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 the moment we've all been waiting for... Vivid Sydney is back with a glowing bang this weekend in Sydney! If you're heading out with the kids, use our handy guide to plan the best routes for easy access, cool events and prime Vivid-viewing spots. There's a brand-new, 2-day autumn festival taking over Cooper Street Reserve. The Blacktown City Festival and Sydney Writers' Festival are in full swing, plus, there's a cool new family-friendly dining precinct to check out. 

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. Experience the Magic of Vivid With the Kids

Sydney is glowing once again as Vivid Sydney transforms the city into a giant outdoor playground of light, music and imagination! 

From towering light projections and interactive installations to kid-friendly food stops and sparkling harbour views, Vivid is one of those rare events that genuinely feels magical for all ages. Rug up, grab a hot chocolate and let the kids wander wide-eyed through some of Sydney's brightest nights of the year. If you're curious about the best routes to explore with the kids this year, we've got you covered with our comprehensive Vivid With Kids Guide.

Where:   Multiple locations throughout the city
When:    Friday 22 May to Saturday 13 June 2026
Cost:      FREE and ticketed events

2. Have a Ball at Blacktown City Festival

Blacktown City Festival is rolling into May with a whole month of free and ticketed family fun, so clear the calendar and maybe start stretching now.

Running until 30 May 2026 across multiple Blacktown locations, the festival packs in everything from Swingn' Sounds to the Sweet Indulgence Dessert Festival and the huge Streets Alive and Parade Day finale with markets, food trucks, roving performers, petting zoo, lawn games, superheroes and more. 

With more than 80,000 people expected across the celebrations, this is Blacktown doing community festival fun on a very big, very lively scale!

Where:   Multiple locations in Blacktown
When:    Sunday 3 May to Saturday 30 May 2026
Cost:      FREE and ticketed events

3. Family Events at Sydney Writers' Festival

Sydney Writers' Festival is giving families a brilliant excuse to swap screen time for story time this weekend, with kid-friendly events, creative workshops, author sessions and free activities taking over Carriageworks.

Sunday's Family Day is the big one for little book lovers, with storytelling, craft stations, badge-making, a mobile library and plenty of hands-on fun designed to get kids reading, writing, drawing and dreaming up their own big ideas. Check out all the unmissable family events this year.

Where:   Multiple venues across Sydney
When:    18-24 May 2026
Cost:      FREE and ticketed events

4. 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

5. 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

6. Dine at Sydney's New Family Precinct

If you're looking for a new family-friendly dining spot this weekend in Sydney, look no further than The Wilton.

The Wilton is Sydney's new family-friendly dining precinct that's drawing families in from near and far. The menu is fresh, seasonal, and designed for families; there are fun weekly events for all ages, AND a kids' play area. Need we say more?!

Where:  48 The Irons Drive, Wilton
When:
Monday to Friday
Lunch from 11.30 am to 3 pm
Dinner from 5-9 pm

Weekends
All-day dining from 11.30 am to 9 pm

7. Watch Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular

Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular is bringing big-top energy to Sydney's Entertainment Quarter, with acrobatics, aerial stunts, dance and reimagined songs from the hit film all rolled into one dazzling family show.

Kids can expect colour, movement and plenty of gasp-worthy circus moments, while parents get the nostalgic joy of a musical they already know and love. It's running at The Big Top from 19 May to 9 August 2026, making it a brilliant weekend pick for families who want theatre, music and spectacle in one outing.

Where:   The Big Top at The Entertainment Quarter
When:    19 May to 9 August 2026
Cost:      Tickets go on sale on 10 December 2025

8. 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

9. 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:
Penrith Paceway - 1-24 May 2026
127-141 Station St, Penrith 

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

10. Step Into the World of Vincent van Gogh

There's a breathtaking new installation in town, and it'll make you feel like you've been transported to the 19th century. Sunflowers and Swirls at The Grounds of Alexandria has transformed the famous laneways into a world of amazing art by Vincent van Gogh!

The laneways at The Grounds have had a dramatic makeover with Sunflowers and Swirls, an immersive display drawing on the bold, emotive style of Vincent van Gogh. Expect a wash of golden hues, inky blues and sweeping patterns that transform the space into something straight out of an artist's imagination.

Little ones will be instantly captivated as they wander through the vibrant walkways, while adults tend to pause for a closer look (and a well-timed snap). There's something new to spot around every bend, inviting you to slow your pace and soak up the details.

Please note that installations at The Grounds are exclusively reserved for those dining at The Cafe, The Potting Shed, or The Garden.

Where: The Grounds of Alexandria
When:   Daily until 21 June 2026
Cost:     Entry is FREE for guests dining at The Grounds.

11. See Sydney Up Close on a Family Tour of the Observatory

Step into Sydney's scientific story this weekend with a guided family tour at Sydney Observatory, created for small groups with kids aged six and over.

Set on the highest natural point in Sydney Cove, the experience kicks off outdoors with a look at how the site once helped the city function — from flag signalling and timekeeping to tracking the weather for ships arriving in the harbour. Then, you'll wind your way up narrow staircases and into the Observatory's domes, where historic instruments sit alongside modern telescopes. Along the way, guides translate big scientific ideas into stories and demonstrations that actually land with kids.

