15 Annual Sydney Events To Put On Your Calendar Now

Get your culture fix with our tried-and-tested guide to the best Sydney events.

Is it just us or do some of our most cherished holiday memories involve stumbling upon a local festival? Gathering a community to celebrate extraordinary feats feels as though your adventure is wholly embracing you. Using our ultimate guide to the best Sydney events, uncover the city’s finest dining experiences, coastal hikes, world-famous icons and more alongside like-minded culture vultures to help you create invaluable memories.

1. Vivid Sydney

The magical festival of light, music and ideas transforms several Sydney locales, particularly Circular Quay, The Rocks and the city’s CBD, into fields of rainbow-illuminated interactions. Vivid Sydney showcases a string of highlights guaranteed to be outshone every year moving forward as its ever-evolving line-up attracts the world’s leading visionaries and artists.

Eco, Vivid Sydney 2023 at the clock tower, Central Station — The city lights up every year during Vivid Sydney. (Image: Destination NSW)

Staged annually during winter, Vivid Sydney is one of the largest Sydney events, luring 3.28 million rugged-up visitors in 2023, and encompasses free live music, immersive artworks, conversations with industry heavyweights and one-of-a-kind feasts in addition to the light walks that first put the festival on a global map.

Dark Spectrum, Vivid Sydney 2023, Wynyard Station — Wynyard Station transformed during Vivid Sydney 2023. (Image: Destination NSW)

Expect spectacular after-dark scenery in Barangaroo, Sydney’s inner west, Central Station and beyond in the coming years. Its 2024 dates have been announced so pencil May 24 to June 15 into your calendar.

Written In The Stars drone show lights up during VividSydney 2023 — A drone show lights up above the harbour at night. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Sydney Royal Easter Show

Dagwood Dogs, neon-printed show bags, award-winning produce, woodchopping showdowns — who can resist the charms of the Sydney Royal Easter Show ? Staged at Sydney Showground at Sydney Olympic Park, the family-friendly festival is the country’s largest ticketed event and attracts almost one million visitors every year.

an aerial view overlooking the 2019 Royal Easter Show at theSydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park — The Royal Easter Show Sydney is a must-do family-friendly event. (Image: Destination NSW)

A celebration of all things Australian, the Sydney event sticks to a consistent program, ensuring farmyard animals, carnival rides and arcade games, growers’ stalls, agricultural displays that double as artworks, fireworks, Easter egg hunts (naturally) and more are guaranteed their spot every year. The Sydney event runs during the Easter school holiday break and over the Easter weekend, locking in March 22 to April 2 in 2024, but be sure to check its website for future dates.

carnival rides at the Royal Easter Show, Sydney — Enjoy carnival rides at the Royal Easter Show. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Sydney Festival

The city’s biggest arts festival draws some of the world’s most exceptional performers and creators, sending an enormous jolt of energy into Sydney annually. Sydney Festival , a celebration of this incredible city, is staged at venues right across the city spanning the most iconic theatres to hard-to-find basements and alleys.

cabaret queen Victoria Falconer performing at the Smashed: The Brunch Party, Sydney Festival — Cabaret queen Victoria Falconer performs at the Sydney Festival in Smashed: The Brunch Party. (Image: Jacquie Manning)

Held in the first weeks of January with the 2024 season running from January 5 to 28, the Sydney event has attracted musical greats including Grace Jones, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Al Green in his first-ever Australian show, Paul Kelly and Bjork in the past, as well as innovators and artists shattering glass ceilings right across the globe.

a Cupid Koi Garden at Sydney Festival — Koi fish were the inspiration behind this colourful interactive playground. (Image: Yaya Stempler)

4. Sydney Writers Festival

Celebrating the world’s most extraordinary literary talents and achievements, the Sydney Writers Festival has gathered book lovers annually since 1997. Showcasing prolific poets, authors, journalists, intellectuals, scientists, podcasters and more, the Sydney event features inspiring conversations and panel discussions, live readings, debates and performances right across the city.

the exterior of Carriageworks in Eveleigh — Head to Carriageworks in Eveleigh for the Sydney Writers Festival. (Image: Taylah Darnell)

Its 2024 dates have been locked in so keep May 20 to 26 free to attend scheduled events spanning the State Library of NSW, Sydney Town Hall, Carriageworks in Eveleigh, the Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo and beyond. The festival is staged annually around May.

