The Play! Kids Festival Is Coming To The Shire
Five days of shows, workshops and school holiday fun at The Pavilion
The Box Show by Junkyard Beats
School holidays just got a serious upgrade. The Play! Kids Festival is back at The Pavilion Performing Arts Centre, Sutherland, running from the 1st to the 5th of October with five full days of live shows, creative workshops, and hands-on fun for kids of all ages.
This isn’t just any festival — it’s South Sydney’s biggest kids performing arts festival. Think giant puppets, ARIA award-winning stars, drumming on junkyard beats, interactive musicals, art workshops, dance parties, and free activities running daily. With performance tickets starting from just $29, it’s an affordable way for families to keep kids entertained these school holidays without breaking the bank. If you’ve been scratching your head for school holiday inspo, consider it sorted.
Scout tip: Book early. Emma Memma is guaranteed to sell out, Shark Dive is making its new world premiere, and the Play Pass is the best value for all-day fun these school holidays.
What’s On
Emma Memma
Fresh from her sell-out Boop and Twirl tour, ARIA Award-winner Emma Memma is back with a brand-new show, Dance Island Party, on the 5th of October. Expect singing, dancing and loads of creativity, with AUSLAN sign language woven into the choreography to make it a celebration everyone can join.
Shark Dive
The new world premiere of the newly staged Shark Dive comes from puppetry innovators Erth, who bring Australia’s sea life to the stage with jaw-dropping giant shark and marine installations. It’s an imaginative underwater adventure blending storytelling with a nod to marine conservation. On the 4th of October, local footy star Jesse Ramien will also join the action, hosting a special meet and greet for ticket holders.
The Box Show
Winner of a Sydney Fringe Critics’ Pick Award, The Box Show turns everyday junk into treasure with a high-energy mash-up of drumming, dance and comedy. This clever, laugh-out-loud performance proves you can make music out of just about anything.
Imagine Live
Alison Lester’s beloved book Imagine leaps from page to stage in this interactive musical adventure. With digital puppetry, original songs and playful storytelling, it’s a magical reimagining from the creators of Robot Song — designed to spark kids’ imaginations.
Beyond The Stage
The festival isn’t just about sitting in the audience — it’s about diving in. Kids can dance it out in workshops, get messy with art classes, listen in on daily storytime, play foyer games, or enter colouring competitions. And for the ultimate holiday hack, the $50 Play Pass unlocks a full day of fun.
This year also sees the launch of The Pavilion’s Creative Crew program, giving local students a behind-the-scenes look at lighting, sound, event production and more. It’s a chance for young creatives to test-drive what it’s like working in the arts — and maybe even spark some future careers.