Updated October 20
- Here’s everything you need to know about what’s happening around Sydney this weekend.
- From major events and exhibitions to live music, theatre, food and drink.
- Use our guide to plan your perfect weekend in the Harbour City.
Sydney is serving up a seriously good weekend, with international pop stars taking over the stages, Parramatta Lanes bringing the streets to life and Sculpture by the Sea in full swing along the coast.
Art lovers can also step inside the colourful world of David Hockney, as his immersive exhibition makes its highly anticipated Australian debut at Carriageworks. There’s also a brand-new exhibition at the MCA celebrating Sydney-born Māori painter Robyn Kahukiwa, while Sidney Nolan’s iconic depictions of Ned Kelly continue to draw crowds to the Art Gallery of NSW.
Sydney’s live music lineup is bringing the girl power in full force this weekend. Zara Larsson is back for one final show at the Hordern Pavilion, Lily Allen takes West End Girl to the TikTok Entertainment Centre, and millennial favourite Hilary Duff brings her lucky me tour to Afterpay Arena.
Heading west, Parramatta Lanes returns for one of Sydney’s biggest free street festivals, revolving around “eats, beats and art”. The packed lineup has something for everyone, lighting up the bustling city’s laneways all weekend long.
Read on to check out our ultimate guide to the best things to do in Sydney this weekend.
Things to do in Sydney this weekend
Our top picks
Sculpture by the Sea
Is there any yearly arts event more “Sydney” than Sculpture by the Sea? We think not. Each year, artists from around the world create site-specific works that line the cliffs between Bondi and Bronte (as if the coastal walk wasn’t already unfairly beautiful).
The unique clash of colour, creativity and nature makes October the best time to stroll down the iconic path from Bondi to Tamarama. Learn more about the art walk (celebrating its 30th year) in our insider’s guide here.
Where: Bondi to Tamarama Coastal Walk and Marks Park.
When: October 16-November 2.
Price: Free.
Parramatta Lanes
Parramatta’s huge celebration of eats, beats and art returns this week, taking over the city’s bustling streets for four nights.
More than 70 food vendors and bars will dish up everything from local favourites to must-try trending bites, while over 400 artists will provide live music and entertainment. Meanwhile, large-scale installations, illuminated displays and immersive works will transform Parramatta into one giant open-air gallery.
Where: Level 3/1 Horwood Pl, Parramatta NSW 2150.
When: October 21-24.
Price: Free entry.
David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)
The 11-metre-high walls of the industrial Bay 17 at Sydney’s multi-arts centre Carriageworks will be transformed into a colourful, magical, imaginative world of vibrant landscapes, brilliant blue swimming pools and glorious mountain ranges this October.
The exhibition is David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away), an immersive production years in the making. After drawing sell-out crowds around the world, it will make its Australian debut on October 22, allowing Sydneysiders to experience the world through Hockney’s eyes and celebrate his legacy.
Where: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh NSW 2015.
When: October 22-January 24.
Price: Tickets from $39.90.
Surf + Sound Festival
A new coastal festival is set to bring Manly’s waterfront to life across three consecutive weekends this spring. The inaugural Surf + Sound Festival will take over Manly Wharf with a packed program of live music, a free public art trail, food and dining experiences, and community events.
Conceived as a celebration of Manly and the Northern Beaches, the new festival will feature performances by some of Australia’s most influential acts, including Skegss, The Whitlams, Skunkhour, Winston Surfshirt and Mudhoney. You can check the full festival program here.
Where: Manly Wharf and Manly Beach.
When: October 16-November 1.
Price: Events are free to attend.
Gigs and concerts
Zara Larsson
The Swedish pop sensation has recently been making waves on her Midnight Sun Tour, thanks to her viral “Lush Life” dance, stunning, colourful makeup looks and overall incredible vibes. Her album Midnight Sun is full of confidence, dance hits and songs that show off the singer’s impressive vocal range. This performance is guaranteed to be a highlight in Sydney’s pop calendar.