a panel discussion during the Sydney Writers Festival — Join inspiring conversations and panel discussions at the Sydney Writers Festival. (Image: Taylah Darnell)

5. Moonlight Cinema Sydney

You know summer is around the corner when the Moonlight Cinema Sydney releases its annual film program. Staged at the beginning of summer each year, the picnic-friendly festival runs for about four months before its annual hibernation. Located at Centennial Park in the city’s eastern suburbs, the Sydney event screens Australian premieres, new releases and much-loved classics, switching the projector on just as the sun sets each evening. Do indeed bring your own dinner and drinks but if you’re without, there’s a well-stocked kitchen and bar selling supplies as soon as the gates open.

the outdoor Moonlight Cinema at BelvedereAmphitheatre, Centennial Park, Sydney — Sink into the bean bags at Moonlight outdoor cinema. (Image: Destination NSW; Centennial Parklands)

6. Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

Drag out your glitziest sequins because the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is a party like no other. The annual Sydney event celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community and just general creative expression in spectacular style, scheduling more than two weeks of events throughout the city in the first quarter of each year.

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2019, Sydney — Hundreds of thousands of revellers join the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. (Image: Jeffrey Feng)

In 2024 it will run from February 16 to March 3, culminating in the iconic Mardi Gras Parade where more than 200 floats crawl Oxford Street, Flinders Street and Anzac Parade to spread the love. Other highlights include the Bondi Beach Party as thousands flock to the sand to dance like nobody’s watching to world-class DJs and musical acts, as well as Laugh Out Proud, an annual comedy night that draws consistently rave reviews.

a huge LGBTQI+ flag at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade — Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is the biggest night on the LGBTQI+ calendar. (Image: Steven Yee)

7. Sculpture by the Sea

Like the stretch from Bondi to Tamarama wasn’t pretty enough. Sculpture by the Sea , an annual Sydney event held along the beaches’ famed coastal walk, invites some of the world’s most adventurous artworks to accentuate glorious ocean vistas.

Sculpture by the Sea 2018, Bondi to Tamarama, Sydney — Horizon by artist Mu Boyan. (Image: Ross Duggan)

Held in the fourth quarter of the year, with 2024’s dates confirmed as October 18 to November 4, the festival of coastal creativity transforms the well-trodden path and its clifftop surroundings into a two-kilometre sculpture park where more than 100 artists flaunt their skills. Expect magnificent tributes to Australia’s natural beauty, plus tongue-in-cheek masterstrokes to light up every Insta feed.

8. Sydney Marathon

Runners of all descriptions are invited to get sweaty every September in the Sydney Marathon , designed for everyone from amateurs to the elite.

participants run across the Sydney Harbour Bridge during the Sydney Marathon — Participants race across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. (Image: Destination NSW)

The Sydney event starts in Bradfield Park in Milsons Point and is split into four separate trails with two of them ending at the Sydney Opera House. But whichever marathon you choose, expect to be running alongside thousands of participants from more than 66 countries.

Sydney Marathon participants running with views of the Sydney Opera House — Take in views of the Sydney Opera House while running. (Image: Destination NSW)

9. City2Surf

Keep those trainers on as the City2Surf provides yet another outstanding annual running event in Sydney. A fun run that stretches out across 14 kilometres, it tracks Sydney’s CBD to Bondi Beach, up Heartbreak Hill, a steep bit of New South Head Road between Rose Bay and Vaucluse, and past some iconic attractions. Staged in August each year, the Sydney event lures approximately 85,000 participants from around the world and is considered one of the greatest running events globally.

10. Sydney Film Festival

Yes, it’s a competition but the real winners of the Sydney Film Festival are the cinema lovers who get to experience the annual event’s stellar curation. Staged in June each year, the Sydney event gathers the world’s most thrilling new films and screens them right across the city, peppering them with invaluable conversations between the film’s creators and audiences in addition to glamorous red carpet premieres.

the opening night at State Theatre Sydne — Crowds flock to the State Theatre Sydney for opening night of the annual film festival. (Image: Tim Levy)

Expect to catch the program at the festival’s flagship venue, the State Theatre in Sydney’s CBD, as well as cinemas in the inner west, north shore, western Sydney and eastern suburbs.

the opening night of the State Sydney Film Festival — Take your pick of flicks from the annual stellar curation of films. (Image: Tim Levy)

11. Sydney Comedy Festival

What was once The Cracker Sydney Comedy Festival is now the much-adored Sydney Comedy Festival , a Sydney event staged annually in April and May.

people entering Enmore Theatre for Sydney Comedy Festival — Be first in the line at the Enmore Theatre for the Sydney Comedy Festival.

