The first weekend of July marks the start of the winter school holidays, the return of the popular Bondi Festival and the beginning of NAIDOC Week, alongside a packed calendar of theatre, exhibitions and events across Sydney.
Bondi Festival hits the shores of Sydney’s most famous beach this weekend, transforming the waterfront area with an ice rink, Ferris wheel, comedy, live music, theatre and markets. It’s one of Sydney’s most anticipated winter festivals and the perfect excuse to head to the coast, even if you’re not planning a swim.
Sports fans are in for a big weekend, with the Socceroos taking on Egypt in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 and the Wallabies kicking off their Nations Championship campaign against Ireland at Allianz Stadium.
NAIDOC Week is back this Sunday, with celebrations honouring the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Leading this year’s celebrations is the National Indigenous Art Fair, where more than 100 artists from over 30 Indigenous Art Centres will gather at Barangaroo’s spectacular new cultural venue, The Cutaway. Running from Friday to Sunday, the fair showcases contemporary Indigenous art alongside music, fashion, dance and cultural experiences.
Here’s our full list of the best things to do in Sydney this weekend.
Things to do in Sydney this weekend
Our top picks
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 available throughout the festival, with tickets priced from $15 to $28 for a 45-minute session.
Bondi Festival Food Markets will pop up every Saturday throughout the festival, while the Waverley Art Prize and live performances take place each Saturday and Sunday. This weekend’s highlights include the Bondi Festival Comedy Gala on Friday and Saturday, as well as Fifty Years of Deadly, a three-hour celebration of established and emerging First Nations artists curated by Awesome Black.
Where: Bondi Pavilion and surrounding areas.
When: Friday, July 3–Sunday, July 19.
Price: Price varies depending on the event.
NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee) Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year, to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Every year, there is a new NAIDOC Week theme, chosen by the national organising committee, and this year, it’s “50 Years of Deadly”, marking five decades since First Nations peoples took full control of the NAIDOC committee and expanded it from a single day to a nationwide week of celebration.
Exciting NAIDOC Week events include the National Indigenous Art Fair at Barangaroo’s The Cutaway, a special High Tea experience at NSW Parliament House and free Aboriginal culture tours at Barangaroo Reserve. You can find more events here.
Where: Events across Sydney.
When: July 5-12.
Price: Most events are free, some ticketed.
Two-for-one tickets to Bloodsuckers: Nature’s Vampires
Looking for a bloody good time these school holidays? The Australian Museum has you covered, thanks to its globally acclaimed, award-winning new exhibition, dedicated entirely to bloodsuckers. Bloodsuckers: Nature’s Vampires is an immersive exhibition all about the bats, birds and mites that want to suck your blood.
While it might test the nerves of the more squeamish visitors, the exhibition’s true draw is how it brings wildlife lovers face-to-face with nature’s most sophisticated micro-predators, leaving them with a surprising new appreciation for the tiny but highly evolved creatures. What’s more, with two-for-one tickets available throughout the winter school holidays, there’s never been a better excuse to visit the museum.
Where: Australian Museum, 1 William St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010.
When: Opens April 2, 2026.
Price: Adult tickets from $28, children’s (4-15 years old) tickets from $15.
National Indigenous Art Fair
This year marks the seventh anniversary of the National Indigenous Art Fair, and for the first time, it will be presented at Barangaroo’s brand new cultural hub, the Cutaway. The 2026 edition of the fair will be its most expansive to date, presenting works by more than 100 artists from over 30 Indigenous Art Centres, alongside large-scale installations, live music, dance, talks, and fashion.
Shaped by a team of First Nations curators, the Fair offers an opportunity to view and purchase works from some of Australia’s most remote art centres, with 100% of profits going directly to the art centres and their communities.
Where: The Cutaway, 1 Merriman St, Barangaroo NSW 2000.
When: July 3-5.
Price: Adult admission starts at $15.
Sporting events and experiences
FIFA World Cup
The Socceroos have made it through to the knock-out stages, and soccer fans will be able to catch all the live action around Sydney, with the NSW government and various councils setting up free live fan zones with big screens streaming the game.
