visit sydney events

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What’s On today

A blueprint for ruins, australian heritage festival 2024 nsw, autumn school holidays at the art gallery of nsw, cast in cast out, full: introduction to music production with logic pro x, ocean superheroes, kgv sports competitions, the rocky horror show, lose to win, green square community barbeque, power of ai to enhance productivity and profit [webinar], art after hours at the art gallery of nsw, laneway cinema @ the rocks, finders keepers sydney design market, paul lynch: prophet song, volleyball competition: monday mixed, what to do in sydney this april.

From comedy, art, talks, music and more – add these to your yes list.

Free guided highlights tour: Anzac Memorial

Serving the white ensign, 110 years of the australian fleet, the centenary exhibition, battle for beersheba & the ottoman iii corps, in that rich earth with brad manera, indigneous veterans commemoration service, inaugural middle east area of operations commemoration, victory in the pacific day commemoration, school holidays, alice in wonderland high tea buffet, chocolate high tea, family fun at bridgeclimb, haunted habitats, 180 george street.

Explore this new precinct with a public plaza, community space, retail, restaurants, bars, and laneways

Social media smarts: elevate your online presence [webinar]

Bricks to clicks: build an online business empire [webinar], retail in the age of the empowered customer [webinar], diversity dream: creating inclusive workplaces [webinar], customer connection: gain loyalty and drive growth [webinar], cybersecurity serenity: calming online threats [webinar], alternative models for business growth [webinar], mother's day, ‘my mother’ a group exhibition on a theme, mother’s day massage and more, mother’s day spa and high tea celebration, walk for wagec, mother's day high tea at nsw parliament, mother's day special, audra mcdonald in concert, barangaroo artisan markets, city of sydney libraries.

Discover In-branch and online programs, plus lunchtime conversations, online workshops and classes

Sydney City Farm

Sydney city farm new volunteer induction session, sydney city farm volunteer working bees, edible gardens for renters workshop, bush food discovery tour, seasonal guided walk, growing fruit in the city workshop, community centres, table tennis, table tennis hire, volleyball competitions: sunday men’s and mixed, casual basketball in pyrmont, informal coffee and chat sessions, mat pilates at juanita nielsen community centre, mixed monday evening futsal competition at ultimo, pilates lunchtime class, biennale of sydney, 24th biennale of sydney: ten thousand suns at unsw galleries, working class clown, family day: soft places, queer powerpoint, on aboriginalia & archiving & working with racist materials, artbar: tomorrow – 20 minutes into the future, unpacking murder: william yang & ellie buttrose, art after dark: music – yamila, sydney writers' festival, sydney writers' festival secondary school days, the untold australian story of maus, winning histories – sydney writers' festival, best friends, lauren groff: the vaster wilds, literary legends, retro sydney slide night, sydney writers' festival 2024 opening night: take me away.

Discover the best events that Sydney has to offer

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44 things to do in Sydney this weekend

All the best ways to make the most of your Friday to Monday

April is coming to an end, which means this weekend is your last chance to dance the night away at this CBD bar’s music month , witness the works of Louise Bourgeois at the Art Gallery of New South Wales and get amongst the foodie delights that have transformed Newcastle since April 1 . It’s also a good time to enjoy the city’s best ocean pools before the water turns icy, or set up in a beer garden before our cosy pubs with fireplaces become the only place you want to be to sink a schooner. For a once-a-year occasion this weekend, head to the Multicultural Eid Festival & Fair which is popping up on Sunday for its 39th year. If the cooler weather has got you hankering for a Sunday roast, check out our list of Sydney’s best . Keen to get out of town? These are the best tiny homes in NSW for a cosy weekend away .

Want a quiet spot to swim? Check out  Sydney's best secret swimming spots . Stay in the loop: sign up for our free   Time Out Sydney newsletter   for more news, straight to your inbox.

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The best things to do this weekend

• Things to do
• Milsons Point Until 31 Aug 2024

The Harbour City does a good line in immersive light experiences, and if you can’t wait until Vivid takes over the city later in May, Luna Park is here to help. The iconic attraction’s newest installation – Sonic Neon – will be opening to the public from Saturday, April 13, and tickets are on sale now. Housed in Crystal Palace – a building which dates all the way back to 1935 – Sonic Neon will take visitors on a journey through six different rooms, with state-of-the-art visuals and a layered soundscape creating a transportive experience. Illuminating more than 150 metres of the historic building, the experience will feature more than 26,000 lights set to a pulsating soundtrack using state-of-the-art technology that’s never been used before in Australia. Tickets to the event are available now, and first release ticket holders will be afforded access to what Luna Park has described as a “secret zone”. Details about this mystery “Blacklight Dessert Bar” are thin on the ground, but Luna Park has confirmed: “Visitors will be able to purchase glow-in-the-dark desserts including custom treats by Sydney’s famous Tokyo Lamington along with glowing fairy floss and soft serve ice cream.” The experience will run daily from 10am for approximately four months, though the exact end date is yet to be announced. Tickets for the self-guided Sonic Neon experience (estimated to take around 30 minutes) start at $29 per person, and the first month of tickets are on sale now. If you’re keen to secu

Biennale of Sydney

• price 0 of 4
• Sydney Until 10 June 2024

Are you ready to chase artistic escapades around the city? The Biennale of Sydney is back for its 24th edition from March 9 to June 10, 2024. Whether you’re a dedicated arts fanatic or a casual culture buff, you’ll find something to inspire and provoke you along this epic art trail. The largest contemporary art event of its kind in Australia, the Biennale is taking over six different locations with awe-inspiring installations and intriguing exhibitions. Titled Ten Thousand Suns, this year the festival explores a multiplicity of global cultures, taking on a transgressive spirit as it leans into the origins of Carnivale. As always, the Biennale is free for everyone to visit for a total of 16 weeks.   Of all the locations, White Bay Power Station is absolutely the main character of the Biennale’s 50th year anniversary (and 24th iteration – it takes place every second year). This is the first time the revitalised industrial site will officially open its doors to the public in more than 100 years – and what they’ve accomplished is pretty spectacular. Years of accumulated pigeon poop has been cleared out of the enormous factory spaces, making way for art installations that tower multiple storeys high, and more works hidden in various nooks and crannies. Pop-up bars and brand new bathrooms also set the stage for a packed program of live performances and music curated by Phoenix Central Park. Think of White Bay as a replacement for the role that Cockatoo Island has played in Sydney’s

Valerie Taylor: An Underwater Life

• Darling Harbour Until 31 Aug 2024

Discover the hidden marvels of marine life and the remarkable woman who paved the way to better understanding marine conservation at Valerie Taylor: An Underwater Life. This free homegrown exhibition is more than just a tribute to one of the world’s most celebrated underwater storytellers, shark researchers and conservationists. It’s a call to action for all environmental enthusiasts and future changemakers to protect our beautiful oceans, their animals and their habitats from further threat. Dive straight into 60 years worth of stories as told through objects and ephemera donated by Valerie and her husband Ron Taylor, including cameras and underwater housings, Valerie’s iconic blue fins and dive suits, and the stainless-steel chainmail suit she wore to get up close and personal with sharks. You can also admire Hollywood movie posters from the past fifty years, including Jaws and The Island of Dr Moreau, plus more than 500 images from the Maritime Museum’s collection of animals, people and places now under threat.   Valerie Taylor: An Underwater Life is one of the headline exhibitions in the Maritime Museum’s summer program and will run until August 31, 2024. Be sure to catch the other special exhibitions while you’re there including Ocean Photographer of the Year. For more information on the exhibition head here. 

