It’s a weekend to remember in Sydney: the Mardi Gras Parade takes centre stage, Bad Bunny is set to wow fans, and Lunar New Year celebrations continue to light up suburbs across the city. Here’s what’s on our radar this weekend.
Things to do in Sydney this weekend
Editor’s Pick
This weekend, the spotlight shines on the 2026 Mardi Gras Parade, a true highlight of Sydney’s cultural calendar. The city’s inner streets come alive in a dazzling celebration of love, pride, and solidarity, an experience everyone should witness at least once. Head to Oxford Street this Saturday to cheer on the incredible marchers and soak up the unmatched, electric atmosphere.
Other events catching my eye include the thrilling Lunar New Year Dragon Boat races in Cockle Bay and the high-octane KPMG Sydney Sail Grand Prix. And of course, global superstar Bad Bunny lands in Sydney fresh from his Super Bowl performance, set to ignite ENGIE Stadium and deliver an unforgettable show for fans this weekend.
Sydney Staples
1. Mardi Gras Parade
The most iconic Mardi Gras event is back this Saturday, bringing more than 200 dazzling floats and 12,000 marchers to Oxford Street, Flinders Street and Anzac Parade. The Parade will draw hundreds of thousands from Hyde Park to Moore Park, turning a balmy February night into a full-throttle celebration of pride, protest and pure joy. Led by the 78ers (who marched in the original Sydney Mardi Gras in 1978), First Nations LGBTQIA+SB communities, and a rainbow of famous icons, including Dykes on Bikes, head down to Darlo, Paddo and Surry Hills to celebrate Sydney’s commitment to love and community.
Where: Oxford Street, Flinders Street & Anzac Parade, Darlinghurst and Surry Hills.
When: Saturday, February 28, 6pm-11pm.
Price: Free.
2. Dragon Boat Races
Don’t miss the iconic Dragon Boat Races scheduled over two days at Cockle Bay Wharf this weekend. It’s being touted as the largest Dragon Boat Festival in the Southern Hemisphere, with more than 3,000 paddlers shredding water in 12 metre long-tail boats that have been dressed up as dragons. What better way to ring in Lunar New Year than by heading to Darling Harbour to watch the thrilling spectacle of dragon boat racing, and soaking up the vibrant opening ceremony celebrating the rich cultural ties between Australia and China?
Where: Cockle Bay Wharf, 201 Sussex St, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: February 28 and March 1.
Price: Free.
3. Sydney Harbour Concours D’Elegance
Cockatoo Island is set to be transformed into an automotive playground this weekend, with a collection of more than 50 vintage, classic and unique automobiles paying homage to motoring’s most beautiful chapters. Immerse yourself in the world of concours craftsmanship with a dynamic program of talks, exhibitions and panel discussions, then get up close to the rare, refined machines headlining the 2026 lineup.
Tickets start at $450 per person and include food, drinks and Pommery champagnes, entry to the event, live entertainment, car parades, speeches and talks, and access to exclusive luxury activations. If this is a bit out of your budget, they’ll also be hosting a completely free event on Thursday, February 26, at the Royal Botanic Gardens, where you can check out the incredible cars and snap plenty of pics.
Where: Cockatoo Island, Sydney, NSW.
When: February 27-March 1 from 10am-4pm.
Price: Tickets start at $450.
4. KPMG Sydney SailGP
Following the recent Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, Sydney Harbour is back in action with the KPMG Sydney Sail Grand Prix. The world-class event draws thousands of fans from across the globe to watch the high-stakes battle for victory on the water. Snap up a Dockside ticket for DJ beats, top-tier food and drink, athlete appearances, dedicated Tech Talks and an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the SailGP Tech Site as the flying F50 catamarans are craned from the water.
Where: East Sydney Harbour.
When: February 28 to March 1.
Price: Dockside tickets start at $85.
5. Lakemba Nights
Australia’s biggest Ramadan cultural celebration, Lakemba Nights, is back in Sydney, with the huge foodie festival welcoming visitors from across the country. Coinciding with the most sacred month in the Islamic calendar, the award-winning after-dusk event has become one of the largest multicultural gatherings in Australia. Shining a light on Western Sydney’s rich community spirit, Lakemba Nights (formerly known as Ramadan Night Markets) brings together a vibrant melting pot of flavours in one bustling precinct, celebrating Iftar and the nightly breaking of the fast during Ramadan.
This year, the iconic event will feature around 60 businesses from Lakemba and beyond that will transform Haldon Street into a global bazaar, with a variety of food stalls and trucks dishing up exotic cuisines. You can read our review of Lakemba Nights here.
Where: Haldon Street and The Boulevarde, Lakemba.
When: Thursday 19 February to Sunday 15 March, 6pm-2am every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday night.
Price: Free entry.
