March signals the transition from summer to autumn, and whether you’re ready for the cooler weather or not, Sydney is bursting with so many events and activities that you’ll barely notice the change in temperature.
Things to do in Sydney in March
Editor’s Picks
This March, I’m eagerly anticipating the 25th anniversary of the Biennale of Sydney, which promises a dynamic and diverse program spread across multiple venues citywide. I’m especially excited to explore White Bay Power Station, which looks set to host some of the most talked-about events and exhibitions of this year’s edition.
Another standout of Sydney’s March calendar is the lineup of talks at the Sydney Opera House. From the brilliant author Zadie Smith to leading journalists unpacking the Epstein Files, the All About Women series brings together a carefully curated mix of speakers to educate, inspire, and spark meaningful conversations in celebration of International Women’s Day. Another IWD event on my radar is the Chiswick Wine Market, which will spotlight some of the best female-made wine labels across the world.
There’s also St. Paddy’s Day festivals, a French Film Festival, plenty of Aussie sport and new theatre to check out this month. Here’s our full list.
Sydney Staples
1. Biennale of Sydney 25th Anniversary
One of Australia’s leading contemporary art events, the Biennale of Sydney returns for a major milestone: its 25th anniversary. Renowned for providing a platform for bold ideas and boundary-pushing art, the Biennale is celebrated for commissioning and presenting extraordinary works from Australia and across the globe, having showcased more than 2400 national and international artists from over 130 countries.
Its 25th edition will be titled Rememory, and is set to be presented completely free to the public from March 14 to June 14. The title Rememory is inspired by celebrated author Toni Morrison, exploring the intersection of memory and history as a means of revisiting, reconstructing, and reclaiming histories that have been erased or repressed. This year, the Biennale will expand its reach across five major exhibition sites: White Bay Power Station, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney, Campbelltown Arts Centre, and Penrith Regional Gallery, giving access to the exhibition to visitors all over Sydney.
You can read our official guide to the Biennale of Sydney here.
Where: White Bay Power Station, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney, Campbelltown Arts Centre, and Penrith Regional Gallery.
When: March 14-June 14, 2026.
2. Sydney Streets
Kicking off on Redfern Street on March 7, Sydney Streets returns with its lively, free community pop-ups, temporarily transforming inner-city streets into hubs of culture, entertainment, and connection for an unforgettable day out. On March 21, Darlinghurst’s Stanley Street will come alive with vibrant festivities, followed the next week by Harris Street in Pyrmont taking center stage for its own celebration.
Where: Redfern Street, Stanley Street and Harris Street.
When: March 7, March 21, March 28.
Price: Free.
3. Sydney St. Patrick’s Day Festival at The Rocks
Sydney’s most iconic precinct will turn a vibrant shade of green this March, bursting to life with Irish spirit. Expect a packed program of unmissable events, toe-tapping live music, lively jigs and reels, family-friendly fun and all the hearty Irish fare you could possibly crave. Taking over First Fleet Park, the Sydney St Patrick’s Day Festival will transform the harbourfront into a sea of green. Local venues will be pouring pints of Guinness and dishing up crowd-pleasing spice bags, best enjoyed as Irish dancers kick sky-high and flashes of emerald shimmer through the crowd.
Where: First Fleet Park, Tallawoladah Lawn and Bligh & Barney Reserve, The Rocks, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: March 15.
Price: Free entry.
4. All About Women at the Sydney Opera House
Coinciding with International Women’s Day, this festival brings a powerful program of talks to the iconic Sydney Opera House, spotlighting bold conversations on gender, culture and equality. From a feminist roast and a chat with author Zadie Smith, to a discussion of the Epstein Files and an exposé on medical misogyny, these talks have been carefully curated to bring expert speakers and impressive women to share their wisdom, knowledge and lived experiences.
Where: Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: March 8.
5. Alliance Française French Film Festival
After the successful return of Tropfest, Sydney has once again proven its appetite for bold, unique cinema, making the arrival of the 37th Alliance Française French Film Festival all the more exciting. Last year, the festival had a record-breaking 199,000 admissions, reflecting the passion of French filmmakers and the cultural importance of the AFFFF. Don’t miss the Opening Night Gala at the State Theatre, which will feature a showing of the crowd-pleasing comedy La Venue De L’Avenir or “Colours of Time”. You can also catch plenty of French cinema across Sydney during the festival, which includes Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace, Roseville Cinema, Palace Moore Park and United Cinemas Warriewood, all screening featured films.
Where: Taking place at cinemas across Sydney.
When: March 3- April 8.
6. Mind Body Spirit Festival
Australia’s largest health, wellness and spiritual event is back in Sydney, featuring over 150 wellness exhibitors, meditation sessions, psychic readings, yoga and free workshops. Whether you want to learn about breathwork, discuss hormones and menopause or join a line dance, there’s something for all wellness gurus at this festival. There are also some exciting prizes up for grabs from a variety of exhibitors, from Immortal Blends Superfood to Rockpool Publishing, as well as showbgas for purchase that feature premium products from “natural, holistic, and conscious brands.”
