There’s something special about watching your child see the impossible happen. The surprised face. The delighted laughter. The determined explanation on the way home about how the magician definitely did it.
From 8–11 October 2026, the Sydney Festival of Magic & Illusion brings live magic, comedy and hands-on experiences to the Regent Theatre in Richmond. With children’s entertainment, shows to enjoy together and options for older kids and teens, there’s plenty to build a family outing around. Explore the festival.
Here’s your guide to choosing the right magic for your family.
ABRA-KID-ABRA! — Big Laughs for the Whole Family
Glenn Keeley’s ABRA-KID-ABRA! puts children right in the middle of the fun. Things appear to go wrong, the kids are quick to point it out, and the laughter builds as Glenn tries to get his magic back on track.
Expect colourful magic, audience participation, live animals and plenty of silliness, with jokes for parents along the way. The festival describes this as a show for all age groups, making it a natural starting point for families with younger children.
When: Saturday 10 October, 1:30–2:30pm.
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Academy of Magic — Watch the Magic, Then Learn Some Yourself
For children who want to try the tricks themselves, Academy of Magic combines an immersive show with a practical workshop.
Young audience members learn magic with the help of professional wizards, and every child’s ticket includes a free magic pack to take home. That means the fun can continue long after the curtain comes down, with a new audience of siblings, grandparents and friends.
Winner of Adelaide Fringe Kids & Family awards in 2024 and 2025, Academy of Magic also encourages children to arrive in their finest wizard costumes, with prizes for the best dressed.
When: Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October. The Saturday session runs 3–4pm; select your date on the booking page for session details.
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JD’s World of Magic — Sleight of Hand to Share Together
How does something impossible happen when you’re watching so closely?
JD’s World of Magic: A Sleight of Hand Magic Experience gives families an hour of classical magic and audience participation with Joel Howlett. His welcoming performance style makes this an inviting introduction to close-up magic, where the smallest movement can lead to the biggest surprise.
Listed in the festival’s Kids & Family category, this is a lovely option for families who want to experience skilful magic together.
When: Thursday 8 October, 5–6pm.
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Sam King: Tricks & Stuff — Comedy Magic for Ages 10+
Blenders, socks and chocolate bars aren’t the usual ingredients for a magic show. In Sam King’s hands, they become the starting point for an hour of strange surprises and sharp comedy.
A two-time Adelaide Fringe Best Magic winner, Sam brings an offbeat sense of humour to Tricks & Stuff. It’s a strong choice for families with older children who enjoy absurd comedy and magic with an unexpected twist.
The show is rated PG and recommended for ages 10 and up. Its afternoon timeslot also makes it easy to fit around family dinner plans.
When: Daily from Thursday 8 to Sunday 11 October, 4:30–5:30pm.
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Mark Watson: Magic & Mischief — For Ages 12+
What happens when an investment banker leaves the office behind and joins the circus?
Mark Watson turns that unlikely career change into an hour of magic, juggling and comedy. Magic & Mischief combines audience interaction with stories about following an unconventional dream, giving families with older children plenty to laugh about together.
The festival lists this show as suitable for ages 12+.
When: Thursday 8 October, 6–7pm.
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Tilt! — Magic for Teens and Their Grown-Ups
Drew Magic’s Tilt! explores the extraordinary hiding inside everyday life, combining close-up magic with humour and familiar stories.
Explicitly described as a show for adults and teens, it’s worth considering when planning an outing with teenagers. Its intimate format offers a different experience from a large stage performance, with magic unfolding right before you.
When: Thursday 8, Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October, 3:30–4:30pm; Friday 9 October, 5–6pm.
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Tom Weil: Sixth Sense — For Families Curious About Mind Reading
For families drawn to psychological illusion, Tom Weil: Sixth Sense offers magic, mystery and mind reading, alongside humour, special guests and a touch of live music.
This is a show to consider for a family outing with teenagers who enjoy puzzling over how things work. Family tickets are available, although the event page does not publish a specific minimum age; check suitability with the box office if booking for younger children.
When: Friday 9 and Saturday 10 October. Select your preferred date for session details.
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Stars of Magic — Finish the Festival Together
Can’t choose just one style of magic? Stars of Magic brings performers from across the festival together for a showcase featuring illusion, mind reading, comedy and sleight of hand.
With tickets available for children under 12, it’s an opportunity to share a bigger evening of magic as a family. Keep the 9pm finish in mind when planning for younger children.
When: Sunday 11 October, 7:30–9pm.
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Plan Your Family’s Magical Day Out
All these shows take place at the Regent Theatre, 145 Windsor Street, Richmond. Choose the performance that suits your children’s ages and interests, then build your visit around it. Venue details.
For a Saturday afternoon with younger children, ABRA-KID-ABRA! at 1:30pm followed by Academy of Magic at 3pm creates a lovely progression from enjoying the tricks to learning some. Families with children aged 10 and up could follow Academy of Magic with Tricks & Stuff at 4:30pm.
Check your chosen show’s latest session details, age guidance and ticket options before booking. Then bring your curiosity—and prepare for the family debate about how it was done.
Browse the full programme and book your family’s festival experience.