Hive Festival 2026

In partnership with the Art Gallery of New South Wales, we’re thrilled to bring Hive Festival to Wollongong Art Gallery these school holidays. The Hive Festival is a free, fun-filled celebration of creativity and play for kids and families.

On 20 – 21 January 2026 the gallery will come alive with hands-on workshops and colourful experiences inspired by artist Kate Mitchell’s exhibition Set States. This exhibition showcases Mitchell’s performance videos exploring emotional states and transformation, and its energy flows into the festival’s activities.

There's plenty of fun to be had with circus performances and free workshops! Create your own soft plushie friend in the Plushie Pals workshop, and take part in reflective, creative projects like making postcards of hopes and wishes or crafting thank-you flags to celebrate your strengths.

Hive is all about exploring the power of play as something vital and transformative. Entry and all activities are free, and everyone is welcome so come along and share in the fun!

Kate Mitchell: Set States Children's Trail

Explore the Set States exhibition through our fun and interactive Children’s Trail activity booklet, designed to spark curiosity and creativity. Kids can follow simple prompts that invite them to act, imagine, draw and play as they discover artworks by Kate Mitchell and pieces from the Gallery’s Collection.

Pick up a free trail booklet during your visit and enjoy a hands‑on, family‑friendly way to experience the exhibition together. Perfect for children of all ages who love to explore, move and make meaning through art.

Quiet Space

Take a moment to rest and unwind during the Hive Festival in a relaxed space. The Quiet Space supports a calm environment to support the sensory preferences of children. Drop in any time during the listed hours. Children under 12 must always be supervised by an adult.

Available from 10am - 12pm and 1 - 3pm each day during the Hive Festival.

Find out more about our Accessibility and Support options.

Hive Festival is co-presented by the Art Gallery of New South Wales and Wollongong Art Gallery and supported by principal patron The Bayard Foundation.