Sydney is packed with unmissable events this weekend, from sipping local and regional wines and listening to live jazz at the Unlock the Rocks Weekend, to scoring a free beer tasting at the Australian Heritage Hotel. It’s also your last chance to catch the stunning Cherry Blossom Festival at Auburn Botanic Gardens, and your first chance to catch The Talented Mr. Ripley at the Roslyn Packer Theatre.
Other highlights include foodie tours of Thaitown, pet festivals, Pilates and pastries and an NRL face-off between two iconic Sydney sides. Hunting for live entertainment? Snag a ticket to see Aussie-American country star Keith Urban light up Qudos Bank Arena, or if you’re in the mood for laughs, catch the outrageous hit musical The Book of Mormon at the Capitol Theatre.
Ready to dive in? Here’s our full list of things to do in Sydney this weekend.
Things to do in Sydney this weekend
1. Unlock The Rocks Weekend
This month-long celebration at Sydney’s most iconic precinct began on August 1, however, it all culminates in one big celebration this weekend, with live jazz, NSW wines and gourmet eats taking over First Fleet Park. Wander through The Rocks and uncover exclusive food and drink specials, $12 cocktails from Le Foote and freshly shucked oysters from Sydney Oyster Farm. For your coffee fix, opt for a smooth espresso at Bar Coco and then browse the artisanal stalls for gourmet delights, including handcrafted cheeses, condiments and authentic saucisson.
Where: First Fleet Park and other areas around The Rocks.
When: Saturday, 23 August and Sunday, 24 August, 11am-4pm.
Price: Free.
READ MORE: Sydney Oyster Farm Tour Review – Oysters, River & Bubbles
2. Pilates and Pastry Pop-up
Ease into your evening with a gentle Pilates flow designed to help you unwind and relax. Set in the cosy surrounds of Marrickville café ONA, this session ends on a sweet note, with handmade cakes and delicious drinks served up post-class. Pilates and Pastries began earlier this year, founded by two friends who bonded over a shared love of movement and sweet treats. Grab a mate and head to Marrickville for a fun, feel-good session: it’s the perfect way to connect, stretch and make some new friends along the way.
Where: ONA Coffee, 58 Smith St, Marrickville NSW 2204.
When: Saturday, August 23, at 5:30pm.
Price: From $26.
Click here for more details.
3. The Shark Arm Case: An Immersive Murder Mystery
The Shark Arm Case is a gripping immersive theatre experience based on the almost unbelievable true story from 1935, when a shark at Sydney’s Coogee Aquarium vomited up a human arm. The case is not simple, unravelling a tale of smuggling, fraud, corruption and murder as it dives into Sydney’s seedy underworld. Staged at the historic Justice & Police Museum, this electrifying performance will keep you on the edge of your seat and guessing until the very end.
Where: Justice and Police Museum, Abert Street, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Friday, August 22 and Saturday, August 23 at 6:30pm and 8pm.
Price: From $51.60.
Book your tickets here.
4. LAST CHANCE: Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival
The Sydney Cherry Blossom festival wraps up this weekend on Sunday, so don’t miss your chance to see the blossoms in full bloom at the Auburn Botanic Gardens, before they disappear for another year. This festival is one of Western Sydney’s most anticipated (and photogenic) events, showcasing a dazzling display of over 200 cherry blossom trees alongside a lineup of Japanese-inspired food, drink, and entertainment.
To get to the Auburn Botanic Gardens from Central Station, take the T2 to Auburn Station. Free shuttle buses will run between Auburn Station and Auburn Botanic Gardens on festival days (8:30am–5:30pm). Buses run in a loop approximately every 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.
When: Runs until Sunday, August 24, 2025. Daily 9am–4:45pm.
Where: Auburn Botanic Gardens, Chiswick Road, Auburn NSW 2144
Price: Adult $16.60, child (5–16 years) $8.95, family (two adults, two children) $44.65. All tickets must be pre-booked. There are no sales booths at the Gardens.
Book your ticket here.
Price: Free.
5. CollectFest
CollectFest aims to bring all the hobbyists under one roof, at Australia’s first and only festival for all things collectible. Whether you’re trading or selling, CollectFest has all things collectible, whether it’s cards, comics, sneakers or figurines. After successful stints in Melbourne and Brisbane, CollectFest is finishing up the year in Sydney at the International Convention Centre. You can see the full list of exhibitors here.
Where: International Convention Centre Sydney, 14 Darling Dr, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: August 23-24, 10am-5pm.
Price: Starts at $40 for a single-day pass.
Book your ticket here.
6. Free Beer Tasting in The Rocks
The Australian Heritage Hotel is teaming up with 7th Day Brewery for a day of guided beer tastings, hosted by the brewers themselves, who will travel down from Brookvale in Northern Sydney for the occasion.
