Now You See Me Live
2025-12-19 - 2026-01-03 | Sydney Opera House, Sydney
Now You See Me Live
The stage illusion spectacular
Based on Lionsgate’s hit film franchise, Now You See Me Live storms into the Sydney Opera House this summer with a thrilling fusion of high-tech illusions, daring solo stunts and mind-blowing visual spectacle.
Making its Australian debut, four world-class illusionists — Adam Trent (USA), Enzo Weyne (FR), Andrew Basso (ITL) and Gabriella Lester (RSA) — unite as The Horsemen, bringing the films’ magic to life with astonishing, never-before-seen feats.
From the creators of Broadway’s smash The Illusionists, Now You See Me Live delivers a breathtaking, blockbuster-style experience the whole family must see to believe.
19 December 2025 – 3 January 2026
–> More Info / Buy tickets here

City of Wonder: Wildflower Edition
2025-12-19 - 2026-01-31 | Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney
City of Wonder: Wildflower Edition
IN COLLABORATION WITH INTERNATIONAL ARTIST RAFFAELE SALVOLDI (ITALY)
Raffaele Salvoldi (Instagram) is an acclaimed Italian performance artist, known for his striking ephemeral installations that explore the balance between matter, time, and gravity. Using thousands of carefully stacked wooden planks, he creates monumental urban landscapes where the boundaries between art and architecture blur in captivating ways.
City of Wonder was born from Kidwonder’s dream to create a space where sustainability, creativity, and play come together. Collaborating with Raffaele has been an incredible experience, bringing that vision to life by uniting his awe-inspiring artistry with our purpose-driven ethos. Together, we’ve created more than a city — we’ve created a world where imagination flourishes and wonder truly comes alive.
About Mark Taylor, Founder of Kidwonder
Mark Taylor is the Founder of Kidwonder and Director of award-winning experience agency Belle Laide Events (BLE), with nearly two decades of experience delivering high-impact projects for global brands across Australia, APAC, and the USA. Kidwonder is his most personal venture, inspired by life as a father of three and his belief in the power of purposeful play. Through immersive, child-led experiences, Mark is driven by a mission to spark curiosity, creativity, and confidence in the next generation.
Kidwonder x Raffaele Salvoldi: Collaboration & Sustainability
The collaboration with Raffaele Salvoldi came from a shared vision of creativity and sustainability. When Founder Mark Taylor discovered Salvoldi’s plank-based installations, he saw a natural fit with Kidwonder’s idea for a child-built city using recycled plastic blocks. Excited to involve kids in the process, they created City of Wonder, a space where imagination, collaboration, and sustainable design come together.
Unlike typical school holiday programs, City of Wonder focuses on purposeful play, letting children explore sustainability, urban design, and teamwork through hands-on, creative experiences. Most materials, including hard-to-recycle straws from the NSW 2022 Single-Use Plastic Ban, are locally sourced and transformed into imaginative building blocks. Every aspect is designed to be low-waste, reusable, and environmentally conscious, inspiring kids to think critically about the world and their role in shaping it.
This immersive experience invites visitors to take part in one of three engaging ways:
• General Admission: A self-paced, family-friendly experience where children (and young-at-heart adults) can explore freely, build imaginative structures, create with wildflowers, and bring their own urban ideas to life.
• Wonder Workshops: Intimate, expert-led sessions that explore sustainability concepts and creative building techniques in greater depth, guided by the City of Wonder team.
• VIP Artist Experience: An exclusive opportunity to work with Italian artist Raffaele Salvoldi, who leads participants through his distinctive approach to sustainable design and artistic expression. Salvoldi is a renowned performance artist known for his ephemeral installations made from thousands of carefully stacked wooden planks, forming monumental urban landscapes where art, architecture, matter, time, and gravity come together in remarkable ways.
Dates: 19 December 2025 – 31 January 2026
Location: Royal Botanic Garden Sydney (Gadi Seminar Rooms and The Garden Gallery)
Recommended Ages: 3-12 years (and their adults!)
Parking: Closest parking is the metered parking along Mrs Macquaries Road
Public Transport: The closest train station would be Martin Place, and the gallery is roughly a 16 minute walk from the station. (I’ve also attached a direction map provided by the Botanic Gardens team)
Entrance: You can enter directly via the Gallery Reception

Entry Fees

General Admission: An immersive, self-guided, hands-on play space where kids can build, craft, create and explore at their own pace. Thousands of recycled Wonder Planks. Creative craft zones. Mini missions. Pure imagination. Build it your way.. Monday – Sunday FROM 10:00AM UNTIL 4:00PM, EVERY 30 MINUTES FROM $25PP* FAMILY BUNDLE (GA) $95* (2A+2C)
Wonder Workshops: A fun, hands-on building workshop with expert facilitators for curious minds. Learn tricks, build something brilliant, then take your ideas back into the main experience. Limited to 20 spots per session. Includes post-session General Admission access.. 10:30AM & 2:00PM ONLY FROM $40PP* + Booking fee
VIP Artist Experience: An incredible small group building session with international artist, Raffaele Salvoldi! Learn his techniques, ask questions, build together then take what you learn back into the main experience! Limited to just 20 spots per day. Includes post-session General Admission access. .. Tuesday – Sunday 12:00PM ONLY FROM $55PP* + Booking fee