This weekend’s clash kicks off at 4am AEST, so you’ll need to set your alarm bright and early to watch the Socceroos take on Egypt.
Pubs throughout Sydney will also be screening all the action, with venues like the Sackville Hotel, Cheers Bar, The Erko and Coogee Bay Hotel gearing up to show the big weekend of sport. All these venues will be screening the final game, even if the Socceroos don’t make it.
Where: Tumbalong Park and throughout the city.
When: FIFA World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19.
Price: Free.
Nations Championship
The Wallabies kick off their Nations Championship 2026 campaign against Ireland this Saturday at Allianz Stadium. The international tournament pits the world’s top rugby nations against one another in a Northern versus Southern Hemisphere format, with six rounds of matches played across July and November before a Finals Weekend in London crowns the inaugural champions.
Plenty of pubs and bars in Sydney will be screening the game, so if you missed out on tickets, head down to your local and join in the fun.
Where: Allianz Stadium, Driver Avenue, Moore Park, NSW 2021.
When: July 4 at 8pm.
Price: Tickets sold out, head to viagogo for resale.
Darling Harbour Ice Rink
The Darling Harbour Ice Rink is back, giving Sydneysiders the chance to glide across an open-air rink just metres from the waterfront at Palm Grove. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a complete beginner, there’s plenty of fun to be had. Grab a penguin skating aid if you’re not the most confident skater (or just cling onto your more confident mate!. It’s a festive, family-friendly way to embrace the winter chill in the heart of the city.
Where: Palm Grove Forecourt (outside IMAX Sydney), Shop 4, Ground Level/35 Wheat Rd, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: June 27-July 19.
Price: Tickets from $28.
Theatre, comedy and talks
Engine at Sydney Opera House
Sydney Dance Company returns to the Sydney Opera House with Engine, a dynamic triple bill showcasing the power and versatility of contemporary dance through works by Rafael Bonachela, Fran Díaz and Melanie Lane.
The program includes three different performances: the world premiere of Bonachela’s The Journey Itself Is Home, set to a score by Grammy Award-winning composer Bryce Dessner; the Australian debut of Díaz’s The Mass Ornament and the Sydney return of Lane’s acclaimed Love Lock.
Sydney Dance Company is also introducing an exciting new $35 ticket tier for under-25s in a bid to attract younger audiences to the show.
Where: Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: June 24-July 12, 2026.
Price: Adult tickets from $55, under-25s from $35.
Garry Starr: Classic Penguins
Fresh from a sell-out season in London’s West End and smash-hit Australian and UK tours, Garry Starr arrives at Carriageworks to bring his audience on a literary adventure. He’s hell-bent on saving books from extinction by performing every Penguin Classic novel ever written, in just one hour, and, at times, without any clothes on. He’ll be wearing flippers, though!
Garry Starr’s show won Most Outstanding Show at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2025, Best Comedy at Adelaide Fringe 2025, and Best Comedy at Fringe World 2025, making it one of the most celebrated comedy hits on the international festival circuit, and therefore, not one to miss.
Where: 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh NSW 2015.
When: June 16-July 5.
Price: Tickets from $54.
Gabbi Bolt: Small Poppy
“Funny musician” Gabbi Bolt is heading to Potts Point’s Hayes Theatre, bringing her hour-long, razor-sharp musical comedy, Small Poppy, to the stage. She’ll be discussing success, failure, Ancient Rome, and the fact that she will probably rob a bank or start a cult before she gets her shot. Critics have raved about this show, with The Advertiser proclaiming “Gabbi’s going to be a star”, so don’t miss your chance to see her at this exclusive, one-night-only show.
Where: Hayes Theatre, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point NSW 2011.
When: July 4 at 6:30pm.
Price: Tickets from $45.
Hair
If you love all things ’60s (bell-bottoms, fringe, long hair and a free-spirited attitude), head to Theatre Royal this weekend to see the musical Hair take to the stage.
Back for a strictly limited season, this iconic tribal rock musical brings the vibrant counterculture of New York’s hippie movement to life on stage. Exploring themes of identity, community, social change, and the pursuit of peace, Hair remains as powerful and relevant today as it was when it first captivated audiences. You can read our review of the show here.
