17 Things to Do in Sydney This Weekend (13-15 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. 

Spring is in full swing and so too is Sydney's awesome events calendar. What's on in Sydney this week? The famous Tulip Time Festival is alive with 80,000 gorgeous tulips, there's a colourful new playground to check out, Sydney's most immersive gaming venture is on now, plus, see one of the world's most famous fairytales live on stage. 

The Best Things to Do in Sydney This Weekend

 1. See 80,000 Tulips at the Tulip Time Festival

An abundant array of tulip varieties in a spectrum of glorious colours will be in full bloom at Tulip Time 2024, creating a fabulous background for avid green thumbs, photographers, gardeners, and selfie-takers!

The annual flower festival is the perfect excuse to hit the road on a memorable family road trip to Bowral with a very floral reward. Make it an overnight stay and hit up the illuminative Tulip Time After Dark, too.

Where:   Bowral, Southern Highlands, NSW
When:    12-30 September 2024 | 9:30 am - 5 pm
               Tulip Time Garden Party will be from 4-6 October 2024
Cost:      Adults: $14; Children/Concession: $8. Under 12s FREE

2. Play at Sydney's New Colourful Playground

There's a new playground in town! Phillps Park has undergone a very colourful makeover and is now open for all abilities to enjoy.

Phillips Park now boasts two brand-new play spaces, designed to suit kids of all ages and abilities, plus, a super-cool Learn-to-Ride Loop for all bikers and scooter fans - beep beep!

Location: Nicholas St, Lidcombe

3. 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.

4. Explore Lite Brite: Worlds of Wonder

Sydney's most immersive gaming venture is on now at Lite Brite: Worlds of Wonder.

Lite-Brite, the classic toy is brought to life before your very eyes across three themed worlds filled with colour and joy, including a prehistoric landscape where dinosaurs roam, an enchanting ocean scene, and a futuristic city. Using state-of-the-art Lidar sensors, guests can interact with floors and walls, creating unique magical moments with each step. You can also test your skills at various gaming stations set throughout the space. 

Where:    Immersive Big Top at Luna Park
When:     On now
Cost:       General Admission from $15 pp

5. $2 Super Family Funday

If you've got a spare $2 coin lurking in your car, use it to gain entry to the $2 Super Family Funday at Campbelltown Showground!

Entry is just $2 per person and includes access to a family funday filled with carnival rides, carnival games, food trucks, dessert stalls, and loads more. 

Where:    Campbelltown Showground
When:     Sunday 15 September from 12-7 pm
Cost:       $2 per person

6. See Snow White: A Pantomime Fairytale at Riverside Theatres

 

One of the oldest fairytales in history is being brought back to the Sydney stage for the whole family to enjoy. Bonnie Lythgoe Productions, Australia's top Family Musical Panto producer, is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a brand-new production of Snow White at Riverside Theatres for a strictly limited season.

A magical theatrical experience filled with a lively mix of song, dance, fairy tale fun, and entertainment for the whole family, Snow White is brought to life through audience participation, and the interactive style and humour that pantomimes are known for.

This show appeals to everyone from ages 3 to 103—and audiences are encouraged to cheer and boo along with the show. Interactive, hilarious, heartfelt, and imaginative, this show has it all. It's good old-fashioned fun with a modern twist that will leave the whole family wanting more.

Where:  Riverside Theatres, Cnr Market & Church Street, Parramatta
When:   Friday 13 September | 7 pm
              Saturday 14 September | 1 pm & 5 pm
              Sunday 15 September | 1 pm & 5 pm
              Friday 20 September | 7 pm
              Saturday 21 September | 1 pm & 5 pm
              Relaxed Performance Friday 20 September at 2 pm
Cost:    Tickets from $59 pp

7. Save With $10 HOYTS Movie Tickets

 

For savey things to do in Sydney this weekend, head to a cheap movie session thanks to HOYTS. HOYTS are slinging $10 movie tickets to all movie buffs across Australia for all their Sunday movie sessions.

For family fun, Inside Out 2 takes us into Riley's teenage mind with all-new emotions. Despicable Me 4 is still in cinemas and introduces Gru's newest family member, Gru Jr., who's sure to cause some hilarious chaos.

Beetlejuice fans don't miss the sequel to the kooky 80s hit! And find out what happens when a family of sloths move to the city and struggle to live life in the fast lane in The Sloth Lane.