Sydney Kidz Fest 2024

• Fairs and festivals
• Moore Park Until 28 Apr 2024

If you’ve exhausted your itinerary of school holiday fun and don’t want to resort to another beach or movie trip just to keep the kids away from screens, then you’re in luck. Sydney Kidz Fest is rolling into town this April with plenty to entertain the little ones, and grown-ups can tag along too.  Heading to the Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park from April 13-28, this family-friendly festival is pulling out all the stops. Let the wriggly ones burn off any pent-up energy on the dodgem cars or any of the thrilling carnival rides on offer. Treat them to a post-ride sweet treat which you’ll find in the lineup of showbags or try your hand at winning prizes by playing a classic carnival game. Spend hours cooing over barnyard baby animals at the Animal Nursery, an adorable experience perfect for kids too small for the rides.  A special performance is on for the Paw Patrol fans as the beloved characters take to the stage twice daily, plus, win major brownie points with the kids at the lunchtime meet and greet where they can snap a picture up close and personal with their favourite characters, Chase and Marshall.  Entry tickets cost $10 for children, $20 for adults or $50 for a family of four. Pick up 24 coupons for $50 that you can use on rides or games, or grab the all-ages Unlimited Rider wristband, which is great value at just $40 and entitles you to three hours of non-stop rides. Book your tickets early now so you don’t miss out.

• 4 out of 5 stars
• Darling Harbour Until 16 June 2024

This is it, we have found the yassification of Shakespeare. Fuelled by a playlist of certified pop hits, this jukebox romp billed as “the greatest love story ever remixed” poses a simple but provocative question: What if, instead of joining Romeo in eternal slumber, Juliet decided to live? A contagiously joyous musical spectacular, & Juliet has finally landed at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre after being met with critical acclaim on Broadway and the West End, not to mention the rapturously received Australian debut in Melbourne.  Filled with sing-a-long-able chart-topping bangers made famous by the likes of Britney Spears, The Backstreet Boys, Katy Perry and more from the songbook of Grammy-winning Swedish songwriter/producer Max Martin, the Aussie cast is overflowing with talent in this feel-good, flashy production. & Juliet is Shakespeare remixed for the girls, the gays and the theys... [but does it] really cut it as the feminist reclamation that we are promised? Will you be entertained? Absolutely. Does & Juliet set a new standard for jukebox musicals? Yes. Will you see one of the most diverse and charismatic casts of triple-threats ever assembled on an Australian stage? Heck yeah. Does the story deliver on the feminist retribution we are promised? Not quite. “What if Juliet didn’t kill herself?” Anne Hathaway (played by the enthralling Amy Lehpamer) posits to her husband, William Shakespeare (the ever-charming Rob Mills). “She’s only ever had one boyfriend, and frankly, the endi

Into the Shimmering World

• 5 out of 5 stars
• Dawes Point Until 19 May 2024

Ray is a farmer. Ray is dying. Ray is falling in love. Ray has had a tough year. Ray mourns his wife. Ray meets his wife. Ray doesn’t want to live in a nursing home. Ray’s kids don’t understand him. Ray doesn’t understand why the world won’t let him live his life. Ray, played with impressive physicality and nuance by veteran actor Colin Friels, is the central figure of Into the Shimmering World – a new work commissioned by Sydney Theatre Company that makes the intimate epic, seesawing back and forth in time but remaining locked in space. The main arena of conflict is the family farm that Ray and his wife, nurse Floss (fellow veteran Kerry Armstrong) have run their entire adult lives. It’s a hard existence, but a rewarding one, contending with droughts, floods, fluctuating markets, and unruly neighbours (one dubbed “The Crook” remains an unseen presence, but a constant source of grievance).  Written by 2020 Patrick White Playwrights Fellow Angus Cerini and directed by STC’s Director of New Work and Artistic Development Paige Rattray, Into the Shimmering World is a study of Australian masculinity – as were the previous works in Cerini’s Australian gothic trilogy, The Bleeding Tree and Wonnangatta. In many ways this play is a study of stoicism, its strengths and its limitations. The laconic Ray meets every challenge with a resigned determination that borders on fatalism, an attitude that has served him well for decades. But the sons his work put through university don’t want to

Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs

• Darlinghurst Until 19 May 2024

Calling all amateur Egyptologists, history buffs and lovers of gold and glamour: you can explore a blockbuster exhibition packed with priceless Ancient Egyptian artefacts. Exclusive to the country's oldest museum – the Australian Museum in Sydney – Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs is an interactive museum experience more than 3,000 years in the making, and featuring 181 priceless artefacts. The popular exhibition has sold over a record-breaking 330,000 tickets in the first three months alone, becoming the biggest hit in the history of the Australian Museum. Ramses is still in town until May 19, 2024, and the Australian Museum has recently extended its visiting hours, giving you more chances to explore the exhibition after dark. In February, it is now open from 9am–9pm on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (last entry at 8pm). The museum also continues to be open from 9am–5pm from Thursday to Sunday (last entry at 4pm).  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Sydney (@timeoutsydney) Ramses is the largest cultural exhibition to visit Australia in more than a decade, and in a huge coup, the Museum even managed to ship over the actual coffin of Ramses the Great for it. You can also excavate further with the museum's Gateway to Egypt public program, an exclusive season of lectures, conversations, and experiences designed to give visitors of all ages a richer understanding of Ancient Egypt, whether an Egyptophile or justEgypto-curious. RECOMMENDED: Thre

Sydney Comedy Festival

• Comedy festival
• Sydney Until 19 May 2024

Comedy, in this economy? Well heck, I don’t know about you, but I could sure do with a good hearty chuckle right about now. So it’s a good thing that the Sydney Comedy Festival is back with its biggest program ever in 2024 – more than 750 artists are gearing up to flood the city with laughter at more than 315 shows scattered across all corners of the city from April 22 to May 19.  From the household names we all know and love to ground-breaking newcomers who are shaking up the comedy scene, you can pick and choose between a kaleidoscopic array of gala showcases, intriguing solo stand-up shows and special events. With a whole lot of tickets coming in at under $30, there really is a “comedy concert” for everyone (just don’t look for Che Diaz on the line-up).  You can catch new shows from legendary Aussie comedians like Rhys Nicholson, Will Anderson, Tom Gleeson, Reuben Kaye, Melanie Bracewell, Steen Raskopolous, regular The Project panellist Peter Helliar, a hilarious night with Judith Lucy and Kaz Cooke, comedy crack pot Reuben Solo, the sassy and sardonic Gen Fricker, Lizzy Hoo (loved for her Prime Video comedy special Hoo Cares!?) and 2022 Australia’s Got Talent finalist Emo Majok. Joining the long list of international stars is the much loved Stephen K Amos, 2016 English Comedian of the Year Josh Pugh, plus the fierce and fiery Irish comic Shane Daniel Byrne, and American history-meets-comedy podcast The Dollop is also heading Down Under for the Festival. Some of the most e

• 3 out of 5 stars
• Haymarket Until 1 June 2024

Few musical references are as iconic as those from Grease. A simple "rama lama lama" or "a wop ba-ba lu-bop a wop bam boom!" may invoke joyful nostalgia, transporting you back to the first time you witnessed John Travolta's gyrating hips or “our” Olivia Newton-John's sweet Sandy smile. For me, it takes me back to my own high school musical experience. With my Pink Lady jacket and Pink Lady sunglasses, the Grease stage is where I first forged my life-long love affair with musical theatre and the passionate community that came with it. That is what musicals are forged on: passion – and this production of Grease: the Musical at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre has an infectious amount of it. Before the 1978 film adaptation cemented Grease’s place in the global pop culture consciousness, this show set in the working-class youth subculture of 1950s Chicago was first staged in 1971. Like any rebellious teen tale, Grease tapped into the angst of young people of the time; it had a '50s style and a '70s attitude. Everyone wanted to be as cool as Kenickie (played here with delectable zeal by Keanu Gonzalez, who has also appeared in Hamilton and West Side Story), as bold as Rizzo (the eye-catching triple threat Mackenzie Dunn, as seen in Hairspray), or as sweet as the nervous Doody (Tom Davis). There were definitely elements of my high school production that built my confidence, brought me out of my shell, and changed my perspective – but the plot wasn't one of them. The musical numbers were jo

Vintage Kilo Sale

• Marrickville Until 28 Apr 2024

After the weighty success of the first ever Vintage Kilo Sales in 2023, this popular clothing market (that offers up great finds at the bargain price of $50 per kilo) is returning to Marrickville this month... But wait, there's more! Thanks to the clear appetite for this first-of-its-kind-in-Australia way to shop, the French Fripe Group (who specialise in the wholesale of vintage and second-hand clothing imported from overseas) have announced that they're taking the event on tour across Australia.  What we know so far is that, after it's run in Marrickville on April 13, it will head down the coast to Wollongong, for a run on April 27-28, at the University of Wollongong campus. Vintage Kilo Sales are popular in Europe, and now New South Welshman have the opportunity to discover treasures while participating in sustainable buying practices. While a kilo of clothes can be purchased at $50, shoppers can also purchase additional hand-picked vintage items from a special section. Note that while it's a free-entry event, they recommend purchasing a $2.75 ticket by booking here to secure entry and dodge the wait time. Last time they ran the event in Marrickville, there were 6,000 treasures to sift through. If you’re inclined to “go away and have a think about it” before rushing back to see if your coveted item is still on the rack, be wary. Our advice? If you love it, buy it.  Doors will open at 8.00am at 29 Smith Street, Marrickville. You can stay up-to-date with all fresh happenings

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What’s On In Sydney This Week, This Month And Beyond

By Genevieve Muratore

25th Apr 2024

The Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain celebrates First Nations art. Check out works from the 14 First Nations artists they're presenting at the Biennale of Sydney, which runs until 10 June 2024. Find out more here.

