Your Sydney Travel Guide round-up of all the best free things to do in Sydney this September.
Every month Sydney hosts a carousel of festivals, shows, events and experiences that you can enjoy without spending a cent, you just need to know where to look.
(The answer is here, here is where to look.)
Free things to do in Sydney this September
1. Power Up Festival at White Bay Power Station
One of Sydney’s most iconic industrial, and underused, landmarks White Bay Power Station is hosting the Power Up Festival, a three-day event celebrating local art, live music, and delicious food. This free festival offers a unique opportunity to explore the expansive venue, which will be transformed into a hub of creativity and community spirit. Over 100 local artists will showcase their work in the awe-inspiring Turbine Hall, while the Power Up Stage will feature live performances from ARIA award-winning Josh Pyke, as well as cabaret acts, DJs, and orchestras. Wander through the Boiler House and Pump House, where craft brewers and food vendors from Sydney’s Inner West will keep you well-fed and refreshed with street eats and beverages.
When: September 20-22 , 10am-9:30pm (Fri & Sat), 10am-6pm (Sun)
Where: White Bay Power Station, Robert St, Rozelle NSW 2039
whitebaypowerstation.com
2. Sydney Streets
Looking to enjoy Sydney’s local neighbourhoods without the traffic? Sydney Streets is bringing live music, outdoor dining, and family-friendly entertainment to the heart of the city. Haymarket and Potts Point will both be transformed into pedestrian-friendly festival zones on Saturday, 21 September, with road closures enabling a day of alfresco dining, pop-up games, and community fun.
Explore local businesses offering in-store promotions, enjoy acoustic roving performers, or sit back with a drink at one of the outdoor dining areas. Perfect for families or groups of friends, Sydney Streets promises a full day of entertainment in two of the city’s most iconic areas.
When: Haymarket, September 21
Where: Haymarket – parts of Dixon, Hay, Little Hay and Sussex streets
When: Potts Point, September 28
Where: Potts Point – Darlinghurst Road and Macleay Street, Potts Point – between Roslyn Street and Greenknowe Avenue
cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
3. Friday Ritual
Kick off your weekend with Friday Ritual, part of the Sydney Fringe Festival. Held every Friday in September, this weekly art installation event invites you to watch or even participate in the creation of wind-dancing sculptures. Designed by artist Matthew Aberline, these interactive art pieces will take shape in the foyer of International Tower 3 at Barangaroo, before being paraded through the precinct to the tune of live music and a community choir.
This free event is perfect for anyone looking to unwind after a long week, as the creative energy of the festival whisks you from workday mode into the weekend.
When: September 13, 20, 27, 5:45pm
Where: International Tower 3, Barangaroo, 2000
sydneyfringe.com
4. Liminal creative quest
Calling all art lovers and puzzle enthusiasts—Liminal is an interactive, city-wide game that blends art and storytelling in an exciting quest to fight the Void. Guided by the Wandering Liminal Society, participants will explore The Rocks in search of remnants of inspiration from the past. Along the way, you’ll solve puzzles, create your own art, and connect with a vibrant community of players. Whether you bring a group or go solo, this creative challenge is a fun and inclusive experience for all ages.
When: September 19-22 , 3pm-4:15pm
Where: Sideshow at The Rocks, 2000
sydneyfringe.com
5. St Ives Fire Festival
A fyre festival that wont leave you stranded on a Caribbean island! St Ives Fire Festival will set the night ablaze with mesmerising fire performances and stunts, live music, and plenty of entertainment for all ages. Groove to the beats of local bands, marvel at the fire shows, and enjoy rides and jumping castles for the kids. Food trucks will be on hand to satisfy your cravings, while a range of merchandise stalls offer unique finds.
When: September 21, 5pm-10pm
Where: Jim Watson Arena, St Ives, 2075
allfestivals.com.au
6. Real Festival
Real Festival, Penrith, is a free to attend celebration of art, adventure, and entertainment. Enjoy live music on the riverside Acoustic Stage, free roller skating at the Busways Roller Rink, and surprise performances by roving entertainers. Marvel at the illuminated “Guardians” inflatable artwork, and explore the eco-friendly Shadow House. Dive into hands-on workshops at the Kids Zone, relive classic arcade fun in the Open Air Arcade, and take on thrilling on-water adventures like dragon boat racing, kayaking, and stand-up paddling. You can also immerse yourself in the beauty of Indigenous culture with Dreamtime Stories, a special free workshop hosted by Muru Mittigar and learn about the significance of the stars in Aboriginal storytelling.
When: September 20 & 21, 7:30pm
Where: Tench Reserve, Jamisontown, 2750
realfestival
7. In the Key of G
In the Key of G is one of the standout free events at this year’s Sydney Fringe Festival. This month-long project brings together four composers who have created unique pieces to be performed on two grand pianos. Attendees are encouraged to participate in the public rehearsals, leading up to the grand final performance on 25 September. This collaborative event is perfect for music lovers and those looking to be a part of something creatively profound.
When: Rehearsals throughout September, final performance on September 25
Where: George Place Foyer, 345-363 George St, Sydney
sydneyfringe.com
