The Granny Smith Festival is held in October every year and has grown to be one of the largest community events in NSW, attracting over 90,000 people each year.
The festival will be celebrating 39 years, featuring old favourites and new activities, amusement rides, market stalls, food trucks, performances, a youth zone, and kids’ activities. The night will end with a packed finale show and fireworks spectacular!
Granny Smith Festival 2024 Eastwood, Dates, Fireworks Time & Queen
The Granny Smith Festival is held in honour of Maria Ann Smith, who, in 1868, grew the first batch of green apples that bear her name. The festival started in 1985 and is held annually to celebrate the local community.
Parade
Granny Smith Festival Parade ParticipantsThe Grand Street Parade, sponsored by Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club, will kick off at 9.30am with a beautiful array of colour and sound, celebrating our vibrant and diverse community. Enjoy marching bands, community floats, dancers, and, of course, our festival float, which will feature Mrs Smith herself!
The best spot to view the parade is on Rowe Street, so follow the pink parade route on the map and grab your spot early.
Food Hub
Food trucks and other food stallholders will be at Eastwood Public School until 3:30pm. There are tables and chairs, so you can sit back and take a break from the Festival buzz. Alternatively, head to West Parade next to the Oval, where you’ll find another great selection of food trucks, available until 8:30pm.
Youth Zone
Get ready for an epic day of fun, creativity, and good vibes because the Youth Zone is making a grand return to this year’s Granny Smith Festival! Whether you’re coming with your mates or flying solo, we have the perfect spot to chill, create and celebrate.
Chill Out & Vibe: Kick back in the shade and soak up the festival atmosphere. This is your space to relax, hang with friends, and enjoy the day. We’ve set up a comfy area where you can unwind while enjoying all the action.
Live Music & Local Talent: Experience the best of local music with performances from incredible local bands and talented finalists of the Battle of the Bands. Plus, we’re giving young people a chance to shine with two open mic sessions—whether you’re a singer, dancer, poet or have any other talent, this is your moment to step up and show the world what you’ve got!
TikTok Dance Workshops: Think you’ve got the moves? Or maybe you’re just looking to learn the latest viral dances? Join our TikTok dance workshops and learn from the pros. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or want to try, these sessions are about having fun and nailing those viral trends.
Drop-in Arts & Crafts: Unleash your creativity at our drop-in arts and crafts area. From painting to crafting, we’ve got all the supplies you need to express yourself. Whether you’re a budding artist or want to have fun with your friends, this space is about letting your imagination run wild.
Photobooth Fun: Capture the moment at our all-day photobooth, where you can pose and walk away with printed photos to remember the day.
FREE Fairy Floss: And what’s a festival without a sweet treat? Stop by the Youth Zone and grab some FREE fairy floss to satisfy your sweet tooth. All you have to do is vote for your favourite picture this year.
Finale Concert
4PM | DEAF PERCEPTION
Deaf Perception is a local rock/alternative band, placing first in this year’s City of Ryde Battle of the Bands competition. The band is known for their multi-genre influence and rocking the stage. Excited to play on the Granny Smith Oval stage, they will be sure to catch your eyes (and ears).
5PM | HOT POTATO BAND
The Full Hot Potato Band will bring the larger-than-life brass collective to our audience. The crowd will be on their feet listening to the nonstop, energetic, and interactive show—one for the whole family to enjoy.
6PM | WIGGLES SOUND SYSTEM FEATURING DJ DOROTHY
The Wiggles Sound System featuring DJ Dorothy, including Purple, Yellow and original Blue Wiggle Anthony, will spin the classics for old and young Wiggles fans. This DJ dance party is not one to miss!
7PM | AMY CHASE BAND
We will finish off the night with the super-talented Amy Chase. With a mix of R&B, Soul, and contemporary sounds, she will light up the night with her show-stopping vocals.
8PM | FIREWORKS
Close out the 2024 Granny Smith Festival with a bang. Gather with friends or family at Eastwood Oval to watch this colourful display after your extraordinary day.
Rides
Amusement Rides
Operating: 9am to 8:30pm
Locations: West Parade and Oval
Cost: Coupons are $2 each, or bulk 30 coupon buy for $55
Coupons must be purchased in person from designated ticket booths. EFTPOS and Cash sales are accepted at all ticket booths.
Each Attraction at the Granny Smith Festival has entry requirements, with some rides having height restrictions and specific recommendations for those with medical conditions.
While rides operate in the rain, extreme weather, such as strong winds, lightning, or extreme heat, may require a temporary/ permanent closure.
