Monstrous Fun 2026 is a three-day literary arts weekend at The Arts House at the Old Parliament, running from 29 to 31 May. The official programme is built for families who want stories, books and creative activities without turning the outing into a full-day ticketed commitment.
The event runs from 12pm to 5pm daily. That makes it easy to pair with the Civic District Art Bus, National Gallery stops or a meal around City Hall.
What Families Can Expect
Arts House Group describes the weekend as a playful line-up of performances, workshops, story-driven activities and drop-in experiences. The Eventbrite listing also frames it around young readers stepping into imaginative worlds shaped by stories.
The useful part for parents is the mix of free and ticketed activity types. Families can start with open activities, then add a paid performance or workshop only if the timing works for the children.
- Dates: 29 to 31 May 2026.
- Time: 12pm to 5pm daily.
- Venue: The Arts House at the Old Parliament.
- Format: free and ticketed programmes.
Best Way To Use The Afternoon
Arrive close to noon if your children need time to settle into craft stations before the busiest part of the day. Older children who enjoy books can use the fair and storytelling stops as the main draw, while younger children may get more out of movement, art and parade moments.
If you are visiting with children of different ages, make The Arts House the base and keep the schedule loose. The event is strongest when children can browse, make something and leave before fatigue overtakes the fun.
- Programme page: Monstrous Fun 2026.
- Registration page: Monstrous Fun 2026 on Eventbrite.
- Related reads: Entertainment.