6. Second Life Markets
Second Life Markets returns to Carriageworks this Sunday, transforming the cavernous space into a treasure trove of more than 120 curated vintage stalls, all soundtracked by local DJs spinning feel-good sets as you hunt for your next great find. Known for bringing Sydney’s best selection of vintage sellers to the culture hub, Second Life Markets is the perfect place to drop by if you need a wardrobe refresh.
Where: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh NSW 2015.
When: Sunday, March 1, 9:30am-6pm.
Price: Final 30 minutes free, but tickets go up to $16.28.
7. Lunar New Year Festival in Cabramatta
One of the last Lunar New Year street festivals for this year will be located in Cabramatta. Set for Saturday, February 28, the famous Vietnamese enclave will be welcoming the Year of the Horse with a full day of family-friendly fun. A tradition for over 25 years, the street festival will once again push for good fortune, happiness and good health with a schedule packed full of lion dances, food trucks, arts and crafts, workshops, amusement rides, competitions, fireworks and interactive activities for kids.
Where: Arthur Street, Cabramatta, NSW 2166
When: February 28, 11am-9pm.
Price: Free.
Gigs and Concerts
8. Bad Bunny
Fresh off his incredible Superbowl Performance, Bad Bunny brings his DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS World Tour to Sydney. The three-time Grammy and 11-time Latin Grammy award winner will perform here for the first time, playing ENGIE Stadium on February 28 and March 1. He’s yet to announce tour dates to any other city in Australia, so we’re feeling extra lucky that he’s gracing Sydney with his presence.
Where: ENGIE Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park.
When: February 28 and March 1.
Price: Tickets start at $160.
9. Grace Jones
Avant-garde popstar, disco queen and all-around icon Grace Jones is set to descend upon Sydney for an exclusive, one-night-only performance this February.
The former fashion model will return to Australia for the first time in nearly a decade for a debut show at the Sydney Opera House Forecourt, a stage nearly as iconic as the disco queen herself. Expect an unforgettable evening of glamour, boundary-pushing art and cabaret-style theatrics in what will undoubtedly be a stunning visual performance.
Where: Sydney Opera House Forecourt, Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: February 28 at 6pm.
Price: $139.90 (plus an $8.95 booking fee).
10. Maisie Peters
Taking to the stage at the Enmore Theatre on March 1 and 2, Maisie Peters will perform two intimate shows in Sydney to celebrate the announcement of her much-anticipated third studio album, Florescence. Having opened for megastars like Taylor Swift, Coldplay, Noah Kahan and Conan Gray in recent years, she’s now bringing her own spotlight to Aussie fans with the headline tour, Before The Bloom.
Where: Enmore Theatre, 118-132 Enmore Rd, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: March 1 and March 2.
Price: From $89.90.
11. New Wave Concert Series at Sydney Fish Market
If you’ve been meaning to check out the new Sydney Fish Market at Blackwattle Bay, consider this your sign. The waterfront precinct is turning up the vibe with free live music from emerging local artists, the perfect excuse to wander through, grab a bite and soak it all in. This weekend is all about Indie Pop, with musicians Pixie, Jess Beck and Bread Club taking to the stage and entertaining you as you chuck back oysters and peel another prawn.
Where: Sydney Fish Market, Civic Plaza.
When: Saturday, February 28, 5pm-8pm.
Price: Free.
12. Twilight at Taronga Summer Concert Series
The world’s most beautiful zoo knows how to throw a great event, and the Twilight at Taronga concert series is no exception. Set against the zoo’s iconic harbour backdrop, this annual summer tradition brings world-class live music to Sydney for five consecutive weekends. This weekend, Aussie singer-songwriter Xavier Rudd takes the stage for three unmissable performances.
Where: Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088.
When: February 6 until March 7.
Price: Tickets start at $67.15.
Book your tickets here
13. LAST CHANCE: Sunset Variations Summer Music Series
This Friday marks the return of Sunset Variations at Sydney Observatory, a Friday night live music series that brings together some incredible local talent to soundtrack Sydney’s golden hour. Offering sweeping views across the harbour, guests can arrive at sunset and settle onto the Observatory Lawn to enjoy genre-defying performances as the sky turns orange.
Where: Sydney Observatory, 1003 Upper Fort St, Millers Point NSW 2000.
When: Every Friday evening from January 30 to February 27.
Price: $10 per ticket.
14. Sunset Sessions at Cockatoo Island
Cockatoo Island returns with its popular Sunset Sessions, running from January through April and showcasing a lineup of talented musicians on its Biloela Lawn stage every Saturday. You can enjoy the low-key performances from the comfort of your picnic blanket as the sun sets over the picturesque Sydney Harbour. Tickets cost $38 per person, with children 12 and under welcome for free with a paying adult. To get to the famous island, simply hop on the F3 and F8 public ferries from Circular Quay or Barangaroo.
