There’s no shortage of things to do this August! Here’s our guide to what’s on – in date order!
Ryde Wharf Markets
When: Sunday 9th & 23rd August, 9am – 2pm
Where: Anderson Park, Meadowbank
Description: Riverside markets with artisan stalls, local produce, food trucks, coffee, and family entertainment.
More info: Cambridge Markets
Wentworth Point Winter Market
When: Sunday 9th August, 9am – 3pm
Where: Marina Square, Wentworth Point
Description: The market will feature an eclectic mix of stalls offering handmade crafts, unique homewares, fresh produce, and mouth-watering food. It’s the perfect Sunday outing for families, friends, and anyone looking to enjoy a relaxed day of browsing, eating, and exploring.
More info: https://cambridgemarkets.com.au/wentworth-point-winter-market
Le Marché French Market
When: Sunday 9th August (Every second Sunday of the month) 9am – 1pm
Where: Woolwich Dock and Parklands, Hunters Hill
Description: Australia’s only authentic monthly French market offering gourmet French foods such as flaky croissants, savory crêpes, rich raclette, French cheeses, and saucisson. Also features artisanal crafts including chic berets, elegant tablecloths, distinctive jewelry, and more — all set in the historic Woolwich Dock and Parklands.
More info: harbourtrust.gov.au/whats-on/featured-events-and-activities/le-marche-french-market
West Ryde Miniature Steam Trains
When: Saturday 15th August, 1pm – 4pm
Where: Corner Anthony Road & Betts Street, West Ryde
Description: Ride authentic miniature steam trains, enjoy the picnic grounds, and experience this beloved local activity. Tickets required.
More info: Sydney Live Steam Locomotive Society
Ferragosto Street Festival
When: Sunday 16th August, 10am – 5pm
Where: Great North Road, Five Dock
Description: Great North Road comes alive with the sights, sounds, and flavours of Italy. Enjoy vibrant performances, bustling market stalls, live cooking demonstrations, and an incredible celebration of Italian food, culture, and heritage.
More info: Canada Bay Council – Ferragosto
Science in the Swamp – National Science Week
When: Sunday 16th August, 10am – 3pm
Where: Dickens’ Lawn, Loch Avenue South, Centennial Parklands
Description: Hands-on science experiments, slime labs, robots, native animals, and 30+ interactive stalls. Free entry, all ages.
More info: Greater Sydney Parklands
Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival
When: Saturday 22nd August – Sunday 30th August, 9am – 4:45pm daily
Where: Auburn Botanic Gardens, Chiswick Road, Auburn
Description: Cumberland City Council’s premier and award-winning festival returns for nine days of stunning blossoms, Japanese culture, food, and creativity. Tickets must be pre-booked online – no door sales available. Cumberland residents receive free entry but still need to reserve tickets due to capacity limits.
More info: Get Tickets
Eastwood Heights Fireworks Spectacular
When: Saturday 22nd August, 3 – 7.30pm, Fireworks at 7.15pm
Where: Eastwood Heights Public School, Lincoln Street, Eastwood
Description: Enjoy an afternoon of unlimited carnival rides, live entertainment, food stalls, second-hand shopping and a silent auction—followed by a spectacular fireworks display at 7.15pm. Free entry; unlimited ride wristbands available to pre-purchase online.
Science in the Scrub – National Science Week
When: Sunday 23rd August, 10am – 3pm
Where: Lizard Log Amphitheatre, Western Sydney Parklands, Abbotsbury
Description: A free outdoor science festival featuring live experiments, a roaming dinosaur, Aboriginal science village, bug displays, and hands-on STEM fun for all ages.
More info: www.greatersydneyparklands.nsw.gov.au/science-scrub-2026
Dog and Cat Lovers Festivals
When: Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd August
Where: Sydney Showgrounds, Sydney Olympic Park
Description: Australia’s largest pet festival featuring show rings, celebrity pets, product stalls, demonstrations, adoption zones, and lots of fun activities for pet lovers and their furry friends.
More info: catloversfestival.com.au and dogloversfestival.com.au
Balmoral By The Glass
When: Sunday 23rd August, 10am – 5pm
Where: Balmoral Beach Reserve, Mosman
Description: A boutique food and wine festival showcasing premium wines, local craft beers, and delicious food with stunning beach views. Live music and family-friendly activities add to the atmosphere.
More info: balmoralbytheglass.com.au
Penrith Show 2026
When: Saturday 29th August (9am – 9pm) and Sunday 30th August 2026 (9am – 4pm)
Where: Penrith Paceway, Penrith
Description: A traditional country show with rides, live entertainment, food stalls, animal exhibits, and fireworks — perfect for all ages. This is a ticketed event.
More info: clubpacewaypenrith.com/penrith-show
Lightfields – The Vineyard Hotel
Running nightly until the end of August, this illuminated lantern experience in Sydney’s north-west is much more than just a walk-through light display. With glowing lanterns, giant illuminated sculptures, a silent disco, carnival games, a huge playground and plenty of food options, it’s easy to turn your visit into a full evening out with the kids.
The highlight of Lightfields is the collection of more than 70 illuminated lanterns and glowing displays spread throughout the grounds. As darkness falls, the colourful installations come to life, creating a fun and vibrant atmosphere that’s perfect for families.
🎟 Tickets from just $5 per person – BOOK HERE!
Harry Potter™: The Exhibition
This exhibition celebrates all things Harry Potter™ by bringing to life some of your favourite moments, characters, locations, and beasts from the film series, as well as the extended Harry Potter universe.
Get up close to authentic props and costumes, practice your Quidditch™ skills, pot a Mandrake, and more in this unforgettable experience, held at Sydney Olympic Park.
Highlights
Celebrate iconic moments from the Harry Potter universe as you uncover interactive elements, real props, and costumes.
Conjure your Patronus, come face-to-face with a Hungarian Horntail, test your Quidditch skills, and brew your own potion!
Get a behind-the-scenes look at how the Harry Potter film series was brought to life.
Explore galleries celebrating iconic locations, including Hagrid’s Hut and the Great Hall.
Shop a selection of exclusive Harry Potter: The Exhibition merchandise
Commemorate your journey with photo ops throughout the experience
Be part of the magic that has thrilled over 4 million visitors worldwide
Audio guide: listen to exclusive commentary, behind-the-scenes information, and in-depth stories to enhance your experience and deepen your knowledge of all things Harry Potter™