We're already into April, and 2024 continues to serve a massive lineup of events and activities in Sydney/Eora to keep your calendar absolutely loaded.

April in Sydney is packed with  delicious pop-ups, world-class exhibitions, and plenty of school holiday fun.  Here are Urban List's picks for the best things to do in Sydney this week, in April, and further into 2024.

• April 2024 Food Events ​
• April 2024 Film, Music, Theatre And Comedy Events
• April 2024 Art, Culture And Exhibitions
• April School Holiday Events
• What's On In Sydney Later In 2024 And Beyond

What's On In Sydney This Week

Heirloom dinner pop-up, arthur, 544 bourke street, surry hills | monday 22 and tuesday 23 april, 6pm or 8.30pm.

Connor's Heirloom menu will call on memories and nostalgia, and his kitchen experiences with diverse flavour profiles at Hello Auntie, Nomad and Restaurant Leo, while utilising exclusively Australian ingredients per Arthur's steering philosophy. The seven-course menu will be $110pp, with oysters and drinks available to add on. Bookings are required on Arthur's  website.

School Holiday Gardening Classes

Chiswick, 65 ocean street, woollahra | monday 22 and wednesday 24 april, 11am–12pm.

Not many restaurant kitchens in Sydney have a thriving garden right out the door like Chiswick, and they're once again welcoming children into the buzzing space to get hands-on these school holidays with complimentary  gardening classes.

Hosted by the kitchen garden's head horticulturist, Pete Hatfield, Chiswick's gardening classes will teach kids about their "insect hotel", butterfly drones, worm farm and more, and children who attend can get in on a kids eat free offer, valid for one child per paying adult. Learn more and make a booking for lunch on the  website.

Alison Wonderland

Ivy, 320 george street, sydney cbd | wednesday 24 april, 8pm.

Catch some mid-week magic before the public holiday as globally sought-after DJ  Alison Wonderland  hits ivy for a pared-back set with the old-school club vibes for which she's loved. There'll be support from techno wonder Billy Xane with SILLYBITCHESDIE, LEENANEES and Sanchez X, and it's Alison's first show in Australia since COVID—so it's going to be a big one.

The remaining  tickets  are only $36.70, and this one's expected to sell out.

Anzac Day Two-Up And More

Various locations | thursday 25 april.

If you're heading into the CBD to watch the Anzac Day parade, Australian Heritage Hotel in The Rocks is doing diggers breakfast rolls from 7am, Verandah Precinct will open from 6am and donate $1 from every sausage, bacon and egg roll to Legacy, and Morrison’s Oyster Bar & Grill will open at 8am for a free sausage sizzle before opening as usual for lunch and dinner. Jacksons on George will open at 7am with a special barbecue menu, with two-up on the rooftop from 11am.

Food specials include a fancy RSL-inspired rissole sandwich at The Dolphin (where the entire dining room will become a two-up arena), a steak sandwich and salted caramel and vanilla cheesecake on an Anzac biscuit base at Watson's Bay Boutique Hotel , lamb rolls and chips at  Woolly Bay Hotel , and corned beef sandwiches and deep-fried Golden Gaytimes at Harry's .

As well as two-up, Forrester's  in Surry Hills will have a live pipe band and donate $1 from every Philter Super Cool lager to Legacy, The Buena in Mosman will have its annual yabby races, a marching band will make its way through the Harbord Hotel , and  The Glenmore will host The Scots Marching Band.

You can play two-up at pubs  The Argyle  in The Rocks (the biggest outdoor two-up arena in Sydney),  The Clock in Surry Hills (where you can play via fishing rod from the balcony),   The Bank in Newtown (hosted by drag queen Tora Hymen), The Old Fitz , Brewdog in Eveleigh,  Woollahra Hotel ,  Park House in Mona Vale, The Golden Sheaf in Double Bay,  Sackville Hotel 's carpark with pop-up bars and stadium seating in Rozelle, Rooty Hill's Carousel Inn ,  Taphouse in Darlinghurst, on the roof of the Bridgeview in Willoughby,  Watson's in Moore Park and The Fiddler in Rouse Hill.

Cedar & Salt Sauna Pop-Up

Q station, 1 north head scenic drive, manly | until sunday 28 april.

The next must-try in the health, wellness and recovery space is traditional Finnish-style saunas, and Cedar & Salt has popped their 10-person, roving wood-fired sauna in one of Sydney's most stunning locations. With a mission to keep sauna "wild" and integrate nature, the open ocean views from their current location at Q Station are simply unbeatable, and an epic way to start the day or shake off any stress.

Sessions are 45 minutes long and $35pp, giving you time to jump in for 15–20 minutes, refresh with a dip at Quarantine Beach, and get back in to finish with another sauna sesh. Weekday sessions run between 8.15am and sunset, and weekends between sunrise and sunset. Learn more and book a sauna session on the  website.

April Food Events And Markets

Glenfiddich x jordan gogos pop-up bar, 200 george street, sydney cbd | select dates until wednesday 8 may.

Join Aussie multidisciplinary artist Jordan Gogos and the world's most awarded single malt Scotch whisky, Glenfiddich, for a pop-up bar experience raising funds for social enterprise Art Aid.

The team from CBD bar Dean & Nancy on 22 will be shaking up whisky cocktails in the space filled with textile art, immersive works, sculptural furniture, and never-before-exhibited pieces in Gogos' largest immersive art installation to date. Selected pieces will be for sale with 50% of profits (and $10 from every Glenfiddich cocktail and event ticket sold) donated to Art Aid and its charities.

Events include the  Glenfiddich Trailblazer Party  every Friday at 5pm ($20pp including a cocktail on arrival) with live DJs, and weekly masterclasses with Glenfiddich's  flagship collection  or  Grand Series  ($30pp including four whisky tastings and snacks). The one-night-only  Creative Collaborations  event on Thursday 2 May will host Jordan Gogos speaking on how he approaches collaborations across art, furniture and fashion, and what we can expect from his 2024 Australian Fashion Week show (​$140pp including a personalised bottle of Glenfiddich 12 and an exclusive Jordan Gogos x Glenfiddich 12YO key ring). See your opportunities to visit  here.

The Keel Masterclass Series

The keel, 106 george street, the rocks | wednesdays until 1 may.

Historic Sydney venue The Keel—once a key part of the city's original rum trade—is giving rum lovers the chance to up their knowledge in a series of masterclasses. Upcoming themes include Rums of the Pacific (24 April) and A taste of Vintage (1 May). Each masterclass starts with a finger lime daiquiri on arrival before moving through a tasting of six rums, and a deep dive from host and renowned bartender Tom Bulmer.

The Keel's rum masterclasses are $65pp—check out the full lineup of classes and  book your spot.

Margra Lamb Party

Kiln, ace hotel, 53 foy lane, sydney | nightly until sunday 12 may.

For a meaty feast that celebrates the special partnership between producers and restaurants—and more sustainable dining—check out Kiln's Margra lamb party this month. Over three courses, you'll be treated to a rare and premium cut of lamb, sourced from Oberon producer Margra.

