Winter is in full swing but that’s not slowing anything down. Wrap up warm and embrace the chill as you explore Sydney in July.
The peak of winter has arrived in Sydney, and with it comes plenty of events that celebrate the cooler temperatures. Whether you’re grabbing a cup of mulled wine at the Christmas in July festival or gliding around the ice rink in Bondi, July is brimming with events to help you fight the winter blues.
Sydney’s theatre scene is continuing to flourish, with CATS the Musical wowing crowds with its fierce feline choreography, The Play That Goes Wrong is cracking up audiences with its genius slapstick chaos, and the hilarious comedy musical The Book Of Mormon returning mid-month.
Winter wonderlands, NAIDOC celebrations and the State of Origin final round off the month, showing that Sydney doesnโt slow down when the temperature drops โ it just finds new ways to turn up the heat.
Read on to discover all the best events happening this July, and start planning your perfect winter itinerary.
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 open throughout the festival, with tickets starting from $15 for a 45-minute session.
There’s also the Pavilion Paw Parade, on July 5, where you can bring your pup along and enter them in categories including Best Dressed, Party Tricks and Best Personality โ or just watch the canine competitions from the sidelines. Other events include Bondi Festival Food Markets on Saturdays, the Waverley Art Prize and a live performance from ARIA Award-winner Meg Washington.
Where: Bondi Pavilion and surrounding areas.
When: Friday, July 4โSunday, July 20.
Price: Price varies depending on event.
2. Winter Wonderland at The Grounds of Alexandria
The Grounds of Alexandria is no stranger to a magical pop-up. It was transformed into a Snow White-inspired fantasyland through autumn, and now snow has settled across the venue. The laneways are dusted in white and glowing lights guide the way through the magical winter wonderland experience. There’s a delicious new winter menu too. Head to The Cafe, The Garden or The Potting Shed to try one of their special menu items, including mini snow angel cakes, fairy floss cocktails, or indulge in their famous winter-inspired high tea in The Glasshouse.
The experience is reserved for diners, so book a table at one of the venues. Walk-ins are welcome but booking ahead ensures youโll get it. For the ultimate experience, book an after-hours snow session to capture the magic at night.
Where: The Grounds of Alexandria, 7a/2 Huntley Street, Alexandria NSW 2015.
When: Until mid-September.
Price: Free to visit but reserved for diners only. The Glasshouse High Tea starts at $89 per person.
3. State of Origin Game III
In a surprise result that few saw coming, the Queensland Maroons managed to make the comeback of the season in Game II, triumphantly beating the NSW Blues. Attention turns to Sydney, where, on July 9, the Maroons will attempt to maintain that success and clinch a series victory. The Blues has the home advantage for the final head-to-head battle, though, as the teams face off at at the Accor Stadium. Tickets are sold-out, but celebrations and watch parties will take place all over Sydney. Head down to your local sports bar and cheer on the NSW Blues as they take on the QLD Maroons for the final time this year.
Where: Edwin Flack Ave, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127.
When: Wednesday, July 9 at 8:05pm.
4. CATS the Musical
Forty years after its Australian premiere at Sydney’s Theatre Royal, the ground-breaking musical CATS has made a triumphant return to the very stage where it first captivated Aussie audiences. The brand-new production debuted on June 17 and will be showing in Sydney until September 6, before embarking on a nationwide tour to Adelaide, Perth and Melbourne. Grab tickets to the anniversary special and see the fabulous feline cast in action.
Where: Theatre Royal Sydney, 108 King St, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Until September 6.
Price: Tickets start from $69.
READ MORE: Review: Cats, at the Theatre Royal, Sydney
5. Bastille Sydney
The Bastille French Festival returns to The Rocks, bringing a touch of French cuisine, art and culture to the Harbour City. Thereโll be winter comfort food, including hot crรชpes, 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. Ooh la la!
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: Thursday, July 17โSunday, July 20, 10amโ11pm.
6. Greenwood Snow Festival
Welcome the month of July with a visit to the Greenwood Hotel’s 10th annual Snow Festival in North Sydney. They’ve created a jam-packed itinerary, including winter markets (June 30โJuly 4), line dancing lessons with a Shania Twain tribute band (July 1) and even a Mario Kart racing event (July 2). Located just a short stroll from Victoria Cross metro station and North Sydney train station, this winter wonderland has never been easier to get to.
The full list of events in July are as follows:
- Toboggan Slide: Daily until July 6
- Winter Night Markets: Daily until July 4, from 4pm
- Shania Twain Line Dancing: July 1, 6:30pm
- Mario Cart Snowdown: Battle of the Businesses: July 2, 5โ9pm
- Greenwood Thursdays: July 3, from 7pm.
- 50 Tonnes of Snow: July 4, from 5pm.
