UPDATED: August 31
Spring has officially arrived in Sydney, bringing with it a huge weekend of things to do, whether you’re keen to get out into nature or dive headfirst into the city’s buzzing cultural scene.
A reminder for Sydneysiders and visitors alike: this Sunday is Father’s Day, so it’s time to start planning a day out that Dad will actually enjoy. Luckily for you, our weekend round-up has something for everyone.
Art lovers are in for a big one, with Sydney Contemporary taking over Carriageworks and the Sydney Fringe Festival filling venues across the city with theatre, comedy and all kinds of wonderfully unexpected performances.
Looking for a little reset? Barangaroo is serving up free yoga, meditation and outdoor workouts, alongside steamy sauna sessions and icy cold plunges for the brave.
For your nature fix, wander through a spectacular sea of pink and white paper daisies at Mount Annan or head to Manly for a free day of nature, history and family fun at North Head Sanctuary.
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
Sydney Contemporary
It’s a big year for Sydney Contemporary, Australasia’s premier art fair, as it celebrates its 10th anniversary edition. This year will be its biggest edition yet, bringing together more than 100 exhibitors and 500 artists, alongside a packed program of installations, performances, public art activations and talks. The event kicks off this Thursday with the fair’s opening, which brings music, performances, bars and dining to Carriageworks for a late-night celebration of art and culture.
Where: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh NSW 2015.
When: September 3-6.
Price: Tickets start at $45.
Sydney Fringe Festival
The Sydney Fringe Festival is so much more than a mix of theatre, visual arts, music and comedy. This open-format, relentlessly inclusive arts festival is an outsized celebration of creativity, expression and storytelling. With shows covering every topic imaginable, from a one-woman show about cooking sensation Nigella Lawson to a musical adaptation of George Orwell’s gloomy dystopian novel, 1984, it’s not one to miss.
Where: Across the city.
When: September 1-30.
Price: Ticket prices vary by event.
Barangaroo You Wellness Month
Barangaroo is encouraging Sydneysiders to put themselves first this month with the return of Barangaroo You Wellness Month, bringing a program of free and low-cost movement, mindfulness and wellness experiences to the bustling, urban suburb.
The weekend program includes Barangaroo Bootcamp, a free HYROX-style outdoor training session at Hickson Park every Saturday. For something a little more relaxing, Cedar & Salt is bringing a wood-fired, Nordic-inspired sauna and cold plunge experience to Barangaroo, with sessions starting from $30. There’s also Still Sundays: free sessions featuring yoga, breathwork, sound healing and meditation, set at the peaceful Pier Pavilion. You can check out the full program here.
Where: Locations across Barangaroo, including Barangaroo Reserve, Barangaroo South and Marrinawi Cove.
When: September 1-30.
Price: Prices range per event, with the majority being low-cost or free.
Paper Daisy Spring Festival
Sydney’s biggest paper daisy display will take centre stage at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan this spring. The six-week celebration of flowers, family fun, live music and food will unfold against a spectacular sea of pink and white, created from approximately one million paper daisy seeds grown each year for the blooming display. There will be plenty of food and drink options, from burgers and coffee to ice cream and gozleme, plus lawn games, free crafts, and even a bookable painting experience.
Where: Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan, 362 Narellan Rd, Mount Annan NSW 2567.
When: September 4-October 11.
Price: Free.
North Head Sanctuary Discovery Day
This Sunday, North Head Sanctuary Discovery Day is bringing a stacked day of scenic nature, historical landmarks and free activities to the North Fort Precinct. Activities include yoga in nature, birdwatching tours, access to the historic North Fort (which is normally off-limits outside of paid tours), pickleball games at North Head Sanctuary and a designated fun zone with face painting and colouring in for kids.
You can check out the program for the day here. Just a heads-up: you’ll need to pre-register for the yoga sessions and all guided tours.
Where: North Head Sanctuary, N Head Scenic Dr, Manly NSW 2095.
When: September 6, 10am-2pm.
Price: Free.
Theatre and dance
Heathers: The Musical
Based on the iconic film starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, Heathers: The Musical is deliciously dark and hilarious, with a cult-favourite soundtrack that has made it a hit with musical theatre fans. The musical will play at Rooty Hill’s Coliseum Theatre from August 26 to 29 before moving to the Roslyn Packer Theatre from September 1 to 19.
Where: Roslyn Packer Theatre, 22 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay NSW 2000.
When: September 1-19.
Price: Tickets from $69.90.
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.
You can read our review of the stunning show here.
Where: Capitol Theatre, 13 Campbell St, Haymarket NSW 2000.
When: Until October 4, 2026.
Price: From $165.
Fiddler on the Roof
The beloved 1964 musical is running until October 3 at the Theatre Royal, following its sold-out season in London, where it set the record for the best-selling musical of all time at the Barbican Theatre and won three Olivier Awards, including Best Musical Revival.