Prized for its marbling, low melting temperature, and depth of flavour, this shoulder rack cut is exclusive to Kiln and will be served up three ways, showing how to use the whole of the animal. Cooked over Kiln's wood fire, your table will enjoy koji marinated intercostal rib skewers, a boneless loin served with a fortified sauce made from the bones, and wood-roasted semi-dried Shiraz beetroots served with a lamb fat vinaigrette. 

The lamb party will set you back $95 and is enough for up to three people. It's available to order nightly until Sunday 12 May.

Cherry Bomb

Goros, 84–86 mary street, surry hills | until saturday 18 may.

It's cherry blossom season at Surry Hills' Goros, where they're hosting  Cherry Bomb : a sakura celebration with Bombay Sapphire complete with a festive menu and special events running for six weeks, and a pink takeover of the space with cherry blossoms, carp fish kites, and neon photo moments.

On the  Cherry Bomb  menu there's pink sushi, ice cream sando desserts, martinis and Cherry Pop cocktails with pearls, and a 90-minute all-you-can-eat skewer package with bottomless saké spritzes for $89pp. Events include a Barbie party on 13 April, a full moon party on 27 April, and an epic closing night celebration on 18 May—and there's always the free,  private karaoke rooms.

Yo-Chi X Pistachio Papi

Various locations | until sunday 26 may.

Insanely popular frozen yoghurt shops Yo-Chi are collaborating with Aussie-made pistachio spread Pistachio Papi to bring their vibrant green goodness to topping bars across Australia.

The creamy, nutty 100% Italian pistachio spread is available to drizzle on your froyo or acai bowls, and pairs perfectly with Yo-Chi's flavours like strawberry and signature tart yoghurt. And, yes, there's still Nutella so you can create a perfectly indulgent nutty combo. Pistachio Papi is available in all Yo-Chis until Sunday 26 May (or until stock runs out).

April Film, Music, Theatre And Comedy Events

The pr esident, roslyn packer theatre, walsh bay | until saturday 18 may.

Though a revolution brews outside, the president and first lady of a small country seem frozen in time. Here, a complicated marriage eerily echoes the mistrust and angst of a political system in tatters.

Featuring some of the biggest names on stage and screen, including Hugo Weaving as the titular President, this production comes to Sydney directly from its Dublin premiere season.  The President  has already been lauded for powerhouse performances and its absurdly comic portrayal of pomp, pretence, privilege and politics. Tickets start at $110.

& Juliet

Sydney lyric theatre, pyrmont | until sunday 16 june.

This is Shakespeare for people who don’t like Shakespeare. In fact, this is Shakespeare for people who will remember all the songs on the soundtrack from a burned CD or an iPod Nano they once had. 

& Juliet , the jukebox musical from Emmy-winning Schitt’s Creek writer David West Read, imagines that instead of just falling in love, getting married, and dying by the tender age of 13, Shakespeare’s wife instead suggests that Juliet presses on and finds herself once she’s lost the dead weight of Romeo. In this alternate universe, she’s more than just a star-crossed lover: she’s a star.  Tickets start at $69.90.

April Art, Culture And Exhibitions

A blueprint for ruins, white rabbit gallery, 30 balfour street, chippendale | until sunday 12 may.

Spanning four floors of the impressive White Rabbit Gallery,  A Blueprint for Ruins  explores a world without people, where only monuments and memories of culture and life remain, in a reflection on China's race to embrace modernity.

The works curated by David Williams (including an abandoned nightclub scene, bronze, resin and marble sculptures, paintings, prints and more) provide an immersive and thought-provoking look into the effects of urbanisation on trade, the environment, culture and humanity.  A Blueprint for Ruins  is free to visit, 10am–5pm, Wednesday–Sunday.

Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs

The australian museum, 1 william street, darlinghurst | until sunday 19 may.

After showing in Paris, Houston, and San Francisco, the incredible  Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs  exhibition is headed to Sydney. The blockbuster exhibition will feature the actual sarcophagus of Ramses II—one of the most impressive royal coffins from ancient Egypt ever to be discovered—plus 181 priceless artefacts including animal mummies, jewellery, spectacular royal masks, and exquisite amulets, making it the largest cultural exhibition to visit Sydney in over a decade. Buy tickets  here.

The Art of Banksy: Without Limits

Town hall, 483 george st | until sunday 19 may.

The work of the world’s most famous—and mysterious—graffiti artist is coming to Sydney this week. Town Hall will host the massive exhibition  The Art of Banksy: Without Limits , celebrating Banksy’s art, sharing over 150 pieces and unique installations. 

As well as original works, prints, photos, lithographs, sculptures, murals and video mapping installations, there will be custom-built experiential areas including an infinity room where you can immerse yourself in Banksy’s most political works.  Learn more  here .

Princess Diana: Accredited Access Exhibition

Level 5, 1-3 smail street, ultimo | until thursday 30 may.

The exhibition explores the relationship between the princess and her photographer, with an audio guide from Anwar to provide context to the famous and not-so-famous shots he captured.  Tickets  are $29 for adults, $24 for seniors or students, and $12 for children.

Dale Frank: Growers And Showers

Nas galleries, 156 forbes street, darlinghurst | until saturday 1 june .

Check out the expanded painting practice of one of Australia’s foremost contemporary artists, Dale Frank, at this significant exhibition of over 40 large-scale works he developed since the '70s. It's his first solo institutional exhibition in over 20 years.

The vivacious collection includes various mediums and unexpected surfaces from poured epoxy-glass on metallic Perspex to CDs, human hair wigs, shattered glass and air vent ducts, showcasing his experimental approach to artmaking. Sculpture, sound and performance round out the experience to create immersive experiences to capture Frank's maximalism. Dale Frank: growers and showers is free to visit at the National Art School, 11am–5pm daily.

The 24th Biennale Of Sydney 

Various locations |  until monday 10 june.

The cultural kaleidoscope that is the  Biennale of Sydney  makes a grand return for its 24th edition, titled  Ten Thousand Suns . The Biennale is a completely free art festival showcasing 96 leading artists' work from 50 different countries, spread over seven of Sydney’s most iconic spots including the Art Gallery of NSW, Museum of Contemporary Art, and Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney. Fondation Cartier has commissioned 14 incredible First Nations artists, whose works are on display as part of the festival across Sydney. 

The Biennale is the largest contemporary art event of its kind in Australia, making it an unmissable event for art aficionados—and it's all completely free to experience. Check out the full program of  artworks  or  programmed events  like after-dark sessions, tours, performances and workshops to plan your experience.

April School Holiday Events

Mega creatures, hunter valley gardens, 2090 broke road, pokolbin | until sunday 5 may.

Head to the Hunter Valley these holidays to discover a Jurassic world of dinosaurs, giant bugs, and more mind-blowing friends at  Mega Creatures . 

There are giant animatronic animals including T-rex, Diplodocus, Stegosaurus and Triceratops plus activities like interactive fossil digs, fire-breathing dragons and after-dark fun like a night safari with snakes and lizards, and a winding Storybook Garden. As well as the dinosaur fun, Hunter Valley Gardens' usual carousel, Ferris wheel, tea cup and superslide rides will be operating too.

Special entertainment during the Mega Creatures season include roving baby dinosaurs (13, 14, 16, 22, 23 and 24 April) and a dinosaur zoo show (17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 and 28 April) and  tickets  are available from $30 for children and $40 for adults, with family passes available.

Luna Park Sydney, | Until Sunday 12 May

Housed inside the historic Crystal Palace at Luna Park Sydney,  Sonic Neon  is a sound and light experience sharing an immersive rave atmosphere—and it's a must-do experience for all ages.

Eight distinct zones are packed with over 26,000 lights, laser, mirrors, a pulsating soundtrack, tactile materials and never-before-seen technology in Australia, for a a 150-metre journey culminating in an infinity mirror room with over 6,000 hanging lights and a 3-D video experience.

Sonic Neon fills the 1935-built Crystal Palace with a groundbreaking experience that blends the site's history with contemporary wonder, and  tickets  start from $29 per person, or $99 for two adults and two children.

