9-12 OCTOBER, 2024
Mainstage Performances
Comedy & Magic
The Listies: Make Some Noise
The Listies are back with their insane mixtape of silly songs, stupid sketches and crazy clowning.It’s a party for your ears, and both of them are invited! Hilarious, fabulous fun for the whole family!
Music & Storytelling
Peter and The Wolf
One of the most popular children’s concerts of all time, Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf will enchant, entertain and educate audiences both young and old, brought to you by The Metropolitan Orchestra.
Drama & Comedy
Tahir: World’s Best Worst Magician
Tahir is a decorated comedian. What he isn’t known for (yet!) is his ability to perform absolutely terrible magic tricks. Well, that’s about to change with his new show where he combines killer jokes and woeful tricks!
Theatre & Puppetry
A Little Bit of Blue
Can you help us solve the case? Something has gone missing and is nowhere to be found, and we need help. Join Little Wing Puppets for an interactive, environmental detective story told through the art of puppetry.
Kids Workshops
Puppetry Workshops
How many things can you do with a piece of paper? The team at Little Wing Puppets are hosting exclusive “Puppetry of Paper” workshops that will teach you the puppetry tricks behind their production A Little Bit of Blue. Participants will learn how to make Bunraku-styled puppetry, which is a traditional Japanese form of puppetry theatre.
Free Events
Storytime
Join us for Storytime in the foyer, where magical worlds come to life through the power of storytelling!
Colouring Comp
Head to the foyer for our Colouring Competition and to name our official Play! Mascots. Prizes available.
Foyer Games
Go explore around the venue to find some of our giant foyer games including Jenga and Connect Four!
More to come including new shows, more creative workshops and free activities.
- Kids lunch and snack packs available
- Great coffee for the “big kids”
- In-house restaurant for all-day dining
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Play! Kids Festival?
The Play! Kids Festival is an annual arts and entertainment program designed for kids each October School Holidays. It features interactive performances, workshops and classes across a range of areas including dance, music, circus, art and more!
What ages is the Festival suitable for?
The Play! Kids Festival is designed for kids of all ages, from toddlers up to pre-teen. We recommend reviewing individual event pages to check specific age recommendations for each show. Generally, babies on laps are permitted under the age of 2.
How much does it cost?
We know how financially strapped many families are currently feeling. That’s why we’ve created a low-cost program including free activities, mainstage performances for just $29 per ticket, or groups of 4 for $106 and workshops starting from just $15. All purchases are subject to booking fees.
How do I pick which shows my kids will like?
We recommend reviewing each of the individual event pages to find more details about the acts performing. We have aimed to include shows that all kids will enjoy from classical music, to comedy, magic and drama.
What constitutes a “Family of 4” ticket group?
A “family/group of 4” ticket price can include any variation of four tickets that you like. This can breakdown into as many parents/kids as needed for your group however please note that at least one parent or guardian (18+) is required per group booking.
Is there any parking included?
Unfortunately, there is no Pavilion carpark, but there is plenty of 2P, 4P and all-day parking spots around the venue including Flora Stree and Eton Street. There are also Council Carparks available for all-day parking at a low rate. Alternatively, The Pavilion is a short 5-minute walk from Sutherland Train Station.
Is there food and drink available?
Yes! The Pavilion foyer bars will be serving a range of snacks, lunch and drink options that kids will love. Parents can also grab a coffee and some more substantial lunch at our in-house cafe, Squiseato. Cold food/drinks can be taken into the theatre as long as they are in plastic and with a lid.
What do I do with my newborn?
Whilst the Play! Kids Festival is designed for toddlers and up, mothers with newborns are welcome to bring them to the venue. The venue is fully equipped with a Mothers/Parents Room, pram-parking space and a Crying Room that still has view of the stage. Children under 2 are permitted to sit on parents’ laps.
Will there be AUSLAN interpretation?
Yes! Many of the mainstage shows at the Play! Kids Festival will have a performance that is AUSLAN interpreted. Please check out the individual show pages to review which sessions will be interpreted and contact our Box Office if you require this service by emailing boxoffice@thepavilionarts.au
Is there accessible seating?
Of course. Please contact our Box Office with your accessibility needs and they will find you a suitable space: boxoffice@thepavilionarts.au
Do I need to stay with my children throughout the Festival?
Yes! Children under 15 cannot be unattended in the venue throughout the Play! Kids Festival. All children under 15 should have a parent/guardian with them at all times. If your child is attending a workshop, the parent must still be present within the venue.
