Stay up-to-date with the latest events, activities, and happenings in Sydney and its surrounding areas. This guide will help you find exciting things to do and make the most of your time in the region.
Information Sources
General Events and Activities
- Concrete Playground
- Timeout Sydney
- What’s On Sydney City
- Weekend Notes
- Urban List
- Ace Hotel’s recommendations
Specific Interests
- Resident Advisor (for parties and music events)
- Art Almanac (for art exhibitions and events)
Community Recommendations
- Sydney subreddit for local tips and recommendations
Annual Events and Festivals in Sydney
- Vivid Sydney (May-June): Festival of light, music, and ideas
- Sydney Festival (January): Summer celebration of arts and culture
- Sydney Film Festival (June): Showcasing the best in cinema from Australia and around the world
- Sculpture by the Sea (October-November): Outdoor sculpture exhibition along the Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk
- Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (February-March): LGBTQ+ pride festival and parade
- Sydney Royal Easter Show (April): Agricultural show and fair
- Sydney Writers’ Festival (May): Celebration of literature and ideas
- Good Food Month (October): Food and wine festival featuring special events and offers at restaurants across the city
Events in Surrounding Areas
Blue Mountains
- Blue Mountains Music Festival (March): Three-day folk, roots, and blues festival in Katoomba
- Winter Magic Festival (June): Midwinter celebration in Katoomba with street performances, market stalls, and parades
- Leura Gardens Festival (October): Annual showcase of beautiful private gardens in Leura
- Blue Mountains Yulefest (June-August): Christmas in July celebrations across various venues
Hunter Valley
- Hunter Valley Wine and Food Festival (May-June): Two-month celebration of the region’s wines and local produce
- Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular (November-January): Largest light display in the Southern Hemisphere
- Lovedale Long Lunch (May): Progressive lunch through Lovedale’s wineries
- Hunter Valley Balloon Fiesta (October): Hot air balloon festival with mass ascensions and night glows
Seasonal Activities
- Whale Watching tours (May to November): Various operators from Sydney Harbour
- Christmas Lights and decorations (December): Various locations around Sydney
- New Year’s Eve Fireworks (December 31): Spectacular display over Sydney Harbour
- Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race (starts December 26): Watch the start of the race from vantage points around the harbour
- Blue Mountains Autumn Foliage (March to May): Stunning fall colors in the mountains
- Hunter Valley Grape Harvest (January-April): Witness the wine-making process and participate in harvest activities
Ongoing Attractions
- Museum exhibitions: Check individual museum websites for current and upcoming exhibitions
- Theatre and Performing Arts: Check venues like the Sydney Opera House, Capitol Theatre, and Sydney Theatre Company for current shows
- Markets: Various weekend markets around Sydney, including Paddington Markets, The Rocks Markets, and Glebe Markets
- Sports Events: Check schedules for cricket at the SCG, rugby at Stadium Australia, and other sporting events
- Scenic World: Year-round attraction with the world’s steepest railway and scenic cableway
- Wine Tasting: Cellar door experiences available year-round at various Hunter Valley Wineries
Remember to check these sources regularly, as events and activities in Sydney and its surrounds are always changing. Many of these events can be great additions to your Outings and offer unique Experiences in and around Sydney.
When planning your activities, consider combining them with visits to nearby Nature spots or wildlife experiences. For ideas on day trips or weekend getaways that coincide with these events, check out the Outings page.
Related: Experiences, Outings, Nature, Animals, Museums, Nightlife, Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley