With Vivid lighting up the city, the Sydney Film Festival taking over the big screens, not to mention the packed calendar of theatre, museum exhibitions, gigs and more, there’s almost too many things to do in Sydney in June. Luckily there’s a long weekend in there too to help you pack all this in.
June is shaping up as Sydney’s most crowded cultural month of the year – and certainly one of the best months to be in the harbour city. Vivid Sydney runs through to June 13 with its diverse (and mostly free) program, the Sydney Film Festival rolls out almost 250 films kicking off with the premiere of Silenced on June 3, and Bangarra Dance Theatre takes over the Joan Sutherland Theatre with a powerful new triple bill.
Beyond the big marquee events, the whales continue their northern migration putting on a free show as they pass Sydney’s coastal cliffs, the FIFA World Cup comes to Sydney with live sites and pubs bringing all the action from the US, and Pride Month brings more than 300 events under the theme of Connected in Colour.
Below, you’ll find our curated Top 5 Things to do in Sydney in June followed by the full list of everything worth doing across art, restaurants and bars, theatre and sport.
What’s on in Sydney in June
Our Top 5 Things to Do
Vivid Sydney
Vivid Sydney 2026 enters its final fortnight in June so make sure you wander along the Light Walk which weaves its way from Circular Quay to Walsh Bay, the drone show above Cockle Bay and Vivid Fire Kitchen at its new home in Barangaroo Reserve. The Vivid Live music and ideas program at the Opera House continues and some of the best have been saved until last. This year the First Nations program has put indigenous chefs and native ingredients at the centre of attention at Fire Kitchen and Fire Pit so don’t miss that.
Insider tip: If you want a taste of Vivid but without the crowds, grab a glow in the dark cocktail at Zephyr Bar
Where: Citywide but centred around Circular Quay, Walsh Bay, Barangaroo and Darling Harbour
When: Through to June 13
Price: Varies but over 80 per cent is free
Go whale watching
The annual migration north of humpback whales is one of the natural wonders of the city – matched only by their return south with calves in tow. Scientists have predicted a record season of more than 40,000 whales will pass by the eastern seaboard bettween May and November. You can pay for a cruise (departing from Circular Quay or Darling Harbour) or grab some binoculars and head out for free to one of the vantage points at North Head, Cape Solander or the even the Bondi to Coogee cliff path.
Where: Coastal vantage points and cruises depart Circular Quay and Darling Harbour
When: Through to November
Price: Free from shore. Cruises start from about $89
Sydney Film Festival
The 73rd Sydney Film Festival lands with 248 films from 81 countries across 12 days – which is a lot to get your head around. It opens at the State Theatre on June 3 with the Australian premiere of Silenced, Selina Miles’ documentary that examines how defamation laws can be weaponised to silence survivors, followed by a launch party at Town Hall. The Cannes contingent is trong this year with 19 films coming from that festival. And then there’s the new strand Sartorial: Fashion on Film, featuring seven films on the fashion-cinema relationship, including Marc by Sofia, Sofia Coppola’s first doco on Marc Jacobs. Check out the full program here.
Insider tip: Put French Girls high your list of must-sees. It’s filmed in Sydney, written and directed by a Sydneysider and features a local cast.
Where: Throughout the city
When: June 3 -14.
Prices: Adult tickets from $27.50
Sheltering – Bangarra Dance
For two weeks only, Australia’s leading First Nations dance company will present a program of three powerful works: Keeping Grounded, Brown Boys, and Sheoak, which honour the past while looking to the future. Under artistic director Frances Rings, Sheltering draws together these three works which reflect not only different eras of Bangarra’s 36-year legacy but remind us of the spirit at the heart of Indigenous worldviews and the enduring connections between people, land, and spirit.
Insider tip: This performance contains strobe lighting, smoke and haze, elevated sound levels, and names and voices of deceased persons.
Where: Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House
When: June 3 to 13.
Price: From $64
Pride Month
This year marks 15 years since Sydney Pride expanded into a month-long festival making Pride Month, which runs the entire month of June, that extra special. With the theme Connected in Colour, expect bold drag shows, art exhibitions, street parties, thought-provoking forums, and fundraisers that shine a light on LGBTQIA+ causes. You’ll find the full program here but one event which stands out is Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras winter fundraiser Apres Gras. It takes over The Beresford for a day-to-night wintery après-ski party featuring performances from Australian music icon Marcia Hines and Brendan Maclean, the stars of Velvet Inferno, alongside DJ sets from Julian Hamilton (The Presets) and Super Disco Club.
