This weekend, Sydney is buzzing with a mix of culture, creativity and fun for every taste.
This weekend, I’m going to put some time aside to wander The Affordable Art Fair at Carriageworks, and maybe even purchase an exciting piece of contemporary art, thanks to the fair’s dedication to keeping the prices low but the artworks impressive. I’ll follow this with a stop by Maple Social Club’s free rooftop party for a midday boogie, before hitting up Gin Lane’s BookTok pop-up in Chippendale to try some of their exciting, fantasy-inspired cocktails. On Sunday, I’ll be immersing myself in art- either visiting Tender Comrade at White Rabbit Gallery before it closes, or stopping by the Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Maritime Museum to marvel at the breathtaking shots at sea.
Our top picks
1. The Affordable Art Fair
The Affordable Art Fair heads to Carriageworks for the first time, presenting a showcase of contemporary work created by talented artists from all over Australia. Over four days, the internationally celebrated fair will present 60 independent galleries, showcasing original works by both emerging and established artists. The best part? Every piece of art is priced between $100 and $1000, so if you’re keen to invest in some incredible work, but don’t want to break the bank, this is the place to go. You can also expect live painting, immersive installations, an emerging artists showcase, plus the brand-new Children’s Art Studio.
Where: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh NSW 2015.
When: November 6- November 9.
Price: Tickets from $24.46.
Sydney Cellar Door at The Rocks. (Image: The Rocks).
2. Sydney Cellar Door
Sydney Cellar Door will transform The Rocks into NSW’s largest open-air cellar door and wine tasting experience this weekend. The two-day festival brings together 40 premium wineries from across 16 different NSW wine regions, allowing visitors to try an extraordinary range of premium wines without leaving the city. Entry is free, and guests can purchase Sydney Cellar Door packs and wine tokens online or at the event, including the Explorer Tasting Pack (5 tokens) at $35 and the Wine Connoisseur Tasting Pack (10 tokens) for $55.
Where: Tallawoladah Lawn & First Fleet Park, The Rocks.
When: November 8 and 9 from 12pm.
Price: Free entry.
3. Free Rooftop Pool Party with Maple Social Club
Maple Social Club wants Sydneysiders to socialise, have fun and enjoy free entry at their community events. The events experts are hosting a pool party at the Old Clare Hotel this Saturday, which they’ll be putting on every first weekend throughout Spring. The debut event was a hit, drawing Sydneysiders to the rooftop pool for an afternoon of dancing, fun and good vibes. Make sure to RSVP to the crew at Maple Social Club for full details.
Where: The Old Clare, 1 Kensington St, Chippendale NSW 2008.
When: Saturday, November 8 from 2pm-5pm.
Price: Free entry.
4. Oasis at Accor Stadium
Stop crying your heart out — Oasis is coming to Sydney as part of their Oasis Live ’25 tour. Who would’ve thought the feuding brothers would finally reunite for a world tour? This huge event marks their first tour together since the band broke up in 2009. They’ll be taking over the Accor Stadium for two huge nights on November 7 and November 8, joined by indie rock favourites Ball Park Music. Haven’t got your tickets yet? You can still grab some on Ticketmaster here.
Where: Accor Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park.
When: Friday, November 7 and Saturday, November 8, 2025.
Price: From $109.50.
5. Five Diamonds Ladies Day
If Melbourne Cup hype has got you excited about all things racing, head to Rosehill Gardens’ Five Diamonds Ladies Day this Saturday and celebrate the finale to the Sydney Everest Carnival. Highlights of the day include the prestigious $2 million Five Diamonds race for five-year-old horses, top-tier dining offerings, sparkling Chandon specials and live music. Expect bold fashion on the day, from statement headpieces to daring silhouettes, and don’t miss your chance to join in the stylish fun.
Where: Rosehill Gardens Racecourse, Rosehill St, Rosehill NSW 2142.
When: Saturday, November 8.
Price: Adult ticket starts at $30 per person.
Theatre and production must-sees
6. Phar Lap: The Electro-Swing Musical
The Sydney Fringe Festival may be over; however, wacky and wonderful theatre is here to stay. Enter Phar Lap: The Electro-Swing Musical. Written by award-winning music director and composer Steven Kramer, this comedy explores the life of Phar Lap, Australia’s most famous racehorse, in what Kramer calls “the true underdog story”.
Kramer is on a mission to prove that Australia doesn’t need to rely on theatre imports — he wrote Phar Lap: The Musical as proof that Aussie theatre can stand proudly on its own. Independent venue Hayes Theatre in Potts Point hosted the debut of the new musical comedy last week, with Joel Granger taking on the role of Phar Lap. Audiences may recognise Granger from Australian productions of The Book of Mormon, Hairspray and West Side Story. He also recently starred as Benny Southstreet alongside Cody Simpson in Guys and Dolls with Opera Australia, proving that while the venue may be intimate, the talent is top-tier.