Website: https://cityofwonder.com.au/

Beach
2025-12-19 - 2026-02-01 | Australian National Maritime Museum
The Beach
The centrepiece of the Australian National Maritime Museum’s summer program is The Beach — an exhibition and all-ages playscape designed to bring people together and highlight kindness, care and community.
The Beach reflects shared Australian values: looking out for one another, welcoming difference, and celebrating our seaside culture. It affirms the beach as a place that belongs to everyone and should always feel safe and welcoming.
Following the tragic events of 14 December, the museum reflected deeply on whether to continue. Director and CEO Ms Daryl Karp AM said the decision was ultimately to move forward, showcasing beaches as places of connection and belonging — spaces of shared joy, openness and togetherness at the heart of Australian life.
Fun, art and memory come together through digital projections, soundscapes, interactive rockpools and a towering sand-free castle, transforming the Lighthouse Gallery into a familiar yet imaginative summer world. Here, the beach becomes not just a destination, but a way of seeing ourselves and each other.
Works by artists including Anne Zahalka, Max Dupain, Lola Ryan, Charles Meere and Ken Done celebrate beach rituals and cultural rhythms, inviting reflection on how the beach shapes us — and how we shape it.
Programs including babies’ hour, family workshops, performances, late nights, yoga and life drawing encourage connection and acknowledge that beaches have not always felt safe for everyone. Visitors are invited to consider inclusion, respect and shared responsibility on the shore.
The Beach runs as part of the museum’s summer program 19 December 2025 – 1 February 2026, 10:00 am—4:00 pm.
Entry fees – Holiday ticket

Adult: $40.00
Family: $99.00
Concession: $35.00
Child: $30.00
Infant: Free
Member: Free

https://fun-filled-finds.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/The-Beach-objects.mp4

https://fun-filled-finds.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/The-Beach-rockpools.mp4

Cirque Alice
2025-12-24 - 2026-01-04 | Sydney Coliseum Theatre, Rooty Hill
Cirque Alice
After sell-out seasons in Brisbane and Singapore, Cirque Alice is set to enchant Sydney audiences from 24 December 2025 to 4 January 2026. From the creators of The Illusionists, this spectacular new circus show reimagines Lewis Carroll’s beloved Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, bringing iconic characters to life through breathtaking acrobatics, contortion, puppetry, and live music.
Creative Directors Simon Painter and Kirsty Painter, along with choreographer Dane Bates and designer Angela Aaron, have crafted an immersive Wonderland where performers soar above the stage and audience members are at the centre of the action. Featuring a world-class cast – including international circus stars and America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League winners – Cirque Alice promises jaw-dropping feats, dazzling costumes, and a reimagined soundtrack of classical favourites.
Whether it’s a family outing or a date night, Cirque Alice invites audiences of all ages to tumble down the rabbit hole into a magical, unforgettable world of wonder.

Event duration is approximately 2 hours including a 20 minute intermission.

–> More Info / Book Tickets Here

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🎪🐇🎩 Cirque Alice – Sydney Premiere at the Coliseum Theatre, Sydney
As an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ lover and theatre lover, I absolutely loved watching Cirque Alice. It was magical, breathtaking, and completely captivating from start to finish. Alice (Layla)’s voice was stunning, soaring through the theatre with such beauty and emotion that it gave me goosebumps. The Mad Hatter (Paul) was laugh-out-loud funny, stealing every scene with his chaotic energy and clever magic.
The music was absolutely incredible – sweeping and immersive, drawing you deeper into Wonderland with every note, while The White Rabbit (Darius’) violin work was truly mesmerising and unforgettable.The costumes were jaw-droppingly beautiful – intricate, imaginative, and a visual feast from the moment the curtain rose. I walked out smiling, buzzing, and already wishing I could watch it all over again.
Thank you for the invite to this amazing, incredible show 👏
🎪🐇🎩 @cirquealice
📍 @thecoliseumtheatre @west_hq
🗓️ Sydney – until 4 Jan 2026
🗓️ Adelaide – 8-18 Jan 2026
🗓️ Canberra – from 22 Jan 2026
🕒 2 hours with 1 interval
🧒🧒🏻 Suitable for all ages
ℹ️ More Info/Buy Tickets: https://cirquealice.com/
Performers:
Alice @laylaschillert
White Rabbit @violin_darius
Mad Hatter @pauldabek
Wonderland’s Juggler @brandon.raffo
The Tweedles @ttboys_icarian
The Knights @ramadhanibrothersoriginal
The Dormouse @estuartmena.rollabolla
White King/Queen rollerskaters @duomgrollerskate
📷 All Photos, Videos, Voiceovers and Captions☝️ ©Chamelle Photography, except where noted. 🎵 Music by @violin_darius (recorded from the performance). Please do not copy or re-use without permission. Feat. @silviacheung, Feat with teapot bag: @meetthebryants_
*invited #cirquealice #circus #sydneycircus #circusshow #magicshow coliseumtheatresydney westhq sydneyschoolholidays sydneymums aliceinwonderland Cirque Alice, What’s on in Sydney, Things to do in Sydney, Coliseum Theatre, West HQ

Museum of Illusions Sydney
2025-12-26 - 2026-12-26 | 413 George St Sydney
Museum of Illusions Sydney
Museum of Illusions, the world’s largest and most rapidly expanding network of privately owned museums, will open its first Australian location this summer with the launch of Museum of Illusions Sydney – a captivating destination where perception is challenged and imagination takes the lead. First established in Zagreb, Croatia in 2015, the brand has grown over the past decade to more than 60 museums across 28 countries, welcoming millions of visitors annually. Every location shares a single goal: to deliver unforgettable, joy-filled experiences that linger long after the visit ends.
Situated on 413 George Street in the centre of Sydney, Museum of Illusions Sydney invites wonder-seekers of all ages to see the world differently through immersive environments, optical illusions and multi-sensory installations that delight and surprise. Covering nearly 900 square metres, the museum will house over 80 hands-on exhibits, including gravity-defying spaces, oversized 3D illusions, holograms and perspective-altering rooms designed to inspire laughter, curiosity and amazement.
“Our vision has always been to spark joy and a sense of wonder through the power of illusion,” said Kim Schaefer, CEO of Museum of Illusions. “Sydney’s vibrant creativity, cultural diversity and love of shared experiences make it an ideal home for our newest museum. We’re thrilled to bring our unique mix of science, storytelling and spectacle to Australia for the very first time.”
Each Museum of Illusions location draws inspiration from its local surroundings, and Sydney’s museum will feature exclusive, site-specific installations, including:

The Reversed Room, inspired by the traditional Australian pub as a place of connection, reflecting the city’s strong social culture.

