What is Summernats?

Summernats is known for it’s loud cars, mullets and black t-shirts – but there’s so much to this exciting Canberra car festival than just that! It’s a really fun family-friendly event that even us non-car enthusiasts can really enjoy!

Summernats is a huge annual car festival held in Canberra. It’s really popular with all kinds of car enthusiasts. Vehicles featured can be anything from souped up street cars to classic vehicles, rally cars to hot rods.

There are several car competitions held over the weekend. Competitions include presentation of vehicles such as the Show and Shine, and driving skills competitions such as the burn out competition where competitors spin their car wheels to make smoke until eventually something gives – usually the tyres!  There are car cruise parades, fireworks on Saturday night and outdoor rock concerts. This year there was an aerial stunt show several times a day over the grounds.

At Summernats you’ll also find lots of car-themed shopping, every outdoor food stall you can think of, numerous outdoor bars and several display pavilions for car products and hotted-up display cars.

It’s safe to say that although the Summernats has a high admission cost, there is lots to see and do!

Summernats 38 2026 Car Festival Canberra is coming!

One event to put in your calendars for January 2026 is the Street Machine Summernats Australian Car Festival!

Head on down to Canberra for some great rev-head fun as car-loving fans from all-over Australia converge on the National Capital for the Summernats Annual Car Festival.

Summernats 37 2025 Car Festival Canberra – the year that was

We attended on the Friday of Summernats 37 and had an absolute ball checking out the Show and Shine cars, shopping stalls, food, car displays and of course the famous burn outs!

The 2025 Festival ran from Thursday the 2nd of January to Sunday the 6th of January 2025.

Now with its conclusion, eyes turn to planning next year’s Summernats 38. From our day at Summernats this year we gained some valuable insights in how to prepare for a successful Summernats visit!

What are the Summernats 2026 Dates?

The Summernats Car Festival in the ACT will be run a little later next year, from Thursday January 8th to Sunday 11th 2026.

Is Summernats safe for kids?

When I went to Summernats as a 20-something it was all still pretty new, and it fast grew a reputation for young women flashing, drunk driving, burn outs all around the grounds and basically trashing Northbourne Avenue – Canberra’s main road in. The locals in particular were not very happy with how Summernats visitors were treating the area, and families didn’t feel it was a safe environment to take children to. But all that has changed.

Is Summernats Family Friendly now?

Yes! The ACT Government and Summernats organisers worked together to clean Summernats up and make it more attractive as a family attraction. One of the main measures was moving the date of the car festival to after New Year’s Eve instead of during, to avoid combining the two celebrations. Another was restricting the street access to temporary road-closures and a single organised city cruise at the start of the car festival. Permanent car barriers were also installed along Northbourne Avenue.

Inside the venue, safety measures were strengthened with increased security and policing. Fences and barriers now line the internal cruising roads and are speed limited to 20kph, and pedestrian access and crossings are strictly controlled. As a result, Summernats is now very safe – and family-friendly!

What can kids do at Summernats?

Kids love watching the brightly painted, loud cars cruising up and down and burning out brightly coloured smoke. There are kid-friendly give aways in the pavilions, kid-friendly food and snacks and kid-tailored merchandise like blow up swords and even show bags.

For the bigger kids and teenagers there are go-karts, and lots more. My teenager was excited to get a free big finger to wave at the burn outs and an in-person meet and greet with motorsport legend John Bowe at the Rare Spares stand.

Watch our Summernats 37 2025 videos here.

Don’t miss another of our Australian family YouTube videos! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel here

What should I take to Summernats?

One thing about Summernats is that it is hot-hot-hot! The weather is usually around thirty degrees, but with the all-concrete and tar surrounds it feels hotter still!

The standard Summernats uniform is appropriately shorts, t-shirts (all black usually!) and huge Mexican sombreros which are available for purchase from around $15.

Cold drinks, slushies and of course many food vendors are scattered everywhere around EPIC, but shade can be sparing. Whilst the reserved grandstands for Burn Outs is covered, the general grandstand for casual day attenders is not. Prepare for the heat.

