The Granny Smith Festival is gearing up to celebrate its 40th anniversary! This massive community event, held annually, honours Maria Ann Smith, better known as Granny Smith, who ‘accidentally’ cultivated the first Granny Smith apple in Eastwood. The Festival has grown into one of Sydney’s largest, drawing crowds from all over with its vibrant atmosphere and diverse attractions.
This year’s 40th anniversary celebrations promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a special focus on the Festival’s history and the legacy of Granny Smith. Expect to see enhanced historical displays, showcasing the Festival’s evolution over the past four decades.
Celebrate the history of Granny Smith and her Festival at Eastwood Library! This exhibition will showcase photos, memorabilia and memories of the founding and 40 year history of the Granny Smith Festival. Add your own stories and memories to our apple tree and take a photo dressed as Granny Smith herself!
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Parking is limited during the Festival – consider leaving the car at home and use public transport or the free Shop Ryder shuttle. Plan your trip at transportnsw.info or ryde.events/GettingtoGSF. Visit our Information Stall or the St John Ambulance Tent (see Festival map for locations) to collect a free Community Bank Homebush and North Ryde lost child wristband.
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 Street, located on the map. There is limited mobility parking located at Eastwood Shopping Centre and Glen Street carpark. Contact the City of Ryde Events team if you require further accessibility assistance or information: events@ryde.nsw.gov.au
Scan the QR code for more information.
FOOD HUBS AND SEATING
Two food hubs await! One on West Parade near Eastwood train station, the other at Eastwood Public School. Enjoy a variety of cuisines from festival classics to gourmet delights.
After grabbing a bite, relax in nearby seating areas perfect for dining, recharging, or meeting up with family and friends before diving back into the Festival fun.
Look out for the food hub icon located on the Festival map.
Operating Hours: Eastwood Public School: 9.00am – 3.30pm West Parade: 9.00am – 8.30pm
INTERACTIVE MAP
Explore the Granny Smith Festival interactive map to discover up to 230 stallholders, stage performers, food options, and gift ideas. It’s your go-to tool for a seamless Festival experience!
To view the map scan the QR code or visit: ryde.events/GSFmap
Granny Smith Festival is a Waste Wise Event. No single-use plastics will be sold on the day. BYO water bottle and refill at water stations marked on the map.
Visit the City of Ryde Waste team on Rowe Street and spin the wheel to learn new fun facts about waste education.
BYO WASTE WISE
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
RYDE EASTWOOD LEAGUES CLUB PARADE FESTIVAL STALLS
Catch the Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club Parade on Rowe Street from 9.30am, with bands, dance groups, cultural performances, vintage cars, and vibrant floats.
FESTIVAL STAGES
Enjoy our incredible talent across six Festival stages from the Ryde and wider community. Singers, dancers, bands, and multicultural acts. Catch Kangaroo Beach live on the Oval Stage at 12.00pm and 2.00pm!
There will be up to 230 stallholders with something for everyone across the day! Be on the look out for special apple themed stalls. Check our webpage to find your favourites.
AFL PLAY FAMILY ZONE
Ready for footy fun? There will be epic inflatables, skill challenges, giveaways, footys, a chill-out zone for parents and you might even spot a mascot or two! It's the ultimate PLAY pit stop. Located in Eastwood Public School.
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
Enjoy family fun at the school with face painting, pony rides*, an animal farm, and Optus’s interactive Granny Smith Mural. Snap a pic with Granny, grab an apple, and unwind in our shaded food hub!
Join the carnival fun on the Oval and West Parade with rides and games for all ages! Grab ride coupons from the ticket booths, and don’t miss the fan favourite Ferris Wheel* celebrating 40 years!
BARS
Unwind at the Kubarz Garden Bar from 10.00am with live entertainment and drinks like Apple margaritas, cider, and Granny’s mule. Then head to Bizzo Lane Way bar off Hillview Road for a BBQ and more refreshments.
Chill with mates, enjoy live music from young local artists, get creative with arts and crafts, meet the 2RRR youth team, snap pics in the photobooth, and grab FREE fairy floss!
COMPETITIONS
GREAT PRIZES TO BE WON!
Don’t miss out to showcase your talents at this year’s event!
Show off your vocal prowess by signing up for the Big Apple Singing Competition! There is an under 15’s category and 15 Years + category.
The Competition will kick off at 12.00pm and there is a range of awesome prizes to be won.
Register now as it’s a fantastic way to showcase your talent and passion for singing.
DESIGN YOUR OWN APPLE STICKER
Gather your coloured pencils and creative spark by designing your own apple sticker to celebrate the 40th year of the Granny Smith Festival! The competition is open to ages 3-12 years old with two age categories 3-6 years and 7-12 years.
Submit your entry via the Granny Smith Festival competitions webpage.
The famous Apple Pie Eating Competition is back again. Do you think you have the core strength to do what it takes? Apply now!
Otherwise make sure to get to the Oval Stage at 3.45pm for a guaranteed belly laugh!
All competition entries close on Sunday 5 October 2025.
STAGE PROGRAMS
To view our stage programs, scan the QR code for up to date information.
PLAZA STAGE
Head to Eastwood Plaza between 9.30am and 5.30pm to experience the colour and energy of our local cultural and community groups on the Plaza Stage. Proudly presented by Nongshim.
Discover a mix of original tunes and classic favourites performed by talented local singer-songwriters at the Gypsy Wagon Stage. You’ll find it at the roundabout near The Avenue.
Located on Rowe Street East, make your way through the underground walkway and be transported to Koreatown.
Sit down and relax as you watch cultural and K-pop performances, followed by DJ and dance time.
Starting from 9.30am, parade groups will make their way past the Trelawney Street Stage. Enjoy lively performances by local dance groups and school students as they showcase Ryde’s incredible young talent – you’ll want to stop and take it all in!
Head to Eastwood Oval where performers will take the spotlight throughout the day, with the Official Opening at 10.30am! The Oval will host Kangaroo Beach at 12.00pm and 2.00pm and the pie eating contest at 3.45pm. Put on your cowboy boots and get your feet moving for line dancing with Shara Rose at 6.00pm and Australian Idol Winner, Dylan Wright at 7.00pm, followed by fireworks!
EASTWOOD OVAL HIGHLIGHTS
Head to the Oval for these Festival highlights
KANGAROO BEACH BRINGING SWIM AND SUN SAFETY TO RYDE
How do you prepare for a day in the sun?
The cadets always SLIP on a shirt, SLOP on some sunscreen and SLAP on a hat before we head outdoors.
What's your favourite beach near Ryde?
Without a doubt, Putney Beach swim spot is a new favourite local summer hangout.
What are you looking forward to at the Granny Smith Festival? Rides and Fireworks but most of all performing on stage for all of our new found friends.
What's your favourite part about being a surf life saving cadet? Getting to go out in the rescue boat and being on patrol with the lifeguards.
What should you do before entering the ocean for swimming? Make sure I’ve always got a trusted adult with me for supervision, check for lifeguards on duty and be sure to swim between the red and yellow flags!
FINALE CONCERT
FISH POX
4.00PM – 5.00PM
ELASKIA
5.00PM – 6.00PM
SHARA ROSE
6.00PM – 7.00PM
DYLAN WRIGHT
7.00PM – 8.00PM
FIREWORKS
8.00PM
SPONSORS
PRESENTED BY
GOLD SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
A big thank you to our emergency services from St John Ambulance, SES, Fire & Rescue and NSW Police for contributing to the success of the Granny Smith Festival.
Special shout out to our SES volunteers who are celebrating their very own 70th anniversary in 2025. Congratulations on this milestone!
