Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Spring has well and truly arrived, bringing with it a packed calendar of fairs, festivals, and family fun across Sydney’s North Shore. From fireworks and live music to food, markets, and day trips, there’s something for every age and interest this weekend. Here’s your weekend sorted!
Spring is in the air! There are plenty of Fairs, Fetes and Festivals happening across the North Shore. Join the Barker College Spring Fair with all the stalls and activities you know and love, plus a “Battle of the Bands” and Fireworks Spectacular.
GUIDE: BEST SPRING FESTIVALS, FETES & FAIRS
Corteo, one of Cirque du Soleil’s most beloved productions, is heading to Sydney and is suitable for all families to enjoy. The show combines the passion of the actor with the grace and power of the acrobat to plunge the audience into a theatrical world of fun, comedy, and spontaneity situated in a mysterious space between heaven and earth.
Looking for childcare options? Head to Only About Children Asquith Open Day, or check out Family Fun Day at Thomas Carlyle Children’s Centre.
Ready for a date night without the kids? Burlesque: The (Parody) Dinner Show is an immersive culinary cabaret experience unlike any other! Relish the theatrical whirlwind of acting, dancing, singing and storytelling as it unfolds around you from the comfort of your cabaret table—all while wining and dining on delicious modern Australian cuisine.
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.
Got a train lover? Head for a fun train day out at Galston Valley Railway on Sunday. Trains run continuously throughout the day from 10am to 3pm.
There are plenty of markets happening around the North Shore and beyond this weekend! On Saturday, there’s St Ives Organic Markets, EQ Markets or the Castle Hill Farmers & Fine Food Market. On Sunday, get a taste of France at Le Marché French Markets in Willoughby, shop art, design & fashion at Kirribilli Markets, visit the Gordon Markets or Mona Vale Organic Food Market.
Things to do all weekend
1. Cirque du Soleil’s Corteo
Corteo, one of Cirque du Soleil’s most beloved productions, is heading to Sydney and is suitable for all families to enjoy.
This exceptional show, directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca (who also directed LUZIA), first premiered in Montreal under the Big Top in April 2005 and features a double-sided stage where audiences face each other.
Since its creation, Corteo show has amazed over 12 million spectators, in 30 countries, on 4 continents.
Corteo, which means cortege in Italian, is a joyous procession, a festive parade imagined by a clown. The show combines the passion of the actor with the grace and power of the acrobat to plunge the audience into a theatrical world of fun, comedy, and spontaneity situated in a mysterious space between heaven and earth.
- When: 4 September 2025 to 14 September 2025
- Where: Qudos Bank Arena, Edwin Flack Avenue, Sydney Olympic Park
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
2. Dorothy in Oz: An Immersive Experience
Step into the world premiere of A.K. Wregg’s Dorothy in Oz: An Immersive Experience, headlining the new Cabaret Hub at Marrickville Town Hall for the 2025 Sydney Fringe Festival. From the creator of The Alice: An Immersive Cocktail Adventure, this interactive journey casts you as a guest in a reimagined Oz.
Begin in Kansas Bar with Dorothy, then be swept by a twister into Princess Ozma’s birthday party. Solve puzzles, meet iconic characters, and craft your own cocktail (or kids’ potion!). With dazzling performances, stage magic, and sessions for both adults and families, this whimsical adventure promises pure festival magic.
- When: 3 September to 28 September 2025
- Where: Cabaret Hub at Marrickville Town Hall, Marrickville Road, Marrickville
- Cost: $40 – $65
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
3. 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 an excellent 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
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. Daffodil Day Sip & Swap
Enjoy an evening of fashion, friends, and fundraising for a cause close to our hearts at the Daffodil Day Sip & Swap on Friday, 12 September in Lane Cove. Bring friends and family for a night of community connection while supporting the Cancer Council’s important work.
How it works: Donate your quality, pre-loved fashion pieces before the event night. On the night, your ticket includes one token to shop, with the option to purchase additional tokens if you discover multiple treasures! While you browse, enjoy drinks and nibbles as we hear from special guest speakers, get fashion advice, make-up tips, and maybe even receive your own stunning fashion art illustration!
Cancer touches so many lives, and the Cancer Council provides invaluable practical advice, emotional support, and hope when it’s needed most. Together, we can help ensure their services reach everyone who needs them.
- When: Friday 12 September, 7-9.30pm
- Where: Lane Cove Council, Longueville Road, Lane Cove
- Cost: $80
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
5. Chatswood Mall Market
Chatswood Mall Market
The Chatswood Mall Markets are held every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. 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 are plenty of fun events to choose from!
6. Barker College Spring Fair
The Barker Spring Fair is back on Saturday 13 September, and it’s set to be bigger than ever. It includes all the stalls and activities you know and love, plus a “Battle of the Bands” and Fireworks Spectacular.
In 2025, we are celebrating 100 years of the Barker College Parents’ Association (BCPA). Proceeds raised will support the BCPA, enhance Barker facilities, and help families in the Barker Community.
We invite you and your families to join us at Barker for this fun event.
- When: Saturday 13 September, 1pm-7pm
- Where: Barker College, Hornsby
- Cost: Free
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
7. Family Fun Day Thomas Carlyle Children’s Centre
Enrolments are now open for 2026 at Thomas Carlyle Children’s Centre, Lindfield. Find out more about the centre at their Family Fun Day on Saturday, and enjoy refreshments, art and craft, tours, Bop Till You Drop Disco, face painting and more.