At a minimum, here are the Summernats essentials:

1. Sunblock
2. Wide Brimmed Hat
3. Ear plugs or headphones for the kids, those sensitive to noise such as for Autism – and for everyone else for burn outs! – Tip: Rare Spares stall inside a main pavilion offered free ear plugs (and big hands!) this year.
4. A refillable water bottle – Tip: there are water refilling stations which are connected to hoses and not chilled, but numerous bars offer free water which is chilled.
5. Pram shades and fans

Prebooking is highly recommended for the following Summernats services and merchandise

One of the frustrating things for day visitors is that even attending in the early days, event entrants have basically sold out some options. Here are some services and merchandise you may like to consider booking in advance:

• Parking everyday
• Casual day tickets for the main day of Saturday
• Season Passes were unavailable by Friday
• Event T-Shirt men’s medium and large sizes were sold out by Friday morning.

How much are Summernats T-shirts?

We bought Summernats event T-Shirts for $50 each, both men’s and women’s. Men’s medium and large sizes were already sold out by Friday and also the brightly coloured bucket hats, so get those first! Also available is a large range of branded Summernats official merchandise including hoodies, caps and much more.

How much are tickets to Summernats?

Adult (17+) casual day tickets start from $85 per day.

Child/Youth (11-16) tickets start from $55 per day.

Kids 10 and under are free.

Family tickets start from $215.

Are there Concession Tickets to Summernats?

No, however accompanying Carers/NSW Companion Card companions enter free.

How much is it to park at Summernats?

Casual parking is $35 per day, however car parks can pre-book up very quickly. The ACT Government offer a park and ride service as a backup. A Tram Station is located within ten minutes walk of the venue.

Where is Summernats located?

Summernats is held at the Exhibition Park In Canberra, otherwise known as EPIC – you’ll find it on Google Maps here.

Have you ever been to the Summernats, or do you plan to go? What do your kids love to do there? Tell me, or ask your questions in the comments below…

All information is correct as at January 2025 – always check the official website for relevant, up to date information and prices.

The Let’s Go Mum Family attended Summernats at their own expense. As always, all opinions remain firmly our own.

Share an image to your Pinterest board!

The post Summernats 2026 Car Festival Beginner’s Guide appeared first on Let's go Mum.

Stuck for ideas on what to do these Summer school holidays? Don’t worry, we’ve been checking out the best new family-friendly movies you’ll all love, and a brilliant new show!

As always, I’m targeting movies and shows mums and dads will really enjoy too, rather than sit there bored!

Here are my top Summer School holidays movies…

1. – National Cinemas – WICKED Movie

WICKED Movie Review

A massive movie-hit around Australia and the world, we were privileged to attend the Sydney Premiere of WICKED the movie – and haven’t stopped singing yet!

Which is the best family movie to see these Christmas school holidays?

Released by Universal Pictures, this gorgeous Wizard of Oz timeline movie was masterfully directed by Jon M Chu and has already amassed over 500 million US dollars at the box office. But what you need to know is that school age kids up will be enchanted by this great story of the unlikely, charming friendship of two witches – Glinda & Elphaba. I love the moments of comedy and light-heartedness of the story. If you’ve seen the theatre show like us, we think you’ll love this adaptation too. Don’t forget to wear baby pink if you are team Glinda, and Emerald green if you are team Elphaba! WICKED is a great movie all around, and a must see whilst it’s still in cinemas so that you can soak up the vibe of all the other fans having fun getting in to it. If you’ve already seen WICKED, why not go again? There are even sing-along versions playing in many cinemas now!

Where can I watch the WICKED movie?

WICKED is only in cinemas these Christmas School Holidays.

When does the WICKED movie stop showing in cinemas?

The WICKED movie premiered in November 2024, and it’s now available to watch on streaming services. Wicked sing-a-long versions are expected to continue showing in cinemas well into 2025.

Watch our WICKED Sydney Premiere experience YouTube video here.

Don’t miss another of our Australian family YouTube videos! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel here

What ages is WICKED the movie suitable for?