What's On In Sydney In 2024 And Beyond

Australian fashion week, carriageworks, eveleigh | monday 13–friday 17 may.

Australian Fashion Week presented by Pandora will return to Carriageworks this May, serving up its signature style mayhem for five glorious days. Details of the 2024 event have officially been revealed, including which designers will be showing and which runways, talks, and events you can grab tickets to. 

The 2024 program of ticketed events includes runway presentations from iconic designers like Carla Zampatti, Romance Was Born, and Acler. There's also the much-loved multi-designer Indigenous Fashion Projects runway, which showcases incredible First Nations fashion talent. This year's panel discussions get to the heart of what's happening locally with fashion too—giving you insider intel from leaders in fashion business and fashion culture. Read more here or head over here to buy tickets . 

Sydney Spirits Festival

Overseas passenger terminal, 130 argyle street, the rocks | friday 10–sunday 12 may.

Sydney Spirits Festival makes its grand debut this year, showcasing 148 brands to unleash your inner spirit. With such a massive range of purveyors under one roof, we guarantee that even the most advanced connoisseur will find something new and exotic to surprise themself with. Sample the best from international and boutique distillers, and meet the stars of the spirits world who will be pouring samples of their internationally acclaimed drops.

Gastronomic delights like caviar bumps will accompany your tastings of German and Japanese gins, American peanut butter whisky, Australian gold medal-winning Negronis and more.

The Cat Empire X Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Concert hall, sydney opera house, sydney cbd | friday 6 and saturday 7 september.

The Sydney shows will feature world-class flamenco artists Richard Tedesco, Johnny Tedesco, Chantelle Cano and Sydney Children’s Choir (Sydney only), with original The Cat Empire members Felix Riebl and Ollie McGill joined by newcomers Grace Barbe, drummer Daniel Farrugia and percussionist Neda Rahmani.  Tickets are available from Tuesday 26 March from $49pp.

Coldplay: Music Of The Spheres World Tour

Accor stadium, edwin flack avenue, sydney olympic park | wednesday 6 and thursday 7 november.

Coldplay has just confirmed stadium shows in Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland for their record-breaking world tour which has electrified audiences in their sell-out shows in Perth, Tokyo, Kaohsiung and Jakarta. ​The band will be performing in Sydney at Accor Stadium on Wednesday 6 November 6 and Thursday 7 November, 2024. ​ ​Since the first Music Of The Spheres World Tour date in March 2022, the band have sold over nine million tickets—the most for any tour over the last two years. Register for presale tickets from 10am on Wednesday, 29 November  here , or add 10am on 1 December to your calendar for general sale.

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• 50 Of The Absolute Best Things To Do In Sydney
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New South Wales is the best destination in the world for diverse terrains, beautiful beaches, great surf breaks, special underwater worlds and magnificent national parks, including UNESCO World Heritage wilderness. You’ll be thrilled with the fun, exciting, intriguing and delicious events, too.

Must-see events

What's on in nsw.

Enjoy a spectacular array of NSW events, from the iconic  Tamworth Country Music Festival  to tasty festivals in the  wine regions . There are wonderful art exhibitions and fabulous concerts, bustling farmers markets and traditional agricultural shows, as well as thrilling sports and much more.

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Nsw festivals.

The most visited state in the nation is home to Sydney , Australia’s most beautiful capital city. Year-round you’ll find festivals, shows and markets in the vibrant regions along the coast, in the sylvan countryside, the splendid Blue Mountains , the towering Snowy Mountains , and the striking outback .

On the South Coast is Wings Over Illawarra , a spectacular air show in Albion Park . Farther down the coast is Eden where you can celebrate one of the great natural wonders – the annual migration of whales. The Eden Whale Festival is held at a time when whales in large numbers visit Twofold Bay.

Music festivals are popular across the regions and cater for fans of classical, country, jazz, blues, rock and electronic dance. There are concerts in lovely vineyards in the Hunter Valley and other wine-producing areas. Byron Bay , on the North Coast , hosts Splendour in the Grass and Bluesfest .

In the snow season, enjoy great skiing in the Snowies and then have more fun at the Perisher Peak Festival , which features hundreds of concerts. In the warmer months, try your luck casting a line in the annual Snowy Mountains Trout Festival , and watch thrilling rodeo and mountain-biking contests.

The fertile landscapes of Country NSW grow all kinds of fresh produce. Join in the celebrations at harvest festivals, rural shows and farmers markets. And there are thrilling sports, such as the Bathurst 1000 , a V8 supercar event held every year in Bathurst , which has a rich colonial heritage.

The following pages will also help you plan your holidays, short breaks and weekend escapes:

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4 Apr 2024 – 27 Apr 2024

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17 Apr 2024 – 11 May 2024

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24 Apr 2024 – 27 Apr 2024

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26 Apr 2024 – 17 May 2024

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Meditation and Creativity

27 Apr 2024 – 25 May 2024

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28 Apr 2024

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29 Apr 2024 – 29 Apr 2024

The best times to go to Sydney

Nov 14, 2023 • 7 min read

Choose the best time for your visit to Sydney with this guide to seasons, festivals and events © PomInOz / Shutterstock

Sydney is a city made for summers. 

In the warmer months, you can make the most of outdoor dining, rooftop bars, dozens of beaches  and Sydney 's beautiful bronzed inhabitants. But of course, the iconic sights – from the Opera House and Harbour Bridge  to tracts of bushlands and parks – can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you’re mad about boating and surfing or prefer to dive into arts and culture, we can help you pick the best time to visit this eclectic city.

December to February is summer high season and the peak time for visitors

Summer brings hot, humid days and balmy evenings. Sydney buzzes year round, but particularly over the Christmas and New Year period. First, the spectacular Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race departs the harbor on Boxing Day. Then New Year’s Eve goes off with a bang with show-stopping fireworks displays over the water. Next, cricket comes to Sydney in January, with the Test beginning on New Year’s Day, plus raucous T20 matches at Sydney Cricket Ground. If you’ve never been to cricket, this is an excellent place to start. If sports leave you yawning, you might want to book tickets to one of the many performances at the Sydney Festival .

This is the high season for Australian holidaymakers: schools close, so you’ll find major tourist attractions particularly busy with families. Pre-book any must-see sights or activities before you travel. Accommodation prices are steeper in the high season, and beaches can get a little crowded. Car parking will be nigh on impossible, so plan to use Sydney's public transportation system instead.

March to May and September to November are the best times for festivals and events

Summer may bring the crowds to Sydney, but the shoulder seasons between March and May and September to November attract plenty of interstate and international visitors, with major festivals being the big draw. The autumn months also deliver slightly cooler temperatures – but don't worry, you won’t need to pack winter woolies for subtropical Sydney. 

If there was ever a time to get flamboyant, it’s at Sydney’s famous and much-loved Gay and Lesbian Mardis Gras , which paints the city in queer pride every February and March. Sydney also hosts a slew of arts festivals in the fall, from electrifying Vivid to the cutting-edge art at  Sydney Biennale  and the star-studded Sydney Writers Festival .

The spring, September to November, is dominated by sporting events like the National Rugby League Grand Final (although Queensland is vying for it), the Sydney Running Festival , which takes runners over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and in late August,  City2Surf . For something more sedate, check out the homegrown Sculpture by the Sea when Bondi transforms into a giant outdoor sculpture garden.

June to August is a quieter time to visit

Cool wintery days mean lower tourist numbers, so you’ll find rainy day attractions like Sydney’s many museums and art galleries are less crowded. You’re also more likely to get those rare restaurant bookings you would have missed out on in the summer peak season. Sydney’s dining scene has gone from strength to strength, so expect to have some of the best meals of your life. 

Accommodation bargains abound with “stay three nights, pay for two” style deals. Sydney's Blue Mountains embrace winter hygge vibes at Yulefest (that’s Christmas in July for all you northern hemisphere readers). Wealthy Sydneysiders either jet off to the Snowy Mountains or New Zealand to chase the slopes in winter, or to escape the cold by taking their winter breaks somewhere sunnier, like far north Queensland – or Europe.

