The free, fun-filled Hive festival for kids and families returns to the Art Gallery of New South Wales on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July 2026.
This winter, Hive Festival celebrates the living world – from our furry and feathered friends to the lands and waters of our home in Sydney. Share in the fun of creativity with a range of art-making activities, music, storytelling and interactive tours across our campus. Featuring specially designed workshops by Dharug artist Billy Bain, you’ll find a surprise at every turn.
Weekend highlights include:
Dharug artist Billy Bain’s workshop Surf’s up inviting young creatives to make their own surfboard design and take part in a giant ‘paddle out’ installation.
A live performance of cheery folk-pop tunes by ARIA award-winning children’s music group Teeny Tiny Stevies at 10.30am each day.
Discover physical expression and explore your own unique movement in a playful workshop for people of all experience levels with Sydney Dance Company’s Teaching Artists.
Listen to a special storytime with Dharug author Jasmine Seymour, reading her much-loved book Open your heart to Country.
Dance your afternoon away at a kids disco party with DJs Diva Cups, held in Mike Hewson’s underground art park, The Key’s Under the Mat.
Design an imaginative mural of your favourite furry animals, inspired by the wall mural Pet Palace by Little Orange Studio, or pop into our children’s art library to design a patterned pet portrait.
Children under 12 enjoy free access to the Art Gallery’s winter exhibitions, Avatar: Forms of Vishnu and Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes 2026.
Event Details:
Dates: Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th July 2026 10am to 5pm
Location: Art Gallery of NSW
Notes: Enjoy free entry to the Art Gallery, Hive Festival events and most of their displays and exhibitions. Don’t miss Mike Hewson’s underground art park, The Key’s Under the Mat.