Where: Hordern Pavilion, Gate C/3 Driver Ave, Moore Park NSW 2021.
When: October 15 and 23.
Price: $119.90.
Lily Allen
Sydney’s response to hearing that this West End girl is heading Down Under was huge. The English singer-songwriter returned with West End Girl seven years after No Shame, delivering lyrically honest and vocally striking songs that firmly cemented her comeback as a huge success.
Where: TikTok Entertainment Centre, 2/14 Darling Dr, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: October 25 and 26.
Price: From $109.90.
Hilary Duff
Millennial icon Hilary Duff will bring her lucky me tour to Australia this weekend, featuring special guest La Roux (the artist behind the hit song “Bulletproof”). The multi-platinum Lizzie McGuire star made a smooth transition from early-2000s teen pop to a more mature electropop sound, which she’ll be bringing Down Under to Sydney’s Afterpay Arena.
Where: Afterpay Arena, 19 Edwin Flack Ave, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127.
When: October 24 at 7:30pm.
Price: Tickets from $159.90.
Art exhibitions and events
Nolan: Origins at Art Gallery of NSW
This October, the Art Gallery of NSW will showcase around 100 major works by leading 20th-century Australian artist, Sidney Nolan. Featuring his iconic 1946–47 series depicting bushranger Ned Kelly, the exhibition explores how Nolan shaped and questioned ideas of ‘Australia’ through his depictions of St Kilda, the Wimmera, K’gari, Central Australia and north-eastern Victoria.
You can find out more about the exhibition here.
Where: Art Gallery of NSW, Naala Nura Building, Lower Level 2.
When: October 3, 2026- February 7, 2027.
Price: Tickets from $35.
Robyn Kahukiwa: My Ancestors Are Always With Me
A new exhibition celebrating the work of Sydney-born Māori painter Robyn Kahukiwa opens at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia this week, marking the first Australian exhibition dedicated to the artist following her recent passing.
The exhibition offers a timely opportunity to explore Kahukiwa’s bold, uncompromising work, which challenged representations of Māori identity, culture and political struggle, with a particular focus on the experiences and status of Māori women.
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, 140 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000.
When: October 14, 2026-February 7, 2027.
Price: From $35; under-18s go free.
LAST CHANCE: Margaret Olley: Australian Intimiste at NAS
Celebrating one of their own alum, the National Art School (NAS) is currently presenting Margaret Olley: Australian Intimiste, presenting an intimate look at one of Australia’s most beloved painters. Through the lens of the European artistic tradition of intimisme, the exhibition pays homage to the quiet poetry of domestic life, with a focus on Olley’s six-decade career.
Drawing from significant public and private collections, the exhibition traces Olley’s preoccupations from early interiors to her later richly textured compositions featuring floral arrangements, antiques, and domestic objects.
Where: 156 Forbes St, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010.
When: July 31-October 24, Monday-Saturday, 11am-5pm.
Price: Free.
Brett Whiteley: Coming Home
The Brett Whiteley Studio in Surry Hills recently underwent a two-year renovation and has now opened to the public with an incredible new exhibition, titled Brett Whiteley: Coming Home.
Upstairs, Whiteley’s studio remains an intimate time capsule, a look into his workspace, his famous graffitied walls and his extensive collection of books and trinkets. Downstairs, the new opening exhibition brings together some of his most celebrated works, from the 1976 Self-portrait in the Studio to the monumental 16-metre-wide Alchemy.
Where: Brett Whiteley Studio, 2 Raper Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010.
When: Open Thursday to Sunday, 10am-4pm.
Price: Free.
Black Myth at White Rabbit Gallery
White Rabbit Gallery’s latest free exhibition, Black Myth, opened to the public on June 25, marking the gallery’s 33rd exhibition. The exhibition draws on the viral Chinese video game Black Myth: Wukong, which is a contemporary retelling of the classic novel Journey to the West.
The Assistant Curator at White Rabbit Gallery, Meng-Yu, tells us that the exhibition “poses the question: what role does myth still play in an age driven by technology and rapid urban development?”
