CHILDREN’S CARNIVAL DAY – SATURDAY 29th August 2026 11am-3pm
At the tail end of the Covid pandemic with uncertainty about whether we would be able to hold any Carnivals, we decided to put on a Week of Events instead as it presented a far more controllable environment for these unusual times. With the help of Shademakers, New Carnival Company, Raw Samba, Huxley the Magician and many more we put on a number of fun and engaging activities for the entire family.
This event was so well received that we have decided to replace the traditional Children’s Carnival parade with the Children’s Carnival Day, which will include a whole host of family-orientated events. These will take place in nearby locations like Minghella’s Square and the Town Square and also include a Children’s Carnival Parade.
The Children’s Carnival Day Parade route will once again continue down the pedestrian precinct and onto the High St, turning right into Cross St, then heading up George St and along Star St before heading back into the pedestrian precinct. This allows for a better Children’s Carnival parade experience, as it was obvious in the first year that we had too many entries and spectators for the pedestrian area alone.
There will be dance performances, which you can join in, magic shows and competitions going on during the day, and it all culminates in the Children’s Carnival Parade.
Below is the list of Events for the 2026 Ryde Carnival Children’s day
TIME | ACT | LOCATION |
10am - 3pm | FREE Drop-in Carnival Costume Workshop | Department, Cross Street |
11am - 3pm | FREE Scavenger Hunt | Collect from Minghella Sq |
11am - 3pm | Ryde Carnival Info/Fundraising Stand | Minghella Sq and Ryde Town Sq (by Co-op) |
11am - 11:40am | FREE Drumming Workshop by Viva Rhythm Crew | Ryde Town Sq (by Co-op) |
11:30am | FREE A Very Hungry Storytime with Ryde Library & Gabby from Island Craftworks. Includes FREE craft session, Storytime, FREE picnic, then join in the parade for 1:30pm | St Thomas' Rest Gardens |
11:30am | Judging of Garden on a Plate Competition | St Thomas' Rest Gardens |
12:15pm | FREE Dance Performance by The New Carnival Dance Troupe | Ryde Town Sq (by Co-op) |
12:30pm | FREE Raw Samba performance | |
1pm | FREE Ella Shepherd's School of Dance | Ryde Town Sq (by Co-op) |
1:30pm | RYDE CARNIVAL CHILDREN'S DAY PARADE | Start at Ryde Town Sq (by Co-op) |
2:30pm | FREE Huxley Magic Show | St Thomas' Rest Gardens |
PLEASE NOTE: All events are subject to change if there are poor weather conditions. Check updates on our Facebook page or Department
Please tell everyone you know. It will be a great free day out for all the family and the perfect start to carnival week!
CHILDREN’S DAY PARADE ROUTE MAP
Town Sq (Co-op Sq), High Street, Cross Street, George Street, Star Street, High Street, ending back at the Town Sq (Co-op Sq)