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

8. 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

9. Macquarie University Astronomy Open Night

Attention all stargazers! Sydney's most dazzling astronomy event is back and you're invited to grab a front-row seat to this epic cosmic journey at Macquarie University's Astronomy Open Night.

Prepare to be delighted and amazed by Macquarie University's beloved Physics Magic Shows, let your imagination soar as you witness the breathtaking beauty of star formation in distant galaxies during immersive Planetarium Sessions and be captivated as renowned Macquarie academics and experts deliver a series of engaging short talks.

Where:   Macquarie University Wallumattagal Campus, Balaclava Road, Macquarie Park
When:    Saturday 21 September 2024  | 5 pm - 10 pm
Cost:      $38.50 per adult, $23 per child (5 - 16 years), children 4 and under go FREE

10. Wonder Through a Wisteria Wonderland

Looking for things to do in Sydney this weekend that involve nature? Get ready to wander through Muston Park's famous Wisteria tunnel.

Every spring, Muston Park transforms into a Wisteria Wonderland as thousands of blooms spring into vibrant shades of purple. The famous Wisteria tunnel winds along the edge of the park and transforms into a purple palace every year in September when the gorgeous Wisteria takes over the wooden pergola. There's also an adorable kids' playground for little ones to get their kicks, too!

Location: 375-389 Penshurst Street, Chatswood

11. Night at the Barracks: Outdoor Concerts at North Head Sanctuary

How about some live music under the stars?! Back for a huge 2024 season with a brand new lineup, curated to inspire and entertain, Night at the Barracks will unfold under the stars, featuring a mesmerising array of performances set against the stunning Sydney Harbour backdrop.

From Friday 13 September to Sunday 6 October, this enchanting starlit series will see some of Australia's most iconic performers live on stage in a series of family-friendly concerts at North Head Sanctuary. Some of our favourites include Icehouse, Birds of Tokyo, Matt Corby, Xavier Rudd, and more.

Where:  The Barracks Precinct, North Head Sanctuary, 33 N Head Scenic Dr, Manly
When:   Friday 13 September to Sunday 6 October 2024
Cost:    Tickets start from $79. Check out all the ticket options.
              Under 3s FREE with an adult ticketholder (no seat). Family tickets are available.

12. Chill Out at the Best Frozen Yoghurt Spots in Sydney

As the weather heats up so too does our craving for a refreshing tub of yummy frozen yoghurt, and, luckily, Sydney has plenty of cafes serving the good stuff to satisfy our cravings!

Create your own unique, self-serve frozen yoghurt creation from Sydney's ever-changing selection of frozen yoghurt shops - some with over 108 different flavours and toppings!

Location: Multiple spots across Sydney - here are our favourite frozen yoghurt shops in Sydney.

13. 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 

14. High Tea at Parliament House

If you're craving something sweet and decadent this Friday, book in for a luxury High Tea at Parliament House.

From 12 pm to 3 pm every Friday, High Tea at Parliament House is held in the Stranger’s Restaurant and provides a rare opportunity for the public to experience a Traditional High Tea served on the Parliamentary Crested Wedgwood plates.

Executive Chef, Vanessa and Pastry Chef, Mike have designed an amazing selection of sweet and savoury delights that showcase the wonderful flavours of local produce from across the state.

Where:        Parliament House 6 Macquarie Street, Sydney
When:         Every Friday
Cost:           From $55 per person

15. See Titanique The Musical

Curious about what really happened to Jack and Rose on that unforgettable night?

Step into a wild, reimagined journey as Céline Dion takes over a Titanic Museum tour, captivating the audience with her hilariously bold twist on the iconic moments and characters of Titanic—all set to her legendary song catalogue.

With powerful vocals, show-stopping performances, and a playful nod to 90s pop culture, Titanique The Musical is a unique musical adventure filled with nostalgia, heart, and plenty of surprises.

Where:       The Grand Electric, 199 Cleveland St, Surry Hills
When:        Thursday 12 September - Sunday 3 November 2024
Cost:          Tickets range from $75 - $145 

16. 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

17. Let the Good Times Roll at Dullboys Social Co.

Hit the road this weekend for the ultimate family entertainment at Dullboys Social Co.

Located just a couple hours away on the Central Coast, Dullboys Social Co. offers family activities in droves with indoor and outdoor mini-golf, arcades, bowling, karaoke, bumper cars, plus, delicious food and killer cocktails—sold!

Where:    326 Hillsborough Rd, Warners Bay 
When:      Monday to Friday from 9 am to 9 pm and 9 am to 11 pm on Friday and Saturday

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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