What’s on in April across the North Shore?
Family bushwalks, psychedelic jazz in the park, a heritage festival and lots more to keep you busy.
Melissa Mantle
April 02, 2025
Autumn’s here, and the North Shore is coming alive with stories, scents, swims and songs. From trails to talks, libraries to live music, there’s no shortage of ways to spend a day. These are just a few of the happenings worth considering this April.
📚 April 4-7: Hornsby Book Sale
Hornsby Library’s monthly book sale is nearly here - bring your own bag and find yourself a pre-loved bargain!
Hornsby Library is open from 10am to 7pm on Fridays, 9:30am to 5pm Saturdays, 2-5pm Sundays and 10am to 9pm on Mondays.
Join ABC Radio greenthumb Toni Salter, aka The Veggie Lady, for a hands-on composting workshop and Q&A where you will be taught how to reduce your food waste and create your own compost bin at home. You can also pot seedlings to take home.
This two-hour event is free and open to all, but Lane Cove residents will receive a discount code for any composting equipment through Lane Cove Council’s Compost Revolution site.
From 10am until midday, the event is limited to 25 people.
🏊♀️ April 6: Balmoral Swim for Cancer
From 7am to 12pm on Saturday April 6, hundreds of locals will compete in 1km and 5km swims to raise funds for cancer research.
Now in its 35th year, the annual event also includes relays, corporate team challenges and junior events. In 2025, its target is $200,000.
The deadline for entering the swim and setting up a fundraising page via the official website is April 5, or you may prefer to make a donation.
🖼️ April 4-9: Lifeline Art Show North Sydney
The Lifeline Art Show is a new event hosted by Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney.
Organisers say it presents a “unique opportunity for art lovers, collectors and supporters to acquire exceptional pieces from a curated selection of works by talented local and emerging artists”.
Opening night is sold out. The general exhibition runs daily from 11am to 6pm at Fred Hutley Hall. Entry is $5.
🎶 April 13: Sunset Series at St Leonards Park
An afternoon of free live music from Godtet, an instrumental group blending jazz, psychedelia and improvisation. The band is supported by solo musician BlauHaus for a set of live-looped acid jazz and funk.
Picnic rugs and good company encouraged.
2-6pm, no bookings required.
👨👧👦 April 15: Family Bushwalk North Sydney
From 10:30am to midday, families can join this guided walk around the Gadyan Track on Berry Island in Wollstonecraft.
“We will use our senses of touch, sight and hearing to immerse ourselves and learn about our surroundings,” the event description reads.
This event is free with registration and recommended for ages five and older.
🪻 April 15: Perfume Workshop in Mosman
Held at Mosman Seniors Centre and costing $14, this daytime workshop involves discovering essential oils to create your own botanical-scented perfume to take home.
🪁 April 18 - May 19: Ku-ring-gai Heritage Festival
In its fifth year, Ku-ring-gai Heritage Festival explores the Indigenous, natural, built and cultural heritage of the area.
The program includes digital photographic displays, open homes, historical talks, walking tours, readings, art workshops and fashion exhibitions from festival partners.
🧠 April 28: Cryptic Crossword Club
Love a challenge? Ever wanted to tackle the cryptic crossword? Well, if you have a Monday morning free you could start a cerebral new hobby.
Mosman Library is holding free drop-in sessions on the third Monday of every month from 10:30am until 12pm.
Thumbnail images: Annie Spratt (right), Mosman Library (left)