Wondering what to do with the kids during the spring school holidays? The Sydney Opera House has got you covered with its first-ever Wild Things International Kids Festival.
Running for 16 days from September 26 until October 11, this festival turns the Opera House into a creative playground, with performances, workshops, installations and activities for all kids from toddlers to teens.
Out on the Forecourt, families can enjoy free performances, giant interactive installations and roaming puppeteers. Venture inside to catch shows for different age groups from Australia and around the world. And with every performance priced at $49 or less, it’s a fun thing to add to your school holiday calendar.
Shows to watch
ZOOOM
September 26–29 at Playhouse; Age: 4+
Patch Theatre takes kids on an imaginative journey through the universe, inspired by the beloved Harold and the Purple Crayon.
We Come From Far, Far Away
October 3–7 at The Studio; Age: 10+
Abdallah shares his story of life, travel and growing up, inspired by the real journeys of young refugees and performed inside a Mongolian yurt.
Tinker Tales!October 3–5 at Playhouse; Age: 6+
Three performers build, dance and create on a giant building site, where things quickly spiral into wonderfully chaotic fun.
Grand Soft Day
October 8–11 at Playhouse; Age: 2–6
Three friends head into the woods, but the weather has other plans. Expect movement, music and a charming mix of English, Irish and Italian.
Free Events in the Forecourt
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Hello! Welcome to your weekly wrap of what’s on. I am loving the springtime weather! Hope you are, too.
It’s the spring school holidays, and if you’ve got little people at home who need to be entertained, we’ve rounded up some fun things to do here. And be sure to check out Wild Things International Kids Festival at the Sydney Opera House.
Some of the world’s most extraordinary nature photography is on display in Sydney, from a sawfish and sea turtle encounter to dramatic wildlife and otherworldly landscapes. The 2026 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year exhibition showcases the best images from more than 2,000 entries from around the world – it's on now at the Australian Museum, and it's free.
Sydney Fringe Festival is here for a few more weeks – with lots of fun, wild and affordable shows to see this month in Sydney. Come support the arts – and have a cracking night out at the same time. Here are our top picks – but there's plenty more happening.
Free Monday night? Head to Newtown's Bar Planet and lap up $13 Martinis all night long. And you can suss out other Sydney happy hours here, too.
If you'd like to learn more about Chinese mythology, head to Chippendale's White Rabbit Gallery and see its new exhibition, Black Myth.
Love wine but not the snobbery? Newtown favourite Famelia has launched a fun new wine school with guided tastings designed to build your confidence. It’s happening every second Tuesday from July to October – find out more here.
Need a laugh? The Comedy Store in Moore Park has been Sydney’s go-to spot for belly laughs since 1981, with affordable shows every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. Plus, check out the best shows to see in Sydney this month here.
Acclaimed First Nations artist Tony Albert has opened his largest-ever solo exhibition at the MCA. Tony Albert: Not a Souvenir explores the stereotyping and commodification of Aboriginal culture while celebrating survival, resilience and pride. Alongside the exhibition, Albert and the MCA have launched the Aboriginalia Appeal, encouraging Australians to donate mass-produced souvenirs that reduce Aboriginal culture to stereotypes.
Hungry? Burwood Chinatown Night Market runs Thursday to Sunday from 5-10pm, and it's always a delicious, fun time.
Booking a catch-up? Sydney's best restaurants and best new restaurants are a good place to start. Or, head to one of Sydney's best bars.
Scroll on for our full list of the best things to do in Sydney this week.
Mapping out your weekend? These are the best things to do in Sydney this weekend.
