Sydney is serving up another packed weekend, with brand-new theatre and opera productions, quirky festivals and the long-awaited reopening of a beloved free gallery.
One of the biggest events on our radar this weekend is the reopening of the Brett Whiteley Studio in Surry Hills. After extensive renovations, the artist’s former home and studio will once again welcome visitors with a brand-new exhibition, Brett Whiteley: Coming Home. Better yet, entry is completely free, offering one of the city’s few permanent free cultural attractions.
Kate Bush lovers, listen up. The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever returns to Sydney Park this Saturday, giving fans the chance to don flowing red dresses and dance to the singer’s iconic hit Wuthering Heights. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the delightfully eccentric event is completely free to join and is also quite the spectacle to watch.
The Sydney Opera House is welcoming the return of one of opera’s greatest masterpieces this weekend, with Opera Australia reviving Verdi’s Rigoletto in a lavish new production led by acclaimed Italian conductor Sesto Quatrini. Prefer dancefloors to arias? White Bay Power Station is hosting Ministry of Sound’s throwback noughties party this weekend, meaning the huge warehouse space will be thumping with nostalgia all Saturday evening.
Read on for our full list of things to do in Sydney this weekend, featuring an AFL derby, a free whisky foraging event at Ace Hotel and several new and hilarious theatre productions.
Our top picks
Brett Whiteley Studio Opening
The iconic Brett Whiteley Studio has been closed while undergoing extensive upgrades, but visitors won’t have to wait much longer, with the much-anticipated reopening scheduled for this Saturday. 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 will reopen 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.
The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever
The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever is a global phenomenon which sees cities around the world dress head to toe in red and dance in a park to Kate Bush’s iconic masterpiece, “Wuthering Heights”. Sydney’s edition takes over the Inner West’s Sydney Park, with this year’s festival set to be its biggest yet, as the delightfully kooky event celebrates its 10th anniversary.
Where: 416 Sydney Park Road, St Peters, NSW 2044.
When: July 25 at 12pm.
Price: Free to join.
Rigoletto
Elijah Moshinsky’s much-loved production of Rigoletto returns to the Sydney Opera House this weekend, complete with its delightful La Dolce Vita-inspired sets and costumes, including the scene-stealing Fiat 500.
Led by Italian conductor Sesto Quatrini, making his Australian debut, 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.
Sporting events
AFL Sydney Derby
Sydney’s AFL rivals go head-to-head this Saturday as the GWS Giants host the Sydney Swans in an exciting derby at ENGIE Stadium. Tickets start from $68, with plenty on the line for both sides. The Swans are chasing top spot on the ladder, while the 11th-placed Giants will be looking to make the most of home-ground advantage and pull off a crucial win in front of their fans.
Where: ENGIE Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127.
When: July 25 at 4:35pm.
Price: Tickets from $68.
Real Insurance Harbour 10
The Real Insurance Harbour 10 returns this weekend, offering runners a scenic 10km or 5km course past some of Sydney’s most iconic harbour landmarks. Having run it myself, I can’t recommend it enough, whether you’re chasing a personal best on the flat, fast course or want an excuse to soak up the harbour at a more leisurely pace. If you’re tackling City2Surf next month, it’s also an ideal tune-up race.
Where: The start line is in The Rocks.
When: July 26.
Price: Entry costs $70 for the 5km race, $80 for the 10km race.
Where to eat and sip
Take part in a whisky foraging trail at Ace Hotel
Whisky lovers, this one’s for you. Ace Hotel Sydney is hosting The Glendronach Presents: An Ode to The Highlands this weekend, a free immersive whisky experience celebrating the Scottish distillery’s 200-year history. Your complimentary ticket includes a welcome cocktail featuring The Glendronach 12 Year Old, a multi-sensory whisky foraging trail, three premium single malt tastings and bespoke food pairings created by the Ace Hotel culinary team.
You can book your tickets to the event here.
Where: 47-53 Wentworth Ave, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Session times include: Friday from 5pm to 10pm, Saturday from 1pm to 10pm and Sunday from 1pm to 6pm.
Price: Free.
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, 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.
NSW Wine Cellar Door
NSW Cellar Door is bringing the state’s top vineyards and winemakers to The Rocks Markets this weekend, offering Sydneysiders the chance to sip their way through some of NSW’s best vinos without leaving the city. For just $5, you can sample three wines from each producer, while glasses start from $10. The event runs from 10am to 5pm on both Saturday and Sunday.
Where: George St, The Rocks NSW 2000.
When: July 25 and 26, 10am-5pm.
Price: $5 to sample three wines, $10 per glass.
Art exhibitions and events
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.
What’s on in theatre
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.
Gigs and concerts
Ministry of Sound at White Bay Power Station
White Bay Power Station’s vast industrial halls will transform into a giant dance floor this weekend as Ministry of Sound’s TESTAMENT takes over with a special noughties edition. Spread across three stages, the one-day festival features a stacked lineup led by Berlin electronic duo Booka Shade (Live), alongside Crookers, Riva Starr and Sinden. If you spent the 2000s on the dancefloor (or wish you had), this is your chance to relive the era with the artists who helped define it.
Where: White Bay Power Station, Robert St, Rozelle NSW 2039.
When: July 25, 4pm-12am.
Price: Tickets from $155.95.
Nocturne at Pier Pavilion
It’s the final weekend of Barangaroo’s Nocturne at Pier Pavilion, a free four-week concert series showcasing some of Sydney’s most talented musicians with contemporary chamber music and inventive takes on classical works, all set against the spectacular backdrop of Sydney Harbour.
This weekend, Australia’s only electric viola da gamba ensemble, Elysian Fields, will bring the series to a close. Formed in 2015 by Jenny Eriksson, Matt Keegan and Matt McMahon, the trio blends the centuries-old instrument with contemporary jazz and experimental sounds. With Keegan and McMahon among Australia’s leading jazz musicians and composers, expect a spectacular finale.
Where: Pier Pavilion, 3 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW 2000.
When: July 24 and 25 from 5:30pm.
Price: Free.
Richard Clapton at the State Theatre
Australian music icon Richard Clapton returns to the State Theatre this Saturday for his 17th annual Sydney concert. Celebrating more than 50 years of hits, the singer-songwriter will perform fan favourites including Girls on the Avenue, