Hive Festival 2026
The much-loved free festival for children and families is back at the Art Gallery of New South Wales on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 January 2026.
This summer, Hive Festival celebrates the joy and power of play, inviting families to dive into a world of creativity through hands-on art-making, music, storytelling and interactive tours across the Gallery. With specially created workshops and vibrant installations by artist Kate Mitchell, there’s a delightful surprise waiting around every corner.
Look at all the great activities you can do!
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- Activation: Many bubbles blessing By Kate Mitchell – 10am -5pm 17-18 January 2026 – Free
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Drop-in workshop: Plushie pals By Kate Mitchell – Daily 10am – 5pm – Wednesdays until 9pm – 5–26 January 2026 – Free
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Kids drop-in workshop: Face it By Kate Mitchell Saturday 17 January 2026, 10am – 4.30pm Sunday 18 January 2026, 9am – 4.30pm Free, no bookings required
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Hive stage: Art and music With Zindzi Okenyo Saturday 17, Sunday 18 January 2026 10.30am Free, no bookings required
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Hive stage: Storytime With Ursula Dubosarsky and Christopher Nielsen Saturday 17 January 2026 1.30pm Free, no bookings required
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Hive stage: Movement workshop With Sydney Dance Company Saturday 17, Sunday 18 January 2026 11.30am Free, no bookings required
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Hive stage: Live music with Musica Viva Australia Moon Radio Hour Saturday 17, Sunday 18 January 2026 3pm Free, no bookings required
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Hive stage: Auslan storytime With Amy Josephine Wright Sunday 18 January 2026 1.30pm Free, no bookings required
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Kids drop-in workshop: Paper wearables By Jenna Mayilema Lee Saturday 17 January 2026, 10am – 4.30pm Sunday 18 January 2026, 9am – 4.30pm Free, no bookings required
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Drop-in workshop: The Patchwork Portal By Raquel Caballero During opening hours Until 8 February 2026 Free, no bookings required
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Interactive art: Aula grande (outlined) By Amalia Pica During opening hours Until 18 January 2026 Free, no bookings required
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Drop-in activity: Indian illustrations In the Naala Nura building During opening hours Free, no bookings required
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Film series: Ghibli Fest In association with Hive Festival 2026 Saturday 17, Sunday 18 January 2026 Various times Charges apply
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Art play Soft play space for families Saturday 17, Sunday 18 January 2026 10am – 4.30pm Free, no bookings required
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Hive Festival playlist By ABC Kids listen During opening hours Saturday 17, Sunday 18 January 2026 Free, no bookings required
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Kids disco Dance in the underground art park Saturday 17, Sunday 18 January 2026 2pm Free, no bookings required
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Drop-in activity: Animal antics In the children’s art library Saturday 17 January 2026, 10am – 5pm Sunday 18 January 2026, 9am – 5pm Free, no bookings required
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Sensory storytime Storytelling and art-making for all ages Sunday 18 January 2026 9.30am Free, no bookings required
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Chill zone Relaxed space for families Saturday 17 January 2026, 10am – 4.30pm Sunday 18 January 2026, 9am – 4.30pm Free, no bookings required
- Sensory-friendly HiveA calmer, quieter festival experience Sunday 18 January 2026 9–10am Free, no bookings required
- Guided tour for kids: Yiribana Gallery With Nebbi Boii Saturday 17, Sunday 18 January 2026 1pm Free, no bookings required
- Mindfulness tour Saturday 17, Sunday 18 January 2026 2pm Free, no bookings required
- Guided tour for kids: Artists at play Roving art-making in the Naala Nura building Saturday 17, Sunday 18 January 2026 11am Free, no bookings required