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)

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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)

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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)

The Southern Highlands earns its title as Australia’s top country town in the cooler months, and it’s worth every minute of the 90-minute drive from Sydney.

Many Sydneysiders head to the Southern Highlands in spring for the tulips. It’s one of the most stunning spring carnivals in Australia. But the ones in the know come to Bowral in winter.

The first thing you notice at this time of year is the quality of the light. It catches the tangled limbs of the gums and tints the fields, farms and forests a pretty shade of Granny Smith green. And then, a world-class art museum, an impressive network of walking trails, great shops, cosy restaurants and bars and luxury accommodation take centre stage, making Bowral a place you want to linger as the mercury drops.

Just 90 minutes south of Sydney, a Bowral winter getaway is the coolcation city folk desperately need. Here are eight reasons to pack a good coat and head for the Southern Highlands.

1. Check in

aerial of Ardour Milton Park Bowral in winter — Check in to the gorgeous Ardour Milton Park Bowral. (Credit: Destination NSW)

Ardour Milton Park Bowral rises like a hologram in the hazy green light as you turn onto Horderns Road. A $10 million refurbishment of the grand 1910 estate was completed in early 2026, and the beautifully restored hotel now includes 44 guest rooms washed in sage green, cobalt blue and dusty blush. The dining room at Horderns Restaurant continues with a botanical theme – earthy banquettes, floral touches throughout – and a menu that moves with the seasons.

After enjoying slow-braised Cowra lamb and a second glass of red, move to the Polo Bar, which has a fireplace and views across the estate gardens. Build a grazing board from the dedicated Charcuterie Room and take it outside while the light lasts. If the sky clouds over, use this as your cue to enjoy a next-level spa experience at Èliva.

2. Hunt for treasure

couple exploring Dirty Janes bowral — Find vintage treasures in Dirty Janes. (Credit: Destination NSW)

Winter is the perfect season to lose an afternoon inside Dirty Janes Bowral. Over 1600 square metres of covered space houses 90 individual sellers of everything from mid-century furniture to industrial lighting, antique silverware, vintage clothing and objects whose previous lives you can only imagine. Enjoy a bit of off-the-cuff banter with your fellow fossickers in between searching for that must-have military jacket or vintage silk scarf.

Around the corner, find the Instagram-famous front door of FoundAntiques, though the real finds are deeper inside. Bring cash, wear comfortable shoes and leave some room in the boot.

3. Slow down in a beautiful gallery

kids posing with donald bradman statue in bowral's The Bradman Museum — Learn about an Aussie legend at The Bradman Museum. (Credit: Destination NSW)

Ngununggula – meaning ’belonging’ in the language of the Gundungurra First Nations people – is the region’s first dedicated regional gallery, housed inside the sustainably transformed old dairy building at historic Retford Park. The onsite White Cottage Gallery and restored grounds of the former Fairfax estate reward a slow wander. Find a spot to sit in the courtyard filled with rivulets of winter light and enjoy the plaintive call of a currawong carrying across the heritage-listed grounds. It’s one of the best things to do in Bowral.

Add Bowral Honey Farm for a hands-on harvest experience, then continue into town to the Milk Factory Gallery to admire eclectic works by local artists in a converted industrial space. The Bradman Museum also knocks it out of the park. Australia’s largest dedicated cricket museum sits beside the heritage-listed Bradman Oval, where a young Sir Donald Bradman first picked up a bat.

4. A taste of France

table spread at Lucette bowral — Enjoy a taste of France at Lucette.

For a taste of France without the airfare, husband-and-wife team Julien and Romy Besnard – of long-loved Franquette Crêperie – have opened Lucette, a French cafe-bistro with Paris-born chef Guillaume Dubois at the helm. Dubois brings serious pedigree from Michelin-starred kitchens in France and Sydney’s former two-hatted Monopole, and it shows. Start your day with pastries for breakfast and bookend it with boeuf bourguignon for dinner. The chocolate mousse, freckled with Guerande Salt, is the kind of dish that will make you feel smug about the decision to drive south. Join the Sydneysiders dressed in charcoal coats, boots and black tights who’ve already worked this out; the whole scene is worthy of splicing it into an Instagram reel.

Francophiles should also be across Julien’s Bowral Brasserie – led by Frenchman Julien Viel, who also found his way to the Southern Highlands and stayed.

