Sydney is welcoming August with brand-new theatre, international sport, foodie pop-ups and free experiences. Here’s how to make the most of your weekend.
The city’s entertainment calendar is headlined by the Australian premiere of Fiddler on the Roof at Theatre Royal, while football fans can catch Premier League giants Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur face off in the Sydney Super Cup. The Sydney Boat Show also returns, showcasing hundreds of boats and the latest marine gear at Sydney Olympic Park.
Food lovers can take advantage of one-day-only giveaways, including free cookies and $10 bowls at Sana Mediterranean’s new Rozelle outpost, plus complimentary drinks, cakes and goodie bags at T2’s new Pitt Street Mall store. Over in Woollahra, a European-inspired après-ski pop-up is bringing alpine cocktails, jaffles and party vibes to the city.
If a quieter weekend is more your style, Sydney’s theatres and galleries are overflowing with must-see productions and exhibitions. Catch Opera Australia’s spectacular Rigoletto or the laugh-out-loud Pride & Prejudice (sort of), then explore the newly reopened Brett Whiteley Studio or make the most of the final weeks of the Archibald Prize exhibition.
Read on to check out our full list of things to do in Sydney this weekend.
Things to do in Sydney this weekend
Our top picks
Fiddler on the Roof
The beloved 1964 musical will have its inaugural Australian Premiere at Theatre Royal this weekend, running until October 3. This follows the musical’s sold-out season in London, breaking the record for the best-selling musical of all time at the Barbican Theatre, and winning three Olivier Awards, including Best Musical Revival.
The story is set in the tiny village of Anatevka in 1905, where milkman Tevye lives his life by their proud traditions. For his five daughters, this means a visit from the matchmaker. As each daughter challenges his beliefs, against the backdrop of a changing world, Tevye struggles to embrace the unfamiliar as anti-semitic pressures increase in the region.
Where: Theatre Royal, 108 King St, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: July 31-October 3.
Price: Adult tickets from $69.
Sydney Boat Show
The Sydney Boat Show is dropping anchor at Sydney Showground from July 30 to August 2, bringing together hundreds of boats, thousands of marine products and the latest gear from Australia’s leading boating brands. From luxury cruisers and fishing boats to wake boats, watersports equipment and cutting-edge marine technology, it’s a must-visit for anyone who loves life on the water.
Fishing legends Andrew “ET” Ettingshausen and Steve “Starlo” Starling will take to the Anaconda Main Stage to share expert tips, stories and insights, while professional angler Michael “Cookie” Cooke will host live casting demonstrations at the 14,000-litre Berkley Supertank.
Where: Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park.
When: July 30- August 2.
Price: Tickets from $19, free entry for children under 16.
Après-ski at The Woollahra Hotel
Swap the slopes for Sydney this weekend at the Woollahra Hotel’s Après Ski takeover. The Upstairs Terrace has been transformed into a cosy alpine chalet complete with faux snow, ski-inspired décor, $18 winter cocktails and $12 late-night jaffles. The two-week event kicks into high gear on Saturday with a headline set from Harvey M, before electronic duo Yolanda Be Cool takes over the decks the following weekend.
Where: Woollahra Hotel’s Upstairs Terrace, 116 Queen St, Woollahra NSW 2025.
When: July 29-August 9.
Price: Free entry but headline events will cost $18 per person, though they include a welcome cocktail.
Sydney Super Cup London Derby
If you’re currently experiencing World Cup fever, lock in. The 2026 Sydney Super Cup is set to be a very exciting tournament for soccer fans, with Sydney hosting two of the biggest teams in world football: Premier League sides Chelsea FC and Tottenham Hotspur.
The four-team tournament will be staged in Sydney at Accor Stadium and Allianz Stadium, with the two London teams taking on Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers FC, before facing off against each other in an exciting ‘London Derby’, which will take place this Saturday.
Where: Allianz Stadium, 40/44 Driver Ave, Moore Park NSW 2021.
When: August 1, kick-off at 7:45pm.
Price: Tickets start at $139.
What’s on in theatre
Rigoletto
Elijah Moshinsky’s much-loved production of Rigoletto is back at the Sydney Opera House, complete with its delightful La Dolce Vita-inspired sets and costumes, including the scene-stealing Fiat 500.
Led by Italian conductor Sesto Quatrini, this production is a bold reinvigoration of Verdi’s iconic score, which he demanded be kept under complete secrecy at the time of its premiere. Award-winning baritone Dalibor Jenis reprises his acclaimed performance as the tortured jester, supported by Kang Wang as the Duke and rising star Gemma Nha as the jester’s daughter.
Where: Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House.
When: July 21-August 21.
Price: Tickets from $79.
Pride & Prejudice (sort of)
After seeing Pride & Prejudice (sort of) last weekend, we declared it to be “the most hilarious show on the Sydney stage right now.” Fresh from an Olivier Award-winning run in London, this riotous musical comedy gives Jane Austen’s beloved love story a brilliantly irreverent twist. Packed with sharp humour, standout performances and pop classics including Young Hearts Run Free, Will You Love Me Tomorrow and You’re So Vain, it’s a joy whether you’re a lifelong Austen fan or have never picked up the novel.
Where: Drama Theatre, Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: July 16-August 30.
Price: Tickets from $49.90.
The Addams Family
Spooky, kooky and delightfully macabre, The Addams Family is now haunting Potts Point’s Hayes Theatre. Featuring all your favourite characters (including Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday and the rest of the iconic clan), the musical is packed with catchy songs, big laughs and plenty of wonderfully weird charm, making for an unforgettable night at the theatre.
Where: Hayes Theatre, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point NSW 2011.
When: July 11-August 9.
Price: Tickets from $84.
The Lion King
In very exciting news for Sydney’s theatre fanatics, the 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.
The Merry Widow
Franz Lehár’s beloved operetta arrives at the Sydney Opera House this July, inviting audiences to waltz into a world of glamour, romance and lavish parties. Visually spectacular and led by internationally acclaimed soprano Emma Pearson alongside beloved Australian star Julie Lea Goodwin, who will share the role of Hanna, the production is shaping up to be one of the highlights of Opera Australia’s 2026 season.
When: July 8-August 18.
Price: Tickets from $50.
Velvet Inferno
Sashay your way into Velvet, a nightclub where disco reigns supreme, and the dance floor calls your name. Velvet Inferno is a 70-minute, non-stop spectacular featuring timeless anthems, powerhouse performances and gravity-defying acts, all inspired by the legendary New York nightclub, Studio 54. Directed by Craig Ilott (Gatsby at the Green Light, L’Hotel, Velvet Rewired), the high-energy event will take over the Sydney Opera House’s Studio until mid-September.
Where: Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: July 24-September 13.
Price: Tickets from $49.90.
Where to eat and sip
$10 salad bowls and a free cookie at Sana Rozelle
To celebrate the opening of Sana Mediterranean’s new Rozelle outpost, the casual eatery is teaming up with their new neighbours, LoDe Pies and Pastries, for a special, one-day-only collab. The two Sydney staples have created a limited-edition cookie combining LoDe’s signature recipe with Middle Eastern flavours including tahini, date molasses and white chocolate.
Score $10 Mediterranean bowls all day at Sana’s new Rozelle location, with a free collaboration cookie for the first 200 customers who order a bowl.
Where: 623 Darling St, Rozelle NSW 2039.
When: Saturday, August 1.
Price: $10 bowls and free cookies available while stocks last.
Check out T2’s new Pitt Street Mall store
Tea lovers won’t want to miss the opening of T2’s new Pitt Street Mall store this Saturday, which marks the brand’s 30th anniversary with hundreds of giveaways. The first 250 customers will receive an exclusive T2 x A.P Bakery tea-infused dot cake and a complimentary T2GO drink, with a choice of a Lamington Matcha Cloud or French Earl Grey Lemonade, while the first 50 shoppers will also score a free T2 goodie bag.
Where: Shop 2046A, Level 2, 188 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW 2000.
When: August 1 at 9:30am.
Price: Free drinks and dot cakes up for grabs.
Winter Arbour at RAFI North Sydney
RAFI North Sydney has brought 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, serving pints for schooner prices all day (and on 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.
Art exhibitions and events
Brett Whiteley: Coming Home
The Brett Whiteley Studio has officially reopened after two years of renovations meant that the iconic space was closed to the public. Located in the celebrated artist’s final home and studio in Surry Hills, the gallery offers an intimate and unfiltered encounter with the life and practice of Brett Whiteley.
The studio has reopened with a new exhibition, titled Brett Whiteley: Coming Home, showcasing ambitious works produced by the artist in the 1970s. Offering an array of 80 paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics, prints, photographs and sketchbooks, the works showcase the energy and variety of Whiteley’s practice following his return to Australia after a decade of living and working abroad.
Entry to the studio is free, although visitors should note it’s only open from Thursday to Sunday, between 10am and 4pm.
Where: Brett Whiteley Studio, 2 Raper St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010.
When: Reopens July 25.
Price: Free entry.
Avatar: Forms of Vishnu
This ambitious 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.
Some of the extraordinary works included in the exhibition include a sixth-century Cambodian sculpture of a horse-headed avatar of Vishu, paintings from 1594 illustrating India’s great Ramayana and Mahabharata epics, and new pieces made especially for the exhibition, including a pair of large paintings by Desmond Lazaro.
Where: Art Gallery of NSW, Art Gallery Rd, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: June 20-October 5, 2026.
Price: Adult tickets from $35.
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 current exhibition, titled Black Myth, will show 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.
Tony Albert: Not a Souvenir
One of Australia’s most exciting young Indigenous artists of today, Tony Albert’s new exhibition at the MCA that 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.
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 made its way Down Under from London after a successful debut, bringing the voice of one of the most influential figures in contemporary culture.
Banksy Limitless is an immersive art exhibition presenting a bold journey through the street-art icon’s ideas, imagery and legacy. Running 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.
Gigs and concerts
Anuv Jain
Indian singer-songwriter Anuv Jain will bring his heartfelt indie anthems to the Enmore Theatre this weekend. The artist has garnered over 1.5 billion streams globally, with his highly anticipated Dastakhat World Tour 2026 set to showcase his melodic voice and popular songs, including chart-topping hits like Husn, Afsos, and Jo Tum Mere Ho.
Where: Enmore Theatre, 118-132 Enmore Rd, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: August 2.
Price: From $68.85.