The Building Illusion, influenced by Sydney’s beautiful Queen Victoria Building, celebrating the city’s architectural heritage.

Following Eyes, inspired by the swimmers and surfers of Bondi and Sydney’s iconic beaches, featuring a sunscreen-covered figure that captures the city’s playful, sun-loving coastal lifestyle.

More than just a hub for eye-catching photos, Museum of Illusions Sydney blends entertainment with education, revealing the fascinating science behind human perception. It’s a space where families, friends and content creators can tap into their curiosity and rediscover the joy of seeing the world from a new perspective and share moments of wonder.
It is fully air-conditioned inside, and there are toilets, lockers and a gift store on site.
Address: 413 George St Sydney (near Market St)
Dates: 26 December 2025 – 2026
Ticket prices:
Take 20% off these prices below for a limited time!

Adult: $47
Child 5-12yr: $36
Family 2A 2C: $152
4yo and under: Free
Carer: Free

The Mad Hatter's Tea Party
2026-01-03 - 2026-01-25 | The Grand Electric, Surry Hills
The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party
Where circus collides with comedy and Wonderland—and everyone’s invited.
This summer, The Grand Electric throws open its doors to a world of whimsy as The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party plunges Sydney into a wonderfully wacky circus-cabaret adventure, running from 3 to 25 January 2026.
Audiences young and old can dive headfirst into an hour of playful chaos filled with gravity-defying stunts, eccentric characters, and laughter that refuses to stay contained.
Inspired by the hit 2017-2018 production Funatorium: The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party – which delighted crowds at the Sydney Opera House, QPAC, and Auckland Live – this brand-new 2026 edition arrives with fresh faces, renewed madness, and an even bigger taste for Wonderland-style pandemonium.
Led by director Mike Finch, former Artistic Director of Circus Oz, the show fuses top-tier circus skills with mischievous storytelling and gleeful audience participation to create one utterly unforgettable tea party.
“This show is a no-holds-barred celebration of imagination and joyful bedlam,” says Finch. “We toss Lewis Carroll’s classic characters into a circus whirlwind—what comes out is funny, surprising, and filled with heart. Kids revel in the mayhem, adults adore the humour, and everyone walks away with a favourite moment of delicious madness.”
Designer Melanie Liertz brings Wonderland to life with a riot of colour, texture, and visual surprises, plunging the audience into a living, breathing fantasy world. A powerhouse cast of Australia’s top circus and theatre artists brings the storybook misfits to life, including Tamara Campbell as the Mad Hatter, Daniel Gorski as the March Hare, Casey Douglas as the Caterpillar, Marianna Joslin as the Cheshire Cat, Mozes as the Red Kween [sic], Alicia Rose Quinn (aka Lou P) as the Flamingo, and Tim Dennis as the White Rabbit.
Expect spectacles, silliness and sheer absurdity as teacups topple, sugar cubes soar and the fourth wall is gleefully shattered. Kids are encouraged to join the revelry—this is a show where giggles, shouts and unrestrained delight are all part of the fun.
Staged within the immersive setting of The Grand Electric, The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party launches the venue’s new Little Sparks program, a series designed to spark imagination and creativity in families. Guests can also indulge in a wonderfully quirky high-tea service, complete with treats, mocktails, and grown-up cocktails.
Kirsten Siddle, Creative Producer and Director of Broad Encounters, says: “We’re thrilled to debut the very first family show at The Grand Electric. Sydney audiences adore the venue’s magical cabaret vibe, and now they can finally bring their kids along to share in that charm. It’s the perfect backdrop for the silliest, most topsy-turvy tea party around.”
Scott Maidment, Director of The Grand Electric, adds: “We’re delighted that The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party opens our Little Sparks program. The Grand Electric has always been about wonder, joy, and theatrical mischief – and this show captures all of that and more. We can’t wait to welcome families into our world.”
More info/Book Tickets here: https://madhattershow.com/

Madama Butterfly - Opera
2026-01-03 - 2026-03-25 | Sydney Opera House, Sydney
When Love is Lost, What Remains?
Puccini’s Madama Butterfly tells the heartrending story of Cio-Cio-San, a woman who dreams of a life filled with hope, and Pinkerton, a man who sees only a fleeting butterfly – something to capture, possess, and discard. His selfish pursuit sets in motion a tragedy of sweeping emotional depth.
The opera’s score is nothing short of transcendent: from the soaring heights of Cio-Cio-San’s iconic “Un bel di” to the delicate serenity of the “Humming Chorus,” Puccini’s music captures longing, heartbreak, and fleeting moments of beauty.
Moffatt Oxenbould’s award-winning production is a visual masterpiece. Tiny candles shimmer across floating flowers in a real onstage moat, while sliding paper panels reveal and conceal the hidden truths of the characters. Sumptuous, vibrant costumes, inspired by traditional Japanese dress, create a serene yet emotionally charged backdrop for the unfolding drama.
Extraordinary singers breathe life into every note of Puccini’s passionate score, guided by the expert hands of conductors Andrea Battistoni and Erina Yashima.
This Madama Butterfly is more than an opera – it’s an unforgettable, must-see experience, a performance that will linger in the heart long after the final curtain.
Presented by Opera Australia.
–> More Info / Book Tickets Here or Here

Pirates Love Underpants
2026-01-04 - 2026-01-12 | Sydney Opera House, Sydney
Pirates Love Underpants

