What❜s On In Blacktown For Kids & Families This Summer

Summer has arrived in Blacktown, bringing with it a calendar full of exciting events and activities perfect for kids and families. From festivals and outdoor adventures to creative workshops and motorsport mayhem, there’s plenty to explore this season in the Western Sydney jewel of Blacktown.

What's On In Blacktown For Kids & Families This Summer

1. Beats and Bites

Beats and Bites is a live music and food event run by Blacktown City Council. The concept is to combine “Beats” (music from local musicians) with “Bites” (local cafes, street food, casual eats) in Blacktown’s CBD. Stroll on down to Warrick Lane every Friday and Saturday evening and enjoy the relaxed vibe. 

Where:     Blacktown CBD
When:      Friday and Saturday evenings | 6:00 pm - 8.00 pm
Cost:        FREE 

2. Blacktown Arts Program

Celebrating culture, food, and identity through a vibrant mix of exhibitions, workshops, and performances. The Blacktown Arts Program is held at The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre and other venues, with this season offering something for everyone. We particularly love the sound of Ghosts in the Kitchen - an immersive exhibition that explores the complex relationships between food, culture and identity from the perspective of First Nations peoples within Australia.  Make sure you check out the Makers Space with Monica Rani Rudhar and the Sydney Festival: Blacktown Garage Party, too.

Where:     The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre, 78 Flushcombe Road, Blacktown
When:      Various dates throughout the Summer
Cost:        FREE and ticketed events

3. Blacktown Drive-In Markets

The bustling Blacktown Drive-In Markets are a well-known weekend tradition in Sydney. Held every Sunday at the historic Skyline Drive-In in Prospect, the “car boot markets" are a vibrant blend of nostalgia and community. Go in search of retro fashion, antique furniture, vinyl records, and memorabilia, or pick up your weekly fresh fruit and veg. Find it right next to Sydney's last remaining drive-in movie theatre.

Where:    33 Cricketers Arms Road, Prospect
When:     Every Sunday | From 6:30 am to 2:00 pm 
Cost:       Entry is $2 - $5 5pp

4. Nursery Open Days

Calling all green thumbs! The Nursery Open Days are an initiative by Blacktown City Council aimed at promoting sustainability and greening the community.

During these events, Blacktown residents who can’t pick up their annual allocation for the Nursery Giveaway Program during weekdays are allowed to collect free plants for their homes and gardens on a Saturday. Each event offers a selection of native and exotic plants, with nursery staff available to assist in choosing species suitable for your garden. Proof of residency is required, and you can snap up two plants per household.

Where:     Blacktown City Council Nursery, Kent Street, Blacktown
When:      Saturday 6 December 2025 | 9 am - 1 pm
                 Saturday 07 February 2026 | 9 am - 2 pm
                 Saturday 21 February 2026 | 9 am - 2 pm
Cost:        FREE

5. Kidz Blitz Holiday Program

Keep the school holidays lively with the Kidz Blitz Holiday Program, designed to keep kids aged 6 to 12 happy, active and entertained all day long. With daily themes, water play and centre-specific activities, every day brings something new. Programs run across Blacktown Aquatic Centre, Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope and Charlie Lowles Leisure Centre Emerton, each offering their own spin on holiday fun. Check out the itineraries.

Where:        Blacktown, Stanhope and Emerton
When:         Monday 5 - Friday 30 January 2026 | 7 am - 6 pm 
Cost:           Fees apply

6. Tennis and Pickleball Open Day

Head to Blacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope for a full day of tennis and pickleball fun at the Tennis and Pickleball Open Day. Chat with coaches, check out the courts and get the lowdown on lessons, comps and social play. There’s free coaching from 9 am and competition grading from noon. Whether you’re picking up a racquet for the first time or brushing up your skills, there’s a spot for every age and ability.

Where:         Blacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope, Cnr Stanhope Parkway and Sentry Drive, Stanhope Gardens
When:          Saturday 17 January 2026
Cost:            FREE

7. Wake Up With The Wildlife Australia Day Breakfast

Start your Australia Day with something truly special: breakfast served in the company of Featherdale’s furry and feathered residents. Wake Up With The Wildlife offers four arrival windows, giving families plenty of time to enjoy the animals, wander the park and soak up the holiday atmosphere. Plus, you'll save $32 on standard entry! Tickets are limited and only valid for your selected session, so booking early is a must. 

Where:        Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park, Kildare Road, Doonside
When:         Monday 26 January 2026 | 7 am - 3 pm (four sessions available)
Cost:           Tickets $12 available from 12 January 2026

8. Australia Day Concert and Fireworks

Rooty Hill is the place to be for the 2026 Australia Day Concert and Fireworks with live performances, amusement rides, food stalls and the region’s standout fireworks show. This free event brings families together for an afternoon of entertainment topped off by a headline set from DIESEL. The concert area is licensed, and alcohol must be purchased and enjoyed inside the designated zone.

Where:         The Rooty Hill, Eastern Road, Rooty Hill
When:           Monday 26 January 2026 | 4 - 9:30 pm
Cost:             FREE

9. SportsFest

Get ready for an action-packed afternoon at Blacktown City Family SportsFest, where kids can climb, shoot, splash and play their way through a stack of free activities on Saturday, 14 February.

Taking over Blacktown Leisure Centre from 12 pm to 4 pm, SportsFest invites children to try everything from rock climbing and archery to ball sports, alongside crowd-pleasers like animal encounters, face painting and a jumping castle. The pool will be buzzing with inflatables, with free pool and gym entry available to families who collect a voucher on the day, while local sporting groups will be on hand to help kids discover a new hobby.

With special membership offers to Blacktown Leisure Centre (10% off and no joining fee!), plenty of hands-on fun and a big focus on active, connected communities, SportsFest is shaping up to be a feel-good summer highlight for Blacktown families!

Where:     Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope
When:      Saturday 14 February | 12-4 pm
Cost:        FREE

10. Lunar New Year Celebrations

Nurragingy Reserve will light up for Lunar New Year as the Chang Lai Yuan Chinese Gardens transform with colour, culture and celebration. Festivities include traditional performances, the Lion Dance, fireworks, an official ceremony and the crowd favourite Dragon Dance - a terrific, family-friendly, alcohol-free way to welcome the Year of the Horse.

Where:         Nurragingy Reserve, Knox Road, Doonside
When:          Friday 20 February 2026 | 4 - 9 pm
Cost:            FREE

More Hidden Gems in Blacktown

The Best Attractions in Blacktown for Families
Restaurants in Blacktown: 15 to Discover
Blacktown Libraries: Five Fun, Free Local Hubs To Explore

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