Vivid was just the warm-up – Sydney’s winter festivals will turn up the heat through July, with events popping up across the city to take us through to spring.
From ice skating, festive magic and outdoor movie nights with your family to snow cannons and thumping music, winter’s never looked so good. Get out of hibernation mode and wrap up warm to explore the wintry fun at these winter festivals in Sydney.
1. Bondi Festival
Bondi Festival is back, 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 available to experience throughout the festival, with tickets starting from $15 to $28 for a 45-minute session.
There’s also the Pavilion Paw Parade, on July 11, where you can bring your pup along and enter them in categories including Best Dressed, Party Tricks and Best Personality. Other events include Bondi Festival Food Markets on Saturdays, the Waverley Art Prize and live performances every Saturday and Sunday of the festival.
Where: Bondi Pavilion and surrounding areas.
When: Friday, July 3–Sunday, July 19.
Price: Price varies depending on event.
2. Chill Fest, Campbelltown
Koshigaya Park in Campbelltown will become a winter wonderland throughout July, complete with dazzling light displays, thrilling amusement rides, roaming performers and a mouth-watering lineup of food stalls. What winter festival would be complete without an open-air ice rink? This one even features a resident DJ. There will also be s’mores ready to roast over an open fire, as well as a snow zone and opportunities to meet your favourite costumed characters.
Where: Koshigaya Park, Hurley St and Camden Rd, Campbelltown NSW 2560.
When: July 3 to July 19 from 12pm to late
Price: Entry is free and prices for rides and amusements will be available closer to the date.
campbelltown.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/chillfest
3. Bastille Festival
The Bastille Festival returns to Sydney from Thursday, July 16 to Sunday, July 19, bringing a touch of France to The Rocks and Circular Quay, with a celebration of French cuisine, art and culture. There’ll be winter comfort food, including hot crêpes, plenty of cheese and even garlicky escargot. Toast to the French with authentic Champagne and beer, or spice up your life with a warming glass of mulled wine.
The full programme of live performances is yet to be released, so watch this space for more info.
Where: Circular Quay and The Rocks.
When: July 16–July 19, 10am–11pm.
4. Christmas in July, The Rocks
While the Northern Hemisphere enjoys Christmas carols, markets and ice skating during December, Christmas looks a little different Down Under. But Sydneysiders never miss out. Christmas in July is the clever solution that brightens up the colder winter months in the Harbour City, bringing Christmas markets, mulled wine and falling snow.
This year, the Fire Pit Cinema will return, with private fire pits available for two to six people. Snuggle up under blankets, sip hot chocolate, toast marshmallows and enjoy classic Christmas movies, including Home Alone, Elf and The Holiday. Foodies can find melted raclette, bratwursts, schnitzels and sugar-dusted crêpes, among other comfort dishes, at the pop-up restaurants too.
Where: The Rocks, Sydney 2000.
When: July 10-July 19.
Price: Free entry.
5. RISE Manly
Presented by Northern Beaches Council, Rise Manly is a new “winter event series”, bringing music, light, culture and community to the Northern Beaches suburb. Nine days of large-scale light installations, roving performances, family-friendly activities, night markets and late-night trading will begin this Friday, June 19. The Corso and Manly’s laneways will be buzzing with live performances, artworks and more, as the incredible shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, fitness and wellness businesses team up to present this 10-day party.
Where: Various Manly venues.
When: Friday, June 19 until Sunday, July 28.
How to get there: Ferries are available from Watsons Bay or Circular Quay. Check timetables at transportnsw.info
6. Winterfest
Cheer on jousting knights and grab your swords; Winterfest returns to Hawkesbury Showground for this spectacular two-day fair. Highlights include equestrian skill-at-arms shows, medieval archery, birds of prey displays, as well as full-contact Australian Medieval Combat, brought to life by reenactors and performers.
There will be Knights School, pony rides, live-action fantasy role playing and much more.
Where: Hawksbury Showground
When: Saturday 4 until Sunday 5.
Price: $35 per adult; $15 per child (5-17 years); under 5s go FREE