Ahoy! Pirates Really Do Love Underpants
Get ready to hoist the sails and laugh out loud – Pirates Love Underpants is coming to Sydney Opera House this summer! Based on the bestselling book by Claire Freedman and Ben Cort, this swashbuckling, underpants-obsessed adventure is perfect for the whole family.
Join a band of quirky pirates as they hunt for the legendary Pants of Gold to stash in the Captain’s Treasure Chest. Along the way, dodge hungry crocs under Long-John Bridge, bob across the waves of Big Knickers Bay, spot sharks in fancy underpants, and trek the treacherous Three Pants Ridge.
Packed with lively music, dazzling puppetry, and glittering golden pants, this rollicking adventure promises laughs, thrills, and a whole lot of cheeky fun. Are you ready to set sail?
Based on the book Pirates Love Underpants by Claire Freedman and Ben Cort.Illustrations © Ben Cort 2013. Text © Claire Freedman 2013. Published by arrangement with Simon & Schuster UK Ltd.
Presented by Sydney Opera House in association with NLP and Curve Productions.

Suitable for ages 2+
–> More Info / Book Tickets Here

TOO~B
2026-01-05 - 2026-01-21 | Sydney Opera House, Sydney
TOO~B
A free, colourful, touchable, wearable play space created by artist HOSSEI

Step into a soft, stretchy universe where you can become anything you imagine… or choose not to be anything at all. In this wonder-filled world, a child’s creativity takes the lead.
TOO~B is a free summer play space designed by HOSSEI, a multidisciplinary Australian artist of Persian, Turkish and Russian heritage whose work spans costume, video and installation. Children aged 0–12 and their families are invited into an immersive, self-guided playground where curiosity runs wild and imagination shapes a vibrant, ever-shifting adventure.
Lead Artist: HOSSEISound Design: HOSSEI, Niki Johnson and Victoria PhamCostume Design: HOSSEI and Tanja MijanPlay Consultant: Sue GilesPhotography: Jacquie Manning
Presented by Sydney Opera House

FREE Admission, but tickets must be booked
Recommended for ages 0-12 and parents/carers (16+). Children must be supervised by a parent or carer during the session. PLEASE NOTE: Thursday and Friday 10am workshops recommended for ages 0-2 only.
Maximum two (2) Adult tickets and four (4) Child tickets per person. Maximum of six (6) tickets total per transaction. Tickets registered in excess of the ticket limit may be cancelled without notice.

—> More info / Book here

Putting It Together
2026-01-06 - 2026-02-15 | Lyric Theatre (Foundry Theatre)
Putting It Together
Putting It Together is a sparkling tribute to the genius of Stephen Sondheim. Set against the backdrop of a stylish cocktail party, this show mixes wit, charm, and sharp insight as its characters navigate the tangled worlds of love, ambition, and desire.
Through a seamless revue of Sondheim’s most beloved songs, audiences are immersed in the brilliance of one of musical theatre’s greatest composers and lyricists, all tied together by an intimate and clever narrative.
This extraordinary event features some of Australia’s finest performers: Caroline O’Connor (Chicago, Sweeney Todd, Anything Goes), Michael Cormick (The Phantom of the Opera, Sunset Boulevard), Nigel Huckle (Les Misérables, West Side Story), Bert LaBonté (Moulin Rouge!, The Book of Mormon), and Stefanie Caccamo (The Lord of the Rings, Into the Woods). Together, they bring extraordinary vocal power, charisma, and artistry to Sondheim’s timeless score, creating a dazzling theatrical experience that celebrates both his genius and the very best of Australian stage talent.
—> More Info / Book Tickets Here

Garden of Sound - Phive
2026-01-07 - 2026-01-11 | Phive Parramatta
Garden of Sound
World Premiere
FORM Dance Projects
Garden of Sound tells the tale of two devoted gardeners, Dag and Dug, who are determined to restore their once-vibrant sonic garden. Dag thrives in chaos, while Dug prefers strict order – putting them at odds until they enlist the help of Young People to uncover the garden’s lost sounds.
This inventive production is designed for children and their families, combining motion-capture technology with a video-game engine to build an immersive, interactive soundscape. After the performance, the cast shifts into facilitators, inviting everyone to step into the digital garden and experiment with its sound world.
Blending storytelling with hands-on participation, Garden of Sound transforms movement into music as the Gardeners create a living symphony among unseen trees.
— Part of Sydney Festival 2026
–> More Info / Book tickets

The Wind in the Willows
2026-01-07 - 2026-01-25 | Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney
The Wind in the Willows by Australian Shakespeare Company
Join Ratty, Mole, Badger, Otter, Portly and the ever-mischievous Mr Toad this summer as Kenneth Grahame’s beloved riverbank tale comes alive in Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden from Wednesday 7 January to Sunday 25 January 2026.This much-loved outdoor theatre experience is filled with music, songs and plenty of laughter.
The Head Chief Rabbit welcomes everyone by turning the audience into rabbits with a playful twitch of the ears and a wiggle of the nose. Young “rabbits” are invited to jump into the fun – shouting, singing and joining the adventure at every opportunity. With surprises and humour for both kids and grown-ups, it’s interactive theatre at its most delightful.
Bring a picnic, gather the family, and enjoy The Wind in the Willows – an ideal day out for all ages.
More Info/Book Tickets: https://www.shakespeareaustralia.com.au/productions/willows-sydney-2026

