The first weekend of July is upon us, offering winter wonderlands, rugby games and saxophone concerts. Embrace the après ski energy of the Greenwood Hotel Snow Festival at the official closing party, which will see DJs spinning house tunes and plenty of mulled wine. The weekend also marks the beginning of NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Day Observance Committee) Week celebrations, which spotlights the talent, enterprise, culture and history of First Nations people. There’ll be events citywide, including the National Indigenous Art Fair and Darling Harbour Fireworks, to kick things off.
Here are 11 top things to do in Sydney this weekend (July 4-6) — read on and make it a good one.
Top things to do in Sydney this weekend
1. Bondi Festival
Bondi Festival begins this Friday (July 4), serving up comedy, theatre, music and even a beachside ice rink. You might normally associate Bondi with summer, surfing and sun, however, the Bondi Festival is here to keep the famous suburb relevant through the winter months. The ice rink will be open throughout the festival, with tickets starting from $15 for a 45-minute session.
There’s also the Pavilion Paw Parade, on July 5, where you can bring your pup along and enter them in categories including Best Dressed, Party Tricks and Best Personality — or just watch the canine competitions from the sidelines. Other events include Bondi Festival Food Markets on Saturdays, the Waverley Art Prize and a live performance from ARIA Award-winner Meg Washington.
Where: Bondi Pavilion and surrounding areas.
When: Friday, July 4–Sunday, July 20.
Price: Price varies depending on the event.
2. The Loco Markets
Week three of the Loco Markets brings free live music, ethically made fashion and art, wellness products, house plants and more to bustling South Eveleigh. The markets will feature colourful stands— expect Ignem Terrae Ceramics earthenware, Mina Finery sustainable fashion, and Em Hatton Art + Illustration. There will also be face painting, a Coin Press Workshop and a heritage walking tour, which will uncover the legacy of South Eveleigh’s rich industrial past.
When: Thursday-Saturday, 3-5 July: 10am-7pm, Sunday, 6 July: 10am-4pm.
Where: Locomotive St, Eveleigh NSW 2015.
Price: Free entry, workshops vary in price.
3. National Indigenous Art Fair
The National Indigenous Art Fair will return for its fifth annual market at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Circular Quay, marking the start of NAIDOC Week celebrations. The NIAF celebrates the work of First Nations artists, designers and makers, with more than 50 stallholders presenting art, handmade jewellery, homewares, food and more. Over 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists will be present, making it one of the largest gatherings of Indigenous artists in Sydney ever.
All proceeds raised from the ethical marketplace go directly back to the artist and First Nations communities. See the list of incredible art centres attending here.
Where: Gadigal Land Overseas Passenger Terminal, 130 Argyle St, The Rocks NSW 2000.
When: Saturday, June 5 (10am–5pm) and Sunday, June 6 (10am–4pm).
Price: $3 per person, aged 12 and above.
4. Drink and draw with a drag queen
Iconic Sydney Drag Queen and artist, The Fabulous Wonder Mama, is hosting a series of special Drink and Draw sessions in Surry Hills this weekend. The sessions will take place at Create and Make Workshops on Elizabeth Street every Friday and Saturday, with a different drawing theme spotlighted each week. You’re encouraged to BYOB and bites, or you can opt for a grazing platter at the venue, meaning you can sip, snack and sketch all while being entertained by the Fabulous Wonder Mama.
Where: G01, 507-515 Elizabeth Street Surry Hills, NSW 2010.
When: Friday, July 4: 2pm and 6:30pm, Saturday, July 5, 2pm.
Price: From $64.84.
Book your tickets here.
5. Watch the British & Irish Lions Tour
After 12 long years, the British & Irish Lions Tour returns to Australian soil, and Sydney’s pubs are pulling out all the stops. During six weeks, until August 2, there will be nine matches, including one this Saturday against the Waratahs. There are still tickets available for the game; however, they start at $399 (there are only Rugby Terrace Platinum tickets left). If you don’t fancy paying out that much, head to one of the many pubs or sports bars screening the fun instead, and soak up the atmosphere and some schooners.
