16 Things to Do in Sydney This Weekend (6-8 September)

Thinking of things to do in Sydney this weekend? You're not the only one! Work to live not live to work, am I right? If you start thinking about the weekend first thing Monday morning, then you've come to the right place. 

The weekend is just around the corner, and it's time to swap the 9-to-5 grind for some fun, frolic, and fabulousness. Whether you're a foodie, an adventurer, or just looking to chill with the kids, we've got you covered with the ultimate weekend hit list. 

It's the first week of spring and as the weather starts to heat up, so is Sydney's awesome events calendar. What's on in Sydney this week? The famous Cabramatta Moon Festival is bringing festive vibes to town, Sydney's free water parks are open for the splashing season, Sydney Fringe Kids takes centre stage, plus, families are invited to "paint with photons" at the exciting Light Lab at the MCA.

The Best Things to Do in Sydney This Weekend

1. Visit Ancient Egypt at Horizon of Khufu

The long-awaited Horizon of Khufu Immersive Experience opens in Sydney this weekend.

Horizon of Khufu is a 45-minute immersive expedition into the world of Ancient Egypt. Prepare to be amazed as you transform into a giant avatar with exclusive access to Ancient Egyptian sites that are typically off-limits. Wander through the corridors and burial chambers of the Great Pyramid during an embalming ceremony, explore the Queen's chamber, and take a boat trip on the Nile to attend the funeral of a King!

Where:   Fever Pavilion, Sydney Olympic Park
When:    From 5 September 2024
Cost:      Tickets starting at $27 per person
Age:       8+ with a minimum height of 1.3 metres.

RELATED:
Spring in Sydney 2024: Events, Flowers, Festivals & Family Fun

2. David Walliams Book Show

Few Australian kids' authors are as famous as David Walliams! This weekend in Sydney is your opportunity to meet your favourite author in person at the David Walliams Book Show.

This one-man performance is a laugh-a-minute show where David Walliams shares uproarious stories from his childhood, reveals the inspiration behind his most beloved characters and acts out some of the funniest scenes from his books. 

Where:    ICC Sydney
When:     7 September
Cost:       From $39

3. Day Out With Thomas: The Bubble Tour

For those keen to get out of town for a toot-toot-ing adventure, Thomas the Tank Engine is visiting the NSW Rail Museum!

Day Out With Thomas: The Bubble Tour kicks off this Friday and is the perfect outing for all Thomas the Tank Engine fans. Kids will love meeting the Fat Controller as he oversees all of the exciting activities on offer, including the opportunity to meet Thomas and Henry and ride Toby the Railmotor. There are also mini-train rides, unlimited jumps on the jumping castle, face painting, and loads more.

Where:     NSW Rail Museum, 10 Barbour Road, Thirlmere NSW
When:      6-8 September 2024
The 30-minute steam train rides depart Sodor (Thirlmere) at: 9.30 am, 10.30 am, 11.30 am, 1 pm, 2 pm & 3 pm. 
Cost:        From $30

4. St Marys Spring Festival

Spring is in the air at the annual St Marys Spring Festival!

This cherished event is coming back to the streets this spring, bigger and better than ever. Come down to St Marys for a day filled with market stalls, delicious food, exciting arcade rides, lively entertainment, and of course, the grand parade. 

Where:     Queen Street, St Marys
When:      Saturday 7 September 2024 | 10 am - 3 pm
Cost:        FREE entry

5. Go For a Splash at One of Sydney's FREE Water Parks

It's the first week of spring in Sydney, which means the city's FREE water parks are turning the water up!

From splashers to jets, dump buckets, splash tunnels, and plenty more, these free parks offer a splash-tactic time for everyone.

Location: Multiple across Sydney - here are 25 of our favourite free water parks. 

6. Bondi Festival of the Winds: Sydney's Most Colorful Day Out

It's back! The Bondi Festival of the Winds returns this weekend in Sydney and is still one of the most colourful events in Sydney.

Every year, Bondi Beach transforms into a kaleidoscope of colours as hundreds of kites take to the skies for the Festival of the Winds. It's like nature's own art gallery—only better, because you can join in the fun! Whether you're a seasoned kite flyer with a tricked-out kite or a newbie with a simple diamond, everyone's welcome to let their creativity soar.

Where:   Bondi Beach
When:    8 September 2024 from 11 am to 4 pm
Cost:      FREE

7. Ku-ring-gai Sculpture Trail

Celebrate eco-friendly creativity this weekend in Sydney at the Ku-ring-gai Sculpture Trail.

Nestled in the stunning Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden is a blank canvas awaiting local artists' creativity! This year's Ku-ring-gai Sculpture Trail transforms the gardens into a vibrant showcase of sustainable art, inviting everyone to explore and enjoy.

