Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre is sprinkling some magic into your spring school holidays by throwing an epic three-day family festival. This year’s Way Out West (WOW) Festival will bring a whirlwind program of hands-on workshops, children’s bands, a huge adventure playground, silent discos and outdoor fun, all aimed at kids up to 15 years old. Finding ways to keep the young ones entertained can be expensive, but rest assured because many of the events are free with nothing in the paid program over $20.
WOW's hugely popular Youth Makers Market makes its triumphant return on Saturday, October 7, spotlighting 50 talented young entrepreneurs under the age of 18. You’ll have the opportunity to meet and chat with these young guns and even take home a one-of-a-kind artwork, tasty treat or crafty masterpiece. The festival is also hosting the Youth Legacy Talent Quest, presented in collaboration with the Street University Liverpool. Prepare to be amazed as the 25 grand finalists, aged between 12 and 25, compete in everything from juggling and acrobatics to singing and spoken word, with a prize pool worth more than $1,500.
Casual Powerhouse has collaborated with Major Minor Music Australia to present this year’s headline musical acts including legendary Australian children’s entertainer Peter Combe; award-winning musician and children’s book author Josh Pyke; Aria-nominated children’s music group Tiptoe Giants; and kid-friendly folk musician Angie Who. Plan your big day out around their performances, which are spread over October 6 and 7 at 10.30am and 1pm, with tickets from $15-$20.
In 2023, WOW is celebrating birds, flight and the transformative power of imagination through its creative workshops. The kids can transform themselves into human-sized cardboard birds with Boxwars, then take flight in the Turbine Hall using the magic of a green screen. They can also test their paper plane folding skills at Flight Lab, get their hands dirty with bird sculpting or eco-kite making, and learn new skills at the magic and levitation workshop with renowned magician Adam Mada.
Head outdoors for more fun-filled activities including last year's sell-out success Big Build adventure playground, free kite making and rock painting, and the first ever March of the Birds riverwalk and parade. The kids can also race across the solar system in Sun Runners, an immersive audio play adventure by Windmill Theatre Company.
Pack a picnic to enjoy in the surrounding Casula Parklands or grab a bite to eat at Casuala Powerhouse’s onsite restaurant, Bellbird Dining and Bar.