--- title: Hive Festival Returns to the Art Gallery description: Hive Festival comes to AGNSW July 11-12, 2026. FREE artist-led workshops, First Nations activities, live music & creative fun for families. Book now. image: https://sparkpop.au/hubfs/HiveFestival_AGNSW_photocredit_AnnaKucera.png --- [Skip to content](https://sparkpop.au/hive-festival-returns-to-the-art-gallery#main-content) [![SPARK POP](https://sparkpop.au/hs-fs/hubfs/SP-Primary-Full-White-RGB-2.png?width=300&height=176&name=SP-Primary-Full-White-RGB-2.png)](https://sparkpop.com.au/) [Search](https://sparkpop.com.au/search/) Price Match Guarantee EN English (International) - AUD - [Wishlist](https://sparkpop.com.au/new-my-account/gift-cards/?tab=3) [Login](https://sparkpop.com.au/new-my-account/gift-cards/) - [Experiences](https://sparkpop.com.au/experiences/) - [Celebrations](https://sparkpop.com.au/celebrations/) - [Inspiration](https://sparkpop.com.au/inspiration/) - [About Us](https://sparkpop.com.au/about-us/) - [Gift Cards Redeem](https://sparkpop.com.au/gift-card/) ![vector](https://sparkpop.au/hubfs/Vector4.svg) ![vector](https://sparkpop.au/hubfs/Vector5.svg) ![vector](https://sparkpop.au/hubfs/Vector6.svg) ![vector](https://sparkpop.au/hubfs/Vector7.svg) # Hive Festival Returns to the Art Gallery Mark your calendars: **Hive Festival returns to the Art Gallery of New South Wales on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July 2026** with its first-ever winter edition. And the best part? It's completely free.  June 27, 2026 [SPARK POP](https://sparkpop.au/author/spark-pop) CONTENTS [What's On at HIVE Festival](https://sparkpop.au/hive-festival-returns-to-the-art-gallery#queensland) 0min read SHARE ### This much-loved event is back with artist-led workshops, live performances, creative activities for all ages, and a special focus on First Nations art and culture timed to NAIDOC Week. Whether your kids are toddlers discovering art for the first time or primary-aged creatives looking for their next adventure, Hive Festival delivers two days of imagination, connection, and pure creative joy — without spending a cent.  Free entry. Free activities. Pure creative magic.   WHAT'S ON AT HIVE FESTIVAL #### **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. ![HiveFestival_AGNSW_Artplay](https://sparkpop.au/hs-fs/hubfs/HiveFestival_AGNSW_Artplay.png?width=748&height=435&name=HiveFestival_AGNSW_Artplay.png) Art Play at Hive Festival ## 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. ![HiveFestival_AGNSW_DanceParty](https://sparkpop.au/hs-fs/hubfs/HiveFestival_AGNSW_DanceParty.png?width=748&height=435&name=HiveFestival_AGNSW_DanceParty.png) ## 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. [DISCOVER](https://sparkpop.com.au/product/hive-festival-2026/) ![HiveFestival_AGNSW_FeltFaces](https://sparkpop.au/hs-fs/hubfs/HiveFestival_AGNSW_FeltFaces.png?width=748&height=435&name=HiveFestival_AGNSW_FeltFaces.png) ## 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.   ![HiveFestival_AGNSW_General](https://sparkpop.au/hs-fs/hubfs/HiveFestival_AGNSW_General.png?width=748&height=435&name=HiveFestival_AGNSW_General.png) 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.** Free art. Free creativity. Free imagination. 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