Wondering what to do in Sydney this weekend? Celebrate Christmas early as Sunset Sessions returns to the Q Station with mulled wine, hot chocolate, seasonal treats and more. Looking for a great day trip? With ferry rides, historic landmarks, wide-open spaces, and now a brand-new self-guided family tour designed especially for kids aged 6 to 10, Cockatoo Island is packed with affordable (and even free!) ways to keep young minds and bodies busy.
Sunset Sessions returns to the Q Station on Saturday for a special Christmas in July edition, offering a cozy winter afternoon filled with holiday spirit. Enjoy Christmas-themed music as you relax with a cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate, nibble on seasonal treats, and take in the breathtaking sunset views from the Headland at the Hospital Precinct, Q Station Manly.
Looking for a great day trip? With ferry rides, historic landmarks, wide-open spaces, and now a brand-new self-guided family tour designed especially for kids aged 6 to 10, Cockatoo Island is packed with affordable (and even free!) ways to keep young minds and bodies busy.
Winter is here, and with it, a chance to bundle on those coats and beanies and get out for some fun! Head to Hunter Valley Gardens: Snow Time in the Garden for the last weekend of real snow, tobogganing, and plenty more.
Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience is a global sensation that has already captivated more than two million people worldwide —and it’s in Sydney! Guests can journey through surreal, dreamlike landscapes where art, play, and technology collide. From vibrant VR dreamscapes to shimmering bubble fields and balloon-filled wonderlands, Bubble Planet promises a joyful escape for all ages.
Join TinkerTank Academy’s Parent Night on Saturday 26 July from 3-5 pm in Neutral Bay. This event is designed to provide families with an in-depth look at the launch of their new micro-learning centre, a more immersive alternative to traditional schooling that offers greater autonomy and personalisation.
There are plenty of markets happening around the North Shore and beyond this weekend! On Saturday, there’s St Ives Organic Markets, Castle Hill Farmers Markets, Kirribilli Markets and the EQ Markets. On Sunday, enjoy everything French at Le Marche French Markets and check out Mona Vale Organic Markets.
GUIDE: WINTER EVENTS IN SYDNEY
Things to do all weekend
1. Hunter Valley Gardens: Snow Time in the Garden
It’s your last weekend to experience Snow Time in the Garden at Hunter Valley Garden. Enjoy real snow, ice skating, and the 45-metre Giant Ice Toboggan, all included in your entry ticket. Kids and adults will love the Snow Play Zone, where you can build snowmen, make snow angels, or simply soak in the frosty fun.
Set against the stunning display gardens, the event also features a variety of tasty food and carnival rides.
Located just two hours from Sydney, it offers a magical winter experience close to home.
- When: Daily until Sunday 27 July
- Where: Hunter Valley Gardens, Broke Road, Pokolbin
- Cost: Adults $41 | Children $31 | Family Passes available.
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
2. Cockatoo Island Family Tour
With ferry rides, historic landmarks, wide-open spaces, and now a brand-new self-guided family tour designed especially for kids aged 6 to 10, Cockatoo Island is packed with affordable (and even free!) ways to keep young minds and bodies busy.
‘Our Day at Cockatoo Island’ is a great way for young adventurers, under adult supervision, to engage in a range of fun activities (such as drawing, creative writing and games) as they visit iconic landmarks and delve into the island’s history as a dockyard and jail.
Equipped with a colourful tour booklet – and guided by a series of pink cockatoo ground stickers – families will visit eight stops across the lower and upper island. Along the way, they’ll meet Burriburri the whale, communicate like a sailor… and have fun the good old-fashioned convict way!
To enjoy this family tour, head to the visitor centre (open 10am to 4pm) and purchase the ‘Our day at Cockatoo Island’ booklet.
- When: Daily
- Where: Cockatoo Island
- Cost: $5 per booklet
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
3. Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience
Bubble Planet is an immersive and interactive experience that has launched at Sydney Olympic Park.
Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience is a global sensation that has already captivated more than two million people worldwide —and it’s in Sydney!
Similar to Tokyo’s iconic teamLab exhibitions, Bubble Planet features over 10 wondrous rooms filled with optical illusions, giant bubbles, cutting-edge virtual reality, and stunning immersive projections.
Guests can journey through surreal, dreamlike landscapes where art, play, and technology collide. From vibrant VR dreamscapes to shimmering bubble fields and balloon-filled wonderlands, Bubble Planet promises a joyful escape for all ages.
