This weekend in Sydney is all about festive fun, Christmas Markets, surf shows and huge artists. Sign us up.
I’ll be getting in the festive spirit at one of Sydney’s Christmas Markets, which includes the annual highly anticipated Good Food and Wine Show, as well as the brand new Heart of Randwick Christmas Market. Outdoor enthusiasts like myself can enjoy the open-air cinema at Bondi Pavilion, or do something a bit different and attend a free skateboarding workshop at Carriageworks. Iconic Aussie trio Rüfüs Du Sol will be performing a huge show at Qudos Bank Arena, which is guaranteed to be extra special as they play on their home turf. My final tip for a great Sydney weekend? Make sure you catch Phar Lap: The Musical before it leaves the Hayes Theatre in Potts Point (it’s comedy gold).
Sydney Staples
1. Good Food and Wine Show: Christmas Market
The Good Food and Wine Show is bringing the magic of the festive season to Sydney with their special Christmas Market edition. Over 150 producers will flock to the ICC to showcase the best in artisan food, wine and curated products for gifting and styling. With just over a month until Christmas, the Good Food and Wine Show is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit and start ticking off your gift list for friends and family. Grab 50% off your ticket now with their Black Friday deal (click here to claim).
Where: ICC, 14 Darling Dr, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: November 21-23, 2025.
Price: From $17.50 for a flexi general admission ticket.
2. Sunset Cinema at Bondi Pavilion
You know it’s summer when Sydney starts hosting outdoor cinemas across the city. Set right next to one of the most famous beaches in the world, the Sunset Cinema series at Bondi will show family favourite classics like Love Actually, Mamma Mia! and Hook, as well as new releases Regretting You, Freakier Friday and even the highly-anticipated Wicked: For Good. Celebrating a special occasion? Treat yourself to a VIP experience in the Fever-Tree Lounge. Get front-row seats with premium Bean Loungers and bottomless popcorn, plus a complimentary G&T or Fever-Tree soda.
The Sunset Cinema opens this Thursday— click here to see the full program and to book your tickets. This weekend, they’ll be showing Freakier Friday, One Battle After Another and Good Fortune.
Where: Dolphin Court, Bondi Beach.
When: November 13 to December 20.
Price: Children’s tickets cost $16, adult cost $29.
3. Skate of Mind at Carriageworks
This weekend, Carriageworks will transform into a skater’s playground, bringing a half pipe, pro demonstrations and open skateboarding sessions for all to the precinct. Led by a team of pro skateboarders, Skate of Mind is perfect for ages six and older, from first-timers eager to learn to seasoned shredders. The event is free, and spectators are welcome to roll right in; however, registration is recommended for workshop spots.
You can register for Skate of Mind here.
Where: 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh NSW 2015.
When: November 22, 10am-2pm.
Price: Free.
4. Lifeline Surf Classic 2025
The Lifeline Surf Classic is a community day of waves, connection and purpose, raising vital funds for Lifeline Northern Beaches. Head down to Queenscliff Beach (at the northern end of popular Manly Beach), support local businesses and cheer on the teams competing. Teams of four, made up of surfers of all ages and abilities, will compete in a tag-team style format, with each team selecting a pro surfer to join their lineup. Celebrate your Sunday with wholesome fun in the Northern Beaches and check out some of the best surfers in Sydney.
Where: Queenscliff Beach (northern end of Manly Beach).
When: November 23, 8am-12pm.
Price: Free to watch.
Markets and shopping
5. Barangaroo Markets
A brand new market launches in Barangaroo this Friday, designed for those who want to wrap up their work week the right way. The markets will take place every third Friday of the month, through to February, offering an array of stalls from international cuisine, jewellery and fashion, candles, homeware, matcha, gelato and more. Head down to Waterman’s Cove and enjoy harbourside views as you wander the markets.
Where: Near Watermans Cove, Barangaroo.
When: Friday, November 21, 10am-4pm.
Price: Free entry.
6. Double Bay Christmas Markets
We argue that it’s never too early for Christmas festivities, and the Double Bay Christmas Festival agrees, with a magical community celebration set for November 23 at Steyne Park. The vibrant Christmas marketplace will feature over 100 stalls, offering everything from artisan gifts, festive homewares and fashion, to gourmet food and Christmas treats. It’s the perfect place to get started on your Christmas shopping, and with a full stage program as well as carol singers in the park, it’s guaranteed to get you in a festive mood.