The general consensus age to watch Wicked the Movie is 6 and up – with parental guidance. Most of the film is light-hearted and fun, however especially towards the end it does get a little scary and dark.

See our Instagram post of our experience at the Sydney WICKED Premiere here

Thanks to Universal Pictures for inviting us to attend the Sydney Premiere of WICKED.

A quick note about our EXCLUSIVE activities up to 10% off discount!

If you are planning on booking activities online through our partner Klook we have an exclusive up to 10% off discount code for you!

Just use my exclusive discount code at checkout:

LETSGOMUMKLOOK 

Buy your tickets online at Klook here

Klook conditions: $50 min spend, $50 max discount, 5 times use. Klook new customers can get 10% off and existing customers get 3% off. Klook exclusions list here.
This page may contain affiliate links. If you book a stay or an attraction through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for your support!

2. – Canberra Dendy Imax & national cinemas – MUFASA

We were excited to be invited to the VIP Opening of Canberra Dendy’s brand-new IMAX cinema theatre. This truly immersive luxury theatre has set new standards in just how good a cinema experience can be. On the night we enjoyed watching the Premiere screening of Disney’s new MUFASA: The Lion King movie.

Disney’s MUFASA: The Lion King Movie Review

MUFASA is Disney’s new musical movie. The prequel tale to the smash-hit Disney movie THE LION KING, in MUFASA we learn the story of Mufasa, Simba’s father. The tale follows Mufasa as a small cub, separated from his parents. Mufasa is saved by his new lion cub friend Taka, and other extraordinary characters who join together as a band of misfits. They embark upon an adventure across the pride lands, testing their bravery and friendship before Mufasa’s reign as Lion King. MUFASA takes what we know of animated movies and turns it on it’s head, taking it to a whole new level. The production quality is incredibly close to life like, and it’s very easy to become invested in this charming new Disney movie, especially viewing it on Dendy Canberra’s huge new IMAX laser screen.

Where can I watch the MUFASA movie?

The MUFASA movie is exclusively showing in cinemas these Christmas School Holidays.

When does the MUFASA movie come to Disney+?

The MUFASA movie is expected to be available for home purchase around February, and be able to be streamed on Disney Plus around March 2025.

What ages is MUFASA the movie suitable for?

The general consensus age to watch Disney’s MUFASA movie is 6 and up with parental guidance, or 9 and up is okay – this is due to scary scenes and violence (violent storms, lion stalking and fights). More on age appropriate guides at the children and media org here.

See our Instagram reel of our MUFASA Premiere night at Dendy Canberra here

Thanks to Dendy Canberra for inviting us to attend their opening night of their new IMAX to watch the MUFASA Premiere.

3. – National Cinemas – MAGIC BEACH the movie

MAGIC BEACH Movie Review

Alison Lester’s beloved children’s book MAGIC BEACH has been read to – and by – generations of Australians – and it’s now been transformed into a magical animated movie!

With book sales of over half a million copies, the MAGIC BEACH illustrated story book has been an Australian favourite for over 30 years. The MAGIC BEACH movie is sure to be a Summer school holidays hit! We absolutely adored it!

The MAGIC BEACH movie is a mix of live action and animation, and tells the charming childhood story of an enchanted seaside world where anything is possible. This timeless tale is brought to the big screen by Madman Entertainment, and is directed by Robert Connolly of Paper Planes and The Dry.

Special Event MAGIC BEACH Preview Screenings with Alison Lester!

There will be MAGIC BEACH preview screenings in Sydney with the author Alison Lester and director Robert Connolly (Paper Planes, The Dry) meet and greets and hear them introduce the movie (how exciting!) on Saturday January the 11th of January at the Ritz Cinemas and the Cremorne Orpheum.

Where can I watch the MAGIC BEACH movie?

MAGIC BEACH will come out in Australian cinemas from January 16, 2025 nationwide. You can watch the MAGIC BEACH movie trailer here.

What ages is MAGIC BEACH the movie suitable for?

The MAGIC BEACH movie is suitable for all ages, but especially suited for preschoolers to school age children.