Companion cards are accepted for patrons needing assistance; only the cardholder can utilise the card, and proof may be requested.
Camel Rides
Operating: 10am to 3pm
Located: Upper Oval
Cost: $10 per person or $20 per person for private camel ride
Tickets must be purchased in person from designated camel area marked on the map. Tickets are purchased just before the ride commences.
Camel rides at the Granny Smith Festival have entry requirements. Riders must be aged two years and up. There are no height restrictions. Specific recommendations for those with medical conditions—no pregnant riders or medical conditions affecting balance and leg strength.
Please review entry conditions and adhere to staff instructions.
While rides operate in the rain, extreme weather, such as strong winds, lightning, or extreme heat, may require a temporary/ permanent closure.
Last ride will be at 2.50pm. EFTPOS only accepted.
Pony Rides
Operating: 9:30am to 3:00pm
Located: Eastwood Public School
Cost: $10 per person
Tickets must be purchased in person from designated pony area marked on the map. Tickets are purchase just before the ride commences.
Pony rides at the Granny Smith Festival have entry requirements. Riders must be aged 1 year or older or have a maximum weight of 30kg, but this is up to staff members’ discretion on the day for pony and rider safety.
Height restriction of 120cm or up to staff members discretion on the day for pony and rider safety.
Last ride will be at 2.45pm. EFTPOS only accepted.
Eastwood Public School
Eastwood Public School will be a non-stop adventure playground for all the family across the day.
From 9am – 3:30pm you can bring the kids to get their faces painted, dance along to our resident DJ, and pop some bubbles.
Granny Smith and our Festival mascot Sweetie Pie will be making appearances across the day for a special photo or handing out her famous Granny Smith Apple to take home.
Visit one of the many Food trucks and stalls for a break over lunch. Plenty of seating is available while the kids burn off some energy.
Our designated Quiet Zone in Eastwood Public School will offer more seating to ensure comfort for those who need to escape and relax.
Animal Farm and Pony Rides
Don’t forget to visit the Golden Ridge Animal Farm. Kids can take a ride on one of the ponies for $10.
Tickets can be purchased in the school grounds near the Pony Rides. For more information click here.
AFL PLAY Zone
Visit the AFL PLAY Zone, suitable for all ages!
Test your kicking skills on the giant inflatable, join in a game of AFL23 on the PlayStation 5 and see if you have what it its takes with the Jump Test!
Apple Shed
The Apple Shed will take you down memory lane sharing all of the Granny Smith History. Learn about Maria Ann Smith, grab a festival program and take a spin on our Granny Smith Wheel of Fortune. Every lucky spinner will receive a free apple thanks to our sponsor Woolworths. Kids will also be able to decorate their very own Caramel Apple for free at the Love Dem Apple cooking workshop inside the Apple Shed.
K-Town Madang Stage
Walk through the underpass on West Parade to reach the small commuter carpark by the train station where you’ll find the K-Town Madang Stage.
Here you will be entertained with a range of cultural performances, live music and dance acts. Korean performers will take to the stage in the afternoon.
The Ktown Area will also feature Korean inspired activities. Try on a traditional Hanbok and experience the Korean traditional dress. You can also take part in the kids craft and face-painting and there are a variety of food options in Koreatown.
Buffalo Vale Garden Bar
Relax at the Buffalo Vale Garden Bar on the Oval from 10.00am onwards. Sit back and enjoy the live entertainment while sipping apple-themed cocktails and gin, perfect for the Granny Smith Festival!
There will be beer, wine and non-alcoholic option available.
Children under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian while in this area.
Getting To Granny Smith
The Granny Smith Festival will be bustling with activities and large crowds are expected over the day. To fully enjoy the event, we advise planning your trip in advance.
Car Parking
Parking is limited, so we recommend using public transport as your primary option. Public parking is available on surrounding streets and at the following locations: Glen Street Carpark (closed from 8:00am -11:30am) and Rowe St East carpark (with time restrictions).
Walk or Cycle
Walk or Cycle if you live nearby or prefer to get some exercise, the Granny Smith Festival encourages walkers and cyclists to the event.
Accessible Drop Off Zone
If you have a mobility parking permit and require close access to the festival, use our Drop-Off Zone, entry is via Trelawney St located on the map. There is also limited mobility parking located at Eastwood Shopping Centre and Glen St carpark. Time restrictions apply.
Shop Ryder Event Shuttle Bus
The City of Ryde Shop Ryder bus will be running an extended service until 6pm on the day – Saturday 19 October 2024.
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