Where: Theatre Royal, 108 King St, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: June 6-July 12.
Price: Preview performance tickets start at $69.
Mackenzie
What if Macbeth wasn’t a Scottish king consumed by ambition, but a Disney Channel-style 13-year-old child star desperate to be famous? That’s the gloriously chaotic premise behind Mackenzie, the new play from acclaimed Australian playwright, Yve Blake, in partnership with Bell Shakespeare.
Described as a dark, camp and satirical reimagining of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Blake tells us that the production will transport the audience to the “golden era of Nickelodeon and Disney Channel.” Think Hannah Montana, High School Musical and Jojo Siwa colliding with one of Shakespeare’s bloodiest tragedies. You can check out our interview with Blake here.
Where: The Neilson Nutshell, 13A Hickson Rd, Dawes Point NSW 2000.
When: June 6-July 18.
Price: Adult tickets from $94, Under 18/Under 35 A-reserve tickets from $45 for Tuesday-Thursday performances.
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, returned for a second run in 2013, and is now back 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 leads 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.
Where to eat and sip
Winter Arbour at RAFI North Sydney
RAFI North Sydney is bringing back its Winter Arbour series after a sold-out debut in 2025. Transforming the one-hatted venue’s glass Arbour into an immersive winter dining destination, the experience promises stunning interiors and ambience inspired by the rugged beauty of Northern Australia, as well as a premium dining experience.
Together, Executive Chef Matias Cillóniz and Head Chef Keith Dsouza have curated a $128pp sharing banquet revolving around Wagyu and seasonal produce: think Wagyu tartare with horseradish, eschalot and quail egg; slow-braised Westholme Wagyu cheek with garlic chive kimchi and fermented black bean. Sign us up.
This year also marks the debut of the Chef’s Kitchen experience, an intimate private dining space for just 12 guests that’s available to book.
Where: 99 Mount St, North Sydney NSW 2060.
When: June 29-September 6.
Price: $128 per person.
Pints for schooner prices at Three Blue Ducks Rosebery
Three Blue Ducks is celebrating their new partnership with the Inner West beer legends Young Henry’s this Sunday, selling pints for schooner prices all day (and for the following Sundays). As roast dinner season is officially underway, enjoy their fire-cooked Sunday Roast with generous gravy, nostalgic sides and even a veggie roast, so no one misses out. The Three Blue Ducks is widely regarded as serving one of the best roasts in Sydney, so don’t miss out!
Where: 1/85 Dunning Ave, Rosebery NSW 2018.
When: Sunday 5 July, from 11:30am-6pm.
Price: Sunday roasts start at $36.
Winter Cellar Door
Sample and celebrate the very best of New South Wales wine at Carriageworks this Sunday. Winter Cellar Door will bring over 120 different wines to the precinct, allowing you to meet the makers behind your favourite pours, plus discover new regional sips that you may have never heard of. Make the most of Carriageworks’ many events and receive 10% off any Incognito Art Show artworks and frames when you buy the $15 tasting glass.
Where: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh NSW 2015.
When: July 5, 11am-6pm.
Price: Free entry, $15 tasting cup required to sample wine.
$39 steak frites lunch special at 20 Chapel
Pop down to 20 Chapel in Marrickville on Friday, and you can secure a $39 steak frites, featuring a 250g Blackmore Wagyu eye of round steak, crispy fries and a choice of black pepper and curry leaf sauce or mushroom, onion and marsala sauce. Widely regarded as one of the best steak restaurants in Sydney, this deal offers the ideal, budget-friendly way to try their fire-cooked produce.
Where: 20 Chapel St, Marrickville NSW 2204.
When: Available every Friday, 12pm-3pm.
Price: $39 for steak frites.
Art galleries and museums
Incognito Art Show
The Incognito Art Show has returned to Sydney, finding a new home at Carriageworks. Offering over 20,000 original artworks for just $100 each, the fun of the Incognito Art Show is that the artist behind each piece remains anonymous. Buyers will choose art that they love and connect with, no matter who created it. You may have picked up a piece by an Archibald finalist, or from someone completely unknown!