Thanks to Madman & Arena Entertainment for inviting us to attend the Sydney special advance screening of Magic Beach with author Alison Lester and Director Robert Connolly.

4. – National cinemas – DRAGONKEEPER Movie

DRAGONKEEPER Movie Review

Calling all dragon lovers! The DRAGONKEEPER movie is a new animated film based on the multi award winning children’s DRAGONKEEPER series, showing only in cinemas these school summer holidays from January 16, 2025.

Kids can revel in letting their dragon imagination fly free with this exciting new movie from Umbrella Entertainment! DRAGONKEEPER is an adventurous dragon tale set in ancient China. Follow the story of Ping as she fights to protect a rare and precious Dragon Egg to save dragons from the brink of extinction and fulfil her destiny. This family-friendly movie sends a strong message, highlighting empowerment for young girls everywhere. Starring Bill Nighy (of Pirates of the Caribbean and Love Actually), Mayalinee Griffith and Bill Bailey (of Hot Fuzz and Black Books), DRAGONKEEPER is sure to be a Summer holiday hit – we loved it!

Where can I watch the DRAGONKEEPER movie?

DRAGONKEEPER releases in Australian cinemas from January 16, 2025 nationwide. You can watch the DRAGONKEEPER movie trailer here.

What ages is DRAGONKEEPER the movie suitable for?

The DRAGONKEEPER movie is suitable for school age children.

Thanks to Umbrella Entertainment for sending us tickets to DRAGONKEEPER.

Plus 2 special events in Sydney and Canberra…

Sydney Capitol Theatre – Jesus Christ Superstar

Sydney – the people have spoken! We were excited to be invited to the Opening Night of the Australian Premiere of Jesus Christ Superstar What an amazing show this is! Powerful rock-star performances filled with more than a touch of glitz and glam.

This thrilling musical features one of Australia’s most well-respected musicians and acclaimed recording artist, Michael Paynter as Jesus, musical theatre star Javon King as Judas and the incredible Mahalia Barnes, as Mary. Fabulous comedian, singer, and writer Reuben Kaye plays Herod and theatrical star Peter Murphy plays Pilate. What a lineup!

With lyrics and music by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, it’s no wonder JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is a smash hit everywhere it goes. The show continues to travel Australia, so check for dates in your city following Sydney.

This is one for your musical-loving kids and teenagers. A very special school holidays family treat for Sydneysiders. It’s gone after January, so don’t miss it!

What ages is Jesus Christ Superstar suitable for?

The official recommended age to watch Jesus Christ Superstar is 10 and up. (All theatre-goers must hold a valid ticket.)

How much are tickets to Jesus Christ Superstar?

Ticket prices for Jesus Christ Superstar in Sydney start from $69.90 each.

What dates is Jesus Christ Superstar playing?

Jesus Christ Superstar is playing now and throughout the Christmas school holidays right up until January 26, 2025.

Where can I buy tickets to Jesus Christ Superstar in Sydney?

You can buy tickets to Jesus Christ Superstar in Sydney and find out more information at the Jesus Christ Superstar Australia official website here

Where is Jesus Christ Superstar in Sydney playing?

Jesus Christ Superstar is now playing at the Capitol Theatre located at 13 Campbell Street, Haymarket, Sydney City, NSW – you’ll find it on Google Maps here.

See our Instagram reel of our night at the Opening Night of Jesus Christ Superstar here

Thanks to the Producers of Jesus Christ Superstar for inviting us to attend the Australian Premiere Opening Night.

Sydney Weekender – Visit Canberra to see Pompeii

Grab the family and book that flight or hit the road to visit our national capital city of Canberra, because there is a very special exhibition on right now at the National Museum of Australia.

Brace yourself for a full-on volcanic eruption at the National Museum of Australia and go and see “Pompeii – Inside a Lost City”.

We were very excited to be invited to the Opening Night of “Pompeii – Inside a Lost City”. This exhibition is an incredibly immersive, fascinating look at Pompeii – it’s times, it’s artefacts, architecture and people – and ultimately, it’s tragic end.