- When: Saturday 13 September, 10am to 1pm
- Where: 2C Carlyle Road, East Lindfield
- Cost: Free
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
8. Only About Children Asquith Open Day
Join Only About Children Asquith Open Day for plenty of fun. Enjoy a jumping castle, face painting and balloon animals, coffee, morning tea, and plenty of activities to keep little ones entertained.
- When: Saturday 13 September, 9.30am to 11.30am
- Where: Only About Children, 57 Salisbury Road, Asquith
- Cost: Free
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
9. Castle Hill Farmers & Fine Food Market
The Castle Hill Farmers & Fine Food Markets take place on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month at the Castle Hill Showgrounds.
Discover the region’s best seasonal produce, gourmet treats, and local creativity while enjoying the lively community atmosphere. Start your visit with freshly brewed coffee and a bacon-and-egg roll before exploring stalls overflowing with colourful flowers, crunchy sourdough, artisan pasta, olive oil, herbs, spices, eggs, mushrooms and sauces. Fresh fruit and veggies abound—berries, tomatoes, greens, stone fruit, and the famous Bilpin apples (plus apple pies!).
A perfect Saturday outing for foodies, families, and market lovers alike.
- When: 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month, 8am – 12pm
- Where: Castle Hill Showgrounds
- 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, conventional fresh fruit and veg, freshly baked bread and patisserie, seasonal produce from the farmer, salami, local and French cheese, smoked salmon and other delicacies, Aussie truffles… and all the goodies you love to eat, every week, rain or shine.
You will all enjoy mixing with other like-minded, fun-loving, and 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
Things to do in Sydney this Sunday
12. Kids & teens clothing, book & toy swap
Net Zero Champion residents are hosting a kids & teens toys and clothes swap (0-19 years) where you can exchange your used kids’ clothes and toys (in good condition) for new-to-you outfits for the kids in your life.
- When: Sunday 14 September, 10am-1pm
- Where: Douglas Pickering Pavilion, St Ives Showground
- Cost: Free
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
13. Lane Cove Fun Run
Participate in a 2km or 5km fun run to raise funds for Sydney Community Services and Lane Cove Public School P&C. A great way to support your community and get active.
- When: Sunday 14 September 2025
- Where: Kingsford Smith Oval, Stuart Street, Longueville
- Cost: $35-$45
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
14. Galston Valley Railway
Nestled in the bushlands on the outskirts of Galston, the Galston Valley Railway is a picturesque miniature railway. It’s 1 km of track winding through the bush and up the hills. Trains run continuously throughout the day, with all trains stopping between 12:30pm and 1pm for the volunteers to have lunch.
A BBQ Stall is open from 11.30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and a canteen sells tea, coffee, cold drinks, ice cream, and lollies.
- When: 2nd Sunday of the month, 10am – 3pm
- Where: 29 Mid Dural Road, Galston
- Cost: Adult $10 | Children <18 Free | Train Rides $3.50 per person. Book now.
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
15. Kirribilli Markets: Art, Fashion & Design
The Kirribilli Art, Design and Fashion Market is held on the first and second Sunday of each month. These markets have a vibrant atmosphere, fantastic stalls, great products and delicious food. Artists, craft practitioners, and designers sell their original paintings, glass, ceramics, fashion, accessories, homewares, hats, and fresh flowers in an atmosphere of great live music and international cuisine.
The Burton Street tunnel exclusively features Artisans’ products, while the Green and Gravel areas feature Fashion stalls and much, much more.
- When: 1st & 2nd Sunday of the month, 8.30am – 3pm
- Where: Kirribilli Markets, Burton Street, Milsons Point
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
16. Gordon Markets
The Gordon Markets are held on the second Sunday of each month. You’ll find antiques and collectables, plants, local produce, crystals, books, clothes, watches, LED lighting, opals, jewellery, and more.
The Rotary Clubs of Kur-ring-gai and Turramurra run these markets.
- When: 2nd Sunday of the month, 8.30am – 2pm
- Where: Wade Lane, Gordon
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
17. Le Marché French Markets
Experience a taste of France in Sydney. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of a traditional French market at Le Marche French Markets, which are held on the 2nd Sunday of the month at Woolwich Dock. 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. Bon appétit! Or treat yourself to some French artisanal treasures, such as brocante, French linen, berets, jewellery, handmade ceramics, and much 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 Sunday of the month, 9am – 1pm
- Where: Woolwich Dock
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
18. Mona Vale Organic Food Market
The Mona Vale Organic Food Markets are held every Sunday morning 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 patisserie, seasonal produce from local farmers, salami, local and French cheeses, smoked salmon, and other delicacies, as well as Australian truffles.
- When: Every Sunday, 8.30am – 1pm
- Where: Pittwater RSL, 82 Mona Vale Road, Mona Vale
- Cost: Free
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
19. Jeral Puppets
Catch delightful puppet shows by the Jeral Puppets at their Puppeteria Theatre in Castle Cove. Each performance features two stories and is perfect for young audiences. This week, enjoy Little Red Riding Hood + Three Billy Goats Gruff.
- When: Sunday 7 September, 10.30am
- Where: 12H Denawen Ave, Castle Cove
- Cost: $14 per child | $16 per adult
- More: northshoremums.com.au/events
Want more things to do this weekend?
- The ultimate bucket list: Things to do with kids in Sydney
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- Where to take kids horse riding around Sydney
- Best Bakeries around Sydney’s North Shore
- Best Arcades for kids (and big kids!) in Sydney
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.