Where:   Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden, Mona Vale Road, St Ives
When:    1 September to 7 October 2024
Cost:      FREE

8. Sydney Fringe Kids at Sydney Fringe Festival

Sunday 1 September 2024 marks the start of the 2024 Sydney Fringe Festival when families can dive into sensory displays, interactive music, bubble magic, mad science, and more!

Sydney Fringe Kids is always a highlight of the Sydney Fringe Festival and this year's lineup is no different. From magical bubble shows to The Giant Balloon Show, KABOOM!, and loads more, kids and adults will be captivated by theatre, science, magic, and adventure.

Where:       Darling Quarter, Sydney + other locations throughout the city
When:        1 September to 6 October 2024
Cost:          Various depending on the event 

9. Cabramatta Moon Festival

Another spring festival to add to your weekend, the Cabramatta Moon Festival is recognised as one of Sydney's most extensive and brightest cultural festivals.

The Cabramatta Moon Festival attracts more than 90,000 Sydneysiders, who come along to tantalise their tastebuds with a feast of treats from Sydney's best street food stalls, plus enjoy live music, lion dancing, entertainment, rides, spectacular fireworks, and more.

When:    8 September 2024 from 11 am to 8 pm
Where:   Cabramatta Town Centre
Cost:      FREE entry

10. Explore Secret Garden: Lavender Lane at the Grounds of Alexandria

The Grounds' new installation has opened and it's a magical purple paradise!

Start your spring off with a visit to Lavender Lane, where you'll find fresh blooms, lush greenery, and canopies of colourful flowers hidden away behind the wrought-iron gates. Grab a coffee or a meal at one of the on-site cafes and get ready to smell spring in the air.

Where:    The Grounds of Alexandria
When:     On now until late October 2024
Cost:       FREE entry for diners at one of The Grounds venues

11. Swing Into Action at Sydney's Best Mini Golf Venues

How much fun is mini golf?! It's the perfect weekend activity for the whole family, particularly when there are so many awesome mini-golf venues in Sydney.

From plush gardens to themed rooms, and even neon courses with cocktail bars for the parents, there's a mini golf course just waiting for your putting skills.

Location: Various across Sydney - check out our list of the best mini golf courses. 

12. Save With $10 HOYTS Movie Tickets

In the mood to visit the cinema this weekend? HOYTS are slinging $10 movie tickets to all movie buffs across Australia for all their Sunday movie sessions.

The HOYTS Sunday Sessions $10 deal is for everyone – no HOYTS Rewards membership is needed! Just grab your tickets before midday and dive into the latest flicks without breaking the bank.

Where:  Select HOYTS Cinemas
When:   Sunday morning sessions (before midday) 
Cost:     $10

13. Discover ARC at Taronga Zoo

Sydney's scaliest new experience is now open at Taronga Zoo.

The brand-new Amphibian & Reptile Conservation Centre (ARC) takes visitors on a journey through six immersive zones, transporting you from the frosty alpines to the scorching desert and to many other habitats in between. Discover the incredible adaptations these reptiles and amphibians have developed to survive in challenging climates and learn how you can become a Climate Warrior to help secure a future for these remarkable creatures. 

Where:    Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman
When:      Daily | 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
Cost:        Adults $44.10 | Children (4-15 yrs) $26.10 | Concession $35.10; Under 4s FREE

14. Play Pickleball

For active families looking for a new favourite sport, pickleball is seriously fun and there are plenty of venues dotted across Sydney.

Pickleball is fast-paced, incredibly fun, and easy to pick up, making it perfect for all ages and skill levels. Enjoy some competitive fun in the sun this weekend in Sydney at one of these pickleball venues in Sydney.

15. Family Space: Light Lab at the MCA

Another fun and free thing to do in Sydney this weekend, families of all ages are invited to dive into Light Lab at the MCA, a hands-on studio where you can "paint with photons", inspired by Hiroshi Sugimoto's Opticks photographic series.

Experiment with refracted light, create layered compositions and capture your light creations using your phone or camera from home. All other materials are provided.

Where:    MCA, 140 George Street, The Rocks
When:     Saturday 3 August to Sunday 27 October 2024 | Every weekend and every day during the school holidays
Cost:       FREE

16. Visit NSW's Famous Canola Fields

For adventurous families who don't shy away from a spur-of-the-moment road trip, NSW's famous canola fields are the perfect weekend adventure!

Every year from around mid-August to October, NSW's famous canola fields burst into golden, yellowy flowers that look almost too good to be true. While driving out to the canola fields is around a 4-hour drive, the contrast of the blue sky against the yellow fields is a sight to behold, plus, there's loads to see and do in the towns dotted along the trail. Please note that most of these canola fields are private farms, so please don't enter without permission. 

Where:    NSW towns of Coolamon, Junee, and Temora
When:     Usually from around mid-August to October

More Things to Do in Sydney This Weekend

Things to do in Sydney This October Long Weekend
Our Favourite Cheap Activities in Sydney
Top Playgrounds in Sydney for Free Family Fun

 

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