Post-Orientalist Express by Eun-Me Ahn - Sydney Festival 2026
2026-01-08 - 2026-01-10 | Roslyn Packer Theatre, Walsh Bay
Post-Orientalist Express by Eun-Me Ahn – Sydney Festival 2026
Australian ExclusiveFollowing acclaimed runs in Paris, Berlin, and Seoul, South Korean choreographer Eun-Me Ahn brings her dazzling reinterpretation of Asian cultures to Sydney Festival. Renowned internationally as the enfant terrible of Seoul, Ahn draws inspiration from Okinawa, Bali, and Manila, transforming these traditions into bold, dynamic dance vocabularies that both honor and playfully challenge stereotypical ideas of Asian culture.
Featuring a vibrant ensemble of eight dancers, the performance dazzles with over 90 striking costumes—each designed by Ahn herself—that flood the stage with colour, humour, and wit. The production is contemporary dance as cultural commentary: provocative, imaginative, and unapologetically audacious.
Ahn, one of Asia’s leading avant-garde artists, fuses her knowledge of Korean shamanistic practices with New York modern dance training to craft works that question and expand notions of identity and heritage. This Australian season offers a rare chance to witness her internationally celebrated artistry live.
— Part of Sydney Festival 2026
–> More Info / Book Here

Waverider - Sydney Festival 2026
2026-01-08 - 2026-01-18 | Bondi Pavilion
Waverider
Legs On The Wall & Bondi PavilionWorld Premiere
Dive into WAVERIDER, a pulse-quickening outdoor spectacle for all ages, riding the edge between theatre and pure ocean thrill.
Those timeless beach moments we chase each summer are all here: catching the perfect wave, plunging beneath the foam, pushing out past the break, getting gloriously tumbled by the sea.
Staged atop a towering inflatable wave at the legendary Bondi Pavilion, the acclaimed daredevils of Legs On The Wall fuse surf culture with breathtaking acrobatics to create an exhilarating tribute to our collective love affair with the ocean.
Led by the rhythms of sun, sand, surf and the teeming world beneath the waterline, this site-specific adventure is unmissable. And when the performance ends, the wave stays alive, morphing into a giant play space for everyone to enjoy.

Garrigarrang Badu - Sydney Festival 2026
2026-01-09 - 2026-01-10 | Sydney Opera House, Sydney
Garrigarrang Badu – Sydney Festival 2026
Jannawi means “with me, with you” in the Dharug language — a gesture of welcome, connection, and solidarity. For more than ten years, the all-female Jannawi Dance Clan have combined traditional and contemporary dance to ensure Dharug songlines continue to flourish.
Their most ambitious creation yet, Garrigarrang Badu, is conceived and choreographed by artistic director Peta Strachan in collaboration with the Jannawi dancers. Women from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nations across Australia unite in this large-scale tribute to Dharug Country, the land where they live, create, and dance.
Garrigarrang (“salt water”) and Badu (“fresh water”) explores the story of Dharug nation, stretching from the mountains to the sea, and honours the crucial role women have played for thousands of years in nurturing and preserving Dharug culture. It is a moving reflection on the deep connections between land, body, and spirit, highlighting women’s creativity, resilience, and strength.
This work is a living continuation of culture, safeguarding the future of Dharug language, stories, and dance. Following a celebrated development showing at Sydney Festival 2023, Garrigarrang Badu returns in 2026 in full form at the Sydney Opera House.
Post Show Talk
After the 1pm performance on Saturday 10 January, audiences are invited to join a 60-minute Dharug Knowledge Holders Panel, facilitated by Cathie Craigie. Knowledge holders will share insights into the cultural storytelling at the heart of Garrigarrang Badu, discussing the making of the work, language revitalisation, truth-telling, river systems, and Dharug lore. This is a rare chance to listen, learn, and connect with the voices behind the performance.

— Part of Sydney Festival 2026
—> More Info / Book Tickets Here

Duck Pond
2026-01-09 - 2026-01-12 | Sydney Opera House, Sydney
Duck Pond by Circa
Circa returns to the Concert Hall from 9–12 January 2026 with Duck Pond, a bold circus reimagining of Swan Lake and The Ugly Duckling. Blending breathtaking acrobatics, humour and elegant artistry, the show offers an entertaining story about finding your true self.
Led by acclaimed director Yaron Lifschitz, the internationally renowned Australian company continues to redefine modern circus. Fresh from a sold-out London season, Duck Pond comes to Sydney as part of an extensive regional Australian tour, co-commissioned by leading arts centres across the country and abroad.
Presented by Sydney Opera House and Circa
9-12 January 2026
–> More Info / Buy Tickets here

Rothar - Sydney Festival 2026
2026-01-14 - 2026-01-18 | Sydney Opera House, Sydney
Rothar

Theatre becomes pure play in this inventive, pedal-powered adventure from Ireland.
At the tiny bicycle shop on the edge of town, whole worlds are waiting to unfold.
Miquel and Moisés show up for another day in the repair shop, but it quickly transforms into a playground for their imaginations. As the two boys conjure stories, spark delight, and turn everyday objects into passports to far-off places, they set off on journeys that exist only in dreams.
With Branar’s beautiful design, lively physical storytelling, and the boundless magic of play, this production invites us to see just how far creativity can carry us.
Take a fantastical ride through the imagination with Rothar.
Rothar is created in association with Drama at the University of Galway and the Baboró International Arts Festival for Children, as part of Creative Europe’s Mapping Project.
Supported by Sydney Festival and Culture Ireland.
Sydney Opera House presents a Branar production.
Suitable for ages 4+
—> More Info / Buy tickets here or here

