Six weeks of art, music and workshops

The North Shore’s premiere festival ‘Emerge’ brings an exciting, colourful and creative flare to Spring, with a huge line up of events and activities – including plenty of new activities to tempt you.

Nearly 80 art, workshop, music, and kids events combine to form the Emerge Festival, which is celebrating its 22nd year.

Willoughby City Council Mayor Gail Giles-Gidney said this year’s festival included new attractions such as a public art walk, rock climbing wall, Bollywood dance workshops, yoga, meditation and runway fashion shows.

“Emerge Festival is a time when the north shore comes alive and emerges from winter to enjoy the sunshine and outdoor activities and discover new groups and activities in their community,” Mayor Giles-Gidney said.

Highlights include:

  • StreetFair – 7 September in Chatswood. All day entertainment, music, video gaming, street parade, rock climbing wall, children’s activities, international food, ‘zen hub’ with yoga and guided meditation.
  • Willoughby Visual Arts Biennial, 4 September – 13 October, exploring the theme of ‘resilience and the community’ through exhibitions, public art walk, temporary public art installations, large scale video art and performance art. Free. Chatswood and Willoughby. willoughby.nsw.gov.au/wvab
  • Matsuri – Japan Festival, 14 September, 11am – 6pm. Chatswood Mall. Enjoy the many delights of Japanese cuisine and culture. Free.
  • Pet Festival – 9am – 3pm, Saturday 21 September, OH Reid Memorial Oval, Reid Drive, Chatswood West. Activities for pets and their human companions. From doggy fashion parades to pet workshops, there’s plenty to do with your animal friend. Free.
  • Festival Oasis – 28 Septebmer-13 October, The Concourse, Chatswood. Perfect for tweens with loads of school holiday activities. Dig into DIY workshops, a silent disco, LEGO®, slime making and Bollywood dance workshops.
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