Looking for things to do in Sydney this weekend? You’ve come to the right place. From the opening of the iconic Archibald Prize exhibition to Mother’s Day dining and events, plenty is happening across the city.
A buzzing artisan market is set to take over Barangaroo, while Great Southern Nights gigs pop up across venues citywide. Internationally renowned British comedian Jimmy Carr will bring his sharp wit to Darling Harbour Theatre, as the Sydney Comedy Festival keeps the laughs rolling in smaller venues throughout the city.
Don’t forget, Mother’s Day falls on May 10. If you haven’t locked in plans yet, now’s the time to organise something special, whether that’s a long lunch or a memorable high tea.
Read on for our full roundup of things to do in Sydney this weekend.
Things to do in Sydney this weekend
Sydney Staples
The Archibald Prize Exhibition
Presented by the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Archibald Prize, Wynne Prize and Sulman Prize offer a vivid snapshot of contemporary Australian art and culture. The Archibald Prize, the country’s most prestigious portrait award, recognises outstanding depictions of notable figures from the worlds of music, journalism, media, stage and screen.
Among the country’s most anticipated exhibitions, the annual showcase returns this Saturday and runs until August 16. Featuring works by some of Australia’s most celebrated artists, it remains an unmissable highlight of the arts calendar.
Where: Art Gallery of NSW, Naala Nura building, lower level 2.
When: May 9-August 16.
Price: Adult tickets start at $30.
Great Southern Nights: Chippendale Gig Trail
Great Southern Nights is a NSW Government initiative launched in 2020 to support the state’s live music, entertainment and hospitality sectors. This year’s program features more than 300 gigs across the state, including standout Sydney shows from Jessica Mauboy at City Recital Hall, Shady Nasty at Vic on the Park, and Hatchie at The Vanguard.
One of the standout features of Great Southern Nights is its Gig Trails, where pubs, bars and venues team up to create curated routes of live music, drinks and dining. This Saturday, spaces in Chippendale will host a special trail, including favourite venues like Gin Lane, Sneaky Possum, The Lord Gladstone Hotel and The Lansdowne Hotel. You can check out the full Great Southern Nights program here.
Where: Great Southern Nights hosts gigs all over NSW.
When: May 1-17.
Price: Some shows are free with an RSVP, while others are ticketed.
Jimmy Carr
One of Britain’s most popular comedians, famed for his one-of-a-kind laugh and dark humour, Jimmy Carr will take to the stage for two comedy shows at Darling Harbour Theatre this Sunday. His brand-new tour, Laughs Funny, is sure to be packed full of hilarious, fast-paced jokes and edgy one-liners that will have you cackling and groaning. Tickets are sure to sell out, so make sure to secure them now!
Where: Darling Harbour Theatre at ICC Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2000.
When: May 10, 6:45pm and 9:45pm.
Price: Tickets from $91.65.
Sydney Comedy Festival
The Sydney Comedy Festival keeps the laughs rolling across the city through the first half of May, wrapping up on May 17. From big-name international acts to rising local comics, the program serves up something for every sense of humour.
Highlights this month include the Comedy Cruise on May 9, a harbour spin with drinks and a stacked comedy lineup, plus the ever-popular Comedy Crawls, which are basically just bar hops where you laugh a lot more than usual. You can also catch Sh!tfaced Shakespeare at Darling Quarter Theatre this Thursday and Friday, alongside a packed schedule of multi-comic showcases running through the festival’s final weeks.
Where: Citywide.
When: April 13-May 17.
Price: Ticket prices vary, with some shows free.
Barangaroo Artisan Market
The Streets of Barangaroo will turn into a bustling marketplace this Saturday, serving up a day of entertainment, food and shopping. Over 70 artisan stallholders will sell a curated selection of locally made goods, from handcrafted jewellery, textiles and ceramics to chocolate, candles and unique gifts.
The markets will also bring in an exciting lineup of roving entertainment, gourmet food offerings and a dynamic DJ set from deep house duo YDKR (Rick and Johnny) and experimental saxophonist Gab Zak.
Where: Barangaroo Artisan Markets, The Streets of Barangaroo, Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW 2000.
When: May 9, 10am-3pm.
Price: Free.
Mother’s Day Classic
The Mother’s Day Classic brings thousands of Australians together each Mother’s Day to honour those affected by breast and ovarian cancer while raising vital funds for research. Whether you’re taking on the 5km walk or the 10km run, it’s a powerful show of community spirit.