What ages is Pompeii – Inside a Lost City Exhibition suitable for?

Pompeii – Inside a Lost City is suitable for all ages, however note that every 15 minutes the area darkens and a loud simulation of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius occurs.

What dates is Pompeii – Inside a Lost City on?

“Pompeii – Inside a Lost City” is on now until 4th May 25, exclusive to the National Museum of Australia in Canberra.

Watch our Pompeii – Inside a Lost City YouTube video here.

Don’t miss another of our Australian family YouTube videos! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel here

How much are tickets to see the Pompeii – Inside a Lost City Exhibition?

Adults $25, Children 5-16 12.50, Concession $20. Family $62.50. Children 4 and under go free.

Where is Pompeii – Inside a Lost City on?

Pompeii – Inside a Lost City is showing exclusively at the National Museum of Australia,  Lawson Cres, Acton ACT 2601 – you’ll find it on Google Maps here.

Watch our Instagram reel of our experience at Pompeii in Canberra here

Thanks to the National Gallery of Australia for inviting us to the Opening Night of Pompeii.

Have you attended any of these shows or movies, or do you plan to go? Tell me, or ask your questions in the comments below…

All information is correct as at December 2024 -January 2025 – movie and show information may vary accordingly – always check the official websites for relevant, up to date information and prices.

The Let’s Go Mum Family were invited guests to all of the above movies, shows and exhibitions. As always, all opinions remain firmly our own.

Share an image to your Pinterest board!

The post The Ultimate Summer School Holidays Family Movies & Shows Guide appeared first on Let's go Mum.

Stuck for ideas on how to spend some quality time with the kids (and get them off their iPads and Play Stations) these September School Holidays? We’ve got you!

We’ve been busy previewing the hottest Sydney shows & movies to see during these school holidays to keep the entire family entertained!

Best of all, it’s not just the kids and teens who are going to love seeing them – mums and dads are going to enjoy each and every one of these shows and movies too.

Without further ado, here are my top-5 family-friendly Sydney September School holidays shows & cinema…

1. – Sydney Opera House – Sunset Boulevard

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard had my family spell-bound.

Going to see Sunset Boulevard is not only the opportunity to give your family the unforgettable experience of watching a show at the Sydney Opera House, but also to witness the Opera & Musical super star Sarah Brightman perform in real life!

This kind of musical masterpiece doesn’t happen in Sydney every day, and it’s now playing at the Sydney Opera House. Grab the family and go see it these school holidays – before it’s gone!

What ages is Sunset Boulevard suitable for?

The official minimum recommended age to watch Sunset Boulevard the Musical is 12 and up. (All theatre-goers must hold a valid ticket.)

How much are tickets to Sunset Boulevard?

Ticket prices for Sunset Boulevard in Sydney start from $52 each for seats in the Stalls.

When is Sunset Boulevard on?

Sunset Boulevard is playing throughout the September school holidays right up until November 1, 2024.

Where can I buy tickets to Sunset Boulevard?

You can get tickets to Sunset Boulevard at the Opera House and find out more information at the official website here

Where is Sydney Sunset Boulevard playing?

Sunset Boulevard is currently playing at The Sydney Opera House, located right on the edge of the Sydney Harbour at Circular Quay in Sydney city, NSW – you’ll find it on Google Maps here.

See our Instagram reel of our opening night at Sunset Boulevard here

Thanks to Opera Australia and GWB Entertainment for inviting us to attend the Sunset Boulevard Opening Night.

2. – Sydney Lyric Theatre – Hamilton, Australia

Join the Revolution and see HAMILTON the Musical, playing in Sydney for a limited time!

I had heard about HAMILTON for years but had never seen it, so when we received an invitation, you better believe I leapt at it with both hands – and what a show it is!

HAMILTON is the epic saga that follows the rise of USA Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honour, love, and a legacy that would shape the course of a nation.

I love how HAMILTON is set to a score which blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway effortlessly. It’s a modern take which at first is all so unexpected and yet it works so well, fuelling what is a very exciting tale of events that shaped history!

What ages is Hamilton the Musical suitable for?