Where: Plenty of pubs will be putting on the matches. There’s also a match on July 5 at the Allianz Stadium with tickets still available.
When: Saturday, July 5 at 7:45pm.
Price: Tickets from $399.00.
READ MORE: 6 places to watch the British & Irish Lions Tour in Sydney
6. See the Choirboys at Factory Theatre
Whether you’re a die-hard Choirboys fan or you just want to see Run to Paradise, you’re in luck— there are still tickets available to their gig at Marrickville’s Factory Theatre this Saturday. This isn’t an ordinary concert though, as the band will be sharing stories from the hedonistic rock scene that they grew up in. Choirboys, who formed in 1978 in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, stated on their Instagram:
“We’re ready to spill the juiciest, funniest stories of the Aussie rock scene! Blending rock history with classic anthems that defined Australian music, plus your favourite Choirboys hits.”
Where: The Factory Theatre, 105 Victoria Road, Marrickville, 2204.
When: Saturday, July 5, doors open 7pm.
Price: Tickets from $65.
Book your tickets here.
7. Greenwood Snow Festival
Greenwood Hotel’s Snow Festival is the perfect place for those craving that après ski feeling, thanks to their special drinks deals, huge portions of poutine and camembert and mountain paraphernalia. This Friday, from 5pm, they’ll be hosting their 50 Tonnes of Snow party, which will feature a 20 metre slide, snow cannons, a $7 beer and wine happy hour and a Guest DJ Set by Jack Burton.
If you miss out on Friday — or you can’t get enough — head to the closing party on Sunday, where an all-star lineup of DJs, including Fallen Disco, Phil Toke, Adrian Benedek and RSF, will play late into the night. Promising a day (and night) of iconic house classics and winter wonderland fun, come along and say goodbye to the Snow Festival in style.
Where: The Greenwood Plaza Rooftop, 36 Blue St, North Sydney NSW 2060.
When: From Friday, June 27, to Sunday, July 6.
Price: Prices vary from free entry to tickets from $50.
READ MORE: 7 must-see winter festivals to warm up your weekends
8. Ice Cream & Street Art Adventure Tour
Local Sauce is renowned for its creative and authentic tours, and this one is no exception. Ideal for a fun, family-friendly outing, this ice cream and street art tour explores the vibrant streets of Newtown. Enjoy delicious gelato while discovering the stories and history behind the neighbourhood’s colourful murals and creative culture. You’ll get two ice cream servings and one dessert serving at different locations, to keep you energised as you explore the street art.
Where: Meet in Hollis Park, near the playground towards the corner of Georgina St and Warren Ball Ave.
When: The tour must start between 11:45 am and 2pm, however, you can register your interest for specific dates.
Price: $55 per person.
Book your tour here.
9. The beginning of NAIDOC week celebrations
NAIDOC Week celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, enterprise, history and achievement. The celebrations begin on July 5, with a Welcome to Country & Smoking Ceremony as well as special cultural dance performances at Cockle Bay Green, Darling Harbour. This will be followed by a NAIDOC-inspired fireworks show at 8:30pm. The return of the National Indigenous Art Fair will also mark the beginning of the weeklong celebrations.
This year’s theme is ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy’, celebrating the achievements of the past but also the bright future ahead, empowered by legacy and the brilliance of young First Nations leaders.
The Australian National Maritime Museum are honouring the theme with a free family fun day on Sunday, starting with a Smoking Ceremony led by Elder Uncle Les and continuing with a range of engaging and educational activities, including a Bush drinks and native plant workshops, live music performances and dance workshops.
Where: Citywide.
When: Saturdays from July 5 to July 12, 7pm–9pm.
Price: Free admission.
10. Winter Wonderland at The Grounds of Alexandria
The Grounds of Alexandria is no stranger to a magical pop-up. It was transformed into a Snow White-inspired fantasyland through autumn, and now snow has settled across the venue. The laneways are dusted in white and glowing lights guide the way through the magical winter wonderland experience. There’s a delicious new winter menu too. Head to The Cafe, The Garden or The Potting Shed to try one of their special menu items, including mini snow angel cakes, fairy floss cocktails, or indulge in their famous winter-inspired high tea in The Glasshouse.