The course loops from The Domain to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair and back, so even if you’re not participating, it’s worth stopping by to cheer runners and walkers along the way.
Where: The Domain at the Royal Botanic Garden.
When: May 10, first race at 7am.
Price: Starting at $78 for adults and $36 for children.
Where to Eat and Sip
Mezcal May at Cantina OK!
Self-described “Micro Mezcal Mecca” Cantina OK! serve Sydneysiders world-renowned margaritas and cocktails with hand-shaved ice and hand-pressed limes. This May, the MUCHO Group bar is serving up its rare agave spirits for a fraction of the usual price, with a trio of hand-selected mezcals available for just $10 each all month long.
We can’t wait to try their ‘Bondi Beach’ Mezcal, which has been discounted from $28 to $10, transported from San Luis Amatlán in southwestern Mexico.
Where: Council Pl, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: All of May.
Price: $10 each for the Mezcal.
Mother’s Day dining specials
This Sunday is Mother’s Day, so make sure you’ve got your plans in order and commemorate her special day with some quality time (and delicious food). We’ve rounded up the best high teas in Sydney, from boujie spreads and live opera at the Castlereagh Hotel to a decadent, English-style offering at the Langham.
If high teas are not her thing, treat your mumma to lunch at one of these top Sydney venues, which are offering up limited-edition Mother’s Day menus to make her day extra special.
Where: Citywide.
When: Sunday, May 10.
Gigs and Concerts
Ayesha Madon
Ayesha Madon, who you might recognise from Netflix hit show Heartbreak High, will take to the stage at Heaps Normal Health Club, a super funky venue and bar in Marrickville. Part of the Great Southern Nights initiative, Madon will play an intimate gig, or what she’s calling “A wholesome lil sing along”. Madon has recently been touring with international rocker G Flip, so catching her at a smaller venue feels like a serious score.
Where: Heaps Normal Health Club, 2/10 Brompton St, Marrickville NSW 2042.
When: May 9, 6pm.
Price: $29.17.
Mariah the Scientist
Mariah the Scientist brings her Hearts Sold Separately tour to Sydney this weekend, with two shows at Hordern Pavilion (although Saturday night has already sold out). One of R&B’s most exciting rising voices, she’ll perform standout tracks like “Burning Blue” and “Is It a Crime” (with Kali Uchis), alongside fan favourites “Spread Thin” and “Always n Forever.”
Where: Hordern Pavilion, 1 Driver Ave, Moore Park NSW 2021.
When: May 9 and 10, doors open 7pm.
Price: Tickets from $112.50.
Beck
Genre-defying musician Beck heads to Sydney this week for three nights performing with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Expect sweeping arrangements and cinematic reinterpretations from his back catalogue of much-loved hits from albums including Sea Change, Mutations, and Odelay, plus the odd surprise cover or two.
Only a handful of tickets remain, but it’s worth trying to secure one if you can.
Where: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House.
When: May 7, 8, 9.
Price: From $110.
What’s on in Theatre
The Lion King
In very exciting news for Sydney’s theatre fanatics, blockbuster musical The Lion King has returned to the Harbour City. The original Australian production of The Lion King premiered at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney in October 2003, returning for a second run 10 years later in 2013, and is now back again at the iconic venue 13 years later.
You can read our review of the stunning show here.
Where: Capitol Theatre, 13 Campbell St, Haymarket NSW 2000.
When: April 18-August 9, 2026.
Price: From $165.
Anastasia
Since its Broadway debut in 2017, Anastasia has captivated sold-out audiences and collected more than 15 major international awards, and it has now finally made its debut Down Under.
Rising star Georgina Hopson will lead the cast as Anya, alongside international stage sensation Robert Tripolino as Dmitry. Showbiz legend Rhonda Burchmore will take to the stage as Countess Lily, with Australian theatre royalty Nancye Hayes AM as the Dowager Empress.
Where: Sydney Lyric Theatre, Pyrmont.
When: April-July 19.
Price: Tickets from $69.90.
Romeo and Juliet
Watch one of the world’s greatest love stories come to life on the stage of the Joan Sutherland Theatre. Renowned dancer and choreographer John Cranko reimagined William Shakespeare’s iconic tale as a sweeping classical ballet, transforming the stage into medieval Verona and bringing themes of love, rivalry, and tragedy to life.