Where: Cockatoo Island.
When: Saturdays from January 10 until April 4, 2026.
Price: Adult tickets: $38 per person.
What’s on in Theatre
15. The Great Gatsby: A Jazz Ballet Odyssey
Not to be confused with the Sydney Opera House’s Gatsby at the Green Light, this production is a fusion of ballet, tap and jazz, reimagining F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless classic with all the 1920s flair you could dream of. World-class dancers have been directed and choreographed by Joel Burke to a score blending Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, James P. Johnson’s The Charleston, and bold new works by Emmy award-winning Jason Fernandez, as well as Dominic Cabusi. Head to the Capitol Theatre this February to be fully immersed in this glitzy dance spectacle.
Where: 13 Campbell St, Haymarket NSW 2000.
When: February 19- March 8.
Price: From $79.90.
16. LAST CHANCE: Hänsel and Gretel
The Sydney Opera House is declaring this production of Hänsel and Gretel “an operatic feast” that is “grand, gripping and deliciously dark”. The whimsical production from acclaimed director Elijah Moshinsky is based on the original Grimms’ fairytale, packing in plenty of humour and heart to balance out its dark undertones. Perfect for people who are yet to see an opera, Hänsel and Gretel is a vibrant, surreal and enchanting production. You can read our review of the production here.
Where: Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: January 27 to February 28, 2026.
Price: Tickets from $79.
17. Madama Butterfly
Back by popular demand, this must-see production of Puccini’s famous opera features some of the world’s best singers as well as emerging Australian stars. Elaborate staging includes a real moat dotted with floating candles, Japanese paper screens and colourful costumes. The audience will be transported to Nagasaki, where they’ll follow the story of Cio-Cio San, a young woman who falls in love and marries Pinkerton, a US Navy lieutenant. In doing so, she gives up her family and life as she knows it, only to be brutally betrayed by Pinkerton, which leads to her ultimate demise.
Head to the iconic Sydney Opera House to witness a production that has earned its place as one of the most-loved and widely performed operas of all time.
Where: Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Showing until March 25, 2026.
Price: From $79.
18. Gatsby at the Green Light
After the sell-out success of its premiere season, GATSBY at the Green Light will return for a sultry stint at the Sydney Opera House this weekend. Transforming the Studio into a 1920s-inspired club, the show revolves around cabaret, outlandish performances and all the glitz and glamour of the Roaring Twenties.
Despite being inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel, the show doesn’t follow the storyline exactly; instead, it immerses audiences in the dazzling world of Gatsby’s legendary parties. Think debauchery, sensuality and opulence. The show will feature ARIA Award-nominated artist Odette, who will sing soulful tunes as performers spin, twirl and fly through the air. Canadian circus artist Spencer Craig, who specialises in aerial loop, will be hosting the show as charismatic yet mysterious Gatsby. Soaring by his side will be daring Caitlin Thomson-Moylan, who will play his eternal (but doomed) love Daisy.
Where: The Studio at Sydney Opera House.
When: From December 13, 2025, until March 28, 2026.
Price: From $59 plus booking fee.
Art Exhibitions and Galleries
19. LOVING at Qtopia Sydney
Qtopia, regarded as the home of queer history and culture in Sydney, is launching a new exhibition this week in association with the European Union Delegation to Australia. Titled LOVING, the display will showcase a photograph collection capturing intimate moments of Queer love between the 1850s and 1950s by American collectors and married couple, Hugh Nini and Neal Treadwell.
The landmark exhibition draws from the extraordinary private collection of more than 4000 images of men in love, found at flea markets, auction houses, family albums and online collections from across the globe over a period of more than two decades. Mark the beginning of Mardi Gras in a meaningful way with a visit to this groundbreaking exhibition.
Where: The Loading Dock Theatre, 301 Forbes St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010.
When: From February 5, 2026.
Price: Tickets to Qtopia cost $15, concession is $10.
20. Super Nature
This free exhibition marks the start of the Art Gallery of NSW’s exciting 2026 calendar, exploring four thematic spaces: the intersections between people and the environment, the role of gardens as memorials, the wild nature that lives alongside (and sometimes within) us, plus the cultivation of nature for survival and sustenance.
Exciting new acquisitions will be shown for the first time, including four colourful paintings by Butcher Cherel Janangoo that tell of the medicinal properties of bush foods and their cultural significance to Gooniyandi people. New and exciting digital media will also be displayed, including teamLab’s computer-generated interactive animations Flowers and people – gold 2025 (pictured above), where flowers slowly bud, blossom, grow, and decay on digital screens.
Where: Art Gallery of NSW, Nalla Nura building, Lower level 2.
When: February 7, 2026, February 2027.