5. Indulge in a tipple

Centennial Vineyards bowral in winter — Spend time amongst the local vines. (Credit: Destination NSW)

The drive to Centennial Vineyards passes through a beautiful woodland idyll, the countryside a fuzz of green all around. Inside the Barrel Room, a tasting flight of cool-climate pinot noir, chardonnay and reserve shiraz viognier flaunts how well the Southern Highlands does winter.

This is a region that takes its cool-climate wines seriously, and the pinot noir is one of the stars – a gentle, easy-drinking style with red cherry aromas. Follow your tutored cellar door tasting with another glass of wine in the Terrace Bar, which overlooks the vineyard and manicured grounds.

6. Blend your own gin

Millsheds Distillery & Bar is somewhat of a local secret. The award-winning small-batch operation produces gin, vodka and liqueurs using Australian botanicals and has picked up silver medals at both the London Spirits Competition and International Wine & Spirit Competition. Beyond the tasting paddle, the hands-on blending masterclass – where you design and leave with two bottles of your own custom gin – is the experience to book, while the terrace bar that wraps around the courtyard is a fine place to settle in afterwards.

7. Go for a walk at dawn

Switch your phone off sleep mode and set your alarm to early. Mt Gibraltar rises to 864 metres just east of Bowral’s main street and offers the best views in town. You will pass a raggle-taggle bunch of hikers on the way up to the summit, all making the same quiet pilgrimage into the crisp high-altitude air. On a clear morning, the bony ridges of the ranges come into sharp relief against the light. The return loop takes roughly 90 minutes. A flat white in Bowral tastes considerably better after completing one of the scenic walking trails.

8. Cosy up by the fireplace

A cosy bar is the perfect complement to winter in Bowral, and there are a few worth committing to. Aspinalls Whisky Bar & Lounge at the Berida Hotel is built for long, languorous evenings. Take a seat beside the fireplace laden with gnarled logs and work your way through a few whiskies and bar bites like Rangers Valley beef tartare, or salt cod and potato croquettes.

At Hickory’s within Peppers Craigieburn, well-dressed waiters in denim and leather move quietly between tables, and the cosy fireplace in the adjoining guest lounge attracts an Escape to the Country crowd.

Start planning your Bowral escape at visitsouthernhighlands.com.au.

15 annual Sydney events not to be missed

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

1. Vivid Sydney

2. Sydney Royal Easter Show

3. Sydney Festival

4. Sydney Writers Festival

5. Moonlight Cinema Sydney

6. Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

7. Sculpture by the Sea

8. Sydney Marathon

9. City2Surf

10. Sydney Film Festival

11. Sydney Comedy Festival

12. Biennale of Sydney

13. Westpac OpenAir Cinema

14. Sydney Fringe Festival

15. Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival

A local’s guide to the new Sydney Fish Market

Iconic North Sydney pool to reopen this August after five years

IKEA is offering a designer stay in Sydney for just $19.95 a night

A four-level dining venue with dazzling views just opened on Sydney Harbour

Art, wine & fireplaces: 8 reasons Bowral is the ultimate winter getaway

The Southern Highlands earns its title as Australia’s top country town in the cooler months, and it’s worth every minute of the 90-minute drive from Sydney.

1. Check in

2. Hunt for treasure

3. Slow down in a beautiful gallery

4. A taste of France

5. Indulge in a tipple

6. Blend your own gin

7. Go for a walk at dawn

8. Cosy up by the fireplace

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

1. Vivid Sydney

2. Sydney Royal Easter Show

3. Sydney Festival

4. Sydney Writers Festival

AI Prompt

5. Moonlight Cinema Sydney

6. Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

7. Sculpture by the Sea

8. Sydney Marathon

9. City2Surf

10. Sydney Film Festival

11. Sydney Comedy Festival

12. Biennale of Sydney

13. Westpac OpenAir Cinema

14. Sydney Fringe Festival

15. Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival

A local’s guide to the new Sydney Fish Market

Iconic North Sydney pool to reopen this August after five years

IKEA is offering a designer stay in Sydney for just $19.95 a night

A four-level dining venue with dazzling views just opened on Sydney Harbour

The Southern Highlands earns its title as Australia’s top country town in the cooler months, and it’s worth every minute of the 90-minute drive from Sydney.

1. Check in

2. Hunt for treasure

3. Slow down in a beautiful gallery

4. A taste of France

5. Indulge in a tipple

6. Blend your own gin

7. Go for a walk at dawn

8. Cosy up by the fireplace