Bringing the belly laughs to venues including the Sydney Opera House, Newtown’s Enmore Theatre, Paramatta’s Riverside Theatre, Chatswood’s The Concourse and the Southerland Shire’s The Pavilion Performing Arts Centre, the festival unites the world’s cleverest comedic performers, providing incredible exposure to Australia’s emerging talents. Expect delights to span every genre from sketch and satire to children’s comedy and magic.

colourful staging at the Sydney Comedy Festival — Whimsical performances at the Sydney Comedy Festival will delight.

12. Biennale of Sydney

Launched in 1973 as a platform for the world’s most thought-provoking art and creative expression, the Biennale of Sydney is a biannual contemporary art event staged across several of the best Sydney art galleries and Sydney museums.

installation view of the 19th Biennale of Sydney (2014) at the Museumof Contemporary Art Australia — The Biennale of Sydney takes place at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia. (Image: Destination NSW)

It runs for roughly three months once every two years, bringing together some of the world’s most innovative, boundary-pushing creatives to showcase their talent and lead discussions within the community. Expect to be surrounded by the city’s most culturally savvy, all thirsty to soak up the truly original craftsmanship on display.

Ten Thousand Suns, 24th Biennale of Sydney 2024 — Ten Thousand Suns at Biennale of Sydney, 2024. (Image: Document Photography)

13. Westpac OpenAir Cinema

For a little over one month every year, the Sydney Harbour skyline is slightly reimagined to welcome Westpac OpenAir Cinema and its enormous, suspended screen at Mrs Macquarie’s Point in the Royal Botanic Garden. For its location alone, the Sydney event is extremely popular, drawing thick crowds to each of its evening sessions staged between January and February.

people seated at the the Westpac OpenAir Cinema — Enjoy an al fresco evening filled with world-class views and entertainment at the Westpac OpenAir Cinema. (Image: Fiora Sacco)

Cinematic heavyweights are regularly drawn to celebrate the premiere of the season’s hottest new releases and much-loved classics are also screened. The seated venue, and it’s first in best dressed for general admission, also features multiple eateries and bars so it’s a dream al fresco option if you can catch a highly sought-after ticket.

people enjoying drinks at the Westpac OpenAir Cinema — Chill with drinks harbourside before the show. (Image: Nikki To)

14. Sydney Fringe Festival

September marks the beginning of spring but nothing awakes Sydneysiders like the Sydney Fringe Festival , staged every September in the Harbour City. Celebrating emerging creative talents, the Sydney event is NSW’s largest independent arts festival, encompassing more than 450 events across 70+ venues.

cultural performances at Caribe Carnaval, Sydney Fringe Festival — Don’t miss Caribe Carnaval’s cultural performances at the Sydney Fringe Festival.

Whatever your poison, whether it’s comedy, theatre, music, visual arts, burlesque or any other form of artistic self-expression, there’s a performance with your name on it as envelopes are pushed into other stratospheres everywhere you look.

the circus show at Sydney Fringe Festival — Witness heart-stopping acts at the Circus Show. (Image: Mali Cohen)

15. Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival

Soak up a picture-perfect slice of Japan right here in Sydney’s Auburn Botanic Gardens. The Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival is a ridiculously photogenic Sydney event that attracts nature lovers every August when the wonderous plant species bloom in full force.

cherry blossoms in full bloom for Spring at the AuburnBotanic Gardens, Sydney — See Cherry Blossoms in full bloom at Auburn Botanic Gardens. (Image: Destination NSW)

To accompany such vivid beauty, Japanese food stalls and traditional theatrical and musical performances are staged. It’s the closest you’ll get to Mount Yoshino’s famed pink flora without forking out for a plane ticket.

the Cherry Blossom Festival inAuburn Botanic Gardens, Sydney — Experience a taste of Japan in Sydney. (Image: Destination NSW)

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire — Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire — The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire — Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney. — Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade — Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

15 annual Sydney events not to be missed