Hive Festival 2026 | Art Gallery NSW

Hive Festival 2026 at the Art Gallery of NSW

This July school holidays, the Art Gallery of New South Wales buzzes with its first-ever winter edition of Hive Festival a free, family-friendly celebration of art, music and creativity for kids of all ages.

Held over the weekend of Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July 2026 across both Naala Nura and Naala Badu buildings, this year’s festival celebrates the living world, from native animals to the lands and waters of Sydney. Coinciding with NAIDOC Week, the program features First Nations-led activities including drop-in workshops with Dharug artist Billy Bain, tours of the Yiribana Gallery, and a storytime celebrating Country.

Families can enjoy live music from ARIA award-winning group Teeny Tiny Stevies, a movement workshop with Sydney Dance Company, a kids disco party, weaving and mural-making activities, free film screenings, and soft play spaces for under-5s. Sensory-friendly sessions and low-sensory chill zones are also available for visitors with different accessibility needs.

Entry to the Art Gallery and all Hive Festival activities is free, with some activities requiring bookings. Children under 12 also receive free admission to the winter exhibitions, including Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes 2026 and Avatar: Forms of Vishnu.

When: Saturday 11 to Sunday 12 July 2026
Where: Art Gallery of New South Wales
Cost: Free