For those looking for big-screen entertainment, there’s the Sydney Film Festival with “the best, strangest and most exciting cinema” screened over two weeks in June at the gorgeous art deco State Theatre. Sports fans are kept entertained in winter with the State of Origin series (an annual best-of-three rugby league series between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons) and the Bledisloe Cup (a rugby union series between Australia and New Zealand).

Here's a monthly guide to what you can expect throughout the year in Sydney.

January is hot and busy

The peak of the peak season with school summer holidays in full swing, taking advantage of the long, hot days. On average, this is the hottest month.

Key events:   Sydney Festival, International Cricket Test, Australia Day,  Yabun celebrates Aboriginal culture on January 26.

February is full of celebration

Almost as hot as January, but the kids are back at school, so the beaches are less crowded. Sydney has an excellent Chinatown and a strong Chinese population, so you can't miss the colors of Chinese New Year parades either. The Mardi Gras influx starts to arrive mid-February and the month closes with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade, a spectacle everyone in Sydney loves to watch, whether they're part of the queer community or not.

Key events:  Sydney Lunar Festival (Chinese New Year), Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (through early March).

March means mild weather and more parties

Temperatures are still balmy, but it's traditionally Sydney's wettest month so take an umbrella or a raincoat out with you for the day. Festivities continue with St Patrick's celebrations and the King Street Carnival.

Key events:  St Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival, King Street Carnival in Newtown.

April is likely to be wet

As autumn progresses, showers are more frequent, but it's never particularly cold. Locals make the most of the long Easter weekend, which coincides with a two-week school holidays period, creating a second mini-peak season in Sydney. Children love the Royal Easter Show, but parents may want to set a budget before they arrive.

Key events: Royal Easter Show, Sydney Comedy Festival (until mid-May), ANZAC Day.

May is a good time to explore the arts

Average daily temperature highs finally dip below 20°C (68°F), and rainfall can put a stop to many outdoor plans, but Sydneysiders take it as an opportunity to lean into their arts and literary side.

Key events: Biennale of Sydney, Vivid Sydney (until mid-June), Sydney Writers’ Festival, National Reconciliation Week.

June has the darkest days

Sunshine hours shrink to their lowest levels as winter kicks in. The rugby league season keeps passions running hot.

Key events: State of Origin Series, Sydney Film Festival, Yulefest Blue Mountains (through August). 

July is Sydney's coldest time of year

The kids escape from school for the first two weeks of Sydney's coldest month, where the daily highs rarely strike above the mid-teens, and the lows are in single figures, just… Bring a warm coat but gloves, scarves and hats shouldn't be necessary. Museums are busy with kid-friendly activities.

Key events: NAIDOC Week. 

August is good for cold-water swimmers

August is chilly but dry – perfect for a run to the beach, but only the most hardy types are tempted to get in for some cold-water swimming.

Key event:  City2Surf Run.

September's sunnier days bring the locals outside

Spring brings warming weather and sunny days. September is traditionally Sydney's driest month, and daily highs scrape back above 20°C (68°F). This is peak pre-summer fitness time in Sydney. Expect to see groups running, cycling and parkouring around the city. Head to Bondi for the Festival of Winds to take colorful photos of giant kites.

Key events: Bledisloe Cup, Sydney Design Week, Festival of the Winds, Sydney Running Festival, Manly Jazz Festival.

October has pleasant spring weather

Workers get the Labour Day long weekend to enjoy October's spring weather, while school students get the whole first week off. Once again, major sites might be busier during school holidays.

Key events: National Rugby League Grand Final, Sydney Night Noodle Markets, Bondi's Sculpture by the Sea (through early November).

November is often Sydney's sunniest month

November is a great time to visit Sydney. It's usually the sunniest month, averaging nearly eight hours of rays per day, with temperatures warm but rarely scorching.

December is when it starts to get busy

Hello, summer! Decembers in Sydney are hot and dry, and for the first three weeks, the beaches are not too crowded before the school holidays unleash the masses. From Christmas onward, things go crazy.

Key events: Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, New Year’s Eve.

This article was first published August 2021 and updated November 2023

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• NSW & ACT

Anzac Day 2024: Full guide to what’s on in Sydney and how to attend the Dawn Service

Here is a complete guide of all the major events taking place in Sydney to commemorate Anzac Day.

Bush Summit bags wins in Global Media awards

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Sydneysiders line streets to celebrate Anzac heroes

Every year, Australians gather around the country to commemorate all defence personnel who have served and sacrificed their lives in armed conflicts.

This year’s Anzac Day commemoration will mark 110 years since World War 1 began on July 28, 1914.

Each state and territory marks the day by holding Dawn Services, sunset services and marches through their respective major cities.

Here is a complete rundown of all the major events taking place in Sydney this week.

WHAT IS ANZAC DAY AND WHY IS IT CELEBRATED?

Anzac Day is a day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that commemorates all service members in the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, otherwise known by the acronym ANZAC.

It is meant to commemorate the anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli in Turkey on April 25, 1915.

WHAT HAPPENS IN SYDNEY FOR ANZAC DAY?

Commemorative services are held across Sydney, with the main Dawn Service centring on Martin Place and the Cenotaph memorial.

Later in the morning at 9am, the traditional Anzac Day march takes place between Martin Place and Hyde Park, with streets lined by people paying tribute to the Diggers. The march will finish at Liverpool St at 12:30pm.

Once the march has taken place, a commemorative service will be held at the Pool of Remembrance at the ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park at 12:30pm.

The day concludes with a sunset service at the Cenotaph in Martin Place at 5pm.

WHAT TIME IS THE DAWN SERVICE IN SYDNEY FOR ANZAC DAY?

The dawn service will begin at 4:15am in Martin Place and the Cenotaph memorial. Audiences are able to stand on George St and watch the proceedings unfold on setup TV screens, as the area fills up quickly around 3-3:30am.

ARE SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS OPEN FOR ANZAC DAY?

Supermarkets: All Coles and Woolworths stores will open after 1pm, with individual ALDI stores offering various opening hours.

Bottle shops: All Liquorland stores will be open with reduced trading hours excluding Liquorland West Gosford, while all Dan Murphy stores will open at 1:15pm. The majority of BWS stores will trade from 1pm.

Clothing/goods shops: Big W will open with reduced hours, while most Kmart stores will open after 1:30pm. Shoppers can also visit Bunnings and Westfield locations from 1pm.

WHY ARE POPPIES A SYMBOL OF ANZAC DAY ?

The red poppy holds symbolic significance for Anzac Day, as they were among the first to flower in the battlefields of Belgium and northern France in World War 1.

Many people also wear a sprig of Rosemary, which is a herb that grows on the Turkish peninsula in Gallipoli. It’s also a symbol of fidelity and remembrance.

WILL PUBLIC TRANSPORT BE RUNNING ON ANZAC DAY?

According to Transport NSW, any participants or spectators are encouraged to plan ahead and leave their car at home as many major roads will be closed with parking restrictions in effect for most of the day.

Public transport travel will be free for veterans and their families, with additional early morning public transport services running within walking distance of The Dawn Service and the march.

Trains: Additional early morning trains will run from 2:36am on suburban lines and from 12:37am on NSW TrainLink Intercity lines.

The closest station to the Dawn Service is Martin Place on the T4 Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra Line. Catch a train to Town Hall and change for a service to Martin Place leaving from Platform 5. Alternatively, catch a train to Wynyard and walk to Martin Place.

The closest stations to the March along Elizabeth Street are Martin Place, St James and Town Hall stations. After the March finishes at 1pm, trains will run to a regular Sunday timetable to get you back home.

Buses: Buses will run to a public holiday timetable with additional early-morning services starting from 2.30am on key routes into the city from the Northern Beaches, Lower North Shore, Inner West, Hills District, Lane Cove, Macquarie Park, Eastern Suburbs and Victoria Road.

Buses will be missing stops along and surrounding Martin Place and Elizabeth Street while roads are closed. You will need to walk further than usual to access the Dawn Service and March viewing areas.