- When: Open daily with multiple session times
- Where: Paddington Pavilion, Sydney Olympic Park
- Cost: $36.90 Child | $46.90 Adult | Under 4 FREE
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
Things to do in Sydney on Friday
Wondering what to do this Friday in Sydney? Check out our guide to local events and commemorations.
4. Chatswood Mall Market
Chatswood Mall Market
The Chatswood Mall Markets are held every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. You’ll find pastries, pizza or pork buns. There’s Japanese, Malaysian, Greek, Gozleme, and a whole host more to explore, including fresh produce. Pop down for lunch, dinner and shopping in the Chatswood Mall.
- When: Thursday – Saturday, 10am – 10pm
- Where: Chatswood Mall, 443 Victoria Ave, Chatswood
- Cost: Free
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
Things to do in Sydney this Saturday
Wondering what to do around Sydney this Saturday? There’s plenty of fun events to choose from!
5. Sunset Sessions: Christmas in July at the Q Station
Kick off the 2025/26 season early with a festive twist! Sunset Sessions returns on Saturday 26 July for a special Christmas in July edition, offering a cozy winter afternoon filled with holiday spirit.
Enjoy Christmas-themed music as you relax with a cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate, nibble on seasonal treats, and take in the breathtaking sunset views from the Headland at the Hospital Precinct, Q Station Manly.
A magical way to warm up your winter—before the official season even begins. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind celebration!
- When: Saturday 26 July, 3 to 5pm
- Where: Q Station Manly, 1 North Head Scenic Drive, Manly
- Cost: Adults $25 | Children(8-16 years) $15 | Under 7 FREE
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
6. TinkerTank Academy’s Parent Evening
Join TinkerTank Academy’s Parent Night on Saturday 26 July from 3-5 pm in Neutral Bay.
This event is designed to provide families with an in-depth look at the launch of their new micro-learning centre, a more immersive alternative to traditional schooling that offers greater autonomy and personalisation.
What to expect:
- Interactive demonstrations: Engage with their cutting-edge technology, including robotics, 3D printing, coding platforms, and media production tools.
- Meet their founder: Julija McDowell, a former animator, created TinkerTank and TinkerTank Academy to teach kids more hands-on, technological skills not offered in a traditional classroom.
- Discover their curriculum: Learn how their AI-supported, project-based model personalises education, aligning with curriculum standards and preparing students for future success. They aim to provide several different tiers of education modes to best fit each family’s price ranges and personal preferences.
- When: Saturday 26 July, 3 to 5pm
- Where: 50 Yeo Street, Neutral Bay
- Cost: Free. Register.
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
7. Parents & Tweens Sound Bonding Workshop
This one-of-a-kind workshop is all about learning how to use simple sound healing techniques to chill out, de-stress, and connect on a whole new level.
It’s a fun, unique way to get closer, understand each other better, and share some unforgettable moments, all through the magic of sound.
- When: Saturday 26 July, 3 to 4.30pm
- Where: 42 Bobbin Head Road, Pymble
- Cost: $180 (Includes entry for both parent and child)
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
8. Castle Hill Farmers & Fine Food Market
The Castle Hill Farmers & Fine Food Markets are held on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month at the Castle Hill Showground.
These markets promote the importance of fresh seasonal produce and sustainable local agriculture, showcase small businesses, and introduce visitors to the wonders of the Hawkesbury region.
Begin your market experience by succumbing to the tantalising aroma of freshly ground coffee beans brewing away in the crisp early morning air of the showgrounds. As you sip your coffee and munch on your egg and bacon roll, you’ll be drawn by the perfumes of the many freshly cut blooms from Flowering Eucalyptus with a vast array of colours and species to suit all occasions.
- When: Fourth Saturday of the month, 8am-12pm
- Where: Castle Hill Showground, Showground Road, Castle Hill
- Cost: Free
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
9. Kirribilli Markets: General & Fashion
The Kirribilli General Markets are held on the fourth Saturday of the month. These markets feature approximately 220 stalls of new and secondhand fashion, antiques and collectables, homewares, and so much more. As the name suggests, you will find almost anything in this market!
The Burton Street tunnel exclusively features artist-made products, while the Green and Gravel areas feature Fashion stalls and much, much more.
