24 Things to Do in Sydney This Weekend (20-22 September)

Thinking of things to do in Sydney this weekend? You're not the only one! Work to live not live to work, am I right? If you start thinking about the weekend first thing Monday morning, then you've come to the right place. 

The weekend is just around the corner, and it's time to swap the 9-to-5 grind for some fun, frolic, and fabulousness. Whether you're a foodie, an adventurer, or just looking to chill with the kids, we've got you covered with the ultimate weekend hit list. 

Spring is in full swing and so too is Sydney's awesome events calendar. What's on in Sydney this weekend? A kid-friendly rave is coming to town, there's a new all-inclusive playground to check out, it's time to celebrate the mid-autumn festival with mooncakes, plus, the Sydney Streets Festival kicks off, and Illuminate Wollondilly will send you on a glowy adventure!

The Best Things to Do in Sydney This Weekend

1. Dance at Sydney's Family-Friendly Rave

Little Ravers is Australia's top family-friendly rave and festival brand, creating a vibrant space where kids and adults can enjoy dance, music, and unforgettable moments together.

Little Ravers' September lineup features TikTok sensation Lenny Pearce, who's famous for remixing your kids' favourite tracks! The event will blend these beloved remixes with local DJs spinning old school House, Garage, and R’n’B hits.

Here's what to look forward to at Little Ravers:

• Unique and fun DJs provide a chance for you and your kids to rave together
• Face painters, inflatables, and more kid-friendly entertainment
• An on-site bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Delicious food options (venue-dependent)
• Incredible music, mixing your kids' favourite tunes with nostalgic old-school bangers

When:     21-29 September 2024
Where:    The Underground UTS, 15 Broadway, Ultimo
Cost:       $17.50 per child, $30 per adult

2. Penrith's Real Festival

 

Mark your calendars for a weekend of FREE fun and excitement! The Real Festival is back in Penrith on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 September 2024.

Set in the picturesque Tench Reserve by the Nepean River, this free festival is the perfect way to welcome spring with your family. Ideal for all ages, the festival offers a plethora of activities that promise a good time without breaking the bank, including live entertainment, a Kids' Zone, food trucks, artisan markets, an open air arcade, and plenty more.

When:     Friday 20 September from 4-10 pm
                Saturday 21 September from 12-10 pm
Where:    Nepean River, Tench Reserve, Penrith
Cost:       FREE

3. Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival at World Square's Mooncake Festival

Another family-friendly festival to add to your weekend itinerary, World Square's Mooncake Festival is back with a mega lineup to celebrate the mid-autumn festival.

Gather the family and head to World Square for a day of cultural fun, food, and festivities at the Mooncake Festival. With so much to see and do, it's the perfect way to celebrate togetherness and create lasting memories. This year's lineup includes a free Asian Film Festival, dragon dances, glowing lanters, and plenty of mooncakes to go around.

When:   17-29 September 2024
Where:  World Square, 644 George Street, Sydney
Cost:     FREE entry

4. Catch Bluey & Bingo at The Orange Blossom Festival Parade

Bluey & Bingo are in town this weekend at the annual Orange Blossom Festival!

The Orange Blossom Festival is the largest annual event for the Hills District and is back to take over Rouse Hill Town Centre in 2024. The Orange Blossom Festival Parade is a highlight of the entire festival and is back with loads of performers, live music, and a special appearance by Bluey & Bingo!

When:   21 September 2024 from 11 am to 4 pm
              The Bluey & Bingo Live Show is on at 12 pm and 1 pm
Where:  Rouse Hill Town Centre
Cost:     FREE entry

5. Visit King George Park's New Inclusive Playground

If you're keen to spend this weekend outdoors, there's a brand-new inclusive playground to tickle your family's fancy!

Inner West Council have just unveiled the all-new King George Park Inclusive Playground in Rozelle, and it's packed with fun for everyone! Designed with help from locals, play experts, and the awesome Touched by Olivia Foundation, this playground is a game-changer for inclusive play in Sydney's Inner West.

The fully fenced playground is designed for kids of all abilities to get in on the action, with:

• slides
• climbing structures
• swings
• a flying fox
• a see-saw
• climbing logs
• a water play zone
• sand diggers
• nature play and more.

The playground also has brand-new BBQ and picnic areas, seating, and quiet spots perfect for resting before the next adventure. With shade structures to keep everyone cool, bike racks for those who ride in, and bubblers to keep you hydrated, it's the ideal family hangout. Oh, and let's not forget the accessible amenities building, complete with changing tables!