Buses in the Sydney CBD will be diverting from their regular routes and using different stops while roads are closed between 5.30am and 4pm on Anzac Day

Ferries: Sydney Ferries will run to a public holiday timetable. Ferry services to Circular Quay don’t run early in the morning on public holidays so you will need to catch a train or bus to get to the Dawn Service instead.

If you plan to catch a ferry to the city for the March, change at Circular Quay for trains to Town Hall, St James or Museum, or change for a light rail service to Town Hall to get within walking distance of Elizabeth Street.

WILL THE ANZAC DAY DAWN SERVICE BE TELEVISED?

The ABC will host broadcast coverage of Anzac Day services and events on April 25th.

The Sydney Dawn Service will be broadcast on ABC TV and ABC NEWS channel and on ABC radio from 4:20am, followed by the Canberra Dawn Service at 5:30am.

The Sydney March will be broadcast on ABC TV and ABC iview from 9am.

WHERE CAN I PLAY TWO UP IN SYDNEY ON ANZAC DAY?

Here is a short list of all the venues advertising two-up activities in Sydney

■ The Dolphin - Surry Hills (10am)

■ The Woollahra Hotel (9am)

■ Vic on the Park - Marrickville (11am)

■ Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel (11am)

■ Jackson’s on George - Circular Quay (7am)

■ King’s Cross Hotel - Potts Point (10am)

■ The Sackville Hotel - Rozelle (10am)

■ Public House Petersham (10am)

■ The Golden Sheaf - Double Bay (10am)

■ Courthouse Hotel - Newtown (Noon)

Originally published as Anzac Day 2024: Full guide to what’s on in Sydney and how to attend the Dawn Service

The campaign, first launched by The Daily Telegraph in 2019, went nationwide last year, delivering millions of dollars in funding and crucial advocacy for the people that make our regions thrive.

A man and baby missing from Sydney’s south have been found safe.

Thousands of Australians have descended on the streets of Sydney to commemorate the nation's Anzac heroes. 

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Sydney City

Sydney is stunning. There’s no doubt that sparkling  Sydney Harbour makes it an attractive destination, but there’s lots more going for it than just natural beauty. Take in the smooth sandstone of colonial buildings, enjoy entertaining theatre, visit world-class museums and indulge in gourmet delights.

How to spend the perfect long weekend in Sydney

Discover how to spend the perfect long weekend in Sydney. Surf at the birthplace of Australian surfing, shop at boutiques and then hit the town with fantastic restaurants and live music.

Places to visit

Around sydney harbour.

Hugging the edge of Sydney Harbour you’ll find some of the city’s oldest areas as well as one of the newest.

• Sydney Harbour

• Circular Quay

• Darling Harbour

Central Sydney

Follow Sydney’s main strip, George Street, straight through its vibrant centre packed with shops, restaurants and bars.

• City Centre

• Chinatown & Haymarket

East of the City

Cross over to the other side of the CBD to discover Sydney’s grittier side and plenty of late night entertainment.

• Kings Cross

• Potts Point & Woolloomooloo

Things to do

Enjoy outdoor adventures, historic sites, quirky galleries and lots of family fun.

Eat & drink

Discover delicious restaurants, cosy pubs and cool bars in Sydney City.

Events in Sydney City

Sydney New Year’s Eve

Vivid Sydney

Lunar New Year

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• Destination New South Wales (Corporate site)

Sydney.com is the official tourism site for Destination NSW. © Copyright 2024 Destination NSW. All rights reserved

What’s on in Sydney in July 2024

Sydney in July offers plenty of things to do indoors to help keep warm. When the sun is shining, this is a great time to go bushwalking and explore our national parks .

If you are visiting Sydney in July, it’s worth knowing that the weather can be a bit of a mixed bag, it’s colder than most visitors expect but often the skies are lovely and blue. Snow is falling on Mount Kosciusko 500km southwest and that can bring some crisp winds.

On very special (and rare) occasions we get snow closer to Sydney in the Blue Mountains and Orange. So if you are visiting at this time of year, please bring a jacket! The first half of the month is the winter school holiday , causing prices of family accommodation and attractions to skyrocket.

It’s a great time to plan a winter getaway for some wine tasting or perhaps to the snow.

Average Temperatures : 17-8°C (79.7 – 67.3°F) While each year varies the last July there were only 5 days of rain.

Major July Events in Sydney

Festivals, fairs and markets, musicals, opera, and theatre in sydney in july, music, comedy and dance, art and exhibitions, food and drink events, sports and outdoors, nsw regional events in july.

Plenty of this month’s activities take place indoors so you can stay warm, but the Bastille festival and NAIDOC week events are well worth throwing a jumper on for.

NAIDOC Week

Bastille festival.

• Christmas in July in the Blue Mountains

NAIDOC week is a celebration of the history and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by all Australians. Events will be held across the country in the second week of July.

When : 7-14 July 2024 Where : Across the country More: on the official site

Food, wine, cheese and the best of French culture with an Olympic twist. The Bastille Festival takes over the waterfront at Circular Quay. The biggest celebration of French Culture in the Asia Pacific to celebrate its 10th birthday, Bastille will be expanding this year to cover much more of Circular Quay.

This year stalls will venture into The Rocks, The Overseas Passenger Terminal, East Circular Quay, Customs House, Quay Quarter Lanes and more. Get ready for the biggest Celebration of French culture in the Asia Pacific.

Tastings, classes, special menus and plenty of stalls to tempt you. Chocolate croissant anyone?

This year’s street festival will offer gourmet French cuisine, art exhibitions, and a 1.4-kilometre wine-tasting tour around the Harbour. 

When : 11-14 July 2024 Where : Circular Quay and The Rocks More: Check the official site for more details.

Bondi Festival

The Bondi Festival is back will be a bunch of free family-friendly events along with ticketed comedy, music and drama events. A feature of the festival is the Bondi Festival Local events, which showcase local artists and grass-roots organisations within Bondi.

Paid and ticketed events are on offer, two that will run across the entire festival are:

Bondi Festival Ice Rink

• Bondi Vista Ferris Wheel

Ticketed events are very affordable and expected to sell out quickly!

Slip into your best outfit and get ready to glide into an unforgettable communal experience as the sun sets on this year’s Festival.

When : Friday 5 – Sunday 21 July, 2024 Where : Bondi Pavilion, Forecourt

Nothing says winter in Sydney like taking the family for a skate on the world-famous Bondi Festival Ice Rink. ice skates of all sizes and push-along penguins for the little ones, so shimmy into some skates and glide across the ice (or shuffle if you’re a first-timer) – all whilst enjoying the best view in town.

When : 30 June -21 July 2024 Where : Bondi Beach NSW Tickets : $15 – 27, check their website for more details.

Sydney Craft and Quilt Fair

I have to be honest; I have about as much crafting ability as a rock, and the exhibits here blow me away. How are some people so talented? From embroidery to quilting and paper craft to weaving, there is a lot going on.

Attend classes, buy super new gadgets to make your crafting easier, or if you are as talented as I buy some finished projects!

When : July 3 – 6, 2024 Where : ICC Sydney, Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour More : The official site has all the details.

Sydney’s Biggest Pre-Loved Book Fair

This event really should come with a warning for any Bibliomaniacs  who may be reading. This is Sydney’s biggest second-hand book fair. On display, you will find over 110,000 pre-loved books and other reading materials on sale at irresistible prices. The quality is excellent and the books are well sorted to save you from rummaging through topics of no interest.

I challenge you to leave with less than five books in your bag. My last visit resulted in two boxes!

When : 13-16 July 2024 Where : Knox Grammar School Weeks Senior Academy Pacific Highway, Wahroonga

Round She Goes Preloved Fashion Market – Winter 2024

A curated event for women’s preloved and vintage fashion.

When : 2024 TBC Where : PCYC Marrickville, 531 Illawarra Rd, Marrickville Cost: $4 (cash or card accepted).

The Cronulla Winter Market

With more than 250 stalls combined, bringing fashion, art, craft, homewares, kids’ goods, candles, gifts, food and more to these two brilliant locations, showcasing brilliant small retailers from Cronulla and across Sydney.

There will also be a bounty of delicious global food to suit all tastes, live music, and plenty of activities for kids.