Blacktown Garage Party - Sydney Festival 2026
2026-01-15 - 2026-01-16 | Blacktown Arts Centre
Blacktown Garage Party
Australian Exclusive
Blacktown Garage Party throws open the roller door and welcomes everyone inside. For two lively days, the Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre becomes a stylised backyard hangout as artists Sione Monu and Salote Tawale build an installation shaped by the spirit of the garage and decorated by the community. Picture corrugated iron, lavalava, tarps, and those slightly faded Christmas lights from 2003.
For Pasifika families across Sydney, the garage is far more than a spot to leave the car. It is a warm, lived-in meeting ground where generations gather, share food and stories, sing, tease, laugh, and mark life’s milestones.
Live music and karaoke from some of Western Sydney’s finest will set the place humming, followed by Edith Amituanai’s performance Siren Boyz, created with local Pasifika youth in a whirl of bike lights and erupting sound.
Visitors can join hands-on making sessions led by Sione Monu and the Powerhouse Parramatta WE’VE program, then step into a special family photo studio where you can dress in your White Sunday finest and have your portrait taken by Edith Amituanai.
The flavour is distinctly Pasifika, yet the celebration welcomes everyone. Grab a milk crate, settle in, and join the gathering.
FREE Admission
—> More Info

The Bogong's Song
2026-01-15 - 2026-01-17 | Phive Parramatta
The Bogong’s Song
A Journey into Imagination and Country
What lights the way when you’ve lost your path? A whisper on the breeze. A sparkle in the night sky. The delicate flight of a moth.
When a brother and sister switch off the lights for the night, they are carried into a world of imagination—a doorway into their Dreaming. On a quest to find the elusive Bogong Moth, they explore a remarkable landscape where Country speaks through stars, trees, and grasses, and healing is found in the quiet moments between breaths.
The Bogong’s Song is a vibrant blend of storytelling, shadow puppetry, dance, and music, created especially for primary-aged children. As the young characters connect with the wisdom of their ancestors, audiences are invited to experience the deep ties to Country and discover the importance of even the tiniest creatures.
From the creators Yolande Brown and Chenoa Deemal, this enchanting new work follows the success of Bangarra’s award-winning Waru – journey of the small turtle, which captivated over 25,000 children last year.
Featuring the extraordinary talents of Benjin Maza and Tjilala Brown-Roberts, whose dance, music, and spoken word bring the story to life, The Bogong’s Song is a gentle, magical invitation for children to listen, wonder, and reflect.
— A part of Sydney Festival 2026
— At Phive, Parramatta
—> More Info / Book Tickets
Review

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🎭 The Bogong’s Song : A Call to Country by Bangarra Dance Theatre playing at The Studio Theatre, Wharf 4-5, Parramatta
It was my first time seeing a Bangarra Dance Theatre performance and honestly, I was completely blown away. I left feeling so moved and already want to see more of their shows.
The Bogong’s Song: a Call to Country is such a beautiful experience that combines storytelling, shadow puppetry, dance and song to celebrate connection to Country through the journey of the Bogong moth.
The story follows two siblings, played so beautifully by Benjin Maza and Tjilala Brown-Roberts, as they travel into a magical Dreaming world where Country shares its secrets through the stars, trees and grasses. The whole performance is beautiful and feels gentle and deeply moving, leaving you with a sense of wonder and appreciation for how everything in nature, even the smallest creatures, has meaning and purpose.
Don’t forget to make your own paper Bogong moth to take home!
Thank you for the invite to this beautiful production.
🎭 The Bogong’s Song by @bangarradancetheatre
📍 The Studio at Bangarra, Wharf 4-5, Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay
🗓️ 3-19 October 2025
🕒 55mins (no interval)
🧒🧒🏻 Recommended for ages 5+
👛 Tickets: $45 pp
ℹ️ More Info / Buy Tickets: https://www.bangarra.com.au/productions/the-bogongs-song/
📷 All Photos, Videos, Voiceovers and Captions☝️ ©Chamelle Photography, except where noted. Please do not copy or re-use without permission. Stage photos by Jordan Munns (1 photo by Daniel Boud).
*invited #bangarradancetheatre #thebogongssong #sydneytheatre #sydneymums #sydneyschoolholidays #sydneykids #whatsonsydney #sydneyblogger #sydneyinfluencer #theatrelovers #musicallovers #theatrecritic #sydneyshows #sydneyblogger #bogongmoth Things to do in Sydney, Sydney School holidays, Sydney shows, Whats on in Sydney, Bangarra Dance Theatre

Mama Does Derby - Sydney Festival 2026
2026-01-15 - 2026-01-22 | Sydney Town Hall
Mama Does Derby – Sydney Festival 2026
World Premiere SeasonWindmill Production Company
A single mother, her teenage daughter, and a fresh start in a regional town where neither truly belongs. Sixteen-year-old Billie is restless, navigating the messy ups and downs of adolescence, while her mother dives headfirst into rebellion in the fierce, sweaty, and exhilarating world of roller derby.
Fresh from winning the 2024 Scotsman First Fringe Award for Outstanding New Writing for Cyrano, writer and performer Virginia Gay (Calamity Jane) returns with this warm, high-energy tale about the bonds that keep a family together. Conceived and directed by Clare Watson of Windmill, this world premiere transforms Sydney Town Hall into a full-scale roller derby arena, blending theatre, sport, live music, and immersive spectacle for an unforgettable mother-daughter story.
Funny, thrilling, and heartfelt, Mama Does Derby is a story of resilience, reinvention, and rising again after every fall.
Stick around for a post-show discussion following the 6:30pm performance on 18 January.
— Part of Sydney Festival 2026
–> More Info / Book Tickets Here

Turandot Opera
2026-01-15 - 2026-03-27 | Sydney Opera House, Sydney
Turandot Opera by Puccini
What is born at night and dies by dawn? What burns without light, and what ice glows with fire?
Princess Turandot never invited suitors to her court – yet they came. She warned them all with riddles sharp enough to kill, daring anyone to pierce her icy heart. But what happens when someone finally solves the puzzle and reaches the woman behind the legend?
International director and choreographer Ann Yee reimagines Turandot in a breathtaking new production for Australia’s national Opera Conference. With towering sets, immersive visuals, and stunning choreography, this spectacular staging weaves together the courage of Turandot, the pain of her ancestors, and the selfless love of another woman into a powerful story of resilience and transformation.
Puccini’s sweeping score carries audiences through the opera’s vast emotional landscapes—from the thunderous choruses to the spine-tingling heights of “Nessun dorma.”
Two of Australia’s leading dramatic sopranos, Rebecca Nash (fresh from the Metropolitan Opera, New York) and Anna-Louise Cole (star of The Ring Cycle), share the title role. They are joined by acclaimed tenor Young Woo Kim alongside Diego Torre and Rosario La Spina, under the batons of Henrik Nánási, Nicholas Milton, Andrea Battistoni, and Tahu Matheson.
A feast for the senses, Turandot fuses myth, music, and movement into an unforgettable theatrical experience — a spectacular highlight of the season that will leave audiences spellbound.