- When: Fourth Saturday of the month, 8.30am – 3pm
- Where: Kirribilli Markets, Burton Street, Milsons Point
- Cost: Free
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
10. St Ives Organic Markets
The St Ives Organic Food Markets are held at St Ives Showgrounds every Saturday. At these markets, you’ll find Certified Organic food, artisan gourmet produce and conventional fresh fruit & vegetables, freshly baked bread and patisserie, seasonal produce from the farmer, salami, local and French cheese, smoked salmon and other delicacies, Aussie truffles…..in fact, all the goodies you love to eat are at the markets, every week, rain or shine.
At these friendly community markets, you will find everything to fulfil your weekly shopping needs, including an exciting choice of fashion, homewares, plants, and, of course, eco-friendly, sustainable fare trade and healthy products.
You will all enjoy mixing with other like-minded, fun-loving, friendly foodies…people like you who care about the environment and the health of the people they feed.
- When: Every Saturday, 8am-2pm
- Where: St Ives Showground, Mona Vale Road, St Ives
- Cost: Free
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
11. EQ Markets
The EQ Markets are held every Wednesday and Saturday at The Entertainment Quarter. These markets are a vibrant celebration of community, creativity, and culture, promising to add a splash of excitement to your day.
Up to 50 stallholders come together to sell a variety of goods, from fresh produce to gourmet French fare specially imported. Be sure to pop by to enjoy some fresh air and fill your basket with beautiful seasonal produce and gourmet treats. Check out the fantastic stalls full of one-of-a-kind and artisan gifts for that special someone in your life (or treat yourself!), or stop by one of the most beautiful stores for flowers you’ll ever see.
- When: Every Wednesday & Saturday, 8am-2pm
- Where: EQ Markets, Lang Road, Moore Park
- Cost: Free
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
12. Darling Harbour Fireworks
What better way to end dinner or entertainment than with an incredible array of fireworks at one of Sydney’s most glorious waterfront locations?
Watch the Sydney sky above Darling Harbour come to life on the last Saturday of the month from anywhere along Darling Harbour’s edge, including the many waterfront restaurants or bars along Cockle Bay Wharf, Harbourside Shopping Centre, King Street Wharf and Barangaroo.
- When: Last Saturday night of the month
- Where: Darling Harbour
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
Things to do in Sydney this Sunday
13. National Tree Day Community Planting
Join North Sydney Council’s Bushland team at Hamilton Reserve for a community tree planting event.
You’ll plant native trees, help to rehabilitate local bushland, and create special family memories. National Tree Day is a fun and accessible first environmental volunteer experience for children. Come back to watch the trees grow over the years.
This planting event will help to expand North Sydney’s most species-diverse piece of remnant bushland, home to towering gum trees, Powerful Owls and Long-nosed Bandicoots.
You’ll receive all the plants, tools and instruction you need, and enjoy a BBQ sausage sizzle after your hard work.
- When: Sunday 27 July, 9.30am-11am
- Where: Hamilton Reserve, Cammeray
- Cost: Free
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
14. Mona Vale Organic Food Market
The Mona Vale Organic Food Markets are held every Sunday at Pittwater RSL. These weekly markets offer gourmet food and produce, specialising in Certified Organic food, artisan gourmet produce, and conventional fresh fruit and veg*. They also sell freshly baked bread and pastries, seasonal produce from local farmers, salami, local and French cheeses, smoked salmon, and other delicacies, as well as Australian truffles.
- When: 8.30am-1pm
- Where: Pittwater RSL, 82 Mona Vale Road, Mona Vale
- Cost: Free
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
15. Le Marche French Markets
Experience a taste of France in Sydney. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of a traditional French market at the delightful Laurelbank in Willoughby, on Sydney’s Lower North Shore. Le Marche French Markets are held on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month and celebrate all things French – from delectable cuisine to exquisite artisanal crafts.
Savour the flavours of France with an array of French delights: fresh-baked baguettes and creamy cheeses, delicate pastries, and smelly raclette. Or treat yourself to some French Artisanal Treasures, such as Brocante, French linen, berets, jewellery, handmade ceramics, and lots more.
Whether you’re a foodie, a lover of anything French, or simply seeking a taste of European culture, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
- When: 2nd & 4th Sunday of the month, 8.30am-1.30pm
- Where: Laurelbank Willoughby, Penshurst Street, Willoughby
- Cost: Free
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
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The events featured in this guide are organised by third parties, with details sourced directly from their official websites at the time of publication. While we strive for complete accuracy, last-minute cancellations may occur. To avoid disappointment, we recommend verifying event details on the official websites provided before attending.