The recommended age to watch Hamilton the musical is 8+. (All theatre-goers must hold a valid ticket.)

How much are tickets to Hamilton the Musical in Sydney?

Ticket prices for Hamilton in Sydney start from $75 each.

When is Hamilton the Musical on?

Hamilton is playing now and throughout the September school holidays right up until January 5, 2025. It’s final season in Sydney!

Where can I buy tickets to Hamilton in Sydney?

You can buy tickets to Hamilton the Musical in Sydney and find out more information at the Hamilton Australia official website here

Where is Hamilton in Sydney playing?

Hamilton is now playing at the Sydney Lyric Theatre inside The Star Casino, located at 55 Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont NSW 2009 – you’ll find it on Google Maps here.

See our Instagram reel of our special preview of Hamilton here

Thanks to GWB Entertainment for inviting us to attend Hamilton Australia.

3. – Sydney Capitol Theatre – Sister Act

Sister Act is such a fun musical to enjoy with the family! The amazing Casey Donovan stars in this Divine Musical Comedy, now playing in Sydney.

Bursting with life, colour and song, Sister Act will have your kids joyfully wriggling along to the music in their seats!

Based on the smash-hit movie, this is a great feel-good show. Grab the kids and go and enjoy the Sister Act musical together.

What ages is Sister Act suitable for?

The official recommended age to watch Sister Act the musical is 10 and up. (All theatre-goers must hold a valid ticket.)

How much are tickets to Sister Act the Musical?

Ticket prices for Sister Act in Sydney start from $69.90 each.

When is Sister Act on?

Sister Act is playing now and throughout the September school holidays right up until October 26, 2024.

Where can I buy tickets to Sister Act in Sydney?

You can buy tickets to Sister Act in Sydney and find out more information at the Sister Act Australia official website here

Where is Sister Act in Sydney playing?

Sister Act is now playing at the Capitol Theatre located at 13 Campbell Street, Haymarket, Sydney City, NSW – you’ll find it on Google Maps here.

Which hotel is close to the Capitol Theatre in Sydney?

The Kimpton Margot Sydney is five minutes walk to the Capitol Theatre in Sydney and are the official partner hotel of Sister Act.

See our Instagram reel of our special preview of Sister Act here

Thanks to the Producers of Sister Act for inviting us to attend an exclusive special preview.

4. – National cinemas – THE WILD ROBOT movie review

If you see just one family movie these approaching September school holidays, make it this one!

Which is the best family movie to see these school holidays?

From the makers of the beloved How to Train Your Dragon, THE WILD ROBOT is a gorgeous new adaptation of Peter Brown’s beloved, award-winning #1 New York Times bestseller of the same name, and the film stars Lupita Nyong’o, Pedro Pascal and Kit Connor.
THE WILD ROBOT is a truly gorgeous school holidays movie choice. My family loved it – it had us all completely invested the whole way through – and best of all this charming all-ages movie will suit everyone in the family!

Where can I watch THE WILD ROBOT movie?

THE WILD ROBOT is only in cinemas these September School Holidays.

See our Instagram post of our experience at THE WILD ROBOT Premiere here

Thanks to Universal Pictures for inviting us to attend the Sydney Premiere of THE WILD ROBOT.

5. – National cinemas – Alien: Romulus movie review

In space no one can hear you scream…but you know where they can hear you scream? The movies. That’s where they can hear you scream.

Which is the best teen movie to see these school holidays?

Alien: Romulus – it’s terrifyingly good!

We were thrilled to be invited to the Sydney movie premiere of Alien Romulus. As soon as it finished my teenage daughters and I wanted to watch it again immediately because it’s so good!

Alien Romulus is well-worth watching and a great activity to enjoy with your older kids these school holidays  – but get ready to scream!

Where can I watch Alien: Romulus?

Alien: Romulus is now showing in cinemas nationally.

Watch our Instagram reel of our experience at the Alien: Romulus movie Premiere in Sydney here

Thanks to 20th Century Studios & the Walt Disney Company for inviting us to attend the Sydney Premiere of Alien: Romulus.