Location: 2039 King George St, Rozelle

6. Go Fruit Picking

Spring is the perfect time to spend outdoors, particularly when family fruit picking is on the agenda!

Sydney is home to loads of juicy farms open for year-round fruit picking—check out our calendar of the best farms to visit this spring. 

7. St Ives Food and Wine Festival

Fresh foods and fine wines are on the agenda at the 2024 St Ives Food and Wine Festival.

Pop over to the St Ives Village Green on Sunday for a day of feasting and festival fun. There'll be market stalls, food trucks, wine pairings, boutique beers, liqueurs, handmade spirits, and yummy cocktails. And for the kids, there'll be a petting zoo, Planet Entertainment Rides, face painting, and free activities.

When:       22 September from 10 am to 4 pm
Where:      St Ives Village Green, Memorial Avenue, St Ives
Cost:         Entry with a gold coin donation

8. See Snow White: A Pantomime Fairytale at Riverside Theatres

 

One of the oldest fairytales in history is being brought back to the Sydney stage for the whole family to enjoy. Bonnie Lythgoe Productions, Australia's top Family Musical Panto producer, is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a brand-new production of Snow White at Riverside Theatres for a strictly limited season.

A magical theatrical experience filled with a lively mix of song, dance, fairy tale fun, and entertainment for the whole family, Snow White is brought to life through audience participation, and the interactive style and humour that pantomimes are known for.

This show appeals to everyone from ages 3 to 103—and audiences are encouraged to cheer and boo along with the show. Interactive, hilarious, heartfelt, and imaginative, this show has it all. It's good old-fashioned fun with a modern twist that will leave the whole family wanting more.

When:   Friday 13 September | 7 pm
              Saturday 14 September | 1 pm & 5 pm
              Sunday 15 September | 1 pm & 5 pm
              Friday 20 September | 7 pm
              Saturday 21 September | 1 pm & 5 pm
              Relaxed Performance Friday 20 September at 2 pm
Where:  Riverside Theatres, Cnr Market & Church Street, Parramatta
Cost:    Tickets from $59 pp

9. Illuminate Wollondilly Festival of Art and Light 2024

If you're up for an out-of-town adventure, Wollondilly just south of Sydney is putting on a glowing family-friendly event at the annual Illuminate Wollondilly Festival of Art and Light.

Get ready for a glowy adventure as the town of Picton comes alive with art, light, and festive entertainment. Expect to see the streets buzzing with live music, captivating performances, and a wide variety of market stalls offering everything from local crafts to delicious food. Plus, the iconic Building Projections return at Illuminate Wollondilly for all to enjoy from 6-9 pm in Picton Town Centre. 

When:       20-22 September 2024
Where:      Picton Botanic Gardens
Cost:         Varies depending on the activity

10. Sydney Streets Festival Kicks Off

Get ready for the ultimate neighbourhood bash! Sydney Streets is bringing back the joy of street celebrations that unite communities.

Kicking off this weekend in Sydney and running until November, Sydney Streets sees the roads closed and families out in droves to check out roving entertainers, parades, food trucks, live music, kids' activities, and loads more.

When:       Saturday 21 September from 11 am to 10 pm
Where:      Sydney Streets in Haymarket
Cost:         FREE

11. Sydney Fringe Kids at Sydney Fringe Festival

Sunday 1 September 2024 marks the start of the 2024 Sydney Fringe Festival when families can dive into sensory displays, interactive music, bubble magic, mad science, and more!

Sydney Fringe Kids is always a highlight of the Sydney Fringe Festival and this year's lineup is no different. From magical bubble shows to The Giant Balloon Show, KABOOM!, and loads more, kids and adults will be captivated by theatre, science, magic, and adventure.

When:        1 September to 6 October 2024
Where:       Darling Quarter, Sydney + other locations throughout the city
Cost:          Various depending on the event 

12. Make Your Own Perfume

Looking for a unique and relaxing experience in Sydney? Why not dive into the world of scent at a natural perfume-making class!

Kiss Ready Lips' perfume-making classes lets you create your own signature fragrance to take home, including both an Eau de Toilette and an Eau de Parfum.

With over 100 natural scents to explore, you can experiment with everything from fresh florals and fruity aromas to spicy, earthy, and woody notes. Plus, with small class sizes, you'll get hands-on guidance through every step, from learning about the fragrance wheel to mastering the art of layering scents. 