Where: Citywide
When: June 1 -June 30.
Prices: Varies
Must-visit markets
The Coal Loader Artisans Market
This sustainable and unique market is only held four times a year with stalls from local makers selling art, ceramics, basketry, eco products, fashion, jewellery, textiles, food, children’s design and more. Held at the beautiful historic site of the Coal Loader, it will go ahead rain or shine.
Insider tip: These markets are single-use and plastic-free, so bring a keep cup, water bottle and your own bags
Where: The Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability, 2 Balls Head Drive, Waverton.
When: June 7, 2026
Price: Free
Where to Eat and Drink
High Cheese at the Sheraton
If you’re more savoury than sweet, grab a friend and tuck into this cheese-forward take on high tea at Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park. In partnership with renowned cheese affineur (that’s expert to you and me) Will Studd, it begins with Whipped Galotyri Crostini and Fried Aphrodite Haloumi, before moving into a signature cheese course of Roquefort, Brillat Savarin and Manchego. There’s dessert too and you can add a wine pairing of a Tyrrell’s chardonnay or shiraz if you fancy.
Insider Tip: You need to book 24 hours in advance so plan ahead.
Where: The Gallery, Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park
When: Every Friday, 11am–4pm
Price: $75pp (+ $20 wine pairing for two)
Good Food & Wine Show
Sip, sample, and shop your way around the country’s longest-running consumer food and wine event. There are hundreds of wines showcased, there are artisan products to taste, live cooking demonstrations to catch, and you’ll be the first to discover new food trends. Meet the makers behind your favourite brands and go home with new faves. Get the full program and tickets here.
Where: ICC
When: 19-21 June 2026 at the ICC
Price: Single day tickets from $49.95, multi-day from $99.95
Vivid Fire Kitchen
This is worth it’s own entry alongside the broader Vivid pick: the open-fire dining program has moved to Barangaroo Reserve for 2026, with Indigenous chefs and ingredients leading the program. Walk-in and ticketed experiences available.
Where: Barangaroo Reserve
When: Through June 13
Price: Varies
Gigs, Concerts and Talks
Leon Thomas
You might remember Leon Thomas from Victorious, but don’t get it twisted: the three-time Grammy winner is now one of music’s most exciting up-and-comers, not to mention the mind behind some of the biggest R&B hits of the moment. Thomas is heading to Australia as part of his Mutts Don’t Heel World Tour in support of HEEL, the deluxe edition of his critically acclaimed sophomore album MUTT.
Where: Enmore Theatre, 118-132 Enmore Rd, Newtown
When: June 16 and 17.
Price: From $89.90.
Dave
Acclaimed British artist and songwriter Dave will embark on his long-awaited Australian arena tour in June 2026, marking his first headline tour since the release of his last album, We’re All Alone in This Together, in 2021. Famous for his hits like ‘Sprinter’, ‘Thiago Silva’, ‘Funky Friday’ and ‘Samantha’, Dave’s huge Aussie following will no doubt be ecstatic at his return.
Where: Qudos Bank Arena, 19 Edwin Flack Ave, Sydney Olympic Park.
When: June 20.
Price: Tickets from $112.05.
Mental As Anything
It’s a mix of the old and the new as legendary Aussie band Mental As Anything make an historic comeback with this 2026 tour as OG founding members Peter O’Doherty and Reg Mombassa reunite and lead a new lineup to perform once again under the Mentals banner. The tour marks the band’s 50th anniversary, and with 25 Top 40 hits to their name, expect to sing along to all your faves – as well as get hit with some new surprises.
Where: Enmore Theatre, 118-132 Enmore Road, Newtown.
When: June 19, 2026
Price: From $89 via Ticketek
Colin Hay
Armed with one of the best sets of pipes in the business, Men At Work’s former frontman Colin Hay hits the Enmore Theatre armed with new tunes and old favourites. With nearly four decades of solo work to his name, the Scottish-born honorary Aussie has a deep catalogue of tracks to choose from, making any show a surprising treat.
Insider tip: This is sold out so keep an eye on Ticketek Marketplace or Tixel for resale options.
Where: Enmore Theatre, 118-132 Enmore Road, Newtown.
When: June 25, 2026
Price: Varies on resale sites.
