It’s the first official week of summer in Sydney, and the city is serving up plenty of things to do and see all weekend long.
Izzie’s Weekend Picks
This weekend, I’ll be dropping by Tallawoladah Lawn’s outdoor concert, picnic blanket and glass of wine in hand, to soak up free live music with friends, against the picturesque backdrop of Sydney Harbour. I’ll then hop on a ferry to Manly and head to Felons on the wharf to celebrate the opening of their new barrel room, which is shaping up to be one of the Northern Beaches’ coolest new live entertainment spots. On Sunday, I’ll stop by the brand new exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW by Aussie sculptor Ron Mueck, titled Encounter and comprising sculptures from across the globe.
Things to do in Sydney this weekend
Sydney Staples
1. Homegrown Concerts on Tallawoladah Lawn
What’s better than a picnic setup, live music and a glass of BYO wine in hand? Tallawoladah Lawn will host a two-day concert series this weekend that will celebrate the best of local Aussie talent with the stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbour. This laid-back concert will feature artists Kalena, Adam Newling and Gordi on Saturday, with Pa777ience, DOBBY and Mo’Ju performing on Sunday. Perfect for winding down after a busy week, or for catching up with friends in the heart of Sydney, don’t miss this completely free experience in Circular Quay.
Where: Tallawoladah Lawn (in front of the MCA), 140 George St, The Rocks.
When: Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7, 3:30pm-6:30pm.
Price: Free.
2. Outdoor Cinemas
Sydney reigns supreme as the city of stunning outdoor cinemas, even taking the title of ‘World’s Most Beautiful Cinema’ with the Westpac big screen on the harbour. This weekend, you’ll be able to check out Moonlight Cinema in Centennial Park, which is BYO and pet-friendly, Mov’In Bed Cinema in Barangaroo, which has the cosiest set-up of all the cinemas, and Bondi’s Sunset Cinema, the screen sitting right next to Sydney’s iconic beach. From festive films like Love Actually to huge blockbusters including Wicked: For Good, the outdoor cinemas are serving up incredible programs, making them the perfect place to enjoy with a date, a mate or your family.
Where: Across Sydney, though in December, the main ones are in Barangaroo, Centennial Park and Bondi.
When: Throughout December.
Price: Prices range starting at $12.
3. Live Music at Felons Barrel Room
This weekend, iconic Manly Wharf brewery Felons will be celebrating the opening of their new on-site microbrewery and the new Felons Barrel Room with exciting free concerts, featuring Winston Surfshirt on Friday and Mental As Anything on Saturday. Sunday starts with family-friendly fun before the energy shifts into a groovy takeover by Australian dance label Sweat It Out. The early afternoon will be open to all ages, while from 7pm the party shifts gear with a whole host of DJs bringing dance floor energy until close. Expect vibrant Vietnamese food on the menu, delicious barrel-aged beer and the lively atmosphere of Felons’ new 700-capacity cultural hub.
Where: Felons Manly, E Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095.
When: Friday 5th, Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th of December.
Price: Free entry, register to join using the above links.
4. Club Amalfi at Watsons Bay Hotel
Euro summer vibes will hit the newly renovated Watsons Bay Hotel on Sunday, with an afternoon of Mediterranean bites, funky tunes and summery spritzes. Launching this weekend, Club Amalfi will deliver the ultimate European beach club atmosphere (think serviette-swirling celebrations, dancing), beginning with a multicourse shared menu before seguing into a summer party. The menu will feature fresh favourites like burrata and heirloom tomatoes, crudo, roasted market fish and sirloin steak, priced at $89 per person (which includes the full afternoon of fun).
Where: Watsons Bay Hotel, 10 Marine Parade, Watsons Bay NSW 2030.
When: Sunday, December 7, 2pm-6pm.
Price: $89 per person.
5. Flow Athletic Fun Run
This weekend, Flow Athletic will host their annual fun run at Centennial Park, the perfect way to give back and raise some money, all while running around Sydney’s most popular green space. Runners can choose between participating in the 5km run or the 10km run, with the first 100 people to register receiving an exclusive goodie bag, featuring The first 100 people to register will receive an exclusive goodie bag, including a limited edition Flow x Hyro Running Singlet and premium products from brands such as Hyro, Nagnata, Re Your Run, XtraClubs, True Protein, and more. All proceeds from the event will go towards Women’s Community Shelters, an incredible organisation providing safety and support to women and children escaping domestic violence and homelessness.