The free tastings feature four signature brews, including a hazy, pale ale, red IPA and pilsner. Guests will also have the chance to sample exclusive surprise releases and get a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process. It’s completely free, but spots are limited, so book now before they’re gone!
Where: Australian Heritage Hotel, 100 Cumberland Street, The Rocks.
When: Saturday, August 23 at 3pm, and Sunday August 24 at 2pm.
7. Keith Urban at Qudos Bank Arena
Five-time ARIA and four-time GRAMMY Award-winner Keith Urban is touring Australia, hitting destinations including Newcastle, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide. He brings his highly anticipated High and Alive World Tour to Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena this weekend.
One of Australia’s most famous singer-songwriters and the spouse of icon Nicole Kidman, Urban is recognised as one of country music’s boldest voices. This tour will be Aussie fans’ first opportunity to hear live versions of his new songs, including Wildside, Straight Line and Messed Up As Me.
Where: Qudos Bank Arena, 19 Edwin Flack Ave, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127.
When: Friday, August 22 and Saturday, August 23 at 7pm.
Price: Tickets from $101.85.
Book your ticket here.
8. The Talented Mr. Ripley
From August 19, Sydney Theatre Company’s The Talented Mr. Ripley will hit the stage at the Roslyn Packer Theatre with a dazzling cast of Australia’s top screen and stage talent. Will McDonald (Heartbreak High) stars as the enigmatic Tom Ripley, with Raj Labade (The Office Australia) taking on the role of Dickie Greenleaf.
Director Sarah Goodes shared her thoughts on the success of the novel-turned-play, stating: “The stage is the perfect setting for such rich psychological material, his slippery identity, his shame and his cunning talent for impersonation.”
Where: Roslyn Packer Theatre, 22 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay NSW 2000.
When: Previews: August 19–22. Season: August 25–September 28, 2025.
Price: Tickets from $82.
Book your tickets here.
READ MORE: Leichhardt’s new theatre will host hit Broadway musicals as the Italian Forum enters its second act
9. LEGO exhibition at the Australian Museum
Head down to the Australian Museum for the perfect rainy day activity and check out the 14 immersive displays created by the 2020 LEGO Masters winners, Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler. Relics: A New World Rises is a creative and humorous exhibition with an underlying message that addresses important themes, such as consumerism.
Combining the fun of LEGO with “more mature and contemporary themes”, the consequences of our consumerist actions are put on show through the display of figurines in dilapidated cars, old furniture and even a broken down jet ski.
Where: The Australian Museum, 1 William St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010.
When: Runs Saturday, August 14, until early 2026.
Price: Adults $29; children $19; children under three years go free.
Book your tickets here.
READ MORE: New exhibition at the Australian Museum features LEGO with a lesson
10. Secrets of Thaitown Food Tour
Explore the vibrant heart of Sydney’s Thaitown with a knowledgeable guide on this deliciously fun food tour. Located in Haymarket, Thaitown is a bustling cultural and culinary hub filled with authentic Thai restaurants, grocery stores and businesses that reflect the rich heritage of the Thai community.
On the tour, you’ll taste your way through eight different foods—from noodle bowls to Thai fruits and sweets—while learning about Thailand’s global culinary influence.
Where: Meet outside the Starbucks on the corner of George and Campbell streets, near the sign that says “Thaitown”.
When: Sunday, August 24 at 2:30pm.
Price: $80 per person.
Book your tour here.
READ MORE: First taste: Neil Perry’s switch from noodles to gnocchi at Gran Torino
11. 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: Now booking to Sunday, November 30, 2025. Shows take place on most Tuesdays–Thursdays 7pm, Fridays 7:30pm, Saturdays 2pm & 7:30pm and Sundays 1pm & 6:30pm.
Where: Capitol Theatre, 13 Campbell Street, Haymarket NSW 2000.
Tickets: From $69 per person.
Book your tickets here.
12. NRL: Parramatta Eels vs Sydney Roosters
What better way to experience Sydney than by catching all the action at an NRL game? It’s a showdown between the West and the East this weekend, as the Parramatta Eels attempt to secure a win on their home ground. With the Sydney Roosters sitting at number eight on the league table, and the Eels as a low 14, both teams will be looking to grab some points and put on a good game for Sydneysiders.
Where: CommBank Stadium, 11-13 O’Connell St, Parramatta NSW 2150.
When: Saturday, August 23, at 7:35pm.
Price: Tickets from $15.
Book your tickets here.
13. Dog and Cat Lovers Festivals
This weekend, Sydney Showground will become a haven for animal lovers, hosting both the Dog Lovers Festival and the Cat Lovers Festival. One ticket gives you access to both events, so whether you’re team dog, team cat or just in it for the cuddles, you’ll get your fix of furry fun. Shop the latest in pet grooming, treats, accessories, beds and more, all in one place.
