One of the things I enjoy most about woodturning in Sydney is how active the community is when it comes to exhibitions and markets. Whether you’re looking to sell your work, get feedback from other turners, or just browse what other people are making, there are events throughout the year worth knowing about.

Here’s a rundown of what’s happening in 2026 and where to find Sydney’s woodturning community out in the real world.

Sydney Woodturning Guild Annual Exhibition

This is the big one for the local turning community. Held in June each year, the guild exhibition brings together turners from across Sydney and regional NSW to display their best work. It’s not a sales event — it’s a pure exhibition, which means people are showing work they’re genuinely proud of.

The standard is high. You’ll see everything from classic bowls and platters to sculptural pieces, segmented work, and hollow forms that will make you question how they were physically possible.

If you’re thinking of entering, the guild usually opens registrations around April. Categories range from novice to advanced, and the judges give constructive feedback that’s worth the entry fee alone.

Handmade Markets

Several regular markets around Sydney are friendly to woodturning sellers:

The Rocks Markets run every weekend and are one of the best spots in Sydney for handmade goods. Getting a stall isn’t easy — there’s a waiting list and a curation process — but quality turned pieces sell well. Smaller items like bottle stoppers and salt cellars tend to move fastest, but statement bowls attract attention and lead to commission enquiries.

Glebe Markets on Saturdays have a strong arts and crafts presence. The crowd here tends toward younger buyers who appreciate the story behind handmade goods. Turners do well with items that have a clear narrative — timber salvaged from a local tree, pieces turned from recycled material.

Kirribilli Markets on the fourth Saturday of each month are another solid option. The location is beautiful, the crowd is engaged, and the organisers are supportive of woodworking specifically.

Timber and Working with Wood Show

Sydney has its own version that typically runs in August or September. It’s a trade show as much as a craft exhibition, with tool suppliers, timber dealers, and machinery companies all present. There are usually live demonstrations from experienced turners, which are worth watching regardless of your skill level.

For buyers, it’s a chance to try tools before purchasing and compare offerings side by side. I’ve picked up some of my best tools at these shows. For sellers, it’s more about exposure than volume, but the networking is valuable.

Woodturning Club Open Days

Most of the woodturning clubs in Sydney run at least one open day per year. These are informal events — think sausage sizzle, live turning demonstrations, and tables of members’ work.

Sydney Woodturners Guild (various chapters across Sydney) holds regular open days at their workshop spaces. The Western Sydney, Northern Beaches, and Southern Sydney chapters are all active.

Menai Woodturning Group runs demonstration days that are well-attended and welcoming to visitors. They’ve got a well-equipped workshop and some very skilled members who are generous with their knowledge.

These open days are a great entry point if you’re new to turning or thinking about joining a club.

Online Selling and Social Media

Some of the most active buying and selling of turned work in Sydney now happens online. Instagram accounts dedicated to woodturning attract a global audience, and several Sydney-based turners have built substantial followings by posting process videos.

Facebook Marketplace and community groups like “Woodturning Australia” are active trading spaces. If you’re serious about selling, a simple website with good photography goes a long way.

Tips for Exhibiting and Selling

Photograph your work well. Natural light, a simple background, and multiple angles. Good photos matter for applications, social media, and online sales.

Price confidently. Handmade work should reflect the time, skill, and materials involved. Buyers at craft markets expect to pay fair prices for quality handmade goods.

Bring business cards. Many of my commission requests have come from people who picked up a card at a market and contacted me weeks later.

Talk to other makers. The connections you make with other turners and craft practitioners are often more valuable than the sales.

Looking Ahead

Sydney’s woodturning scene is in good shape heading into 2026. Club memberships are growing, younger turners are bringing fresh perspectives, and the market for handmade, locally-sourced timber goods continues to strengthen.

Keep an eye on club newsletters and the Sydney Woodturners Guild website for updated event listings. And if you’ve never exhibited or sold your work before, this is a good year to start. The community is welcoming, the audiences are appreciative, and there’s nothing quite like watching someone pick up a piece you’ve made and smile.