You can read our review of the show here.
Where: Hayes Theatre, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point.
When: October 17-November 22.
Price: From $60 per person.
7. Prism by the Australian Ballet
Billed by the Australian Ballet as “an ambitious contemporary ballet unlike any other”, Prism unites three distinct artistic visions in one unforgettable program. Guests will experience three short works from internationally renowned choreographers Jerome Robbins and William Forsythe, alongside multi-award-winning Australian choreographer and dancer Stephanie Lake. Featuring breathtaking dances set to the music of Philip Glass, James Blake and J.S. Bach (reimagined by Peter Brikmanis), Prism promises a bold and electrifying experience.
Where: Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House.
When: November 7-15, 2025.
Price: Adult tickets start at $70, tickets for ages 30 and under start at $66.
8. Back to the Future: The Musical
When it opened in London, Back to the Future: The Musical quickly became a success story, scooping up the Best New Musical award at the Laurence Olivier and What’s On Stage awards. It also swiftly transferred to Broadway. Now, the musical is dazzling Sydneysiders at the Lyric Theatre, with breathtaking visuals and a real flying DeLorean.
The exciting cast lineup includes Tony Award-winning actor Roger Bart, who will reprise the role of Doc Brown, having impressed audiences in both the West End and Broadway. Starring opposite him as Marty McFly will be Axel Duffy, a rising star from Brisbane. You can read our review of the new production here.
When: Friday, September 26, until Sunday, December 28, 2025.
Where: Sydney Lyric Theatre, 55 Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont NSW 2009.
Price: From $89.
9. The Book of Mormon
Regarded by many as one of the funniest (and most outrageous) musicals of all time, The Book of Mormon was written by the masterminds behind South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone. The musical tells the story of two young missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: “perfect” Elder Kevin Price and socially-awkward Elder Arnold Cunningham.
Kevin hopes his mission will take him to sunny Orlando, Florida, but instead, the mismatched pair are sent to a remote village in Uganda. The result is chaos, comedy and a lot of outrageous satire. We won’t spoil the show, but if you want to find out more, read our review here.
When: Showing until Sunday, November 30, 2025.
Where: Capitol Theatre, 13 Campbell Street, Haymarket NSW 2000.
Tickets: From $69 per person.
READ MORE: The Book of Mormon is back in Sydney — here’s everything you need to know
Where to eat and sip
10. Gin Lane’s Pop-up BookTok Event
Step into an immersive fantasy world at Chippendale’s Gine Lane, now transformed into Tales & Tonics, a whimsical pop-up inspired by beloved literary worlds, from Gen Z favourite A Court of Thorns and Roses to Millennial classics like Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings. Upon entry, guests can pay a visit to Gin Lane’s very own Seer, who will read their tarot and reveal what mythical world (and, most importantly, which cocktail) their energy is most suited to. Each cocktail has been carefully crafted by Gin Lane’s founder and creative visionary, Grant Collins, who is known for combining mixology with immersive art. Signature sips include the smoky Gandalf’s Pipe, the fruity Slughorn’s Hourglass and the bubbling Cauldron.
Where: Gin Lane, 16A Kensington St, Chippendale, NSW, 2008.
When: Available daily from 4-6pm and 2-5pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Price: $24 per cocktail.
11. Walk 7k steps before 7pm for 50% off Yo-Chi açai
It’s 7/7 this Friday, and Yo-Chi is celebrating by offering customers 50% off any açai bowl. There is a catch, though: customers will have to have walked 7000 steps before 7pm, which they can prove by showing a team member evidence from a health app, fitness tracker or smart watch. Kick off your Friday with a run or long walk, then treat yourself to a discounted açai bowl piled high with toppings (you’ve earned it!)
Where: All Yo-Chi stores.
When: Friday, November 7, all day until 7pm.
Price: 50% off Yo-Chi açai.
Art Exhibitions and Galleries
12. LAST CHANCE: Tender Comrade at White Rabbit Gallery
It’s your last chance to catch White Rabbit Gallery’s thought-provoking exhibition Tender Comrade (closing November 9), a powerful exploration of queerness in China, celebrating identities that history once tried to erase. Same-sex relationships were part of everyday life in ancient China: emperors had male lovers, and bisexuality was often the norm. But today, queer communities face censorship, crackdowns and social pressure.
