At the heart of this year's festival is artist Billy Bain, whose solo exhibition By the River opens at the Art Gallery just before Hive Festival kicks off. Bain has created special activities celebrating beach culture, water connection, and First Nations perspectives on Country.
Highlights include:
🏄 Surf's Up — Design your own surfboard and participate in a giant "paddle out" installation celebrating beach lifestyle and connection to water (inspired by Dharug artist Billy Bain's work)
🖼️ Frame Your World — Create your own picture frame with imagery telling your story of who you are and where you live
🎵 Live Music — ARIA award-winning children's group Teeny Tiny Stevies performing folk-pop tunes (10:30am daily)
💃 Sydney Dance Company Workshop — Playful movement exploration for all experience levels
📖 Storytimes with First Nations Authors — Including special reading by Dharug author Jasmine Seymour of Open Your Heart to Country
🕺 Kids Disco — Dance party with DJ Diva Cups in Mike Hewson's underground art park, The Key's Under the Mat
🐚 Paper Shell Craft — Create wearable shells inspired by Bidjigal artist Esme Timbery
🐢 Tortoise Weaving — Colourful yarn creations inspired by Hindu mythology and the Avatar: Forms of Vishnu exhibition
🎨 Animal Art Activities — Design murals, paint pet portraits, join roving art-making tours
🎬 Free Film Screenings — The Pout-Pout Fish and Happy Feet (twice daily)
🍼 Art Play Soft Spaces — For under-5s (toys, play equipment, cushions, couches)
🍕 FOOD & DRINK
Pop-up pizza stall, Messina gelato, and family-friendly options across the Art Gallery's food outlets. Come hungry, leave happy.
NAIDOC Week Celebration
Hive Festival coincides with NAIDOC Week, bringing First Nations stories and perspectives to the forefront. Explore the Art Gallery's Yiribana Gallery through dynamic educator-led tours, discover Billy Bain's work celebrating Sydney's Northern Beaches and the Dyarubbin/Hawkesbury River, and engage with drop-in workshops designed by First Nations artists.
This is art education that honours Country and connection.
Key Details
Dates: Saturday 11 & Sunday 12 July 2026
Location: Art Gallery of NSW (Naala Nura and Naala Badu buildings)
Cost: FREE entry + FREE activities (some bookings required)
Best for: All ages (toddlers to tweens)
School holidays: Perfect timing — July school holidays!
Bonus: Children under 12 receive free admission to winter exhibitions, including Avatar: Forms of Vishnu. Discounted family tickets also available.
Accessibility & Sensory Support
Hive Festival is designed for all families:
✓ Low-sensory chill zone — Quiet space if sensory input feels overwhelming
✓ Sensory-friendly early entry — 9am entry for families needing quieter access
✓ Sensory storytime — Book reading with tactile materials
✓ Accessible activities & spaces throughout
More accessibility details: Visit the Art Gallery's website.
In a world where school holidays can feel expensive and overwhelming, Hive Festival delivers world-class creative experiences completely free. Your kids engage with artists, explore First Nations perspectives, try new creative skills, enjoy live performances, and make memories — all without financial stress.
Plus, the Art Gallery itself becomes part of the experience. Kids discover that art galleries aren't stuffy spaces but vibrant, welcoming places where creativity thrives.
That's the magic of Hive Festival.
Hive Festival — where Sydney families create together.