Whether you’re a devoted ballet enthusiast or new to the art form, it’s a truly captivating production not to miss.
Where: Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House, Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: April 24-May 13.
Price: Tickets from $56.
84 Charing Cross Road
Adapted from Helene Hanff’s beloved non-fiction book, 84 Charing Cross Road comes to life on stage at Ensemble Theatre for a limited season. The story follows a sharp-tongued New York writer and a reserved London bookseller who begin a correspondence over their shared love of rare books, only to discover an unexpected lifelong friendship.
Where: Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall St, Kirribilli NSW 2061.
When: May 1-June 13.
Price: Adult tickets start at $95.
An Iliad
A weary, sharp-tongued poet (played by international star David Wenham) takes the stage at Wharf 1 Theatre to retell the story of the Trojan War, a tale he has carried across centuries of human conflict.
In Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare’s powerful adaptation of Homer’s epic, the ancient myth is reimagined as an intimate, urgent reflection on war, division, and humanity’s enduring cycles of violence.
Where: Wharf 1 Theatre, The Wharf, Wharf 4/5/15 Hickson Rd, Dawes Point NSW 2000.
When: April 13-June 21, 2026.
Price: Tickets from $79.
The River
Miranda Otto returns to the stage with Sydney Theatre Company in The River, a haunting and intimate drama by acclaimed playwright Jez Butterworth. Set in a remote cliffside cabin, the play follows a fisherman (Ewen Leslie) and a woman whose romantic weekend begins to unravel as unsettling truths emerge.
Directed by Margaret Thanos and co-starring Andrea Demetriades, the production blends poetry and mystery to explore love, intimacy, and human connection.
Where: Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: April 13-May 16.
Price: Tickets from $59.
LAST CHANCE: Cluedo The Play
Cluedo, the iconic whodunnit that has long captivated audiences on the tabletop and on screen (including the 1985 film from Paramount Pictures), has arrived on stage in Sydney.
When six intriguing guests gather at Boddy Manor, secrets unravel, and murder is on the menu, with the audience invited to piece together the mystery. Packed with sharp wit, twists, and theatrical flair, Cluedo delivers a laugh-out-loud night of suspense that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Where: 108 King St, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Playing until May 10.
Price: Tickets from $69.90.
Art Exhibitions and Events
Biennale of Sydney 25th Anniversary
Renowned for providing a platform for bold ideas and boundary-pushing art, the Biennale of Sydney is a celebration of creativity, showcasing innovative works from artists around the world. It is renowned for commissioning and presenting extraordinary works from Australia and across the globe, having showcased more than 2400 national and international artists from over 130 countries.
Its 25th edition is titled Rememory and is inspired by celebrated author Toni Morrison, exploring the intersection of memory and history as a means of revisiting, reconstructing, and reclaiming histories that have been erased or repressed.
Where: White Bay Power Station, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney, Campbelltown Arts Centre, and Penrith Regional Gallery.
When: March 14-June 14, 2026.
Banksy Limitless
This immersive exhibition is making its way over from London after a successful debut, bringing the voice of one of the most influential figures in contemporary culture Down Under.
Banksy Limitless is an immersive art exhibition presenting a bold journey through the street-art icon’s ideas, imagery and legacy. Running from the beginning of April until the end of May, this multi-sensory exhibition is not one to miss.
Where: 155 George St, The Rocks, 2000.
When: April 3- May 31.
Price: From $42 per person.
The Hooligans
White Rabbit Gallery is home to one of the world’s most significant collections of contemporary Chinese art. Its bold new exhibition, The Hooligans, runs until May, pushing boundaries with striking and unconventional works.
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.
Mike Hewson: The Key’s Under the Mat
New Zealand-born, Sydney-based artist Mike Hewson has transformed 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.
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.
Event Horizon
Conceptual artist Michaela Gleave brings a transcendental display of works to Woolloomooloo’s Artspace with her first major solo Australian exhibition. In physics, an ‘event horizon’ is the boundary around a black hole, marking a threshold beyond which information cannot return to an external observer.
Using energy fields and physical materials such as mist, sound waves, atmospheric conditions, glitter, recycled timber, and inflatable objects, Michaela invites visitors to heighten their awareness of their own process of perception and to explore new ways of seeing and feeling.
Where: Artspace, 43–51 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011.
When: March 6-June 7.
Price: Free.