Where: International Convention Centre Sydney, 14 Darling Dr, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: March 19-22, 10am-6pm.
Price: Single-day ticket: $6, Multi-day ticket: $10.
7. Sunset Sessions at Cockatoo Island
Cockatoo Island returns with its popular Sunset Sessions, running from January through April and showcasing a lineup of talented musicians on its Biloela Lawn stage every Saturday. You can enjoy the low-key performances from the comfort of your picnic blanket as the sun sets over the picturesque Sydney Harbour. Tickets cost $38 per person, with children 12 and under welcome for free with a paying adult. To get to the famous island, simply hop on the F3 and F8 public ferries from Circular Quay or Barangaroo.
Where: Cockatoo Island.
When: Saturdays from January 10 until April 4, 2026.
Price: Adult tickets: $38 per person.
Sport Events
8. AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026
The AFC Women’s Asian Cup takes place every four years, with national teams belonging to the Asian Football Confederation battling it out to take the trophy. This year, Australia will host the tournament across five venues in three host cities, with matches set to take place at Sydney’s Western Sydney Stadium and Accor Stadium. Competing teams include Australia, Japan, China PR, Korea Republic, IR Iran, India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Chinese Taipei, Uzbekistan, the Philippines and DPR Korea. You can purchase your tickets for the cup here.
Where: Matches played across Australia, with Western Sydney Stadium and Accor Stadium hosting matches in Sydney.
When: March 1-21, 2026.
9. 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership
The 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership kicks off in Sydney on March 5, as the Sydney Swans take on Carlton at the Sydney Cricket Ground. If you’re visiting Sydney and want to experience Aussie sports culture firsthand, a trip to the SCG to see the Aussie Football League is the perfect experience to cheer on your chosen team with a schooner in hand and some new red and white merch. If the fifth doesn’t work for you, the Swans will be back at the SCG on March 14, taking on the Brisbane Lions.
Where: Sydney Cricket Ground, 4 Driver Ave, Moore Park NSW 2021.
When: Sydney home games on March 5 and March 14.
Price: Tickets from $44.
10. Super Rugby Pacific
Super Rugby Pacific is the Southern Hemisphere’s premier pro rugby union club competition, made up of 11 teams primarily from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and the Pacific Islands. The 83-match season kicked off on February 13, when the Waratahs took on the Queensland Reds at Moore Park’s Allianz Stadium. The Tahs have two games scheduled at Allianz Stadium this March (on the 6th and 21st), so head down to Moore Park and give them your loudest cheers.
Where: Allianz Stadium, 40/44 Driver Ave, Moore Park NSW 2021.
When: Throughout March.
Price: Tickets from $25.
What’s on in Theatre
11. Handa Opera Phantom of the Opera
Handa Opera is celebrating two anniversaries this year. 2026 marks Opera Australia’s 70th season, and to celebrate, they’ll be putting on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s global phenomenon The Phantom of the Opera, 40 years after it debuted on the West End. Taking place by Fleet Steps at Mrs Macquarie’s Point, Handa Opera is one of the most anticipated theatre events in Sydney’s calendar, thanks to its stunning backdrop, one-of-a-kind customisable floating stage and spectacular nightly fireworks display. For more on the 2026 Handa Opera extravaganza, click here.
Where: Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquaries Point, Sydney.
When: March 27-May 3, 2026.
12. My Brilliant Career
Playing at the Roslyn Packer Theatre from March 21 to May 3, My Brilliant Career offers a bold new take on Miles Franklin’s classic novel, featuring a live soundtrack that fuses pub rock, contemporary pop, and the spirited sounds of a bush band. One of Melbourne’s most in-demand tickets of 2024, this production will have its Sydney premiere in March, starring the talented Kala Gare as Sybylla Melvyn, the intelligent and ambitious young woman who refuses to conform to the idea that her greatest achievement should be finding a wealthy husband.
Where: 22 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay NSW 2000.
When: March 21-May 3, 2026.
Price: From $85 per adult, Under 30s tickets for $55.
13. The Great Gatsby: A Jazz Ballet Odyssey
Not to be confused with the Sydney Opera House’s Gatsby at the Green Light, this production is a fusion of ballet, tap and jazz, reimagining F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless classic with all the 1920s flair you could dream of. World-class dancers have been directed and choreographed by Joel Burke to a score blending Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, James P. Johnson’s The Charleston, and bold new works by Emmy award-winning Jason Fernandez, as well as Dominic Cabusi. Head to the Capitol Theatre this February to be fully immersed in this glitzy dance spectacle.
