffee Factory, Locomotive Workshop, South Eveleigh
When:  Saturday 24 October 2026, 2.30 pm. The wider Halloween program runs until 31 October.
Cost:    $5 per child for the workshop, including a $10 café voucher

Things to do on Sunday in Sydney

Gymea Village Festival

The Shire's biggest street party is back! Gymea Village Festival is taking over Gymea Bay Road this Sunday, bringing more than 200 stalls and loads of family fun to the heart of Gymea.

Wander through the bustling markets packed with handmade treasures, boutique goodies and delicious street food while the kids make a beeline for the carnival rides. With live music, roving entertainers and local performers keeping the crowds entertained, there's plenty of reason to stick around and soak up the festival atmosphere. Best of all, entry won't cost you a cent!

Where: Gymea Bay Road, Gymea
When:  Sunday 25 October 2026 | 9 am to 4 pm
Cost:    FREE entry; rides, food and purchases extra

Norton Street Italian Festa

Mamma mia! Sydney's Little Italy is serving up one enormous street party this Sunday, and everyone's invited!

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, Norton Street Italian Festa is taking over the heart of Leichhardt with hundreds of market stalls and enough delicious Italian food to keep the whole family happy. Dig into fresh pasta, pizza and plenty of gelato, alongside traditional entertainment and cooking demonstrations. Kids can enjoy dedicated entertainment while car enthusiasts check out the classic Italian vehicles on display. Bring your appetite because this is one Sydney festival where seconds are practically compulsory!

Where: Norton Street, Leichhardt
When:  Sunday 25 October 2026, 10 am to 5 pm
Cost:   FREE entry; food and purchases extra

Hit the Road to Enter the Dinosaur Valley

Dinosaurs are taking over the Blue Mountains again, with Dinosaur Valley returning to Scenic World from this weekend.

Dinosaur fans can follow a prehistoric trail packed with more than 60 dinosaurs across 32 species, meet Dinosaur Rangers, pat baby dinosaurs and tackle a Dinosaur Valley Passport along the way. Entry also includes unlimited rides on Scenic World attractions, including the famous Scenic Railway!

Where:  Scenic World, Violet Street & Cliff Drive, Katoomba
When:   26 September 2026 to 31 January 2027
Cost:     Tickets from $40.20; under 3s go FREE

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

Festival of Mosman: Encore

Mosman is throwing a six-day celebration, and families are invited to join the fun!

Festival of Mosman: Encore is bringing the streets to life with free entertainment and plenty of activities for little festival-goers. Saturday's Street Party features live bands, a dedicated Kids Fun Zone, free face painting and a kids' karaoke dance party. On Sunday, head to Songs & Stories at Headland Park for giant puppets, interactive art activities and a Musical Garden by Junkyard Beats.

With so much happening across the weekend, there's plenty to keep the kids entertained without spending a fortune.

Where: Various locations across Mosman, including Middle Head Road and Headland Park
When:  22-27 October 2026. Street Party: Saturday 24 October, 1-8.30 pm; Songs & Stories: Sunday 25 October, 11 am to 3 pm
Cost:   FREE entry

Nolan: Origins at the Art Gallery of NSW

Take the kids on an artistic adventure through Australia at Nolan: Origins!

This colourful new exhibition celebrates legendary Australian artist Sidney Nolan, bringing together more than 150 artworks featuring everything from the famous bushranger Ned Kelly to the stunning landscapes of Central Australia.

Little art lovers can pick up a free children's activity trail to explore the exhibition, with opportunities to get creative along the way. There's also a special Kids Club workshop happening on Sunday 25 October for budding artists aged 5-12.

Where:  Art Gallery of New South Wales, Art Gallery Road, Sydney
When:   Until 7 February 2027, daily 10 am-5 pm (Wednesdays until 10 pm)
Cost:    Under 12s FREE; youth $10; adults from $35; family tickets $80. Check current ticket prices when booking.

Experience Sculpture by the Sea

Sydney's most spectacular outdoor art gallery is back, and this year it's celebrating its 30th anniversary!

Sculpture by the Sea has transformed the famous Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk into a two-kilometre art trail featuring 100 incredible sculptures from Australian and international artists. From quirky creations to enormous installations perched above the ocean, there's plenty to capture little imaginations. Pack your walking shoes, bring the camera and enjoy one of Sydney's best free family outings with million-dollar coastal views!

Where: Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk
When:  Until 2 November 2026, accessible daily
Cost:   FREE

FREE Family Fun at Powerhouse Castle Hill

Got a curious kid who loves discovering how things work? Powerhouse Castle Hill is opening up its incredible collection for a FREE family adventure this weekend!

Explore fascinating objects from the worlds of science, technology and transport, including the famous Locomotive No. 1, which pulled NSW's first passenger train back in 1855. Families can also join a free 30-minute Collection Highlights Tour to uncover the stories behind some seriously impressive treasures. With more than half a million objects in the Powerhouse Collection, there's plenty to spark little imaginations!

Where: Powerhouse Castle Hill, 2 Green Road, Castle Hill
When:  Daily from 10 am to 4 pm
Cost:    FREE entry; some special activities may be ticketed.

Splash at Sydney's FREE Water Parks

With the warm weather rolling in, Sydney's free water parks are the easiest weekend win for families chasing a splash without the price tag.

From Darling Quarter's aquatic maze to the state's largest outdoor water play area at Blaxland Riverside Park, our full guide to Sydney's best free water parks covers 26 spots across the city.

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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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