Just when you think it will never get cold again, the mercury drops and winter is here once more.
This year, despite the chill, many of us are looking for ways to connect, explore and socialise, especially after the quiet, indoor-heavy months of 2020.
Fortunately, there is plenty to do here at home over the winter months. Take a look at some activities for young and old during June, July and August.
WINTER MARKETS
Mosman Markets
Newcomers may not be familiar with the Mosman markets, which are held on the first Saturday of the month at Mosman Square and Village Green, Spit Junction.
You’ll find more than 100 stalls selling arts and crafts, food, jewellery, skincare products, toys and more. This market is regarded as Sydney’s premier artisans’ market and is open from 8am until 3pm.
The next dates for winter are July 3 and August 7. See Mosman Markets website.
WinterFeast Night Market
Join the crowds (COVID permitting) on July 15 for Mosman’s afternoon/night market.
The event promises to “celebrate the tastes and flavours of Winter” and is hosted at Mosman Square and Village Green, which will be lit up with fairy lights, music and entertainment.
See the WinterFeast Night Market website.
SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
Zoo Adventures
Sadly, Taronga Zoo will not be hosting twilight concerts or taking part in Sydney’s Vivid Festival in 2021. However, kids can get behind the scenes during the winter school holidays with a Zoo Adventure.
This fun, educational holiday program for kids aged 5 to 10 years old will take them on an exciting zoo journey to learn about animals and the environments they live in.
Children will be amazed and excited as they join in animal-themed activities and meet the wonderful keepers who care for the animals at Taronga Zoo Sydney.
Visit the Taronga Zoo website for more information.
GAI-MARIGAL FESTIVAL
The Gai-marigal Festival celebrates First Nations Peoples’ culture and heritage in the Northern Sydney region and is held in May, June and July each year.
A local event associated with this festival is a walk through the bushland and beaches of Sydney Harbour. Participants learn about Aboriginal heritage and celebrate culture, hearing stories of place and everyday life of the Borogegal Clan of Bradleys Head.
Visit the Gai-Marigal Festival Walk to book your tickets for June 26.
NAIDOC week is also held in winter and there will be some indoor and outdoor activities hosted locally. Visit the NAIDOC website for more information.
JAZZ NIGHTS
On the first Friday of every month from 6-10pm, The Fernery hosts jazz evenings in the restaurant, accompanied by a French tasting menu. Make a booking via the Fernery Mosman website and keep an eye out for other upcoming events at this venue.
You’ll find The Fernery upstairs at 719 Military Road.
ANTIQUE VALUATIONS
If you have some collectibles at home and have always wondered what they might be worth, you don’t have to go far to find out.
For $20 per ticket, you can request verbal valuations and conservation advice related to your decorative artworks, silver and jewellery. Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers, Australia’s oldest family-run auctioneers, will be in attendance, along with renowned conservators International Conservation Services (ICS).
The day will feature live conservation by ICS of Mosman Art Collection’s stunning large-scale William Lister Lister’s ‘The Coast of Avalon’, 1945, with all funds raised going directly towards the ongoing conservation of the Mosman Art Collection.
This is your chance to have an ‘Antiques Roadshow’ experience. The details of this and other events can be found on the Mosman Art Gallery website.
Keep an eye on the Mosman Events website for more upcoming activities for young and old.