When : 2024 dates TBC Where : Don Lucas Reserve Wanda Beach, Cronulla

Kip Williams concludes his Gothic trilogy with the most ambitious adaptation yet, featuring literature’s famed Count Dracula. Teaming up again with Designer Marg Horwell and Lighting Designer Nick Schlieper, this production delves into the monstrous nature within us all. Zahra Newman, acclaimed for her roles in “Fences” and “Julius Caesar,” takes on the monumental task of performing every role.

This production blends live video, film, and live acting, introducing ‘cine-theatre’ to depict Dracula’s reign of terror from his Transylvanian castle to Victorian London. This groundbreaking combination of technology, design, and storytelling marks an unforgettable theatre experience and the finale of an innovative trilogy.

When : 2 July – 4 August Where : Roslyn Packer theatre 

The Odd Couple 

The Odd Couple,” Neil Simon’s Tony Award-winning comedy, is set to entertain audiences at Theatre Royal Sydney in June with Australian comedy icons Shane Jacobson and Todd McKenney leading the cast.

This hilarious story follows Felix and Oscar, two divorced men with polar opposite personalities who decide to share an apartment, leading to a series of comedic conflicts and misunderstandings.

When :  27 June – 13 July Where: Theatre Royal 

Hamilton 

If you are one of the unlucky Sydneysiders who missed it on its last run Hamilton is back for a short season.

Hamilton is a revolutionary musical that tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s Founding Fathers, through a dynamic mix of hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway music.

The show captures Hamilton’s ambitious rise in American politics, his personal struggles, and his impact on the formation of the nation, all while exploring themes of legacy, leadership, and love.

When: July 2024 Where: Lyric Theatre 

CHICAGO 

“Chicago” is a captivating Broadway musical set in the 1920s, telling the tale of Roxie Hart, a housewife turned nightclub dancer who gains notoriety by murdering her lover, then sensationalizing the crime to catapult herself into fame. Along with Velma Kelly and the cunning lawyer Billy Flynn, Roxie delves into the murky depths of celebrity, greed, and the American justice system, fighting for both the limelight and her freedom.

Zoë Ventoura, known for her performances in “Packed To The Rafters” and “Home and Away,” makes a musical theatre comeback as Velma Kelly. Lucy Maunder, playing Mrs. Banks in “Mary Poppins,” takes on the role of Roxie Hart. The celebrated Anthony Warlow steps into the shoes of lawyer Billy Flynn, bringing his extensive Broadway and Australian stage experience. Comedy legend Peter Rowsthorn joins the cast as Amos, Roxie’s husband, adding a touch of humor to the ensemble.

When: From 9 June 2024 Where: Capitol Theatre

Trophy Boys

A new Australian play by Soft Tread, Trophy Boys is a queer black comedy and drag extravaganza about power, privilege, and high school debating. 

Using a winning combination of satire and camp, it interrogates the well-documented toxic masculinity, misogyny and homophobia of our elite private boys’ schools, and their prevalence in the backgrounds of those holding the highest offices in the country.

When: 19 June – 7 July 2024 Where: Seymour Centre

Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures

Join Mickey Mouse and his friends for Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures, a thrilling journey filled with iconic Disney destinations. Follow Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy as they embark on an interactive adventure, from the rooftops of London with Mary Poppins to the sun-soaked Motunui with Moana.

Safari through the Pride Lands with Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa, then soar into a whole new world with Aladdin and Jasmine. Join Woody and Bo Peep in a comedic carnival, and sing along to beloved Disney tunes with Mickey and pals. Expect surprises and up-close character interaction at this unforgettable event in Sydney!

When: 17-21 July Where: Qudos Bank Arena

THIS IS WILD!

Bob The Drag Queen, celebrated for his victory in season 8 of RuPaul’s Drag Race and acclaimed work on HBO’s We’re Here, is bringing his first headline stand-up comedy world tour, THIS IS WILD!, to Australia.

Fresh off guest starring on Madonna’s The Celebration Tour, Bob, a Peabody and GLAAD Media Award winner, is set to engage Australian audiences with his dynamic blend of humor, storytelling, and performance art.

When: Friday 19 July Where: Sydney, Darling Harbour Theatre

Horizon – Bangarra Dance Theatre 

In an innovative cross-cultural collaboration, “Horizon” emerges as a groundbreaking performance, blending the talents of leading Māori choreographer Moss Te Ururangi Patterson and esteemed Bangarra alumna Deborah Brown.

This new work, performed by an award-winning ensemble, weaves together stories from their native lands, exploring themes of homecoming and the enduring spirit of two of the world’s great First Nations.

“Horizon” invites audiences to witness the resilience and beauty of these cultures, set in a sacred realm where earth meets sky and new light is born.

When: 12 June-13 July 2024 Where: Sydney Opera House l More details

Archibald, Wynne, and Sulman Prizes

The Archibald Prize is awarded to the best portrait, the Wynne Prize goes to the best Australian Landscape or figure sculpture, and the Sulman is awarded to the best mural project, genre, or subject painting.

Along with the official prize the team in the packing room vote for their favourite as do the public. If you can visit on a week day it’s usually a much more relaxed experience.

When : May to Sept 2024 Where : Art Gallery of NSW

National Indigenous Art Fair

Enjoy a vibrant program of live Indigenous music and dance performances for adults’ and children’s artwork from remote ethical art centres across the country. More than 25 Blak Markets stallholders from around NSW sell art, jewellery, gifts, homewares, and Indigenous bush food and plants.

When : Saturday 29 – Sunday 30 June 2024 Where: Circular Quay, The Rocks NSW l Full guide here

Presented by REVEL, the team behind cult wine event Pinot Palooza in collaboration with Nick Haddow of Bruny Island Cheese Co. and Dairy Australia, MOULD will see Australia’s best cheese makers and more come together for tastings, conversations, demonstrations, and plenty of drinks.

Mould – A Cheese Festival celebrates the crumbly cheddar, gooey Camembert, and bitey blue by the best artisan producers from across the country. There is a great range of hand-picked wine, beer, cider, sake, and nibbles for you to enjoy between cheese tastes and to take home.

When : 26 July 2024 Where : Carriageworks, BAY 22-24 Tickets : $40.

Tuff Nutterz Sydney

Australia’s largest inflatable obstacle course promises a fun-filled event suitable for all ages. No need to worry about age restrictions – all are welcome to join in the excitement. Parents with children under 5 receive a complimentary accompanying ticket.

Navigate through climbing walls, slides, and more, as you race to the finish line with family and friends.

When : 11 July 2024 to Sunday 21 July 2024 Where : Centennial Park Tickets : $40.

Yulefest in the Blue Mountains

We may not get a nice traditional white Christmas in December in Oz but that just means we get two Christmases. Since 1980 the villages of the Blue Mountains have spread yuletide cheer across the region.

Check out the following hotels who offer Christmas in July dinners and packages:

• The Fairmont
• The Carrington Hotel
• Hotel Mountain Heritage
• Hydro Majestic Hotel
• Victoria and Albert Guesthouse

Where : Various hotels across the Blue Mountains When : Throughout July

Winterfest Camden

Get ready for an amazing event that offers a jam-packed program over a massive three days The Winter Wonderland has fun for the entire family with winter-themed activities and entertainment every day.

When : 7-9 July 2024 Where : Onslow Oval Cawdor Road, Camden

Bundanoon Winterfest

Picture a lovely little village in the Southern Highlands brimming with charm, throw in an array of fun with workshops and a street party, and you’ve got a colourful weekend the whole family will enjoy. That’s Winterfest in Bundanoon and it’s just 2hrs from Sydney, making it a great escape from the big smoke.

When : 5-7 July 2024 Where : Cnr Church St & Railway Ave, Bundanoon For more details, check their website .

Kiama Winter Festival

Six days of school holiday fun, centered around an authentic ice rink on our beautiful foreshore, with themed nights, igloos, a pop-up bar, delicious food, illumination experiences, entertainment and more!

When : 2024 TBC Where : Harbour Foreshore, Kiama

Have you got questions about any of these things to do in Sydney in July? Pop over to our  Facebook group  and we would be happy to help.

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