The Jungle Giants
After touring the world for the past five years, the four-piece Brisbane indie-electronic outfit return to share their latest material with an eager Sydney crowd. With close to half a billion streams under their belt and a reputation for lighting up festival stages, The Jungle Giants will raise the roof.
Where: Enmore Theatre, 118-132 Enmore Road, Newtown.
When: June 12, 2026
Price: From $100.90 89 via Ticketek
Pseudo Echo
The “Funky Town” hitmakers bring their legendary sound and electrifying engergy to The Factory Theatre. The tour is off the back of the release of their new album Machine Remixes, featuring innovative reinterpretations of their classic hits from the 80s.
Where: Factory Theatre,
When: June 12, 2026
Price: From $59
Freya Skye
Even after this gig was upgraded from the Enmore Theatre, English artist Freya Skye has still managed to sell out the Hordern Theatre. The “Silent Treatment” singer, who represented the UK in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, is a star on the rise and at just 16, there’s no doubt we’ll be hearing from her for years to come.
Insider tip: This is sold out so keep an eye on Ticketek Marketplace or Tixel for resale options.
Where: Hordern Pavilion, 1 Driver Ave, Moore Park
When: June 9, 2026
Price: GA $91. Seating $121.05 via Ticketek
What’s on in Theatre
The Lion King
The Disney blockbuster continues at the Capitor through to August – see our review. Still the most accessible big-budget musical in town for families.
Where: Capitol Theatre 13 Campbell St, Haymarket
When: Through to August 9
Price: From $165 via
Anastasia
Rising star Georgina Hopson leads the cast as Anya, alongside international stage sensation Robert Tripolino as Dmitry, in the Broadway musical’s Australian debut. Showbiz legend Rhonda Burchmore takes the stage as Countess Lily, with Australian theatre royalty Nancye Hayes AM as the Dowager Empress
Where: Sydney Lyric Theatre, Pyrmont.
When: Until July 19.
Price: Tickets from $69.90.
The Pirates of Penzance
Potts Points’ Hayes Theatre is known for bringing incredible, homegrown Aussie productions to the stage, and now, for the first time ever, one of its landmark musicals is headed to Pyrmont’s Foundry Theatre. The Pirates of Penzance is a fast-paced, immersive revival of the Gilbert and Sullivan classic, where just five performers take on the roles of pirates, lovers, sisters, major-generals, and many, many more.
Where: Foundry Theatre, inside the Sydney Lyric, Pirrama Road, Pyrmont.
When: May 12-June 7.
Price: Tickets from $59.90 per person (transaction fees apply).
84 Charing Cross Road
Adapted from Helene Hanff’s beloved non-fiction book, 84 Charing Cross Road comes to life on stage at Ensemble Theatre for a limited season. The story follows a sharp-tongued New York writer and a reserved London bookseller who begin a correspondence over their shared love of rare books, only to discover an unexpected lifelong friendship.
Where: Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall St, Kirribilli NSW 2061.
When: May 1-June 13.
Price: Adult tickets start at $95.
An Iliad
A weary, sharp-tongued poet (played by international star David Wenham) takes the stage at Wharf 1 Theatre to retell the story of the Trojan War, a tale he has carried across centuries of human conflict. In Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare’s powerful adaptation of Homer’s epic, the ancient myth is reimagined as an intimate, urgent reflection on war, division, and humanity’s enduring cycles of violence.
Where: Wharf 1 Theatre, The Wharf, Wharf 4/5/15 Hickson Rd, Dawes Point NSW 2000.
When: Until June 21, 2026.
Price: Tickets from $79.
Sport and Events
Sydney Swans home games
The Sydney Swans are back at the SCG twice in June. On June 7 they take on St Kilda before returning at the end of the month on June 29 to host the Western Bulldogs.
Insider tip: You can take your own homemade snacks to the SCG
Where: SCG, Driver Ave, Moore Park
When: June 7 & 29
Price: From $29 via Ticketmaster
Greater Western Giants v Carlton
The Giants will go in to this Round 14 match with a distinct homeground advantage – they are notoriously tough to beat at Engie Stadium – while Carlton looks to settle for the second half of the season following the departure of it’s coach.
Where: Engie Stadium, Olympic Park.