Not a runner? Head down to Centennial Park to cheer participants on and enjoy the festive spirit of giving.
Where: Centennial Park
When: Sunday, December 7th, starting at 6:15am.
Price: Entry is $29 for members, $39 for non-members.
Festive Fun
6. Glebe Christmas Concert
A free concert will bring all the festive feels to Glebe this weekend, as an array of talented performers take to the stage. Sydney Weekender presenter Sally Stanton will host the evening, which will feature performances from Spaghetti Confetti, Brown Sugar, Mitch Tambo and Diver City. Santa and his special band will also perform a festive Christmas Song, and there’ll be free games for kids, including giant Jenga, table tennis and plenty of craft activities. Head to Glebe for a free day filled with festive fun, lively entertainment and all the Christmassy vibes you could wish for.
Where: Bicentennial Park, 5 Federal Road, Glebe, NSW 2037.
When: Saturday, December 6, from 5:30pm to 8:30pm.
Price: Free.
7. Cockle Bay Christmas Spectacular
Santa doesn’t ride a sleigh in Sydney- instead, he arrives in Aussie style on a jetski. Catch him making his entrance at the Cockle Bay Christmas Spectacular on December 6, where he’ll then head straight into the crowds for plenty of photo opportunities. As well as the jet ski arrival, there will be not one, but two jet-pack shows on the water, performed by Santa’s elves, as well as live DJs and even a Santa flash mob. To top it off, there’ll be a stunning fireworks display lighting up Cockle Bay to conclude the festive evening.
Where: Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour.
When: December 6, 4pm-9pm.
Price: Free.
READ MORE: Official program for Sydney Christmas 2025: city unwraps its biggest season
8. Yappy Christmas at Forrester’s Surry Hills
Surry Hills favourite Forresters is combining our two favourite things this holiday season: Christmas and pups! They’re bringing Christmas cheer this December with a festive day that you can celebrate with your pooch. You can get free professional photos of your four-legged friend (the perfect Chrissy present), plus $5 pawkies and dog beer. As it’s the season of giving, there’ll also be a pet toy drive on the day.
Where: 336 Riley St, Surry Hills NSW 2010.
When: December 7, 12-4:30pm.
Price: Free entry plus free professional photos of your pup.
9. Balmain Village Markets Christmas Edition
The iconic White Bay Power Station will host its first-ever Christmas Market this December, for a special one-day event. From 9am to 5pm, the site will transform into a festive wonderland, featuring artisan stalls, gourmet food, fun-filled entertainment, kids’ activities and even orchestral performances by the Sydney Youth Orchestra. Explore the industrial Turbine Hall, which will be taken over with Christmas décor and the presence of Santa Claus (who will happily snap photos with you). Head to Rozelle and enjoy this free, one-day extravaganza set to become one of Sydney’s standout festive events.
Where: White Bay Power Station, Robert St, Rozelle NSW 2039.
When: Saturday, December 7, 9am-5pm.
Price: Free entry.
Gigs and Concerts
10. Lewis Capaldi at Qudos Bank Arena
Scottish singer-songwriter and musician Lewis Capaldi will bring his soulful vocals Down Under this weekend, stopping in Christchurch, Auckland, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. The star is treating Sydney to three shows in December, on Saturday 6, Sunday 7 and Tuesday 9. The talented artist isn’t just known for his stunning voice; he’s also loved for his sense of humour, so expect some great commentary from the star throughout the concert.
Where: Qudos Bank Arena, 19 Edwin Flack Ave, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127.
When: December 6, 7 and 9, from 7pm.
Price: From $179.90.
11. The Fray at Enmore Theatre
The Fray is celebrating the 20th Anniversary of their iconic album, How to Save a Life, with a highly anticipated Australian tour, which includes two nights at the Enmore Theatre this week. The four-time Grammy-nominated band will take to the Inner West’s beloved venue on December 6 and December 10 for two nostalgic shows, playing huge hits like Over My Head (Cable Car) and Look After You.