Where: White Rabbit Gallery, 30 Balfour St, Chippendale NSW 2008.
When: June 25-November 15, Wednesday to Sunday, 10am-5pm.
Price: Free.
Near at Hand: Dobell Australian Drawing Biennial 2026
Featuring 11 contemporary artists from across Australia, the Dobell Australian Drawing Biennial is the country’s leading exhibition dedicated to contemporary drawing.
Titled Near at Hand, the exhibition explores drawing as an intimate art form, showcasing personal mark-making, inner imaginings and up-close observations of the everyday. Artists make use of a range of materials, from pastel and pencil to watercolour, light and thread, showcasing the evolving possibilities of one of the world’s oldest art forms.
Where: Art Gallery of New South Wales, Naala Nura, Art Gallery Rd, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: September 12-March 7.
Price: Free.
Body Worlds: The Anatomy of Happiness
Want to discover the fascinating facts behind the human body? This globally acclaimed exhibition explores how the body works, bringing real specimens and interactive displays to Sydney for an educational experience that’s as fascinating as it is fun.
Seen in more than 175 cities by over 58 million visitors, it’s finally Sydney’s turn to get up close with the human body at Body World: The Anatomy of Happiness.
Where: 155 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000.
When: September 17-April 4.
Price: Tickets from $37.
Definitive Dupain at State Library of NSW
This exhibition at the State Library of NSW is the first major retrospective of Australia’s most famous photographer, Max Dupain. Drawing from his complete body of work, visitors can discover 200 images and original prints on display, from his most iconic photographs (including Sunbaker) through to unseen works and experimental gems.
The images will be shown alongside Dupain’s own words, offering a rare insight into the man behind the lens and his creative philosophy.
Where: Galleries, State Library, 1 Shakespeare Place, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: August 24, 2026-July 18, 2027.
Price: Free.
Mervyn Bishop: Close Up at State Library of NSW
Another one of Australia’s most important photographers, Mervyn Bishop: Close Up celebrates the historic moments and pivotal people he famously captured, while exploring the private influences that shaped his groundbreaking career as Australia’s first Aboriginal press photographer.
His body of work chronicles both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australia, and has featured in dozens of incredible exhibitions over several decades.
Where: Exhibition Galleries, State Library, 1 Shakespeare Place, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: October 18, 2025-February 7, 2027.
Price: Free.
Lorrie Graham: Photojournalist at State Library of NSW
Another impressive photography exhibition at the State Library displays five decades of photography by Lorrie Graham, the pioneering and influential photojournalist.
Curated by Graham herself, this major retrospective brings together significant events, remarkable people and everyday moments, alongside intimate interviews in which Graham shares personal reflections on her career and the stories behind her photographs.
Where: Photography Gallery, State Library, 1 Shakespeare Place, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: September 14, 2026-October 31, 2027.
Price: Free.
What’s on in theatre
SIX the Musical
Six the Musical transforms Henry VIII’s six wives into pop icons, remixing 500 years of history into an electrifying 80-minute concert. A global hit from the West End to Broadway, this riotous celebration of the women wronged by the infamous king is fit for royalty.
You can read our review of SIX The Musical here.
Where: Theatre Royal, 108 King St, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: October 9-December 20.
Price: Tickets start at $69.50.
LAST CHANCE: Mamma Mia!
This dreamy celebration of love, laughter and friendship transports audiences to sunny Greece, soundtracked by ABBA’s greatest hits. Packed with dynamic choreography, infectious energy and feel-good fun, this dazzling production is guaranteed to have audiences smiling.
Where: The Concourse, 409 Victoria Ave, Chatswood NSW 2067.
When: October 9-25.
Price: Tickets from $89.
The Lion King
The blockbuster musical The Lion King continues its run in the Harbour City. The original Australian production of The Lion King premiered at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney in October 2003, returned for a second run in 2013, and is now back at the iconic venue 13 years later.