- Closing Party: Spirit of House: July 6.
Where: The Greenwood Plaza Rooftop, 36 Blue St, North Sydney NSW 2060.
When: From Friday, June 27, to Sunday, July 6.
Price: Prices vary from free entry to tickets from $50.
7. NAIDOC week and NAIDOC in the City
NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee) celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and enterprise. This year’s theme is ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy’, celebrating the achievements of the past but also the bright future ahead, empowered by legacy and the brilliance of young First Nations leaders.
On July 5 and July 12 in Darling Harbour, there will be a Welcome to Country & Smoking Ceremony as well as special cultural dance performances at Cockle Bay Green. This will be followed by a NAIDOC-inspired fireworks show at 8:30pm.
The National Indigenous Art Fair will showcase works by First Nations artists, designers and makers in its fifth annual market at Overseas Passenger Terminal in Circular Quay. More than 50 stallholders will present their wares, including art, handmade jewellery, homewares, food and more during the first weekend of NAIDOC Week.
On July 10, Sydney Town Hall will come alive with a vibrant market showcasing First Nations businesses, followed by a concert celebrating the talents of Indigenous musicians and dancers as part of NAIDOC in the City. Among these talents is R&B soul artist, Mi-kaisha, and upcoming rapper/songwriter and music producer, Yung Brother.
NAIDOC Week
Where: 4 Darling Dr, Ultimo NSW 2000, Australia.
When: Saturdays, 7pm to 9pm, July 5 to July 12.
Price: Free admission.
National Indigenous Art Fair
Where: Gadigal Land Overseas Passenger Terminal, 130 Argyle St, The Rocks NSW 2000.
When: Saturday, June 5 (10amโ5pm) and Sunday, June 6 (10amโ4pm).
Price: $3 per person, aged 12 and above.
NAIDOC in the City
Where: Sydney Town Hall, 483 George St, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Thursday, 10 July from 2:30pm-10:30pm.
Price: Free admission.
8. The Book of Mormon
The Book of Mormon is one of the most well-known comedy musicals in the world โ and one of the most outrageous. The Tony, Olivier, and Grammy Award-winning production revolves around a pair of mismatched missionaries as they embark on a mission to Uganda. It’s been six years since the production played in Sydneyโ it had a popular run at the Lyric Theatre in 2019, and we can’t wait for its return.
Where: Capitol Theatre, 13 Campbell St, Haymarket NSW 2000.
When: Opens Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
Price: Start at $79.
9. Jazz sessions in The Rocks
Jazz Sessions in The Rocks is back, bringing the toe-tapping tunes of Australian jazz to Sydney. Itโs free, funky and in one of our favourite parts of the CBD. Pop over to The Rocks Square after work (or for a pre- or post-dinner treat) and sip on a cocktail from Hickson House while you watch the live performances.
The jamminโ event is on every Thursday until the end of September, and features a lineup of talented jazz musicians, from bands to solo acts.
Where: The Rocks Square, Playfair St, The Rocks, NSW 2000.
When: Every Thursday, 6pm-8.30pm, April 3 to September 25.
Price: Free.
READ MORE: A dozen of my best winter school holiday life-saving activities
10. Christmas in July in the Rocks
If youโre used to relying on Christmas festivities to brighten up the cold winter months, then Christmas in July is your perfect mid-year pickup. As part of this year’s festivities, Australiaโs first ever Fire Pit Cinema will pop up in The Rocks. Snuggle up under blankets, sip hot chocolate, toast marshmallows and enjoy classic Christmas movies, includingย Home Alone,ย Elfย andย The Holiday. There will be a Christmas market, too, where you’ll find melted raclette, bratwursts, sugar-dusted crรชpes and mulled wine. It’s the ultimate wintry day out.
Where: The Rocks, Sydney 2000.
When: July 11โ July 20, 10amโ11pm.
Price: Free entry.
READ MORE: 7 must-see winter festivals to warm up your weekends
11. Disney on Ice
Qudos Bank Arena is hosting Disney on Ice for a swirling, spinning five day extravaganza this winter. Everyoneโs favourite characters will be making an appearance, including Anna and Elsa, Moana and Maui, Mirabel and family and plenty of classic Disney princesses, including Ariel, Belle and Rapunzel. Mickey and Minnie will be also be there, presenting the show.
Watch your favourite disney stories play out on the ice, and marvel at the stunning costumes and skill of the skaters.
Where: Qudos Bank Arena, 19 Edwin Flack Ave, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127.
When: Wednesday, July 9 until Sunday, July 13. Show times vary.
Price: Tickets start from $28.70.