Where: Enmore Theatre, 118-132 Enmore Rd, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Saturday, December 6 and Wednesday, December 10, both start at 8pm.
Price: Allocation is exhausted, but check out Tixel for resale.
12. Good Things Festival
Australian music festival, Good Things Festival, is a calendar highlight for those obsessed with alternative sound. Debuting in 2018, the festival brought a fresh new era for Aussie alternative music fans, bringing in some of the heaviest bands in the world Down Under. This year, the festival will take place at Sydney Showground with rock band Weezer set to headline. Also in attendance will be All Time Low, Machine Head, The All-American Rejects and Garbage. Tickets cost $269.95, and you can grab them here.
Where: Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park, Grand Parade, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127.
When: Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 12pm.
Price: From $269.95.
Art Exhibitions and Galleries
13. Encounter by Ron Mueck
Internationally celebrated artist Ron Mueck returns to Australia this weekend with a major new exhibition. Encounter will be the largest exhibition by the artist ever to be presented in Australia, and comprises sculptures drawn from across the globe, many of which have never been seen before in this country. Mueck is known for his hyperrealistic sculptures, which range from minute to massive, conveying themes that explore our relationship with the world, including birth, death, alienation and togetherness.
Where: Art Gallery of NSW, Naala Nura, Lower Level 2, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: December 6, 2025- April 12, 2026.
Price: Adult tickets: $35, Youth: $18.
14. Data Dreams: Art and AI at the MCA
The first of its kind in a major Australian Museum, the new exhibition at the MCA, Data Dreams: Art and AI, considers artificial intelligence and its impact on contemporary life through the work of 10 visionary artists. Presented as part of the Sydney International Art Series 2025-26, this Aussie premiere explores how AI is transforming the way we live, think and create, focusing on a range of concerns, including the relationship between technology and power, and how algorithms and datasets are influencing our worldviews. Experience the immersive installations, AI-generated films, hallucinatory images and mind-expanding sculptures as you delve into the fascinating, but also frightening world of artificial intelligence.
Where: Galleries Level 3, MCA, 140 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000.
When: November 21, 2025 until April 27, 2026.
Price: Adult tickets are $35, Concession $28. Under 18s go free. You can buy your tickets here.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. 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.
What’s on in Theatre
19. Pretty Woman The Musical
One of the most loved rom-coms of all time has hit the stage in Sydney. Based on the 1990 Hollywood film starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, Pretty Woman: The Musical is written and directed by the same team who created the film: J.F. Lawton and Gerry Marshall. Bursting with glamour, charm and all the iconic moments you know and love, the musical hit will arrive at Theatre Royal Sydney this Sunday. ARIA-award-winning pop star Samantha Jade will bring Vivian Ward to life, making her very exciting stage debut in the upcoming production. You can read our interview with her here.
When: From November 30, 2025 until January 4, 2026.
Where: Theatre Royal Sydney, 108 King St, Sydney NSW 2000.
Tickets: From $69 per person.
20. LAST CHANCE: Romeo & Juliet
Bell Shakespeare, Australia’s national Shakespeare theatre company, is back at Sydney Opera House with Peter Evans’ critically acclaimed production of Romeo & Juliet. Madeline Li steps into the role of Juliet opposite Ryan Hodson’s Romeo, with the minimalist production already earning glowing reviews. Head to Sydney’s most iconic theatre space to catch this raw portrayal of Shakespeare’s greatest love story.
Where: The Playhouse, Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Showing until Sunday, December 7, 2025.
Price: From $35.
21. 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.
Unfortunately, the show will close prematurely on January 25, 2026, and will not complete its tour of Australia as previously planned. Make sure to support the show and catch it at the Lyric this summer, before it packs up Down Under for good.
When: Friday, September 26, until Sunday, December 28, 2025.
Where: Sydney Lyric Theatre, 55 Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont NSW 2009
Price: From $89.
22. 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, January 25, 2026.
Where: Capitol Theatre, 13 Campbell Street, Haymarket NSW 2000.