All profits from the Incognito Art Show 2026 will help fund professional development programs for artists with disabilities, including Studio A in North Sydney, The Art Factory in Wagga Wagga and Access Arts in Brisbane. This weekend marks your last chance to purchase one of the anonymous artworks, so don’t miss out!
Where: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh NSW 2015.
When: June 27-July 5.
Price: Every piece of art costs $100.
Black Myth
Sydney’s White Rabbit Gallery, which showcases one of the world’s most significant collections of Chinese contemporary art, is located on a hidden backstreet in Chippendale. The gallery presents two exhibitions each year, and its next exhibition, titled Black Myth, is set to open this Thursday, June 25, running until November 8.
Black Myth draws inspiration from the viral Chinese video game, Black Myth: Wukong, which is a modern retelling of the legendary novel, Journey to the West. An epic fantasy, teeming with spirits, demons, ghosts, mythical beasts, gods, and immortals, it follows the monk Tang Sanzang and his three unlikely disciples as they undertake a pilgrimage from China to India.
The best part? Entry to White Rabbit Art Gallery is completely free.
Where: White Rabbit Art Gallery, 30 Balfour St, Chippendale NSW 2008.
When: June 25-November 8, 2026.
Price: Free.
Avatar: Forms of Vishnu
This ambitious new exhibition will be the largest presentation of South and Southeast Asian art shown at the Art Gallery of New South Wales in over 20 years, and the first Australian exhibition devoted to the Hindu deity Vishnu.
The exhibition will bring together more than 200 works, both historical and contemporary, ranging from ancient sculptures, textiles, and paintings to photography and installation. You can read more about the exhibition here.
Where: Art Gallery of NSW, Art Gallery Rd, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: June 20-October 5, 2026.
Price: Adult tickets from $35.
Tony Albert: Not a Souvenir
One of Australia’s most exciting young Indigenous artists of today, Tony Albert’s new exhibition at the MCA brings together his work across sculpture, photography, installation, painting, and assemblage alongside major new commissions.
Tony Albert: Not a Souvenir introduces a new word to us (one that the artist himself coined): Aboriginalia. It refers to the mass-produced kitsch featuring stereotypical and often racist depictions of Aboriginal peoples. Albert (Girramay, Kuku Yalanji, Yidindji people) has been amassing a huge collection of these uncomfortable souvenirs since he was a child, and his new exhibition reclaims the kitsch to celebrate cultural pride and survival instead.
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, 140 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000.
When: May 21-October 19.
Price: Tickets from $28.
Treasures of the Viking Age: The Galloway Hoard
Discover mysterious and unique Viking-age treasures at this fascinating exhibition at the Australian National Maritime Museum. This display offers a rare glimpse into the Galloway Hoard, a collection of Viking-age objects buried around AD 900. Containing over five kilograms of silver, gold and other materials, this exhibition explores who buried the hoard, their stories, the world of Viking-age Europe, and the cutting-edge conservation and research now revealing its secrets.
Where: Australian National Maritime Museum, 2 Murray St, Darling Harbour, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: May 28-October 11, 2026.
Price: Tickets from $35.
The Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes 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.
One of the country’s most anticipated exhibitions, this year’s annual showcase runs until August 16. You can explore the winning works and discover the stories behind the artists, subjects and portraits here.
Where: Art Gallery of NSW, Naala Nura building, lower level 2.
When: May 9-August 16.
Price: Adult tickets start at $30.
Harry Potter: The Exhibition
The highly anticipated tour of Harry Potter: The Exhibition is currently showing at Paddington Pavilion in Sydney Olympic Park, and it’s an absolute must-see for all Potterheads.
Visitors can step behind the scenes of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts universes, exploring iconic moments, characters, settings and creatures alongside authentic props, original costumes and immersive galleries inspired by the films and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. This exhibition is definitely a must-visit for witches, wizards and devoted Muggles alike.
Where: Paddington Pavilion at Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127.
When: Opens May 14 until October 2026.
Price: Tickets start at $33.
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 August, this multi-sensory exhibition is not one to miss.
Where: 155 George St, The Rocks, 2000.
When: April 3- August 30.
Price: From $42 per person.
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.