Where: Steyne Park, 2 William St, Double Bay NSW 2028.
When: Sunday, November 23, 12-8pm.
Price: Free entry.
7. Heart of Randwick Christmas Market
Embrace Christmas joy at the Heart of Randwick Christmas Market this weekend, an exciting twilight event offering a carefully curated selection of stalls just ahead of the festive season. Expect unique Christmas gifts and decorations, fashion, jewellery and accessories, toys and children’s gifts, plus delicious street food and sweet treats. There will also be plenty of festive entertainment, a buzzing community atmosphere, and opportunities to enjoy the evening with family and friends.
Where: The Heritage Quarter, Corner of Avoca and High Street, Randwick.
When: Friday, November 21, 3pm-9pm.
Price: Free entry.
What’s on in Theatre
8. LAST CHANCE: Phar Lap: The Electro-Swing Musical
The Sydney Fringe Festival may be over; however, wacky and wonderful theatre is here to stay. Enter Phar Lap: The Electro-Swing Musical. Written by award-winning music director and composer Steven Kramer, this comedy explores the life of Phar Lap, Australia’s most famous racehorse, in what Kramer calls “the true underdog story”.
Kramer is on a mission to prove that Australia doesn’t need to rely on theatre imports — he wrote Phar Lap: The Musical as proof that Aussie theatre can stand proudly on its own. Independent venue Hayes Theatre in Potts Point hosted the debut of the new musical comedy last week, with Joel Granger taking on the role of Phar Lap. Audiences may recognise Granger from Australian productions of The Book of Mormon, Hairspray and West Side Story. He also recently starred as Benny Southstreet alongside Cody Simpson in Guys and Dolls with Opera Australia, proving that while the venue may be intimate, the talent is top-tier.
Where: Hayes Theatre, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point.
When: October 17-November 22.
Price: From $60 per person.
9. Back to the Future: The Musical
When it opened in London, Back to the Future: The Musical quickly became a success story, scooping up the Best New Musical award at the Laurence Olivier and What’s On Stage awards. It also swiftly transferred to Broadway. Now, the musical is dazzling Sydneysiders at the Lyric Theatre, with breathtaking visuals and a real flying DeLorean.
The exciting cast lineup includes Tony Award-winning actor Roger Bart, who will reprise the role of Doc Brown, having impressed audiences in both the West End and Broadway. Starring opposite him as Marty McFly will be Axel Duffy, a rising star from Brisbane. You can read our review of the new production here.
When: Friday, September 26, until Sunday, December 28, 2025.
Where: Sydney Lyric Theatre, 55 Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont NSW 2009
Price: From $89.
10. The Book of Mormon
Regarded by many as one of the funniest (and most outrageous) musicals of all time, The Book of Mormon was written by the masterminds behind South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone. The musical tells the story of two young missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: “perfect” Elder Kevin Price and socially-awkward Elder Arnold Cunningham.
Kevin hopes his mission will take him to sunny Orlando, Florida, but instead, the mismatched pair are sent to a remote village in Uganda. The result is chaos, comedy and a lot of outrageous satire. We won’t spoil the show, but if you want to find out more, read our review here.
When: Showing until Sunday, November 30, 2025.
Where: Capitol Theatre, 13 Campbell Street, Haymarket NSW 2000.
Tickets: From $69 per person.
READ MORE: The Book of Mormon is back in Sydney — here’s everything you need to know
Gigs and Concerts
11. RÜFÜS DU SOL at Qudos Bank Arena
Sydneysiders RÜFÜS DU SOL have made a huge name for themselves in the electronic music scene, currently riding high on the success of their fifth album, Inhale/ Exhale. They’ll be performing at the Qudos Bank Arena this November 20 to November 22, bringing their genre-defining live show back home. Tickets are still available to see the Grammy award-winning three-piece, who are sure to perform fan favourites including On My Knees and Innerbloom.
Where: Qudos Bank Arena, 19 Edwin Flack Ave, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127.
When: Thursday 20, Friday 21 & Saturday 22 November at 8pm.
Price: From $102.72.