—> More Info / Book Tickets Here or Here

Garden of Sound - Pavilion Performing Arts Centre, Sutherland
2026-01-16 - 2026-01-17 | The Pavilion Performing Arts Centre, Sutherland

Hive Festival 2026 - Art Gallery of NSW
2026-01-17 - 2026-01-18 | Art Gallery of NSW
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!

Activation: Many bubbles blessing By Kate Mitchell – 10am -5pm 17-18 January 2026 – Free

Drop-in workshop: Plushie pals By Kate Mitchell – Daily 10am – 5pm – Wednesdays until 9pm – 5–26 January 2026 – Free

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

Hive stage: Art and music With Zindzi Okenyo Saturday 17, Sunday 18 January 2026 10.30am Free, no bookings required

Hive stage: Storytime With Ursula Dubosarsky and Christopher Nielsen Saturday 17 January 2026 1.30pm Free, no bookings required

Hive stage: Movement workshop With Sydney Dance Company Saturday 17, Sunday 18 January 2026 11.30am Free, no bookings required

Hive stage: Live music with Musica Viva Australia Moon Radio Hour Saturday 17, Sunday 18 January 2026 3pm Free, no bookings required

Hive stage: Auslan storytime With Amy Josephine Wright Sunday 18 January 2026 1.30pm Free, no bookings required

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

Drop-in workshop: The Patchwork Portal By Raquel Caballero During opening hours Until 8 February 2026 Free, no bookings required

Interactive art: Aula grande (outlined) By Amalia Pica During opening hours Until 18 January 2026 Free, no bookings required

Drop-in activity: Indian illustrations In the Naala Nura building During opening hours Free, no bookings required

Film series: Ghibli Fest In association with Hive Festival 2026 Saturday 17, Sunday 18 January 2026 Various times Charges apply

Art play Soft play space for families Saturday 17, Sunday 18 January 2026 10am – 4.30pm Free, no bookings required

Hive Festival playlist By ABC Kids listen During opening hours Saturday 17, Sunday 18 January 2026 Free, no bookings required

Kids disco Dance in the underground art park Saturday 17, Sunday 18 January 2026 2pm Free, no bookings required

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

Sensory storytime Storytelling and art-making for all ages Sunday 18 January 2026 9.30am Free, no bookings required

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

Sydney Symphony Orchestra - Sydney Festival 2026
2026-01-17 | Tumbalong Park Darling Harbour
Sydney Symphony Orchestra
50 Years of Music and Pictures
The beloved Sydney Symphony concert returns to the city’s beating heart. Settle in under the open sky for an evening that honours Sydney’s creative pulse, beginning with a powerful First Nations orchestral work, then sweeping through five decades of Festival memories. Archival film, striking imagery and the Sydney Symphony’s luminous live performance weave together into a one-night celebration of art, place and community.
Spread out your rug, open the picnic basket and soak in this milestone summer event.
Program details coming soon.
FREE to attend, No bookings required
—> More Info

Disney Jr. Live on Tour
2026-01-17 - 2026-01-18 | ICC Sydney, Darling Harbour
Disney Jr. Live on Tour
Disney Jr. Live On Tour: Let’s Play! is coming to Australia this January and February, with stops in Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. This interactive concert brings beloved Disney Jr. characters to life on stage in a musical adventure perfect for young fans and their families.
For the first time in Australia, Ginny and Bitsy from SuperKitties and Team Spidey from Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends will join fan-favorites including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Ariel, and the Puppy Dog Pals. The show features singing, dancing, dazzling 3D visuals, and thrilling acrobatics.
In Let’s Play!, Mickey Mouse hosts the ultimate Clubhouse playdate—but when mysterious green weather threatens the fun, Team Spidey swings in to save the day!
Hit songs from Disney Jr. series include:

“Hot Dog!” (Mickey Mouse Clubhouse)
“Oopsie Kitty” (SuperKitties)
“Do the Spidey” (Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends)

Jonathan Shank, producer at Terrapin Station Entertainment, said: “After delighting audiences across the U.S. and debuting internationally in London, we’re thrilled to bring this magical show to Australian families.”
Nicolás Renna, CEO of Proactiv Entertainment, added: “Partnering with Disney and Terrapin, we can’t wait to deliver world-class family entertainment that will create unforgettable memories and kick off 2026 in joy!”
ADELAIDE
Adelaide Entertainment Centre
3 & 4 January 2026 (10am / 1:30pm)
BRISBANE
Brisbane Entertainment Centre
10 & 11 January 2026 (10am / 1:30pm)
SYDNEY
ICC Sydney
17 & 18 January 2026 (10am 1:30pm)
MELBOURNE
Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
24 & 25 January 2026 (10am / 1:30pm)
PERTH
RAC Arena
31 January & 01 February 2026 (10am / 1:30pm)
–> Tickets and event info: www.DisneyJrTour.com.auFollow the tour on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or via #DisneyJrTour.