Honourable mention – Road Trip to Canberra to see Chicago & Floriade 2024!

It really would be a crime to miss Chicago the Musical – on now at the Canberra Theatre until September 29, 2024.

Make a weekend of it and book a stay at the Ovolo Nishi Hotel, the official partner hotel of Chicago in Canberra. Then you’ll also have time to visit Australia’s biggest spring celebration, Floriade 2024!

Watch our Instagram reel of our experience at the Chicago Premiere in Canberra here

Watch our Instagram reel of our experience at the Floriade media preview in Canberra here

Thanks to the Canberra Theatre & Ovolo Nishi for inviting us to the Opening Night festivities of Chicago.

Thanks to the ACT Government for inviting us to the Floriade Media preview.

Have you attended any of these shows or movies, or do you plan to go? Tell me, or ask your questions in the comments below…

Share an image to your Pinterest board!

All information is correct as at September 2024 – theatre & movie prices may vary accordingly – always check the official websites for relevant, up to date information and prices.

The Let’s Go Mum Family were invited guests to all of the above shows and movies. As always, all opinions remain firmly our own.

The post Sydney September School Holidays Top 5 shows & movies appeared first on Let's go Mum.

If you thought your fun music festival days were behind you now that you have children – think again! My family recently had the pleasure of attending the Rainforest World Music Festival 2023 (also known as the RWMF) and both my kids and I all agreed it was a fantastic holiday – we can’t wait to attend the Rainforest World Music Festival 2024!

What is the Rainforest World Music Festival?

The Rainforest World Music Festival is a celebration and coming together of the world’s different music and cultures in a beautiful natural setting. It draws people to it from all around the world, and is often sold-out.

Combined with cultural presentations, workshops and traditional and contemporary arts and crafts held by day, the Rainforest World Music Festival also showcases an impressive array of delicious world-food stalls representing many countries and nationalities.

This incredibly unique festival is both an amazing event – and a great family holiday destination!

Where can I buy Rainforest World Music Festival tickets online?

We always buy our online tickets using Klook – an official ticket reseller of Rainforest Music Festival tickets! The 2024 Rainforest World Music Festival tickets are expected to go on sale in April 2024.

Go to Klook to buy discounted Rainforest World Music Festival 2024 tickets online

This page may contain affiliate links. If you book a stay or an attraction through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for your support!

Are children allowed at the Rainforest World Music Festival?

Yes! Children are allowed to attend the Rainforest World Music Festival.

Rainforest World Music Festival is a family-friendly music festival that welcomes the whole family – and that includes the children!

The kids have a fantastic time playing, learning a new culture including hands on art at workshops plus bopping to the beat of the music at the concerts each night – often with a brightly coloured light-up toy in hand!

Where is the Rainforest World Music Festival held?

The Rainforest World Music Festival is held in Kuching in Sarawak, a state of Malaysia located on the island of Borneo.

No time to read? Watch our Rainforest World Music Festival videos here

Don’t miss another of our Australian family YouTube videos! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel here

How long does the Rainforest World Music Festival run for?

The Rainforest World Music Festival is held over three days and nights.

Is the Rainforest World Music Festival held in a rainforest?

Yes – or at least, right next to it! The Rainforest World Music Festival is held inside the Sarawak Cultural Village which is located at the foot of the rainforest clad slopes of Mount Santubong in Kuching, Sarawak.

The expansive two-stage concert area is showcased by its lawn amphitheatre, and backs onto a lush rainforest jungle.

Explore Kuching during the day and dance through the night!

Our Sarawak visit days were made up of having fun learning about the local culture at the Sarawak Cultural Village, Kampung Budaya Sarawak , or exploring the local area of Kuching.

Often during the afternoons we would head back to our deluxe accommodation at Damai Beach Resort to take a break at our stunning clifftop villa or go for a swim in the pool before returning to the Sarawak Cultural Village in the evening for all three nights of wonderful music concerts from around the world at the Rainforest World Music Festival.

