What’s on in Sydney this August: City2Surf, Drag Bingo, Cherry Blossom Festival and more

From iconic fun runs to hilarious musicals, foodie experiences and community street festivals, Sydney is buzzing with activities this August. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline, craving some family fun, or simply looking for exciting ways to fill your weekends, there’s no shortage of things to do.

Culture lovers can catch internationally-acclaimed artists and French-inspired markets, while fitness fans can get moving with free wellness sessions and yoga classes. Nature is showing up for us too, with whales breaching off the coast in the east and cherry blossoms blooming in the west. If you’re after a unique night out with friends, drop by South Eveleigh for some drag bingo, or join a dine and crime night at Paddington’s iconic tqm.

We’ve rounded up 14 events happening across Sydney this August that you won’t want to miss.

Things to do in Sydney in August

1. City2Surf

The world’s largest fun run returns to Sydney this August, with 90,000 keen participants set to tackle the iconic 14km course. Running from the heart of the city to the beloved Bondi Beach, participants (and supporters) are guaranteed a day of fun, community and celebrations as the city stops to make way for the runners. Not sure where to kick on after the run? Read our top picks for post-run celebrations here.

Where: Starts at the intersection of Park Street and College Street. Finish line is on Queen Elizabeth Drive in Bondi.
When: Sunday, August 10. The first group starts at 7:35am and the last group starts at 9:27am.

READ MORE: City2Surf record holder Steve Moneghetti shares his top tips for tackling the run

2. Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival

The Sydney Cherry Blossom festival is back in full bloom this August, returning to the Auburn Botanic Gardens for a nine-day stint. This festival is one of Western Sydney’s most anticipated (and photogenic) events, showcasing a dazzling display of more than 200 cherry blossom trees alongside a line-up of Japanese-inspired food, drink and entertainment.

When: Saturday, August 16 until Sunday, August 24, 2025. Daily 9am–4:45pm.
Where: Auburn Botanic Gardens, Chiswick Road, Auburn NSW 2144
Price: Adult $16.60, child (5–16 years) $8.95, family (two adults, two children) $44.65. All tickets must be pre-booked. There are no sales booths at the Gardens.

READ MORE: Sydney’s most photogenic festival will turn Auburn pink in August

3. Drag Bingo

Drag Bingo will take over BrewDog South Eveleigh every Wednesday this August, hosted by dazzling queens Bettie Blackheart and Dior Drop. There will be lip syncing, drama and $16 spritzes to enjoy, alongside the very serious game of bingo. Break up your week with a night out at South Eveleigh, and make sure to bring your charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent.

Where: Bay 1 Locomotive, Workshops South, Eveleigh NSW 2015.
When: Every Wednesday from 7:30pm.
Price: No additional price for bingo.

4. Win a $150 dinner voucher and 2 X Sydney Boat Show

Sydney Boat Show will be docking at the Sydney Showground at the Olympic Park this August for the first time ever. Spanning four days, the event will showcase the best of Australian boating, including trailerable boats, cutting-edge marine tech, fishing gear, casting demonstrations and even live cooking shows.

We’re giving away two tickets to the show, a $150 dinner voucher for Bacar Restaurant at Pullman Sydney Olympic Park and a personal meet-and-greet with footy and fishing legend Andrew “ET” Ettingshausen. Don’t let this ship sail — click here to enter.

Where: 1 Showground Road, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127
When: Thursday, August 14, until Sunday, August 17, 2025.
Price: Tickets from $19 plus booking fee.

5. Free Yoga under the bridge

Start your Sundays right with a calming yoga session looking over Sydney’s picturesque harbour. Stretch, breathe and reflect with the helpful yoga instructor as they lead you through a program of strength and flexibility. You’ll leave with a clear mind, a strengthened body and not a dent in your bank account. Just bring yourself and a yoga mat (which you can grab from Kmart for as little as $5).

Where: The corner of Lower Fort St and George St at Dawes Point Park, right under the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
When: Sundays, 8.30am & 9:30am.
Price: Free.

6. The Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon is known to be one of the funniest (and most outrageous) musicals of all time. Written by the masterminds behind South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the musical tells the story of two young missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: “perfect” Elder Kevin Price and awkward Elder Arnold Cunningham.

Kevin hopes his mission will take him to sunny Orlando, Florida, but instead, the mismatched pair are sent to a remote village in Uganda. The result is chaos, comedy and a lot of outrageous satire. We won’t spoil the show, but if you want to find out more, read our review here.

When: Now booking to Sunday, November 30, 2025. Shows take place on most Tuesdays–Thursdays 7pm, Fridays 7:30pm, Saturdays 2pm & 7:30pm, Sundays 1pm & 6:30pm.
Where: Capitol Theatre, 13 Campbell Street, Haymarket NSW 2000.
Tickets: From $69 per person.

READ MORE: The Book of Mormon is back in Sydney — here’s everything you need to know

7. Tyler, The Creator at Qudos Bank Arena

Grammy-award-winning artist Tyler, The Creator is taking over the Qudos Bank Arena for three high-energy nights this August, and tickets are still available to snatch up. This marks the artist’s first tour Down Under since his 2022 stint, headlining Splendour in the Grass. The American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer is known for his innovative hip-hop sound and boundary-pushing artistry — there’s no doubt that he’ll put on a big show.