Shrek: The Musical
2026-01-21 - 2026-01-24 | Sydney Coliseum Theatre, Rooty Hill
Shrek: The Musical
Coming to Australia in 2026!
The wait is finally OGRE! Shrek The Musical stomps into Melbourne and Sydney this January for an unforgettable theatrical adventure. Beloved by audiences worldwide, this action-packed spectacle brings your favourite animated characters vividly to life on stage!
Join a not-so-handsome ogre on a quest to a kingdom turned upside down, where he must rescue a fiery princess. Along the way, meet a chatty donkey, a short-tempered villain, a sassy gingerbread cookie, and over a dozen other fairy-tale characters—creating a hilarious, chaotic, and heartwarming journey only a true hero can navigate.
Based on the Academy Award-winning animated film, this multi-million-dollar musical mixes romance, irreverent humour, and twisted fairy-tale fun, proving there’s more to the story than you’ve ever imagined.
Don’t miss the chance to experience the magic in Melbourne & Sydney!

GEELONG Arts Centre Dec 31 – Jan 3
MELBOURNE Arts Centre Melbourne Jan 7 – 10
FRANKSTON Arts Centre Jan 12 – 14
BENDIGO Ulumbarra Theatre Jan 16 – 17
SYDNEY Coliseum Theatre, Rooty Hill Jan 21 – 24

—> More Info / Book Tickets Here

Barbra: The Greatest Star
2026-01-21 - 2026-02-14 | Hayes Theatre, Elizabeth Bay
BARBRA: The Greatest Star

“Looking down, you’ll never see me. Try the sky, ’cause that’ll be me…”
Artist. Icon. A creative storm all her own. We’re striking up the band and lifting the roof in a concert celebration of a trailblazing storyteller whose music has echoed across generations.
Barbra Streisand stands as a radiant, uncompromising, genre-shaping force, and Barbra: The Greatest Star salutes her extraordinary catalogue, quick wit, and culture-shifting influence with the same bold spirit she’s carried through stage and screen for more than six decades.
Director-performer Brittanie Shipway (Once On This Island; The Pirates of Penzance) joins forces with three phenomenal vocalists and a live three-piece band to revel in Streisand’s treasure-chest of songs. Together, they offer fresh interpretations, behind-the-music reflections, and a handful of unexpected delights. The night unfolds with towering ballads, punchy showstoppers, and tender moments that reveal the heartbeat of Barbra’s singular artistry.
This isn’t a simple homage to yesterday. It’s a luminous journey through the legacy of a superstar.

–> More Info / Book Tickets Here

Lacrima - Sydney Festival 2026
2026-01-22 - 2026-01-25 | Roslyn Packer Theatre, Walsh Bay
Lacrima – Sydney Festival 2026
Australian PremiereFrom the Théâtre national de Strasbourg
A royal wedding is on the horizon: the Princess of England is about to marry, and across the world, designers and artisans scramble to create a gown worthy of the occasion. In Paris, a fashion house works in secrecy; in Alençon, Normandy, lacemakers craft delicate details; in Mumbai, embroiderers thread shimmering motifs into the fabric.
LACRIMA interweaves these stories to reveal the hidden human labour behind every stitch. Director and playwright Caroline Guiela Nguyen blends thorough research, intimate theatre, and cinematic scale in this ambitious work. Split-screen effects, shifting sets, and live close-up video create the sensation of a living film, immersing audiences in the tension and emotional stakes of the journey.
Performed in French, Tamil, English, and sign language with surtitles, LACRIMA explores themes of globalisation, labour, and beauty, crafting a compelling and deeply human story.
Over three captivating hours, this landmark production exposes the invisible threads that connect us all, offering a rare chance to witness theatre on a truly global scale.
Duration 2 hours, 55 minutes (no interval)
— Part of Sydney Festival 2026
—> More Info / Book Tickets Here

The Censor
2026-01-22 - 2026-01-25 | ATYP The Rebel Theatre
The Censor

Performing Lines
Is that song really for someone your age? Haven’t you had enough screen time? Are you sure you’re ready for YouTube? Maybe that book is a little too grown-up?
Everywhere they go, kids run into a chorus of “no,” “not yet,” and “maybe later.” THE CENSOR flips the script. This sharp, timely production hands young people the reins, inviting them to decide what they read, watch and play, and how they want to engage with the media that surrounds them.
Co-created by acclaimed theatre-makers Cassandra Fumi and Vidya Rajan alongside a powerhouse ensemble of children, THE CENSOR is a breath of liberation for any kid tired of being overruled. Adults are invited, of course, but proceed with caution: this time, the kids call the shots. And who knows what you might learn when the usual order is turned inside out?
—> More Info / Book Tickets Here

Deep Sea Divers by Erth
2026-01-24 - 2026-01-25 | Bondi Pavilion
Deep Sea Divers by Erth
Deep sea divers and extraordinary marine creatures will take over the Pav and Bondi promenade as Erth’s stunning giant puppets bring the shoreline to life for a weekend of roaming performances. Watch as these colourful sea creatures glide past, filling the beach with movement, magic and marine wonder. These performances are free and open to all.
Join the Workshop
Get hands-on in a fun 40-minute workshop where participants aged 5+ learn the basics of puppetry, movement and performance. You’ll help create a shimmering school of fish and sea creatures before taking them on a joyful swim along Bondi Beach, finishing with a shared performance alongside Erth’s professional puppets.Registration required.
About Erth
For over 35 years, Erth has enchanted audiences around the world with spectacular puppetry and imaginative storytelling, from Dinosaur Zoo to large-scale installations like The Liminal Hour. Their work blends natural history, myth and creativity into unforgettable experiences.
Creatives
Cast: Tom Caley, Sam HayesArtistic Director: Scott WrightHead of Design: Steve HowarthExecutive Director: Scott AndrewProducer: Stephanie LiebeckProduction Manager: Rick Everett

Where: Bondi Pavilion
When: 24-25 January 2026
–> More Info
