Theatre

Event Guide

22 fun things to do during the spring school holidays

School's out for spring! Link your family and friends to these great events...

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Now is the time to start dropping hints because the school holidays are upon us, kicking off for Aussies between now and the end of September.

If you’re looking for the best way to occupy those very valuable days between school term, then check out our edit of the best events across Australia.

Whether you’re trying to entertain a whole family of theatre-lovers, are on the lookout for live music or need a fast action fix to satisfy even the most sport-obsessed kids, we’ve got great ideas right here.

Scroll down for our top pick of things to do during the school holidays:

Theatre 🎭

My Fair Lady (NSW)

Directed by Julie Andrews, My Fair Lady tells the charming story of Henry Higgins and Eliza Doolittle; played by Andrews in the 1956 musical. It’s no real surprise that this timeless musical is so widely regarded as one of the most heartwarming shows on stage today, featuring songs like Wouldn’t It Be Loverly?, On The Street Where You Live, I Could Have Danced All Night and Get Me to the Church on Time.

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (NSW)

Already a hit musical on Broadway and London’s West End, Beautiful is now showing at Sydney Lyric. Grab your closest music lover and catch the totally inspiring, true story of Carole King’s remarkable rise from teenage songwriter to global superstar. Goosebumps guaranteed!

Festival of Russian Ballet (NSW)

Hot on the heels of their sell-out performances of Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, the Imperial Russian Ballet Company return to Sydney’s State Theatre with a fresh programme of three diverse, awe-inspiring and equally-stunning acts.

Room on the Broom (VIC)

The team behind The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child return with songs and scary fun with a magical musical adaptation of Room On The Broom. The award-winning book by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler hits the stage at St Kilda’s National Theatre during the school holidays.

Dialogue in The Dark (VIC)

Nestled in the heart of Melbourne’s Docklands, this unique exhibition invited visitors to experience what it’s really like to live without sight. Reviews have called Dialogue In The Dark a ‘sensory overload’, a ‘must-see’ and ‘a once in a lifetime journey’, but how will you cope?

Horrible Harriet (VIC)

She’s wicked, wild and wonderful in her very own way, Horrible Harriet takes to the stage at Arts Centre Melbourne during the spring school holidays. Adapted from the books by Leigh Hobbs, this family show is a simple and super important tale of identity and friendship.

Pop-up Globe (VIC)

This is Shakespeare like it’s 1614. The world’s first full-scale, temporary working replica of the second Globe is currently open opposite the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne, showing ionic performances of As You Like It,  Much Ado About Nothing, Othello and Henry V. Prepare to experience Shakespeare like it was always intended.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (SA)

Check out this young and vibrant production of Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Tim Rice’s beloved biblical saga in SA during the school holidays. The Brenton Langbein Theatre production is guaranteed to get the whole family singing (we just can’t promise your folks will be in tune…).

The Popular Mechanicals (SA)

The rude mechanicals from A Midsummer Night’s Dream — take centrestage in this wild re-imagining of what might have happened off-stage during the Bard’s comedy. If silly theatre is your thing, then this is where you’ll want to be while school’s out.

Outdoor đŸŽȘ

Perth Royal Show (WA)

Hailed as WA’s most important and the longest-standing community event, IGA Perth Royal Show is gearing up to transform Claremont Showground during the spring school holidays once again. The whole event is full of cute animals, cool attractions and family-friendly stalls.

Sport 🏉

Melbourne Victory v Sydney FC (VIC)

Head to Etihad Stadium on Saturday 7 October to catch Melbourne Victory take on Sydney FC. Kicking off at 7.30pm, there’s plenty of time to explore the city with the whole family before the game too.

Western Sydney Wanderers v Perth Glory (NSW)

Spotless Stadium plays host to Western Sydney Wanderers and Perth Glory on Sunday 8 October in what promises to be an unpredictable match up. Anything could happen in this opening-season game, which is why it’s one of our top picks for sports fans during the school break.

WAFL Grand Final 2017 (WA)

Be a part of history this school holidays as the 133rd McDonald’s WAFL Grand Final is held at Perth’s Domain Stadium for the final time on Sunday 24 September.

Monster Jam (QLD)

Calling all thrill-seekers! Queensland’s very own dynamo stunt driver, Rhianna Buchanan, is in gear to become Australia’s first ever Monster Jam driver as she gets ready to wow hometown crowds in Brisbane on Saturday 7 October.

MusicÂ đŸŽ¶

Motionless In White

Pennsylvania’s metalcore mob return down under in support of their new album Graveyard Shift. Expect modern theatrics as Chris Motionless leads the much-loved band through another exhilarating live show filled with unforgettable music and mayhem.

You Me At Six

Hailed as one of the UK’s most successful rock-pop band of recent times, You Me At Six will headline Forum Melbourne during their new Night People tour. With support from alternative Aussie outfits Hellions and Columbus, YMAS are officially hosting the best Sunday night gig in all of the school holidays.

Elton John

Legendary performer Elton John has lined up the most intimate installments of his Once In A Lifetime concerts for Aussie fans, alongside a very special concert as part of a day on the green that promises to keep holiday spirits at their highest.

At The Drive In

Know someone in need of a schooling in modern rock music? We suggest you take them along to one of At The Drive In’s upcoming Australian dates. The Texan post-hardcore titans return for a limited run of shows to remind the rock community just why their legacy still rules today.

Listen Out (WA)

Grab your dancing shoes, Listen Out is back for its fifth year and the HBF Arena dates lands during the school holidays. This year’s stellar line-up includes Bryson Tiller, Duke Dumont and Future, alongside heaps more.

Tina Arena

Aussie pop icon Tina Arena brings her Innocence To Understanding tour home this September for the ultimate celebration of her new Greatest Hits and Interpretations double album of the same name. And there’s no need to worry about dancing too hard on a school night!

Brisbane Festival at The Tivoli (QLD)

Music fans should flock to Brissy this school break for a series of cool shows at The Tivoli. Angus & Julia Stone are among the acts lined up to hit the stage during September.

London Grammar (QLD)

The British trio will headline Brisbane Festival at Riverstage with support from James Vincent McMorrow. Plus the indie three-piece come bearing gifts from their critically-acclaimed second album, Truth Is A Beautiful Thing, so you know it’s going to be something to report back to your school mates about.