The final weekend of May will see Barangaroo’s newest venue, The Cutaway, come alive with a program of live music, immersive performances, interactive workshops and family-friendly activities.
Completely free to attend, the packed weekend program marks the beginning of The Cutaway Barangaroo’s emergence as one of Sydney’s leading cultural hubs.
Saturday (May 30) will see an array of large-scale projections light up the precinct, accompanied by music, live art-making and cultural workshops. On Sunday (May 31), there’ll be a range of free activities for all ages, including weaving, flower crown making and jewellery workshops.
Showcasing the best of Sydney’s local talent, musicians based in the city will put on a show for the weekend celebration, with performances from Kee’ahn, Ngaiire, Alice Ivy, Sophie Penkethman-Young, Shal, DJ Toaka and DJ Charlie Villas.
Also popping up over The Cutaway’s long weekend will be the beloved Barangarii Markets, which will transform the streets of Barangaroo South with stalls selling food, fashion, designs and artisan goods.
The weekend will also feature the Damulay Nguarang program, celebrating culture, community and connection to Country through a series of free experiences, including Aboriginal Cultural Tours and Yoga on Country.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said, “Barangaroo Live on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 May will showcase the incredible transformation of The Cutaway into a world-class arts and cultural venue.
“There are many free activities to take part in while enjoying one of Sydney’s most iconic harbourside locations. It’s a great opportunity to check out Barangaroo and have some fun without breaking the budget.”
The full opening weekend program
Live music and art
Free performances from Kee’ahn, Ngaiire, Alice Ivy, Sophie Penkethman-Young, Shal, DJ Toaka and DJ Charlie Villas will soundtrack an energetic Saturday at The Cutaway.
This is the schedule of performances on Saturday:
- Kee’ahn: 1:30pm
- Ngaiire: 2:40pm
- Alice Ivy: 3:50pm
- DJ Charlie Villas: 1:15pm-3pm
- DJ Toaka: 3pm-5pm
- Dance Kool: 1:20pm, 2:30pm, 3:40pm
Where: The Cutaway.
When: Saturday, May 30, 1pm-5pm.
Cultural workshops
For four hours on the Saturday, a variety of art, culture, movement, and discovery workshops will take place at the Waranara Terrace Rooms in The Cutaway. Kids and young teens can wander in as they please, experimenting and learning together at this celebration of creativity and community.
Where: The Cutaway, Waranara Terrace Rooms.
When: Saturday, May 30, 1pm-5pm.
Barangaroo Markets
Enjoy a bite to eat and discover unique finds while supporting local businesses, makers and creatives.
Where: Barangaroo South, Waterman’s Cove.
When: Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31, 10am-4pm.
Aboriginal Cultural Tours
Led by a team of knowledgeable Aboriginal educators, these free tours are your chance to learn about the rich history and cultural significance of Sydney Harbour.
Where: Barangaroo Reserve.
When: Saturday, May 30, 10:30am-1pm and Sunday, May 31, 1:30pm-4pm.
Damulay Ngurang
Meaning “friendship place” in the local Sydney language, Sunday will see attendees gather in the spirit of “Damulay Ngurang” and celebrate the resilience of First Nations people across the country. This program takes place under this year’s National Reconciliation Week theme, “All In”, which is a call to action that emphasises shared responsibility and collective effort in advancing reconciliation and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Where: The Cutaway.
When: Sunday, May 31, 9:30am-2pm.
Yoga on Country
Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a complete beginner, head to The Cutaway on Sunday for a morning of relaxing, meaningful Yoga on Country, a First Nations-inspired yoga session blending traditional practices with modern wellness techniques, designed to nourish your mind, body, and soul.
Where: The Cutaway.
When: Sunday, May 31, 9:30am.
Welcome to Country
Where: The Cutaway.
When: May 31, 10:10am.
Craft workshops
Craft workshops will include weaving, flower crown making and jewellery workshops.
Where: The Cutaway.
When: Sunday, May 31, 11am-1pm.
What’s next for The Cutaway?
While the venue’s full upcoming program is yet to be announced, The Cutaway is set to host major events including the National Indigenous Art Fair, Sydney Festival and Vivid Sydney, alongside a calendar of exhibitions, concerts, performances, festivals and community events.
With its 10,000 square metres of event space across two mezzanine levels, it can accommodate up to 3,000 people, leaving plenty of room for ambitious concerts and performances.
The Cutaway also features a main hall, pre-function space, gallery and exhibition rooms, complemented by extensive back-of-house facilities including a commercial kitchen, dressing rooms and dedicated education spaces, making it well suited to catered events, talks and large-scale conferences.
Minister for Jobs and Tourism, and Minister for Lands and Property, Steve Kamper said The Cutaway is set to become “the beating heart of Barangaroo” and will help with “energising our night-time economy for years to come.”