If you’re looking to add to your family, drop by the Adoption Zone and meet the gorgeous pups looking for their forever home. Plus, don’t miss your chance to enter exciting competitions and giveaways happening throughout the event.
Where: Sydney Showground, Grand Parade, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127.
When: Saturday, August 23 and Sunday, August 24, 9:30am–5pm.
Price: Adults from $45; youth (ages 13-18) $22; children go free.
Book your tickets here.
14. LAST CHANCE: Australian Life Exhibition
A curated collection of powerful photographs that reflect the richness of everyday life in Australia is on display outside Customs House in Circular Quay until this Sunday. From a train ride through Newcastle and snapshots of rural Australia to a man cracking open a cold one during a heatwave, the exhibition is a celebration of all things Aussie.
The finalists and major prize winners (who were chosen by a panel of professionals) take home prizes worth up to $10,000, and there’s also a People’s Choice Award, which will soon be announced. Free to attend, the exhibition is a great way to soak up some authentically Australian culture while you’re in Circular Quay.
Where: Customs House Square, 31 Alfred St, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Showing until Sunday, August 24.
Price: Free.
Find out more here.
15. Cockatoo Island Family Tour
Cockatoo Island’s interactive family tour is perfectly designed for kids aged six to ten to enjoy with their parents. Bursting with fun and discovery, the self-guided tour will take visitors across eight exciting stops, where you can explore historic buildings, hear the First Nations’ story of Burriburri the whale, play a convict game and meet an ancient amphibian. Simply purchase the tour booklet from Cockatoo Island’s visitor centre and look for the cockatoos in pink circles on the ground to seek out each spot.
Where: Cockatoo Island.
When: Tour is available from 10am to 4pm daily.
Price: $5 per booklet for tour.
Book tickets at bubble-planet.com.
16. CATS the Musical
Forty years after its Australian premiere at Sydney’s Theatre Royal, the ground-breaking musical CATS has made a triumphant return to the very stage where it first captivated Aussie audiences. The brand-new production debuted on June 17 and will be showing in Sydney until September 6, before embarking on a nationwide tour to Adelaide, Perth and Melbourne. Grab tickets to the anniversary special and see the fabulous feline cast in action.
Where: Theatre Royal Sydney, 108 King St, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Until September 6.
Price: Tickets start from $69.
READ MORE: Review: Cats, at the Theatre Royal, Sydney
17. Suntory Bar pop-up at Prefecture 48
For three months only, Suntory Bar is taking over Whisky Thief in Prefecture 48, Sussex Street’s stunning Japanese dining precinct. You might know the Suntory brand from its line of canned BOSS iced coffees, or perhaps its premium Japanese whisky and Roku Gin.
Set across two levels, the pop-up features a specially curated cocktail menu and bar snacks from iconic Chef Tetsuya Wakuda. Think effervescent highballs, creative cocktails, seasonal G&Ts and pioneering drinks that cater to lovers of spirits and beers.
Where: Whisky Thief at Prefecture 48, 230 Sussex Street, Sydney CBD.
When: Until November 8, Tuesday to Thursday 5pm-11pm, Friday & Saturday 5pm-12am, closed Sunday & Monday.
Price: Drink prices vary.
18. Bubble Planet
Bubble Planet is an immersive, artsy, multi-sensory show that’ll blow your mind. Fresh from successful seasons in London and New York, it’s lighting up Sydney Olympic Park’s Paddington Pavilion this winter.
This epic multi-sensory experience has 10 whimsical rooms, each offering a different ecosystem of light, colour, bubbles and fantasy. Kids and their parents can step inside a massive bubble dome filled with colourful magic, walk through a room filled with infinite bubble bulbs and take a plunge into a giant ball pit bubblebath. They’re sure to burn off some energy here.
Where: Paddington Pavilion (Gate 4), Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127.
When: Wednesday–Monday, 9am–6pm (last session 5pm; sessions last 60-90 minutes).
Price: Adult from $33.90, child from $26.90.
19. Chatswood Mall Market
The Chatswood Mall Markets return every Thursday to Saturday from 10am to 10pm, transforming Chatswood Mall into a lively hub of flavour and entertainment. Wander through a vibrant mix of food stalls serving everything from wood-fired pizza and biltong of Japanese takoyaki, dim sum and fragrant paella. The atmosphere is set with live music throughout the weekend, with Australian singer-songwriter Jasmine Clarke performing this Friday and powerhouse vocalist Danielle Lamb lighting up the stage on Saturday.
Where: Chatswood Mall, 443 Victoria Ave, Chatswood NSW 2067.
When: Thursday to Saturday, 10am-10pm.
Price: Free entry.
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