When:     Weekly classes available - check the website
Where:    Naturally Ready Studio, 100D Sydenham Road, Marrickville
Cost:       $140

13. Night at the Barracks: Outdoor Concerts at North Head Sanctuary

How about some live music under the stars?! Back for a huge 2024 season with a brand new lineup, curated to inspire and entertain, Night at the Barracks will unfold under the stars, featuring a mesmerising array of performances set against the stunning Sydney Harbour backdrop.

From Friday 13 September to Sunday 6 October, this enchanting starlit series will see some of Australia's most iconic performers live on stage in a series of family-friendly concerts at North Head Sanctuary. Some of our favourites include Icehouse, Birds of Tokyo, Matt Corby, Xavier Rudd, and more.

When:   Friday 13 September to Sunday 6 October 2024
Where:  The Barracks Precinct, North Head Sanctuary, 33 N Head Scenic Dr, Manly
Cost:    Tickets start from $79. Check out all the ticket options.
              Under 3s FREE with an adult ticketholder (no seat). Family tickets are available.

14. Dorothy the Dinosaur's Spectacular Show

 

Back by popular demand, Dorothy the Dinosaur's Spectacular Show is coming to Sydney for an unforgettable extravaganza featuring all of The Wiggles' greatest hits.

Alongside everyone's favourite dinosaur, Dorothy will be joined on stage by all her Wiggly friends, so you can shake your hips with Wags the Dog, move your arms like Henry the Octopus, and sing Quack, quack with Captain Feathersword!

Where:  Thursday 19 September at Ettalong Diggers, Ettalong Beach
              Friday 20 September at Hurstville Club Central, Hurstville
              Saturday 21 September at Wollongong Town Hall, Wollongong
              Sunday 13 October at Blacktown Workers Club, Blacktown
Cost:     $25 + booking fee

Check out more fun kids' shows in Sydney.

15. RUNT Hits Cinemas

Craig Silvey's critically-acclaimed novel is coming to the big screen this week!

RUNT is a heartfelt and hilarious contemporary Australian family film that tells the story of 11-year-old Annie Shearer and her best friend, an adopted stray dog called Runt, as they try to save their family farm in the country town of Upson Downs. With all eyes on them, Annie and Runt try to beat the odds in this sincere and charming tale of kindness, friendship, tunnels, see-saws, slaloms, and, above all, living your truth.

When:    From 19 September 2024
Where:   Cinemas across Australia
Cost:      Price dependent on location

16. Stardust Circus

There's nothing quite like seeing a live circus act and Stardust Circus is one of the best in the business!

Stardust Circus is one of the last remaining Australian, family-friendly circus acts owned and operated by the West family, and is a real-deal traditional circus - think animals, juggling clowns, a flying trapeze and the works! 

Stardust Circus is touring Sydney and making big and little kids laugh out loud at three locations. They'll be taking over Blacktown Showgrounds and Miranda, and will dazzle families with traditional circus acts including acrobats, a flying trapeze troupe, a 10-person Hungarian-trained Teeter Board act, crazy clowns, and even some big cats!

When:     Blacktown from 6-22 September 2024
                Miranda from 27 September to 13 October 2024
Where:    Locations in Blacktown and Miranda - visit the website for specific dates.
Cost:       Tickets start at $30 per child and $40 per adult

17. Titanique The Musical

Curious about what really happened to Jack and Rose on that unforgettable night?

Step into a wild, reimagined journey as Céline Dion takes over a Titanic Museum tour, captivating the audience with her hilariously bold twist on the iconic moments and characters of Titanic—all set to her legendary song catalogue.

With powerful vocals, show-stopping performances, and a playful nod to 90s pop culture, Titanique The Musical is a unique musical adventure filled with nostalgia, heart, and plenty of surprises.

When:        Thursday 12 September - Sunday 3 November 2024
Where:       The Grand Electric, 199 Cleveland St, Surry Hills
Cost:          Tickets range from $75 - $145

18. Browse the Manly Weekend Markets

Start your weekend on a yummy note with a fresh coffee, a yummy pastry, and browsing through the Manly Weekend Markets.

Held every Saturday and Sunday, Manly Weekend Markets offer a treasure trove of goodies, from fresh produce to artisan coffees, unique souvenirs, fresh flowers, vintage fashions, and loads more. Bring the kids along for a pre-beach wander!