Where: 13 Campbell St, Haymarket NSW 2000.
When: February 19- March 8.
Price: From $79.90.
14. Madama Butterfly
Back by popular demand, this must-see production of Puccini’s famous opera features some of the world’s best singers as well as emerging Australian stars. Elaborate staging includes a real moat dotted with floating candles, Japanese paper screens and colourful costumes. The audience will be transported to Nagasaki, where they’ll follow the story of Cio-Cio San, a young woman who falls in love and marries Pinkerton, a US Navy lieutenant. In doing so, she gives up her family and life as she knows it, only to be brutally betrayed by Pinkerton, which leads to her ultimate demise.
Head to the iconic Sydney Opera House to witness a production that has earned its place as one of the most-loved and widely performed operas of all time.
Where: Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Showing until March 25, 2026.
Price: From $79.
15. Gatsby at the Green Light
After the sell-out success of its premiere season, GATSBY at the Green Light will return for a sultry stint at the Sydney Opera House this weekend. Transforming the Studio into a 1920s-inspired club, the show revolves around cabaret, outlandish performances and all the glitz and glamour of the Roaring Twenties.
Despite being inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel, the show doesn’t follow the storyline exactly; instead, it immerses audiences in the dazzling world of Gatsby’s legendary parties. Think debauchery, sensuality and opulence. The show will feature ARIA Award-nominated artist Odette, who will sing soulful tunes as performers spin, twirl and fly through the air. Canadian circus artist Spencer Craig, who specialises in aerial loop, will be hosting the show as charismatic yet mysterious Gatsby. Soaring by his side will be daring Caitlin Thomson-Moylan, who will play his eternal (but doomed) love Daisy.
Where: The Studio at Sydney Opera House.
When: From December 13, 2025, until March 28, 2026.
Price: From $59 plus booking fee.
Gigs and Concerts
16. Maisie Peters
Taking to the stage at the Enmore Theatre on March 1 and 2, Maisie Peters will perform two intimate shows in Sydney to celebrate the announcement of her much-anticipated third studio album, Florescence. Having opened for megastars like Taylor Swift, Coldplay, Noah Kahan and Conan Gray in recent years, she’s now bringing her own spotlight to Aussie fans with the headline tour, Before The Bloom.
Where: Enmore Theatre, 118-132 Enmore Rd, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: March 1 and March 2.
Price: From $89.90.
17. ATEEZ
Renowned for their impeccably polished stage shows that feel like immersive musical journeys, K-pop sensations ATEEZ will headline two nights at Qudos Bank Arena this March. The eight-member boy group, which debuted in October 2018, has taken the K-pop world by storm with their high-energy performances, intricate storytelling and magnetic stage presence. Their remarkable rise was cemented this year when they were named “K-Pop Artist of the Year by iHeartRadio.
Fans can expect a show packed with dazzling choreography, compelling narratives, and the undeniable charisma that has made ATEEZ one of the genre’s most exciting acts.
Where: Qudos Bank Arena, 19 Edwin Flack Ave, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127.
When: March 6 and 7.
Price: From $99.90.
18. G Flip
Drumming, singing, songwriting, producing… there’s not much G Flip can’t do. The multi-talented artist, who’s originally from Melbourne, will return to Australia with the Dream Ride Tour this February and March. They’ll play at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion on March 3 and 4, bringing along special guests The Beaches and Ayesha Madon.
Where: Hordern Pavilion, Gate C/3 Driver Ave, Moore Park NSW 2021.
When: March 3 and 4.
Price: $99.90.
19. Pulp
Performing live for the first time in 15 years, Britpop band Pulp returns to Sydney to take over the Sydney Opera House Forecourt for two exciting nights. They’ll be performing their iconic hits (think “Common People” and “Do You Remember the First Time?”), but also more recent ones, like 2025’s More, marking their first new material in a quarter century.
Where: Sydney Opera House Forecourt, Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: March 6 and 7.
Price: $159.90.
Art Exhibitions and Galleries
20. ສູ້ສູ້ Sou Sou by Mechelle Bounpraseuth
This new interactive exhibition will bring plenty of colour to the Art Gallery of NSW’s Naala Nura building, as Mechelle Bounpraseuth displays her hand-built, glossy ceramics. The exhibition will feature newly commissioned works and large-scale ceramic sculptures paying homage to the family dinner table, with a special emphasis on fruit, especially the rare kind from her Lao parents’ homeland. Its title, ສູ້ສູ້ Sou Sou, is a Lao phrase of encouragement meaning ‘you can do it!’ or ‘stay strong!’, in a reference to the exhibition’s emphasis on the role of young people in the continuation of culture.
Where: Art Gallery of NSW, Naala Nura building, Lower Level 2.
When: March 14, 2026- February 2027.
Price: Free.