Running time is approximately one hour.

Where:  1003 Upper Fort St, Millers Point 
When:   Available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 12.30-8 pm
Cost:     $36 per adult; $24 per child (ages 6-12)

Things to do on Saturday in Sydney

12. Check Out the Brand-New Engadine Autumn Festival

There's a new two-day festival in town, and it's kicking off this Saturday! The Engadine Autumn Festival is bringing a big community day-out feel to the Shire this weekend, with Cooper Street Reserve turning into a two-day market packed with live music, community performances, rides, children's activities and plenty of stalls to browse.

Running Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May from 9 am to 3 pm, it's an easy family outing for a wander, a snack, a shop and a play in the autumn sunshine.

Where:  Cooper Street Reserve, 1148 Old Princes Hwy, Engadine
When:   Saturday and Sunday, 23-24 May 2026, from 9 am to 3 pm
Cost:     FREE entry

13. Spot Some Glorious Autumn Colours

Another one of our favourite things to do on weekends in Sydney during autumn is to go hunting for incredible autumn colours!

Chasing autumn colours is one of the easiest (and prettiest) ways to spend a weekend in Sydney right now. From late April into early May, the city starts to glow with warm reds, golds and burnt oranges, with leafy pockets like the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Centennial Park and Parramatta putting on a surprisingly vibrant show. Wander through tree-lined paths, kick through crunchy leaves or roll out a picnic under golden canopies — there's no need to travel far to find that full autumn moment.

If you're up for a mini adventure, cooler spots like the Blue Mountains and Southern Highlands dial up the colour even more, but even a simple stroll close to home delivers that crisp-air, cosy-season magic.

Check out our guide to the best spots for autumn colours in Sydney.

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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.

17. 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

18. Watch Badu Gili Light Up the Sydney Opera House Sails

Badu Gili — meaning "water light" in the language of the Gadigal, the Traditional Owners of Bennelong Point — is a free nightly projection on the Opera House's iconic eastern sails, celebrating First Nations stories and art, and is magic for kids.

The current chapter, Story Keepers, features the work of Gooniyandi Elder Mervyn Street and Inuk storyteller Ningiukulu Teevee. It runs every night from sunset and takes just minutes, but it's one of those Sydney experiences that genuinely stops people in their tracks. Head up the Monumental Steps for the best view, rug up (it's winter), and arrive early to grab a drink.

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 

19. While Away the Afternoon at a FREE, Kid-Friendly Library

A rainy weekend in Sydney is basically nature's way of telling you to go to the library, and Sydney's kid-friendly libraries are genuinely worth the trip.

Sydney's best kid-friendly libraries are full of cosy reading nooks, creative activities, storytime sessions and play spaces that'll keep little ones happily occupied for hours, completely free. Highlights include the gorgeous Ashley Dawson-Damer Children's Art Library at the Art Gallery of NSW, with its cubby house reading nooks and curated collection of art books, and the stunning Green Square Library in Zetland, one of the most architecturally impressive in the city. Whether you're after a quiet corner to read together or a full morning of activities, we've got you sorted with our list of Sydney's most kid-friendly libraries to help you find one near you.

20. Save With the Fratelli Fresh Family Table For 4 Offer

Dining with kids in Sydney is expensive! Save a few extra dollars this weekend in Sydney with this tantalising family meal offer from Fratelli Fresh.

For $85, families dining at any Fratelli Fresh venue will get a pasta and pizza for the grown-ups, two kids' meals, plus fries and a fresh rocket salad to share, all available any time of day for dine-in or takeaway! 

Where:  Available at Fratelli Fresh venues in Darling Harbour, Entertainment Quarter, Manly, Westfield Sydney, and Westfield Miranda
When:   Available all day, every day for dine-in or takeaway
Cost:     $85 for a family of 4

21. 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 all the way down 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

22. 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

23. Free Balance Bike Clinics at Sydney Park Cycling Centre

Do you have a child aged between three and eight who could use a helping hand with their balance bike? Sydney Park Cycling Centre is offering FREE balance bike clinics every Saturday!

Instructors are on hand to help parents teach their own children, and there is a range of bikes for children to use as they grow in confidence and ability. This is an interactive class designed to get parents involved in their children's learning. Bikes and helmets are provided, or you can bring your own.

There's no need to book — you can just turn up and register with the instructors at the Sydney Park Cycling Centre!

Where:   Sydney Park Cycling Centre, 410 Sydney Park Rd, Alexandria
When:    Saturdays from 9 am to 11 am
Cost:      FREE

—

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.

More Things to Do in Sydney This Weekend

Top Outdoor Activities in Sydney for Kids
Fun Family Fruit-Picking Venues
Sydney's Best Family Beaches
Rainy Day Activities For All Ages

Have you signed up for our newsletter? Join ellaslist to get the best family and kid-friendly events, venues, classes and things to do NEAR YOU!