Price: Free.
21. The Hooligans
White Rabbit Art Gallery in Chippendale is home to one of the world’s most significant collections of contemporary Chinese art. It recently reopened with a bold new exhibition, titled The Hooligans, which will run until May next year. The new exhibition has been introduced by the gallery as exploring the term “Hooligans”, with its summary stating, “rabble-rousers, riffraff, scoundrels, and criminals. Troublemakers, wanderers, deviants, misfits. They’ve gone by many names — but to the Chinese state, they were once known simply as The Hooligans.“
The Hooligans explores how Chinese artists learned to think beyond imposed boundaries in the face of relentless restrictions, using a variety of media to celebrate speaking up, daring to defy and refusing to cooperate. Exhibitions at White Rabbit Gallery are free to enter, so if you’re looking to peruse a gallery without breaking the bank, White Rabbit should be top of your list.
Where: White Rabbit Art Gallery, 30 Balfour Street, Chippendale, NSW 2000.
When: Friday, 19 December-May 17, 2026.
Price: Free entry.
22. Encounter by Ron Mueck
Internationally celebrated artist Ron Mueck returns to Australia with a major new exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW. Encounter is the largest exhibition by the artist ever to be presented in Australia, and comprises sculptures drawn from across the globe. If Mueck’s recent exhibition in Seoul is anything to go by, where 100,000 people visited in just 20 days, Encounter is set to draw huge numbers in Sydney. Of the 15 sculptures featured in the exhibition, nine are making their Australian debut, with one never-before-seen work, Havoc, commissioned especially for Sydney.
Mueck is known for his hyperrealistic sculptures, which range from minute to massive, conveying themes that explore our relationship with the world, including birth, death, alienation and togetherness. We had a first look at the exhibition last week, and you can check out our review of the incredible works here.
Where: Art Gallery of NSW, Naala Badu, Lower Level 2, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: December 6, 2025- April 12, 2026.
Price: Adult tickets: $35, Youth: $18.
23. Data Dreams: Art and AI
The first of its kind in a major Australian Museum, the new exhibition at the MCA, Data Dreams: Art and AI, considers artificial intelligence and its impact on contemporary life through the work of 10 visionary artists. Presented as part of the Sydney International Art Series 2025-26, this Aussie premiere explores how AI is transforming the way we live, think and create, focusing on a range of concerns, including the relationship between technology and power, and how algorithms and datasets are influencing our worldviews.
Where: Galleries Level 3, MCA, 140 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000.
When: November 21, 2025- April 27, 2026.
Price: Adult tickets are $35, Concession $28. Under 18s go free. You can buy your tickets here.
24. Ocean Photographer of the Year Exhibition
The premier exhibition of the Ocean Photographer of the Year opened at the Australian National Maritime Museum last week, showcasing a striking collection of winning and finalist images from over 15,000 global entries. Featuring 112 breathtaking images that celebrate the beauty of our ocean and highlight the importance of marine conservation, the exhibition raises awareness about the climate crisis affecting our natural world. From tiny baby pufferfish to majestic humpback whales, the display aims to celebrate the brilliance and diversity of ocean life, with Sydney being the first city in the world to show the full collection of images on display.
Where: Australian National Maritime Museum, 2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour, NSW 2000.
When: Running until May 3, 2026.
Price: Special exhibition tickets start at $25 per adult.
25. Mike Hewson: The Key’s Under the Mat
New Zealand-born, Sydney-based artist Mike Hewson is next in a long line of artists aching to take over The Art Gallery of NSW’s unique, subterranean Nelson Packer Tank space, turning the industrial bunker into a concrete jungle with a park, play space, construction site, and a communal area framed by sculptural works.
The Key’s Under The Mat is the current talk of the art world, marking Mike Hewson’s first solo presentation in an art museum, a platform to heighten his unique approach to what an all-ages playground looks like. Visitors are encouraged to meet, dwell, play, make, perform and explore while interacting with the park’s various features. You can even do a load of laundry or take a shower in the space!
Where: Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney.
When: Running until August 23, 2026.
Price: Free.
26. Bent Forms, Ricky Swallow
Who would’ve thought that what was missing from your shot of the Opera House was a giant bent stainless steel spoon? Ricky Swallow’s commission for the MCA’s Loti Smorgon Sculpture Terrace sees four huge spoons dotted across the lookout. They were created by Swallow from scaled-up wax prints of actual teaspoons, which he bent into various shapes. Head to the terrace and enjoy panoramic views of Sydney’s iconic harbour as you check out the wacky pieces of art by Swallow. If you loved Sculpture by the Sea, this exhibition is also worth a visit.
Where: Loti Smorgon Sculpture Terrace, MCA, 140 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000.
When: Showing until July 20, 2026.
Price: Admission from $20.