12. The Play That Goes Wrong
The longest-running comedy in the West End has arrived in Sydney, and what better way to ease those winter blues than with a night of belly laughing? Enjoy the perfectly-timed mayhem of the accident-prone actors of The Cornley Drama Society, as a classic whodunnit unfolds in a country manor. With its unique blend of Monty Python absurdity and Sherlock Holmes intrigue, The Play that Goes Wrong continues to tickle audiences. It’s guaranteed to leave you aching with laughter.
Where: Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: TuesdayโSunday until Sunday, August 3. Show times vary.
Price: Tickets start from $89.
READ MORE: Review: The Play That Goes Wrong is Agatha Christie meets Basil Fawlty
13. Tender Comrade at the White Rabbit Gallery
White Rabbit Gallery’s next provocative exhibition is Tender Comrade, an artistic deep-dive into a queerness that has long existed in China โ even if history tried to forget it. Same-sex relationships were part of everyday life in ancient China: emperors had male lovers, and bisexuality was often the norm. But today, queer communities face censorship, crackdowns and social pressure.
Many reclaim the word tongzhi (comrade) โ once a political term, now a symbol of queer solidarity and chosen family. The artists in Tender Comrade embrace this spirit, blending affection, friendship and rebellion in works that defy the rules of identity, love and belonging.
Where: 30 Balfour St, Chippendale NSW 2008.
When: Wednesday to Sunday, 10amโ5pm until Sunday, November 16.
Price: Free.
14. Watch the British & Irish Lions Tour
After 12 long years, the British & Irish Lions Tour returns to Australian soil, and Sydneyโs pubs are pulling out all the stops. During six weeks, until August 2, there will be nine matches, including three fierce Test matches against the Wallabies. Whether youโre a die-hard Lions fan, cheering on the Wallabies, or just in it for the pints and atmosphere, go along to a pub, sports bar or stadium in Sydney to catch every game live and loud.
Where: Plenty of pubs will be putting on the matches. There’s also a match on July 5 at the Allianz Stadium with tickets still available.
When: Until Saturday, August 2. The Lions will play the Waratahs on July 5.
Price: From $189.00.
15. Nocturne at Pier Pavilion
Barangaroo’s recently built Pier Pavilion will play host to a four-week series of concerts this July. The stunning building, which was made from over 400,000 oyster shells, will transform into an incredible soundscape, curated by Musica Viva Australia.
Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening, visitors to the Pavilion can take in a melodic program of contemporary chamber musical, which will include classical interpretations of modern tunes (reminiscent of the hit Netflix show, Bridgerton). The best thing about these concerts? They’re completely free.
Where: 3 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW 2000.
When: Every ThursdayโSaturday until July 19 (6pm-8.30pm).
Price: Free.
READ MORE: Barangarooโs big new pavilion is made from over 400,000 oyster shells
16. Heartland Festival
Heartland Festival is celebrating live performances and storytelling this June and July. Hosted by the National Theatre of Parramatta at Riverside Theatres, the two-week-long festival features performances from multi-award-winning Australian talents, supper clubs, comedies and spoken word evenings.
On Saturday, July 5, Bars from the Heart will be hosted by award-winning writer and performer Azan Ahmed, blurring the line between poetry and performance and spotlighting a group of Sydneyโs finest new wordsmiths. Tickets cost $15.
Where: Riverside Theatres, Corner Market &, 353 Church St, Parramatta NSW 2150.
When: Until Saturday, July 5.
Price: Events vary in price.
17. Marg Month at Salty’s
Bondi beachfront fave, Salty’s, is serving up an endless summer in the form of its stellar lineup of signature margaritas this July. For just $16 each all day, every day, you can sip on eight signature Altos Tequila drinks, including Aperol margs and the Salty’s Espresso. Beyond the bar, take a punt on the spinning wheel to be in with a chance to win some of the daily giveaways, including free food, margs and merch. If cocktails and prizes weren’t enough, DJs, disco beats and a Palm Springs makeover are sure to brighten your July.
Where: 108 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach, NSW 2026.
When: Monday to Thursday 11:30amโ12am; Friday to Sunday 11amโ12am.
Price: $16 margs all month.
18. Real Insurance Harbour 10
A brand-new run event will warm up Sydney’s runners ahead of August’s City2Surf and Sydney Marathon. The Real Insurance Harbour 10 is a fast, flat course that flows through the centre of the city. There will be a 5km route and 10km route to choose from, so it’s a fantastic opportunity to get involved in the Harbour City’s running scene without the pressure of Heartbreak Hill or a mammoth marathon title. Both routes start on Hickson Road, outside the Museum of Contemporary Art and wind through Barangraroo, with the 10km route taking participants over to Pyrmont. The finish line is the other side of the MCA, in Circular Quay.
Where: Starts at Hickson Road, outside the Museum of Contemporary Art in Circular Quay.
When: Sunday, July 27.
Price: From $65, or $25 for under twos.
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