The experience is reserved for diners, so book a table at one of the venues. Walk-ins are welcome but booking ahead ensures you’ll get it. For the ultimate experience, book an after-hours snow session to capture the magic at night.
Where: The Grounds of Alexandria, 7a/2 Huntley Street, Alexandria NSW 2015.
When: Until mid-September.
Price: Free to visit but reserved for diners only. The Glasshouse High Tea starts at $89 per person.
11. Go on an Inner West Gin Journey
Visit some of Sydney’s best distilleries on this exciting gin crawl, an intimate Sydney walking tour from distillery to distillery with tasty Aussie gins to drink at every stop. The route includes stops at Ester Spirits, Moonshiner and Unexpected Guest, all in the vibrant Inner West. You’ll be guided by gin expert and Gin Journey founder, Leon Dalloway, who will share insights into the history and production of gin and a deep dive into native Australian botanicals.
Where: Begin at Unexpected Guest Distillery, 12 Cadogan St, Marrickville NSW 2204.
When: Saturday, July 5, 2pm-4:30pm.
Price: Tickets from $99.
Book your tickets here.
12. Bars from the Heart at Heartland Festival
Throughout June, Heartland Festival has celebrated the power of live performance and storytelling, and its final week promises to be just as inspiring. Hosted by the National Theatre of Parramatta at Riverside Theatres, the two-week-long festival features performances from multi-award-winning Australian talents, supper clubs, comedies and spoken word evenings.
On Saturday, July 5, Bars from the Heart will be hosted by award-winning writer and performer Azan Ahmed, blurring the line between poetry and performance and spotlighting a group of Sydney’s finest new wordsmiths. Tickets cost $15.
Where: Riverside Theatres, Corner Market &, 353 Church St, Parramatta NSW 2150.
When: Until Saturday, July 5.
Price: Events vary in price.
13. Go to the cinema
Did you know that two of the world’s most beautiful cinemas are here in Sydney? Head to the Golden Age Cinema and Bar in Surry Hills and watch classic and cult movies, as well as new releases. Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace in Cremorne also has six state-of-the-art screens, showing F1 The Movie, Mission: Impossible- The Final Reckoning and OCEAN with David Attenborough, among other flicks this week.
Sydneysiders also love the Dendy in Newtown, which is showing Tarantino’s 2012 film Django Unchained this week, as well as limited showings of The Wolves Always Come At Night, which was a hit at the Sydney Film Festival. If you can’t make it this weekend, make use of their half-price Tuesday tickets (also at all HOYTS locations).
READ MORE: Discover two of the world’s most beautiful cinemas in Sydney
14. Supa Sculpted Moments
For just a few more weeks, Supa Centa Moore Park hosts a free public exhibition of works by more than 25 contemporary sculptors. Acclaimed artists including Stephen Glassborow, Sonia Payes, Michael Vaynman, Margaret Sheridan, Mela Cooke and Hugh McLachlan, among others. Admire figurative bronze works, abstract mixed-material pieces and many other styles, with some artworks on show for the very first time. You could even meet some of the artists at the Meet the Makers series ($10, which includes a coupon for The Depot Café).
Where: Supa Centa Moore Park, Cnr South Dowling St & Todman Ave, Moore Park, Sydney NSW 2021.
When: Until July 20.
Price: Free entry.
15. Continuum Sax at Nocturne, Pier Pavilion
Barangaroo’s recently built Pier Pavilion will play host to a four-week series of concerts this July. Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening, visitors to the Pavilion can take in a melodic program of contemporary chamber music, which will include classical interpretations of modern tunes (reminiscent of Netflix hit, Bridgerton).
This weekend, Continuum Sax, a dynamic saxophone quartet, will be blessing the ears of Barangaroo with high-energy tunes and heartfelt lyricism. Tap your feet along to their swinging tunes at this weekend’s free concert series.
Where: 3 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW 2000.
When: Every Thursday–Saturday until July 19 (6pm-8.30pm).
Price: Free.
READ MORE: Barangaroo’s big new pavilion is made from over 400,000 oyster shells
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