Read our review of the stunning show here.
Where: Capitol Theatre, 13 Campbell St, Haymarket NSW 2000.
When: Until November 1, 2026.
Price: From $165.
A Room With A View
Grace Chapple transforms E.M. Forster’s beloved novel of love and discovery into a passionate stage production filled with romance, yearning and self-discovery. Follow Lucy Honeychurch through sun-drenched Tuscany as she finds herself navigating a life-changing choice between two men.
Where: 25 Belvoir St, Surry Hills NSW 2010.
When: October 3-November 1.
Price: Tickets from $58.
My Fair Lady
Opera Australia is celebrating 70 years of My Fair Lady since its glorious Broadway debut. Catch the beloved story of Eliza Doolittle’s transformation from Cockney flower girl to society lady, featuring charming classics including ‘Wouldn’t It Be Loverly?’ and ‘I Could Have Danced All Night’.
Where: Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: September 10-October 31.
Price: Tickets from $89.
Where to eat and sip
Try out Oxford Street newcomer, Amé
Oxford Street has a new restaurant, and with ESCA Hospitality Group, the team behind Sydney favourites Besa, Nour and Jōji, at the helm, expectations are high. Serving Japanese-Peruvian cuisine, the newcomer has snapped up a coveted corner of Oxford Street, with a vibey downstairs bar for pre-dinner drinks and a dedicated dining space upstairs.
Highlights on the opening menu include tuna nigiri acevichado, a Peruvian-inspired nigiri; spanner crab causa croquette, a Japanese korokke blended with a Peruvian causa; and Murray cod with inaka miso and spring peas. Time to book that table.
Where: GF.01 90 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010.
When: Open for dinner Monday-Tuesday: 5:30pm-9pm, open for lunch and dinner Wednesday-Sunday, 12pm-2:30pm, 5:30-10pm.
Price: Menus can be found here.
High Tea at Crown Sydney
This spring, Vista’Mare is giving the quintessential British high tea an Italian makeover. Set in Crown Sydney’s waterfront lobby, the experience comes courtesy of the two-hatted team behind a’Mare, with a menu that brings a taste of Italy to the afternoon ritual.
Expect savoury bites such as spanner crab maritozzo, prosciutto croquettes and King salmon vol-au-vents, before moving on to an indulgent line-up of sweets. Think Brontë pistachio bignè, Piedmont hazelnut Baci di Dama and Amalfi lemon tart, alongside warm scones served with whipped cream and seasonal jam.
Where: 1 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo, NSW 2000.
When: Available Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-3:30pm.
Price: High tea: $79pp, Sparkling high tea: $99pp, Champagne high tea: $109pp.
SRG Hospitality’s The Spring Club
As we head into the end of the year, SRG Hospitality is launching the Spring Club, Taittinger Champagne at $99 a bottle and fresh oysters at $3 each, across nine venues: Riva, Ripples Rose Bay, Akti, Ripples Chowder Bay, Ripples Little Manly, Sails, Summer Salt, The James, and The Fenwick.
Where: Across nine of SRG Hospitality’s venues.
When: October 6-November 15.
Price: $99 bottles of Taittinger Champagne, $3 oysters.
Try Potion at Cantina OK!
Cantina OK! continues to elevate our idea of what a cocktail can be with its new three-drink menu, Potion. Jeremy Blackmore, the Creative Director at MUCHO Group, says the new menu is “dedicated to the everyday magic waiting at the bottom of a glass”, stating that these new cocktails share the “gentle alchemy” of a cocktail.
The menu features Keepsake OK!, with tequila, watermelon, crema, salted cucumber and basil seed; Shindig OK!, with tequila, coconut, cherry and prosecco; and Redwing OK!, a smoky, spicy mix of tequila, mezcal, rum, lime, macadamia and amari. We’ll take all three, thanks.
Where: Council Pl, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Open Sunday-Tuesday, 4 pm-12 am; Wednesday- Saturday, 4pm-2am.
Price: Cocktails cost $25 each.
