Sydney’s new Sydney Festival director has revealed his top ten picks for 2026.
Canadian Kris Nelson, introducing his first festival as director, spoke this morning about the 50th anniversary event, which starts on January 8th and runs until January 25th.
Of course, there are already headlines over an activist play starring British performer Khalid Abdulla.
Nowhere is a solo show by Abdalla (United 93, The Kite Runner, The Crown) about the intertwining personal and political histories, from colonialism to global uprisings, and it’s at the Roslyn Packer Theatre.
And one of the most fascinating shows – Mama Does Derby, a major new commission for Sydney Festival which will see Sydney Town Hall converted into a full-scale roller derby track for an action-packed World Premiere work by Virginia Gay (Calamity Jane) and Windmill’s Claire Watson.
“Across alleyways, parks, pools, galleries, opera houses from Bankstown to Bondi, Walsh Bay, all the way to Redfern, we’ll be turning familiar spaces into unexpected sites of discovery, conversation, and celebration,” Nelson said.
“It’s a citywide blast of creativity woven to the very fabric of Sydney where our streets, beaches, and iconic landmarks can become the stage. I’m so excited to share this program with you. It’s my first, and it’s been created by a team with tons of grit, love, and care for our city. And I can’t wait for everyone to experience it.”
Arts Minister John Graham told a launch event: “Congratulations to Kris Nelson and the whole Sydney Festival team who once again pulled off an amazing program from its high-octane Argentinian Street Festival opening night through to that reflective vigil on the 25th with a Roller Derby in between.”
Nelson gave a run down of events:
“First Nations are our first priority at the festival, and our Blak Out program sits at the heart of the festival. It’s led by Jacob Nash… we will have a contemporary corroboree on the Northern Broadwalk of the Sydney Opera House to some of the most amazing musicians, including a 13-year-old hip hop star and an 80s R&B legend.
“This is a powerful reminder that First Nations stories are what inspire us and that they’re central to the story of Sydney itself.
“We’ve got a festival full of themes for you to guide you along in your festival journey. These include our common ground, all kinds of ceremonies that give sense to the world, from smoke to fire to corroboree, to four funerals and a wedding.
“The city will be our stage. This is a festival to cross the town for, and I hope you charge up your Opal Cards because you will be heading from Blacktown to Bondi and all the way to Redfern. You’ll be in and out of Barangaroo Station because we have a variable program at Walsh Bay.
“And it’s an ideas rich festival. This is a festival that is engaging with the big stories of the world, immersing us and playing with the tensions that would seem to keep our city apart, but actually call us together in a kind of acupuncture for the soul.
“It’s our 50th. That means that it’s a multi-generational festival full of intergenerational experience. We’ve got this kind of alpha boomer theme running through, which means that from Gen Z and Gen Alpha, all through the decades, this is a festival that’s shaped Sydney over 50 years, and we’re celebrating that by making it a convergence place for everybody.
“This is the festival that belongs to everyone.
“There’s loads of free programs, including a free street performance and party on the first weekend at the festival.
“We’re bringing back our $49 early bird ticket price. This is across the full program, including some of our best seats in the house, and it gives you a chance to celebrate our 50th festival together. “
“From the international stage, we’ve got the autobiography that dares to tell the story of one man’s history and the story of a region with Khalid Abdullah’s Nowhere.
.“We have installed a roller skate rink inside this city’s town hall. It’s an incredible duo, mother-derby play, complete with the Derby team.
“Across to music, we’ve got everyone from Hot Chip. It’s the best live music event that you could have in electronic music to Emma Dunovan. We’ve got Paris Paloma, who’s the voice of a generation, and First Nations Mexican hip hop star Mare Adventxencia and Inkabee.
“In dance, there’s an amazing avant-garde artist named Eun-Me Ahn. She’s from Seoul, and she’s bringing us Post-Orientalist Express. It’s a kaleidoscopic, hyperactive, beautifully costumed feast for the eye, an incredible feast. This is an artist who is as comfortable on the underground as she is choreographing the opening ceremonies for the World Cup.
“We’ve gotten loads of free and outdoor events, including Symphony Under the Stars, which will now be back at Tumbalong Park, and a billboard of your Googly Eye in Darling Harbour. I’ll leave you to figure it out for yourself.
:On the family side, we have everything from shows for young audiences to an inflatable wave celebrating surf culture at Bondi Pavilion, and an incredible live action seven-hour video game called Asses Masses at the Sydney Opera House.
“There’s something for everyone in every corner of the city this season.”
See our full preview here.
Ten Reveals for Sydney Festival 2026
1. A Festival Worth Crossing Town For
Nelson says this will be a festival “worth crossing town for”, with events spread from Blacktown to Bondi, encouraging Sydneysiders to explore new corners of the city.
2. Town Hall Roller Derby Rink
In what’s already being dubbed the must-see moment of the summer, Sydney Town Hall will become a roller-derby rink — yes, with the mayor’s approval. Expect music, movement and mayhem in one of Sydney’s grandest venues.
3. Music for All Generations
Celebrating half a century of culture, the festival will bring together artists aged 13 to 82, blending youthful energy with living legends across genres — from hip hop to rhythm and blues.
4. Googly Eyes at Darling Harbour
A giant interactive billboard installation featuring googly eyes will appear at Darling Harbour — and in Nelson’s words, “they’ll be your googly eyes.” The playful art piece promises to be a crowd favourite (and Instagram magnet).
5. A Massive Harbour “Blackout” Party
Thousands will dance under the stars at a spectacular outdoor dance event curated by Jane Nashton. “We’re not allowed to call it a rave,” Nelson joked, “but it will feel like one” — with the ocean and harbour as its glittering backdrop.
6. Four Funerals and a Wedding (or a Wedding Dress)
Part performance art, part cultural mash-up, this surreal series will feature a Chinese ceremony for the dead, an Irish wake, a club-kid cabaret, and a single wedding moment to tie it all together.
7. Free Events and $49 Prime Seats
A “truckload of free events” will make the festival more accessible than ever, alongside a special $49 ticket offer for premium seats at top venues including the Opera House and Carriageworks.
8. Artists from 19 Countries on Six Continents
From contemporary dance to avant-garde theatre, performers from 19 nations will bring global perspectives to Sydney — making this one of the festival’s most diverse lineups ever.
9. Walsh Bay Becomes a Festival Hub
The Walsh Bay precinct will host a vibrant mix of music theatre, cabaret, and performance from around the world, kicking off with a “very special” event on 10 January.
10. The Festival Matchmaker
In true showman style, Nelson quipped that he could “match you with the perfect show” if you share your astrological sign and availability. Whether you crave deep thinking or pure joy, Sydney Festival 2026 aims to deliver both.
A Celebration for the City
With its mix of free outdoor events, cutting-edge performances, and citywide experiences, Sydney Festival’s 50th year promises to unite the city through creativity. For travellers and locals alike, it’s a chance to rediscover Sydney — from harbour to heartland — in full festival mode.
As Nelson summed up:
“The festival has it all – whether you want a deep thinking experience or just a chance to celebrate with friends. I’ll make sure you have a great time.”
If You Go – Sydney Festival 2026
If You Go – Sydney Festival 2026When: 4 – 26 January 2026
Where: Various venues across Sydney — from Blacktown to Bondi, Town Hall to Walsh Bay
Tickets: From $49; many free events
Website: sydneyfestival.org.au
Don’t Miss: Skating at Town Hall, the Darling Harbour “Blackout” dance event, and the interactive googly-eyes billboard
Insider Tip: Book accommodation early — January coincides with Sydney’s peak summer season and major events calendar