When:     Open every Saturday and Sunday
                9 am to 5 pm (September-April)
                9 am to 4.30 pm (May-August)
Where:    Sydney Road, Manly
Cost:      FREE

19. See 80,000 Tulips at Tulip Time

An abundant array of tulip varieties in a spectrum of glorious colours will be in full bloom at Tulip Time 2024, creating a fabulous background for avid green thumbs, photographers, gardeners, and selfie-takers!

The annual flower festival is the perfect excuse to hit the road on a memorable family road trip to Bowral with a very floral reward. Make it an overnight stay and hit up the illuminative Tulip Time After Dark, too.

When:    12-30 September 2024 | 9:30 am - 5 pm
               Tulip Time Garden Party will be from 4-6 October 2024
Where:   Bowral, Southern Highlands, NSW
Cost:      Adults: $14; Children/Concession: $8. Under 12s FREE

20. Splatter Painting Experience at Kaboo Studio

Slip on a poncho and goggles, and get ready to throw paint and create your own unique canvas masterpiece at Kaboo Studio!

Kaboo's Splatter Painting Experiences are seriously fun and messy, and the best part is, you don't have to clean up after! 

Each one-hour Splatter Painting Experience at Kaboo Studio comes with a 40cm x 50cm canvas that you can take home on the same day in a custom take-home box (no worries about getting paint in the car or on the train). They provide everything you need to stay (mostly) clean, including ponchos, safety goggles, and shoe coverings. This splatter paint activity is perfect for all ages, abilities, and group sizes. No artistic experience or creative skills are required!

Where:       Kaboo Studio, 2/78 Spring St, Bondi Junction 
When:        Weekly sessions available - check the website
Cost:          From $59

21. Visit Burra at The Australian Museum

If you're looking for free things to do in Sydney this weekend, Burra at The Australian Museum ticks all the right boxes.

The Burra space is super interactive, encouraging everyone to touch, listen, and see through giant eel exhibits, sensory walls, and play zones. And yes, getting into the Australian Museum and the Burra exhibit won't cost you a penny!

Just a heads-up, all kids under 16 need an adult tagging along for supervision. Ready to explore?!

Where:  Level 2, The Australian Museum
When:   Open daily from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm
Cost:     FREE

22. Feed Some Hungry Alpacas

Get ready to meet Macca the Alpaca in real life! The friendly alpacas at Madison's Mountain Retreat are seriously cute and always up for a meet-and-greet-and-feed!

At Madison's Mountain Retreat, you can get up close and personal with these gentle giants during their daily feeding sessions. Whether you're a seasoned animal lover or just looking for a unique way to spend the day, this experience is bound to leave you grinning from ear to ear.

Alpaca feeding at Madison's is a hands-on, interactive experience that's perfect for all ages. 

Where:    1880 Bells Line of Rd, Kurrajong Heights
When:     Daily feedings at 3 pm
Cost:       $25 per adult; $20 per child.

23. Macquarie University Astronomy Open Night

See the stars like you've never seen them before at the Macquarie University Astronomy Open Night.

Prepare to be delighted and amazed by Macquarie University's beloved Physics Magic Shows, let your imagination soar as you witness the breathtaking beauty of star formation in distant galaxies during immersive Planetarium Sessions and be captivated as renowned Macquarie academics and experts deliver a series of engaging short talks.

There really is something for kids of all ages! 

Where:   Macquarie University Wallumattagal Campus, Balaclava Road, Macquarie Park
When:    Saturday 21 September 2024  | 5 pm - 10 pm
Cost:      $38.50 per adult, $23 per child (5 - 16 years), children 4 and under go FREE

24. Step Right Up to the Darling Harbour Carousel

Get ready to relive the magic! The iconic Darling Harbour Carousel has reopened after an eight-year hiatus, and it’s better than ever.

Step into a world of whimsy and recapture the nostalgia of the carnival scene on the Darling Harbour Carousel. For just $7 on weekends and during the school holidays, kids and kids-at-heart can go for a spin surrounded by the vibrant energy of Darling Harbour.

Where:    Palm Grove, Darling Harbour
When:     Open Saturdays and Sundays and during the school holidays
Cost:       $7 per ride

More Things to Do in Sydney This Weekend

Things to do in Sydney This October Long Weekend
Our Favourite Cheap Activities in Sydney
Top Playgrounds in Sydney for Free Family Fun

 

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