The Gypsy Kings and Big Mountain

The Rainforest World Music Festival 2023 featured the huge headline acts Gypsy Kings and Big Mountain, plus there was an impressive line up of both local and international bands and performers. You know that you’re going to experience some incredible music acts as the festival attracts top performers from around the world!

Watch Big Mountain at the RWMF!

Watch Big Mountain perform their global smash hit song Baby I Love Your Way at the 2023 Rainforest World Music Festival! The crowd erupted and the atmosphere was electric as soon as they heard the music we all know and love…but they played a little trick on us before starting the number properly! See here for yourself…

Don’t miss another of our Australian family YouTube videos! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel here

From Russian throat singing to African dance and drum troupes to reggae and rock – the Rainforest World Music Festival has it all!

The family friendly music festival

Best of all, the atmosphere is one of family-friendly fun. The audience atmosphere at the festival was one of enjoyment and relaxation.

Some families spread blankets on the grass lawn and hills surrounding the performance stages. Other concert-goers preferred to dance and sing along with their favourites up front, near the stage.

The music started in the early evening and continued deep into the night, so you could pick and choose if you only wanted to stay for a few hours, or for the entire time.

Festival security and safety

The festival organisation is one of precision with safety in mind. Entry to the festival is controlled via a daily wristband system and security is present.

My family felt completely safe at all times of the day and night in Sirawak, no matter where we were – from the beach at night to the very front of the music concerts dancing and singing along with the other festival attendees!

The Sarawak community is one of warm welcome and friendship.

Sarawak Cultural Village

The Rainforest World Music festival is held in the Sarawak Cultural Village, a wonderful tourist destination all of its own.

We loved exploring the traditional raised and long houses, climbing up the wooden stairways and balancing along the bamboo bridge! There is so much to see and do at the cultural village.

We joined in on some really fun traditional dances, and you can even learn how a dart blow pipe works there!

Festival Workshops

During the day there are all kinds of special workshops you can join in on.

We all loved dance workshops, a drum workshop and a batik painting workshop where my daughters painted some gorgeous souvenir silk paintings we could take home with us. They now hang in pride of place in our home – a very special memento of our wonderful trip.

We beat the Malaysian percussion record!

During the festival there was an organised successful attempt at the Malaysian percussion record.

Everyone was given percussion instruments, or improvised with anything that could make musical rhythm – even water bottles with sand in worked beautifully! The result was a really fun music session of music festival attendees from right around the world making beautiful, rhythmic music together. We were so proud to be a part of it!

Delicious food from around the world

There was a huge range of international food choices at the Rainforest Festival. This was indeed Foodie heaven!

Every food you could possibly imagine was on sale – from exotic fresh fruits to delicious fried food and a huge range of drinks.

You can find every food your heart desires inside the huge food pavilion, and also dotted all around the festival grounds.

Delicious Malaysian dishes and other traditional Borneo delicacies soon became our new favourites, including red bean pancakes and fried-coral mushrooms!

Where can I stay for the Rainforest World Music Festival?

Like any trip, accommodation is a big part of it. There are many different hotel and luxury resort options in Sarawak, Borneo. We stayed close by in a beautiful beachside hotel, Damai Beach Resort.

The Damai Beach Resort – Kuching accommodation

We loved staying close to the Rainforest World Music Festival in our luxurious clifftop villa at the Damai Beach Resort. Located right next door, the Damai Beach Resort is a mere five minutes stroll away from the Rainforest Music Festival.

You can book a room at the Damai Beach Resort and read all about it in our Damai Beach Resort review here.

Cove 55 hotel – Kuching luxury accommodation

One evening in Sarawak we also went on an evening excursion to the stunning Cove 55 boutique hotel. Set against the backdrop of the stunning Mount Santubong, Cove 55 offers elegant and exclusive Sarawak accommodation options.

There we enjoyed tropical cocktails and delicate hors d’oeuvres as we watched the sun sink into the South China Sea, marvelling at the beautiful infinity pool and over-water accommodation.

Cove55 is another excellent Kuching accommodation option for the luxury accommodation vacationer. You can book or check availability for Cove 55 accommodation here.