Where: Qudos Bank Arena, 19 Edwin Flack Ave, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127.
When: August 26, 27 & 28 from 7:30pm.
Price: From $149.90.

8. The Penrith Show

The Penrith Show is celebrating its 180th year, bringing the community together to celebrate Penrith’s rich rural heritage and incredible local culture. Similar to the beloved Easter Show that takes over the Sydney Olympic Park each year, the Penrith Show brings an exciting lineup of exhibitions, food stalls, animal shows and agricultural displays.

Featuring the Hawkesbury Working Kelpies, who will show off their speed in the arena and the Metropolitan Axemen’s Association, who will entertain crowds with their woodchopping skills, the Penrith Show is not one to miss.

Where: 127 – 147 Station Street, Penrith, NSW, Australia, NSW 2750.
When: August 30 & 31.
Price: Adult tickets start at $20.

9. Join free wellness sessions in Barangaroo

From inclusive run clubs and meditation exercises to HYROX-style bootcamps, Barangaroo has your workout calendar covered this August, with a variety of fun and free wellness sessions scheduled across the month. The four-week program will help you get active, find your calm and stay motivated (without breaking the bank). The classes have also been scheduled to fit in with your work week, with sessions during lunch breaks and pre- and post-work, meaning there’s no excuse not to join.

Where: Every session is located in Barangaroo.
When: Throughout August.
Price: Free.

READ MORE: Barangaroo is hosting free wellness sessions throughout August

10. Dine and crime at tqm.

For fans of true crime and tacos, tqm. Paddington are hosting an unforgettable dinner series this August. Entitled “Scandals and the City”, the night will feature stories from Sydney’s spooky past over a three-course Latin American feast. The evening will be led by Max Burns-McRuvie, a seasoned historian who will captivate the room with his masterful storytelling skills as he dives into controversial crime scenes that shocked the nation. The full experience will only cost you $65 per person, which includes the full feast and a house beer on arrival.

Where: tqm. Paddington, 6 Heeley St, Paddington NSW 2021.
When: Wednesday, August 27.
Price: $65 per person.

READ MORE: We went to see what Tequila Mockingbird’s rebrand is all about and found some big surprises

11. Le Marché French Markets

Bonjour! Le Marché French Markets will take over the Entertainment Quarter every first Sunday of the month. August’s market will feature over 45 stalls, selling all the best French goods and fashion, including cheeses, truffles, baguettes, berets and more. There will also be opportunities to try French wine and other delicious delicacies that will make you feel like you’re on the streets of Paris. 

Where: 122 Lang Road, Moore Park NSW 2021. 
When: Sunday, August 3, 9am-2:30pm. 
Price: Free.

12. Pups in Pubs

Celebrate your best friend this weekend with Pups in Pubs at BrewDog South Eveleigh. They’re hosting the ulti-mutt day out featuring pet portraits, boutique stalls, a best dressed pup competition, and, of course, plenty of treats. There’ll be giveaways by pawfect pup brands such as Fit N Flash and Yum Guard, and craft brews on tap for humans (special shoutout to the Redfern Draught Mid 3.5%).

Where: Bay 1 Locomotive, Workshops South, Eveleigh NSW 2015.
When: Sunday, 17th August, from 12-3pm.
Price: Free entry.

13. Engadine Street Festival

The 2025 Engadine Street Festival is bringing food, fun, shopping and entertainment to the Shire this August. With over 200 hand-picked stalls, the festival will feature everything from tasty street food and funky fashion to handmade crafts and live music. Perfect for a family day out thanks to its feel-good, community vibe, the Engadine Street Festival promises an atmosphere of community, connection and celebration.

Where: Engadine Town Centre, 101 Caldarra Ave, Engadine NSW 2233.
When: Sunday, August 3, 9am–3pm.
Price: Free entry.

14. Whale watching

Whale watching season is in full swing, so get your winter woollies on and head out to see one of nature’s greatest events. Just this past week, we saw a juvenile humpback causing havoc in Sydney harbour, impacting the ferry routes as it explored before being safely shown back to sea. As August continues, whales are more likely to be heading south, back up the coast, with their adorable calves in tow. Sydney is not short of whale watching experiences and boat rides, so if you’re unsure which to pick, check out our piece on the best whale watching spots and tours in Sydney 2025.

Where: Check out all the locations and boat tours here.
When: Whale watching season in Sydney generally runs from May to November.

READ MORE: Ocean Extreme offers the most expensive whale watching experience in Sydney – but is it worth it?

15. Sydney Rum Fair

The Sydney Rum Fair returns to the Oak Barrel on Elizabeth Street this weekend, offering guests over 100 different rums on pour. This year promises to be bigger and better, featuring a mix of returning favourites and exciting new names, from local creations to standout distilleries from all across Australia. You’ll be able to try a wide range of different bottlings, from funky to smooth, as well as learn all about the styles of rum.

Ticket prices include entry to the event, free access to all run samples, and a food voucher for use on the day, which can be redeemed at the incredible IRIE Caribbean Street food, offering the option of Jerk Chicken or a Vegan Ital Curry.

Where: The Oak Barrel, 152 Elizabeth St, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Saturday, August 2, across two sessions: one from 12pm to 3:30pm, and one from 4:30pm to 8pm.
Price: $89 per person.