Olympians, wizards, AI workshops and famous faces: The Alumni Festival returns to Sydney

The University of Sydney is once again hosting a festival of fun for new and returning visitors to campus. The Alumni Festival, held Saturday 30 November, celebrates the University of Sydney’s community with activities for the whole family, including behind the scenes tours, research demonstrations, thought-provoking talks, workshops and a whole lot more.

Thousands are expected to attend the festival, which starts at 10am and goes into the evening, finishing with fireworks over the historic Anderson Stuart Building. Famous faces are returning to campus to participate in the festivities including Katherine Bennell-Pegg, Australia’s first female astronaut, and 2024 Paris Olympians Mackenzie Little and Rohan Browning.  

“The Alumni Festival is a day of fun for all generations, whether you’re a former student or a member of our wider community,” said Rosalind Ogilvie, Vice-President (Advancement).

“We’re so excited to welcome back to campus familiar faces and celebrate our vibrant network of more than 480,000 alumni.   

“With this year’s event we invite our community to reconnect, explore and engage with the University's rich history and bright future, and discover how we can all contribute to the next chapter of innovation, community and impact.”

Festival highlights

From demonstrating the research, innovation and teaching at the heart of the University to thought-provoking discussions on global challenges, this year’s festival lineup has something for everyone. Highlights include 

• Live podcast recordings: Join alumni Jessie and Clare Stephens from the hit Mamamia podcast “CANCELLED” or delve into “The Secret Life of Books” with Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow, Professor Sophie Gee and her co-host Jonty Claypole (CEO of Red Room Poetry and former Director of Arts at the BBC). 
• Panel discussions and workshops: Build your own AI tutor in a workshop on generative AI or learn from our researchers who are transforming the healthcare system addressing challenges with practical, innovative solutions. 
• Talks from our famous alumni: Discover what it takes to get to net zero with alumnus and host of the popular ABC show War on Waste, Craig Reucassel, and Director of the Net Zero Institute, Professor Deanna D’Alessandro. Hear astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg share her journey to space. Join veteran sports reporter Stephanie Brantz as she interviews Olympic superstars Mackenzie Little and Rohan Browning. 
• Tours and reunions: Head behind the scenes in the Old Medical School or be swept into the world of wizardry with a magic-themed tour of St John’s College. Alumni from the classes of 1984, 1994, 2004 and 2014 – reunite with your fellow graduates for a nostalgic throwback to your decade at our themed reunion events. 
• Music and entertainment: Grab a cap and gown for graduation-themed pics in MacLaurin Hall, participate in weaving workshops at the Gadigal Centre Hub, and play some mega lawn games on the grounds of the Quadrangle as you listen to the bells of the University carillon. 

With most activities free and family-friendly, the Alumni Festival is a great way to spend a Saturday before the rush of the end of the year. Food and drink options are available across campus, and the official opening celebration will be held at the University’s Great Hall at 1 pm.