21. NSW at Night
Powerhouse and the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner have teamed up for a new photography exhibition, which will be displayed at NSW Parliament House from March 3 to 26. NSW photographers Andrew Quilty, Tajette O’Halloran, Anthony Rigby-Smith and Jade D’Amico have been commissioned to document the state’s night-time culture across Sydney’s inner city, Western Sydney, Wollongong and the Northern Rivers. The result is an intimate look at a variety of demographics headed out at night, from the evening run clubs in Wollongong to the thumping clubs of Sydney.
Where: Fountain Court, Parliament House.
When: March 3-26, weekdays from 9am-5pm.
Price: Free.
22. The Hooligans
White Rabbit Art Gallery in Chippendale is home to one of the world’s most significant collections of contemporary Chinese art. It recently reopened with a bold new exhibition, titled The Hooligans, which will run until May next year. The new exhibition has been introduced by the gallery as exploring the term “Hooligans”, with its summary stating, “rabble-rousers, riffraff, scoundrels, and criminals. Troublemakers, wanderers, deviants, misfits. They’ve gone by many names — but to the Chinese state, they were once known simply as The Hooligans.“
The Hooligans explores how Chinese artists learned to think beyond imposed boundaries in the face of relentless restrictions, using a variety of media to celebrate speaking up, daring to defy and refusing to cooperate. Exhibitions at White Rabbit Gallery are free to enter, so if you’re looking to peruse a gallery without breaking the bank, White Rabbit should be top of your list.
Where: White Rabbit Art Gallery, 30 Balfour Street, Chippendale, NSW 2000.
When: Friday, 19 December-May 17, 2026.
Price: Free entry.
23. Encounter by Ron Mueck
Internationally celebrated artist Ron Mueck returns to Australia with a major new exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW. Encounter is the largest exhibition by the artist ever to be presented in Australia, and comprises sculptures drawn from across the globe. If Mueck’s recent exhibition in Seoul is anything to go by, where 100,000 people visited in just 20 days, Encounter is set to draw huge numbers in Sydney. Of the 15 sculptures featured in the exhibition, nine are making their Australian debut, with one never-before-seen work, Havoc, commissioned especially for Sydney.
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. We had a first look at the exhibition last week, and you can check out our review of the incredible works here.
Where: Art Gallery of NSW, Naala Badu, Lower Level 2, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: December 6, 2025- April 12, 2026.
Price: Adult tickets: $35, Youth: $18.
24. Data Dreams: Art and AI
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.
Where: Galleries Level 3, MCA, 140 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000.
When: November 21, 2025- April 27, 2026.
Price: Adult tickets are $35, Concession $28. Under 18s go free. You can buy your tickets here.
25. 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 the beauty of our ocean and highlight the importance of marine conservation, the exhibition raises awareness about the climate crisis affecting 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: Running until May 3, 2026.
Price: Special exhibition tickets start at $25 per adult.
26. 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.
The Key’s Under The Mat is the current talk of the art world, marking Mike Hewson’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: Running until August 23, 2026.
Price: Free.
Where to eat and sip
27. CAKE PICNIC
NO CAKE, NO ENTRY is the rule for CAKE PICNIC, a community-focused baking event which will take place at the Royal Botanic Gardens in 2026. Welcoming 500 guests, CAKE PICNIC is set to become Sydney’s most elaborate community cake gathering, promising to be a treat for the taste buds but also an amazing place to meet fellow bakers. The event is in partnership with KitchenAid and will coincide with the reveal of their sixth colour of the year. Attendees will also get a goodie bag to take home. The popularity of the event means that it sold out pretty much immediately, so any keen bakers who missed out will have to wait until next year.
Where: Tarpeian Lawn, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Saturday, March 28, 9am-11am.
28. Flour Mill Markets
Summer Hill’s Flour Mill Markets will make a comeback this March, bringing a curated mix of artisan food, handmade goods, fresh produce and homewares to the Inner West precinct. Browse freshly baked sourdough, colourful flowers, specialty coffee and vintage treasures as you enjoy the renewed sense of community in Summer Hill and the relaxed, family-friendly environment. The markets will take place on the first and third Sunday of each month, from 9am-1pm, kicking off on March 15.
Where: 18 Flour Mill Wy, Summer Hill NSW 2130.
When: Launches March 15, 9am-1pm.
29. Chiswick Female-Led Wine Market
Nestled in the leafy suburb of Woollahra, the Chiswick will mark International Women’s Day in style, showcasing top female winemakers and offering abundant opportunities to sample exceptional women-led wine labels from across the globe. The market will take place from 2pm-7pm, featuring trailblazing female producers including Monica Gray from See Saw WInes, Allanna Wigley from Thea Wines and Paula Pipan from Pipan Steel.
Where: 65 Ocean St, Woollahra NSW 2025.
When: March 7 at 2pm-7pm.
Price: Tickets cost $10.