Many reclaim the word tongzhi (comrade) — once a political term, now a symbol of queer solidarity and chosen family. The artists in Tender Comrade embrace this spirit, blending affection, friendship and rebellion in works that defy the rules of identity, love and belonging.
Where: 30 Balfour St, Chippendale NSW 2008.
When: Wednesday to Sunday, 10am–5pm until Sunday, November 9.
Price: Free.
13. Ocean Photographer of the Year at the Maritime Museum
The Ocean Photographer of the Year Exhibition will showcase a breathtaking display of creatures and landscapes from the stunning marine world, with over 15,000 submissions received from all over the globe. Making history for the first time, two Australian photographers have claimed category wins: Marcia Riederer took out the Fine Art category with her portrait of a Dwarf Minke whale on the Great Barrier Reef, while Craig Parry won Human Connection for a powerful drone image of a stranded Humpback whale rescue attempt on Seven Mile Beach. This year’s overall winner is Indonesia-based photographer, Yury Ivanov, whose mesmerising image of two 3mm ‘ladybugs of the sea’ captivated judges.
Where: Maritime Museum, 2 Murray St, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: November 6, 2025- May 3, 2026.
Price: Special exhibition tickets start at $25 per adult.
14. Ricky Swallow, Bent Forms
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.
15. Dangerously Modern: Australian Women Artists in Europe 1890-1940
This brand-new exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW celebrates the remarkable women artists who overcame social barriers to forge international careers beyond Australia. This exciting exhibition is the first to celebrate the vital role of Australian women in shaping international modernism, featuring iconic figures like Margaret Preston, Nora Heysen and Grace Cossington Smith, as well as the under-recognised Agnes Goodsir, Justine Kong Sing and Helen Stewart. The exhibition will show more than 200 works, expanding visitors’ understanding of modern art movements, including realism, impressionism, post-impressionism, cubism and abstraction.
Where: Art Gallery of NSW, Art Gallery Rd, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: October 11- February 15, 2026.
Price: Adult tickets: $35, Youth: $18.
16. 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.
Mike Hewson: The Key’s Under The Mat opened last Saturday, and is the current talk of the art world. It marks the artist’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: From October 4, 2025.
Price: Free.
Markets and Shopping
17. Sydney Artisans Market
Discover a world of handmade treasures at the Sydney Artisan Market this weekend. Browse stalls featuring talented designers and makers offering jewellery, candles, ceramics, homewares, art, fashion for all ages, beauty and wellness products, craft supplies, flowers, gourmet treats and even pet accessories. Snack on fluffy baked goods from Brooklyn Boy Bagels and try out boutique wines from the Hunter Valley by Weerona Wines. To see the full Sydney artisans directory, click here.
Where: Sydney Portugal Club, Fraser Park, 100 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204.
When: November 8 and 9, 10am-3pm.
Price: Free entry.
18. Oxford Street Farmers Market
Taylor Square hasn’t felt the same since Cafe Freda made the move to Chippendale; however, the launch of two new weekly markets will hopefully bring back some of that lost buzz and energy. This weekend sees the launch of the Oxford Street Farmers Market, which will run from 8am to 2pm every Saturday, serving up morning coffees, fresh local produce, seasonal flowers and fluffy baked goods. The dog-friendly market at the crossroads of Darlinghurst, Surry Hills and Paddo is the perfect place to commence the weekend.
Where: Taylor Square, North Oxford Street, Darlinghurst.
When: Saturday, November 8, 8am-2pm.
Price: Free entry.
19. Tramshed Markets
You probably haven’t heard of the Tramshed Markets (simply “Tramsheds” for cool folks), but you should be. It’s about as eclectic a market as can be, making it the perfect place to hang out at any time of the weekend. From the breakfast buffets and bakeries to the sunset bars and restaurants, these permanent markets are also an artisan’s delight to show off their best wares and tempt you with their tastiest titbits.
Where: Tramsheds, 1 Dalgal Way, Forest Lodge.
When: Saturdays and Sundays, 9am–3pm.
Price: Free entry.
20. Carriageworks Farmer’s Market
A favourite for locals and tourists alike, Carriageworks Farmers Markets brings an array of fresh produce from all over the country to the precinct in Eveleigh. Whether you’re after homemade butter, granola and yogurt bowls, fresh flowers or organic wines, there’s something for everyone. Grab a loaf of bread from A.P. Bakery’s stall, or pick out some super-fresh veggies from one of the many stalls. After your shopping spree, chill out and perch on one of the many seats, which provide the perfect opportunity for people watching.
Where: 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh.
When: Open Every Saturday, 8am-1pm.
Price: Free entry.
