Spring has decided to make an early entrance – bringing with it good vibes and better weather.
It’s time to swap those winter woollies for sunnies and sunscreen. And with the weather warming up, there’s no excuse not to dive headfirst into this season’s vibrant events on the Northern Beaches.
From art exhibitions to family friendly concerts, captivating author talks and outdoor dining events, the Northern Beaches is ready to be explored. Gather your friends and family and get ready for an unforgettable spring.
Live music
It is not often you get to enjoy an open-air concert series with some of Australia's' best musicians set under the stars in your own backyard! Night at the Barracks, proudly supported by Council, is coming to Manly's North Head from 13 September - 6 October. Iconic acts include ICEHOUSE, Pete Murray, Gospo Collective, Birds of Tokyo, Jon Stevens: Noiseworks & INXS Collection, Australian Rock Collective, The Presets, Six60, Taylor Made: A Taylor Swift Tribute, Matt Corby, Jess Mauboy and Xavier Rudd.
Manly Jazz, Australia's longest-running jazz festival is back and better than ever, featuring over 70 acts across 4 stages (20 - 22 September). With roving performers and swing dancers filling the streets, official venues hosting jazz themed events, and a range of additional activities, Manly will come alive for an unforgettable weekend not to be missed.
Beats by the Beach will keep the good vibes going come October, where ever corner of Manly will be filled with the sounds of talented soloists and duos (Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 October). We’re still taking applications if you’re a musician and want to get involved.
Open Mic Nights have returned and what better way to spend a Friday night than seeing locals perform original works of song, poetry, comedy and more. You might see the next big thing!
Family friendly events
Round up the kids and lace up your dancing shoes because Picnic in the Park Narrabeen is here this Saturday 31 August. Sing with silliness, jive with joy, and learn through laughter with The Beanies before Bluey and her little sister Bingo take the stage for their Live Interactive Experience. There will also be a boat load of fun activities for the kids and food trucks serving coffees and snacks!
If you're taking the family down to the Picnic in the Park, why not also drop by our epic open day at the Coastal Environment Centre on the same day (Saturday 31 August) from 9 am - 2 pm at Lake Park Rd, North Narrabeen. Your kids can meet Tilly the Turtle, get their face painted and meet some native animals, while you browse sustainability stalls and pick up a free native plant.
Looking for more environmental activities to share with your kids? Our family friendly spotlighting event will show you some of the amazing nocturnal animals that inhabit the area around Narrabeen Lagoon. Book in now to join our expert guide (Friday 13 September).
On Friday 25 and Saturday 26 October, join us for the free Open Air Cinema Brookvale, showing Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire and Hotel Transylvania: Transformania.
Bring your picnic rug and pack your own snacks or grab a bite to eat at one of the food trucks onsite. The first 1000 people through the gates each night will receive a free bag of popcorn! Tickets will be available from Friday 13 September.
Talks
Our local literary scene will be buzzing this spring with must-see talks – whatever your favourite genre. Hear from photographer Mitchell Burns who left a mining job he hated to follow his dream, inspiring millions along the way (Thursday 5 September, 6.30 pm).
Dive into the mystery of a new fiction novel The Venice Hotel with acclaimed Australian author Tess Woods, where dark secrets are unravelled (Thursday 12 September, 6.30 - 7.30 pm).
For horror fans, there’s a gripping talk with author, editor and screenwriter Zahid Gamieldien on his chilling new novel All The Missing Children (Tuesday 15 October, 6.30 - 7.30 pm).
Not only that but there will be a number of local authors sharing their latest works. Support local homegrown talent and enjoy their captivating stories.
For history buffs, learn about the fascinating stories of Northern Beaches women from the past (Tuesday 3 September, 2 – 3 pm), join the Aboriginal Heritage Office as they weave stories of Country, family and place across Manly (Wednesday 4 September, 1.30 - 2.30 pm) and celebrate the centenary of the Manly Warringah and Pittwater Historical Society (Monday 2, Friday 6, Tuesday 10 and Wednesday 11 September, 2 – 3 pm).
Get creative
Try mediation and painting or life drawing amongst the artworks, capture life below water in the Underwater Photography Competition, or explore printmaking in our annual Craft Week Festival.
Plus your chance to get inspired by exhibitions with clay, print and canvas at MAG&M and Curl Curl Creative Space.
Catch a show or a movie
From Boz Scaggs to Judy Garland, there’s music tribute shows, or action movies from the best fly fishers and adventurous women in not one but 2 film festivals all at Glen Street Theatre this September, check out the website.
Dine al fresco
The Northern Beaches is home to a fantastic array of restaurants, pubs and cafés where you can soak up the sunshine and vibrant atmosphere. Whether it’s a leisurely brunch, lunch or evening cocktails, our area has you covered for good food, good vibes and sunshine.
For an evening of live music, great food and wine tastings, check out Wine and Dine at Killarney (Friday 27 September, 5 - 9 pm).
Get spring cleaning
Looking at cleaning out your cupboards? If you have some potentially hazardous chemicals lurking around, you can safely dispose of them at our upcoming Chemical CleanOut, the weekend of 7 and 8 September. Find out more.
Get active
Spring into a new healthy body at the MABC Fitness Centre or hit the Warringah Aquatic Centre’s outdoor splash pad and 25 metre pool from Sunday 28 September.
Check out our event calendar to discover more about what's happening on the Northern Beaches.