When: June 20, 2026, at 4.15pm
Price: From $27
FIFA World Cup
The FIFA World Cup may be taking place on the other side of the world but soccer fans will be able to catch all the action around Sydney with the NSW government set to announce live sites across the city. Follow the Socceroos as they chase glory in North America at Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour where all of three of their group stage games will be screened. While they nut out the details of where to watch the FIFA World Cup, local pubs throughout Sydney will also be screening all the action. Australia’s first game is against Turkiye on Sunday June 14.
Where: Tumbalong Park and throughout the city
When: FIFA World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19.
Price: Free
Rugby League
The NRL reaches the halfway mark of the season in June. There’s local derbies, old club rivalries and interstate teams coming to visit at matches taking place at major stadiums like Accor Stadium and smaller local grounds like Leichhardt Oval. For all the details go to nrl.com for the fixtures list.
Where: Accor Stadium, Leichhardt Oval, Allianz Stadium
When: June 8, 11, 14, 20, 21
Price: varies
Art galleries & exhibitions
Sistine Chapel Exhibition: Revelations
The exhibition, will use monumental projections to recreate the interior of the Sistine Chapel in a purpose-built structure outside the landmark St Mary’s Cathedral. Sistine Chapel Exhibition: Revelations is part of the growing trend of “immersive experiences”, using cutting edge digital technology to project ultra high resolution images of the world’s most recognised artworks to audiences, while the priceless pieces stay safely under lock and key.
Insider’s tip: If you’ve been to the Sistine Chapel, it’s hard to see how this exhibition can top that, but you can relive your memories.
Where: St Mary’s Cathedral forecourt, College St, Sydney
When: Until July 19, 2026
Price: From $50.
Tony Albert: Not a Souvenir
One of Australia’s most exciting young Indigenous artists of today, Tony Albert’s new exhibition at the MCA brings together his work across sculpture, photography, installation, painting, and assemblage alongside major new commissions. Curated by the renowned Indigenous curator Bruce Johnson McLean, the exhibition considers the commodification and misrepresentation of Aboriginal people and culture, while celebrating survival and pride.
Insider tip: Donate your “Aboriginalia” at the dedicated drop-off station in the MCA.
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, 140 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000.
When: Until October 19.
Price: Tickets from $28.
The Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes Exhibition
The Archibald Prize, Wynne Prize and Sulman Prize exhibition is a highlight on the AGNSW calendar and always delivers a vivid snapshot of contemporary Australian art and culture. Check out the winners and then cast your vote in the People’s Choice Awards.
Insider tip: Don’t forget to check out the Young Archie competition and discover the artists of the future.
Where: Art Gallery of NSW, Naala Nura building, lower level 2.
When: Until August 16.
Price: Adult tickets start at $30.
Biennale of Sydney 25th Anniversary
This three-month long Biennale wraps on June 14 so this is your last chance to catch Rememory at a place worth visiting in its own right the White Bay Power Station, with works also at the AGNSW, the Campbelltyown Arts Centre and the Penrith Rgional Gallery. Rememory, inspired by celebrated author Toni Morrison, explores the intersection of memory and history as a means of revisiting, reconstructing, and reclaiming histories that have been erased or repressed.
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: Ends June 14, 2026.
Harry Potter: The Exhibition
The highly anticipated tour of Harry Potter: The Exhibition is a must-see for all Potterheads. Visitors can step behind the scenes of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts universes, exploring iconic moments, characters, settings and creatures alongside authentic props, original costumes and immersive galleries inspired by the films and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
Where: Paddington Pavilion at Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127.
When: Open until October 2026.
Price: Tickets start at $33.
Mike Hewson: The Key’s Under the Mat
New Zealand-born, Sydney-based artist Mike Hewson has transformed 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. Visitors are encouraged to meet, dwell, play, make, perform and explore while interacting with the park’s various features.
Where: Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney.
When: Running until August 23, 2026.
Price: Free.
Event Horizon
Conceptual artist Michaela Gleave brings a transcendental display of works to Woolloomooloo’s Artspace with her first major solo Australian exhibition. In physics, an ‘event horizon’ is the boundary around a black hole, marking a threshold beyond which information cannot return to an external observer.
Using energy fields and physical materials such as mist, sound waves, atmospheric conditions, glitter, recycled timber, and inflatable objects, Michaela invites visitors to heighten their awareness of their own process of perception and to explore new ways of seeing and feeling.
Where: Artspace, 43–51 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011.
When: On now until June 7.
Price: Free.
