Sydney Craft Week 2025
Sydney Craft Week 2025: The Best Family-Friendly Events to Get Creative
If your kids are forever building, painting, or leaving little “creations” on every flat surface in the house, Sydney Craft Week 2025 is the festival you didn’t know you needed. Running 10–19 October 2025, this ten-day celebration of all things handmade is back for its ninth year — and it’s brimming with workshops, exhibitions, and crafty experiences that are perfect for families.
Hosted by the Australian Design Centre, Sydney Craft Week is the city’s only festival dedicated entirely to craft. Think textiles, ceramics, weaving, printmaking, jewellery, sculpture, woodwork — if it can be made by hand, it’ll get its moment to shine. The best part? A heap of the events are free, and plenty welcome little makers too.
Here are the family-friendly highlights still on from 16 October:
Sydney Ceramics Market 2025
Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 October — Carriageworks, Eveleigh
Back for its fourth year, the Sydney Ceramics Market is shaping up to be its biggest and most beautiful yet — with more than 130 ceramicists from across NSW and the ACT showcasing their work under the soaring industrial roof of Carriageworks.
Far from your average weekend market, this two-day celebration brings together everyone from emerging artists experimenting with bold sculptural forms to seasoned potters known for their timeless, high-quality tableware. There’s also a curated exhibition space at the entrance, featuring fresh work by Sydney’s up-and-coming ceramic talent.
Families can get hands-on with live wheel-throwing demonstrations, or pick up unique clays and tools if you’re tempted to start your own home pottery habit. And because all good creativity runs on caffeine and carbs, you’ll find plenty to eat and drink — think matcha by TTotaler, focaccia by Gargano Pizzeria, Brooklyn Boy Bagels, homemade lemonade from Hello Lemonade, and the glorious return of Donut Papi.
Artisans in the Gardens
Saturday 25 October – Sunday 2 November, 10am–4pm — Lion Gate Lodge & Victoria Lodge, Royal Botanic Gardens, Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney
Step into a world of creativity and colour at Artisans in the Gardens, one of Sydney’s most-loved annual showcases of Australian art, craft and design. Now in its 25th year, this prestigious exhibition features more than 3,000 works from both established and emerging artists — spanning sculpture, ceramics, hand-blown glass, jewellery, and textiles.
What began back in 2000 with just four exhibitors has grown into a sophisticated, garden-side celebration of craftsmanship and imagination. As you wander between the historic Lion Gate and Victoria Lodges, expect lush greenery, dazzling artworks and the irresistible urge to take something home.
The event also supports local artists while raising vital funds for the Foundation & Friends of the Botanic Gardens — and yes, there’s a café. The Food with Friends Café, run by volunteers, will be open daily from 10am–3pm for coffee, cakes and garden views worth lingering over.
Drummoyne Art Society Art and Craft Market at Gallery57
Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 October, 10am–3pm — Gallery57, 57a Wellbank St (corner Clermont Ave), Concord
Support local makers (and maybe tick off a few early Christmas gifts) at this Inner West market hosted by the Drummoyne Art Society. Wander through stalls filled with ceramics, handmade jewellery, original artworks, crafts, and organically produced homewares — all lovingly created by local artists.
It’s free entry, and the perfect spot to let the kids pick out something small whilst you browse for a one-of-a-kind treasure. Don’t forget to chat to the artists — they’re a friendly bunch with stories behind every piece.
Remade-Reloved Exhibition, Talk & Workshop
Australian Design Centre, Darlinghurst
Part exhibition (running until November), part upcycling inspiration, Remade-Reloved is a sparkling showcase where artists transform discarded jewellery components into fresh, contemporary pieces. Expect everything from repurposed brooches to reimagined necklaces — proof that sustainability can be seriously stylish.
Families with older kids or teens will love the hands-on element: you can attend the Costume Jewellery Rehash Workshop (18 October) and learn how to upcycle old costume jewellery into your own earrings, bracelet or statement neckpiece ($35pp). Or simply drop by for the floor talk with the curator and artists (Saturday 18 October) to hear how they breathe new life into forgotten treasures.
Make a Timeless Tea Towel Tote with Love And West
Saturday 18 October, 12pm–2.30pm and 3pm–5.30pm — Love And West HQ, Arncliffe
Swap screens for stitches at this delightfully nostalgic workshop hosted by Love And West. In a cosy Arncliffe studio, you’ll join a small group (just three per class!) to learn how to turn vintage-style tea towels into beautiful, practical tote bags — perfect for markets, school runs or gifting.
You’ll finish the 2.5-hour session with your own handmade tea towel tote, crafted from quality materials provided on the day — tea towels, lining, handles, and even the sewing machines. Expect a relaxed vibe, plenty of laughs, and that satisfying “I made this!” feeling.
Slow Stitching with Soul: Kawandi Quilting from Upcycled Textiles
Friday 17 October, 6pm–9pm — Useful Box, 21 Shepard Street, Marrickville
Take a deep breath, slow your pace, and discover Kawandi quilting — a meditative hand-stitching tradition from India’s Siddi community that turns leftover fabrics into beautiful, functional textiles.
In this beginner-friendly workshop, you’ll learn how to quilt small scraps of natural-fibre fabric onto a backing cloth, working slowly from the outside in. It’s a soothing, mindful process led by Lorena Uriarte, one of Australia’s most celebrated modern quilters, who brings years of Kawandi teaching experience and gentle encouragement to every stitch.
Reclaimed fabrics and thread are provided, but you’re welcome to bring along a worn-out shirt or sentimental fabric scraps to personalise your piece. No sewing experience needed — just a willingness to slow down, connect, and give new life to old cloth.
Tufting Workshop
Friday 10 – Sunday 19 October, 11am–7pm — Tuft & Craft, 101 Regent Street, Chippendale
Get ready to dive into the wonderfully woolly world of tufting at Tuft & Craft. This hands-on workshop teaches you the art of turning yarn into textured wall hangings and rugs bursting with colour, personality and charm.
Under the guidance of friendly instructors, you’ll learn how to design, trace and tuft your own custom masterpiece — watching a simple pile of wool transform into a vibrant, touch-worthy piece of art. Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned maker, it’s a creative crash course that’s equal parts satisfying and addictive.
The Need-to-Knows
🗓 16–19 October 2025 (the final days!)
📍 Across Sydney (with loads in/near the Inner West)
💸 Mostly free; some workshops/talks require bookings
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