The story is set in the tiny village of Anatevka in 1905, where milkman Tevye (Troy Sussman) lives his life by their proud traditions. For his five daughters, this means a visit from the matchmaker, played by Sigrid Thornton. 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.
You can read our review of the show here.
Where: Theatre Royal, 108 King St, Sydney 2000.
When: Until October 3.
Price: Adult tickets from $89.
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 takes over the Sydney Opera House’s Studio until mid-September.
Where: Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Until September 13.
Price: Tickets from $49.90.
Where to eat and sip
Nour: Decade of Dishes
Nour, Surry Hills’ beloved Middle Eastern restaurant, celebrates its tenth anniversary this September, presenting an anniversary menu to commemorate the milestone. ‘A Decade of Dishes’ showcases all the plates and chefs that have helped shape the restaurant’s legacy, and will be available for 11 days, from September 3 to 13.
The star-studded menu includes dishes from four chefs, Roy Ner (who worked at Nour in 2018), Ben Williamson (2019), Paul Farag (2019-2024), and Ibrahim Kasif (2024-2026). Highlights include Williamson’s falafel crumpet, Farag’s wood-fired coconut basbousa, Ner’s camel, egg and olive sambousek and Williamson’s crisp cauliflower, grape sauce, smoked labne and almond crumb. Sign. Us. Up.
Where: 3/490 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010.
When: September 3-13.
Price: The Decade of Dishes Banquet costs $129 per person.
Breakfast Point Spring Festival
Soak up the sun at Breakfast Point Spring Festival this Sunday, and peruse nearly 80 stalls on Village Green. There’s a strong food and drink lineup, with plenty of local produce and brands, including Blackwattle Distilling Co., Finders Distillery, Bondi Liquor Co., CINCiN spritz cocktails, as well as wagyu skewers, loaded long chips, gourmet hot dogs and Dumpling Cheers.
Kids can stay entertained with free puppet shows, roving entertainment, face painting and even a petting farm.
Where: Village Green, 65 Village Dr, Breakfast Point NSW 2137.
When: September 6, 9am-3pm.
Price: Free entry.
LAST CHANCE: 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, along with 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 and quail egg; slow-braised Westholme Wagyu cheek with garlic chive kimchi and fermented black bean.
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: Until September 6.
Price: $128 per person.
Suntory Time at Zephyr Sky Bar
Enjoy an exclusive menu of Japanese-inspired cocktails and paired bites overlooking Darling Harbour with the House of Suntory’s takeover of Zephyr Bar.
The seasonal collaboration showcases House of Suntory’s iconic Japanese spirits across a bespoke cocktail list alongside a curated menu of Wagyu Tataki, Octopus Takoyaki and Pan-Seared Gyoza. Try a Suntory Spritz ($28), a delicious combo of Suntory whisky, kaffir lime, lemon myrtle, yuzu, mango, prosecco; or a Royal Flush ($28), made with Haku vodka, Roku gin, Lillet, Italicus, lemongrass, grapefruit.
There are also live violin performances every Friday night if you’re looking for the ultimate, sophisticated date night.
Where: Zephyr Sky Bar, Rooftop Hyatt Regency, Level 12/161 Sussex St, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Until mid-September.
Art exhibitions
Brett Whiteley: Coming Home
The Brett Whiteley Studio has officially reopened after two years of renovations that meant 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.
Where: Brett Whiteley Studio, 2 Raper St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010.
When: Open Thursday to Sunday, 10am-4pm.
Price: Free entry.
Margaret Olley: Australian Intimiste
The National Art School is celebrating the legacy of one of its own, displaying more than 60 of Margaret Olley’s artworks. The exhibition is drawn from public and private collections of the beloved artist’s work from throughout her six-decade career since graduating from the NAS.
Where: National Art School, 156 Forbes St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
When: Until October 24, 2026
Price: Free
Avatar: Forms of Vishnu
This ambitious exhibition is 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. It brings together more than 200 works, both historical and contemporary, ranging from ancient sculptures, textiles, and paintings to photography and installation.
Where: Art Gallery of NSW, Art Gallery Rd, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Until 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: Until 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 brings together his work across sculpture, photography, installation, painting, and assemblage alongside major new commissions.
Tony Albert: Not a Souvenir introduces a new word (one 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: Until October 19.
Price: Tickets from $28.
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: Until October 2026.
Price: Tickets start at $33.
Gigs and concerts
Lucas and Arthur Jussen perform Poulenc
It’s not often you get to hear music written for two pianos, or rarer still, four hands playing the same piano. You need two musicians totally in sync, and Lucas and Arthur Jussen literally have that connection in their DNA. The brothers, who have played together since childhood, bring a special brotherly synchronicity to every performance.
This program, packed with playfulness and vibrancy, will be led by French conductor Stéphane Denève and also features Berlioz’s Roman Carnival Overture, Poulenc’s enchanting Les Animaux Modèles Suite and Respighi’s spectacular Pines of Rome, which will bring the evening to a triumphant close.
Where: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: September 3-5.
Price: Tickets from $36.
