Bondi Festival 2025 opens this weekend and this is everything you need to know

Winter in Sydney is set to heat up with the return of Bondi Festival 2025, bringing a jam-packed program of live music, theatre, comedy, markets, and free family fun to one of Australia’s most iconic beach suburbs. Running for 17 days from Friday, July 4 until Sunday, July 20, this year’s festival promises its biggest lineup yet, all centred around the Bondi Pavilion and the world-famous beach.

Whether you’re into dog parades, dance parties, or late-night laughs, here’s everything you need to know before heading to Bondi this July.

Whole of festival events

There are plenty of mainstays throughout the duration of the festival, so you can count on these for repeat visits or spontaneous fun:

Bondi Festival Ice Rink: Skate by the sea! Open daily 10am–8:45pm.

Bondi Vista Ferris Wheel: Soar 25 metres high for panoramic beach views, open daily 10am–9pm.

Waverley Art Prize Exhibition: Discover works by Australia’s top contemporary artists at Bondi Pavilion Gallery, 10am–5pm until 17 July.

Bondi Beach Sea Wall Murals: Watch live mural painting from Australia’s top street artists all festival long.

Bondi Festival Locals: Intimate pop-up shows and events spotlighting the best of the Bondi community.

Blue Sky Markets: Grab bites and boogie at Bondi Park with food, DJs and local makers every Saturday (5, 12 & 19 July), 11am–9pm.

Week one

Kick off the festival with laughs, live music, and plenty of pup-friendly fun:

Opening Night & Waverley Art Prize (July 4): Celebrate the official launch and award ceremony at Bondi Pavilion Gallery.

Bondi Festival Comedy Gala (July 4 & 5): Hosted by Pat Doherty and featuring a who’s-who of Sydney comedy: Will Gibb, Jess Fuchs, Alia Lievore and more.

Pavilion Paw Parade (July 5): Furry friends take over the courtyard for a pooch procession, dog-themed art and family-friendly fun.

Mi-Kaisha feat. RIAH (July 5): A powerful NAIDOC Week celebration with First Nations R&B and soul in the Seagull Room.

Gladdy Drawing Club (July 5): Join Sydney’s most inclusive and body-positive life drawing class, featuring guest artist Wendy Sharpe.

POV by re:group (July 10–12): A theatrical-filmmaking hybrid asking bold questions about parenting and mental health.

Sincere Apologies (July 10–12): A powerful new immersive theatre experience from Alternative Facts, held in the Seagull Room.

Bondi From The Barber’s Chair (July 10–12): Comedian Madeleine Stewart hosts intimate storytelling nights with beloved Bondi locals at Badlambs Barbershop.

Week two

Keeping the momentum going through the final week are several big-name performances and community events:

Daytime Dance Party (July 12): A free, all-ages, high-energy dance sesh in the courtyard with Betty Grumble and DJ Hiphophero.

Queer Compost (July 12): Honest, heartfelt and hilarious storytelling from queer lives, presented by Fruitbox Theatre.

Gladdy Drawing Club (July 18): Back for a second week of creative expression and good vibes at the Pavilion Gallery.

Meg Washington Live (July 18): Don’t miss the ARIA award-winning artist and her new single Shangri-La in an unforgettable night of music at Bondi Pavilion Theatre.

FAQs

When is Bondi Festival?

Friday, July 4 to Sunday, July 20, 2025. Events run daily across the Bondi area, with special shows and markets on weekends.

How do I get to Bondi?

Bondi is easily accessible from Sydney CBD:

Public Transport: Catch the train to Bondi Junction, then jump on a 333, 380 or 381 bus down to the beach.

By Car: Paid parking is available around Bondi Beach, but it gets busy — public transport is your best bet.

How much are tickets?

Bondi Festival offers a mix of free and ticketed events, with ticketed event prices ranging up to $55. Key experiences like the ice rink, Ferris wheel and headline shows can be booked in advance at bondifestival.com.au.