This winter, families are invited to explore creativity and culture through a season of family-friendly events as part of North Sydney Council's first-ever North Sydney Arts: Winter Program.
Running across June and July, the North Sydney Arts: Winter Program offers a packed calendar of free and ticketed activities for children, parents and carers to enjoy together - from art workshops and colourful dress-up parties to live music, exhibitions, markets and cultural celebrations. Highlights include the Gai-mariagal Festival, Pride Month, the Primrose Park Artist Studios and Arts & Craft Centre Open Day and the popular Coal Loader Artisans Market.
What's on for kids and families:
Gai-mariagal Festival Experience the depth and richness of First Nations culture through immersive storytelling, guided bushwalks and creative workshops that inspire curiosity and connection.
- Saturday 14 June, Indigenous Culture Family Walk and Stone Art Workshop Join Koori Kinnections for a guided bushwalk at the Coal Loader, followed by a hands-on Aboriginal stone art workshop suitable for all ages.
- Sunday 22 June, Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Walk Travel by bus to North Head for a guided bushwalk with Karen Smith from the Aboriginal Heritage Office, and the Bushland team. Recommended for children aged 12 and over.
- Friday 4 July, NAIDOC Week Storytime Celebrate NAIDOC Week with stories and songs at Stanton Library's regular Storytime session.
- Monday 7 July, July Jammies: Sand Art for NAIDOC Week Join a fun and interactive Indigenous sand art workshop during the school holidays.
Pride Month Join vibrant Pride Month festivities designed to celebrate diversity and inclusion with family-friendly events for all ages. Plus, enjoy rainbow lights illuminating Council Chambers and Stanton Library all month long.
- Tuesday 24 June, Family Pride Party at Stanton Library Celebrate with stories, music, dancing and colourful dress-ups. This lively event is open to families with children of all ages. Free entry. No bookings required.
Arts, Crafts and Markets Discover local creativity and craftsmanship, meet artists, and enjoy live music in welcoming, family-friendly environments.
- Sunday 22 June, Primrose Park Artist Studios and Arts & Craft Centre Open Day Explore this hidden creative hub in Cremorne. Meet resident artists, enjoy live performances by the Classical Guitar Society of Sydney, and participate in free drop-in workshops including painting, textiles, collage, recycled sculpture and photography. No bookings necessary.
- Sunday 22 June, The Coal Loader Artisans Market Experience one of Sydney's premier artisan markets featuring handmade goods, eco-friendly products and children's craft activities. Enjoy live entertainment and local food stalls.
A free shuttle bus will run throughout the day between Primrose Park and the Coal Loader, making it easy for families to explore both events.
North Sydney Mayor Zoë Baker said the family program was designed to spark imagination and bring people together: "Art and culture help bring communities together, especially across generations. This winter, we're proud to offer families free and accessible ways to get involved, be inspired and enjoy all that North Sydney has to offer."
The North Sydney Arts: Winter Program is part of Council's broader commitment to increasing access to arts and cultural experiences for all residents. To explore the full program and make bookings, visit: northsydney.nsw.gov.au/winterarts