12. BANKS at Enmore Theatre
The Enmore Theatre’s stellar lineup continues, with magnetic singer-songwriter BANKS set to take to the stage this Friday. BANKS’ Australian tour comes hot on the heels of her latest studio album, Off With Her Head, which was released in February 2025. Featuring guest appearances from global superstars like Sampha and Doechii, the album marks a creative high for the talented singer and producer, whose artistry is admired globally.
Where: 118-132 Enmore Rd, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Friday, November 21, doors open 7pm.
Price: From $89.90.
13. Cosmic Celebrations by ACE
Arts & Cultural Exchange Parramatta will celebrate its 40th anniversary on Saturday with Cosmic Connections, a major gala event showcasing 29 artists across its five program pillars: First Nations, Multicultural Women’s Hub, Youth Engagement, Artists with Disability and Screen Cultures. The event promises an inspiring night of culture, creativity and community, with performances running from 4pm until 8:45pm, featuring DJ Mason Browne, Patrick Li and Elina Roberts-Turner. Audiences can look forward to a night of captivating performances, bold visuals, and heartfelt storytelling, celebrating one of Sydney’s biggest independent arts organisations.
Where: ACE Parramatta, 8 Victoria Rd, Parramatta NSW 2150.
When: Saturday, November 22, 4pm-10pm.
Price: General admission is $25.
Art Exhibitions and Galleries
14. Ocean Photographer of the Year Exhibition
The premier exhibition of the Ocean Photographer of the Year opened at the Australian National Maritime Museum last week, showcasing a striking collection of winning and finalist images from over 15,000 global entries. Featuring 112 breathtaking images that celebrate our ocean’s beauty and spotlight the importance of marine conservation, the exhibition brings awareness to the climate crisis impacting our natural world. From tiny baby pufferfish to majestic humpback whales, the display aims to celebrate the brilliance and diversity of ocean life, with Sydney being the first city in the world to show the full collection of images on display.
Where: Australian National Maritime Museum, 2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour, NSW 2000.
When: From Thursday, November 6, 2025.
Price: Special exhibition tickets start at $25 per adult.
15. Ricky Swallow, Bent Forms
Who would’ve thought that what was missing from your shot of the Opera House was a giant bent stainless steel spoon? Ricky Swallow’s commission for the MCA’s Loti Smorgon Sculpture Terrace sees four huge spoons dotted across the lookout. They were created by Swallow from scaled-up wax prints of actual teaspoons, which he bent into various shapes. Head to the terrace and enjoy panoramic views of Sydney’s iconic harbour as you check out the wacky pieces of art by Swallow. If you loved Sculpture by the Sea, this exhibition is also worth a visit.
Where: Loti Smorgon Sculpture Terrace, MCA, 140 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000.
When: Showing until July 20, 2026.
Price: Admission from $20.
16. Dangerously Modern
This brand-new exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW celebrates the remarkable women artists who overcame social barriers to forge international careers beyond Australia. This exciting exhibition is the first to celebrate the vital role of Australian women in shaping international modernism, featuring iconic figures like Margaret Preston, Nora Heysen and Grace Cossington Smith, as well as the under-recognised Agnes Goodsir, Justine Kong Sing and Helen Stewart. The exhibition will show more than 200 works, expanding visitors’ understanding of modern art movements, including realism, impressionism, post-impressionism, cubism and abstraction.
Where: Art Gallery of NSW, Art Gallery Rd, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: October 11- February 15, 2026.
Price: Adult tickets: $35, Youth: $18.
17. Mike Hewson: The Key’s Under the Mat
New Zealand-born, Sydney-based artist Mike Hewson is next in a long line of artists aching to take over The Art Gallery of NSW’s unique, subterranean Nelson Packer Tank space, turning the industrial bunker into a concrete jungle with a park, play space, construction site, and a communal area framed by sculptural works.
Mike Hewson: The Key’s Under The Mat opened last Saturday, and is the current talk of the art world. It marks the artist’s first solo presentation in an art museum, a platform to heighten his unique approach to what an all-ages playground looks like. Visitors are encouraged to meet, dwell, play, make, perform and explore while interacting with the park’s various features. You can even do a load of laundry or take a shower in the space!
Where: Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney.
When: From October 4, 2025.
Price: Free.
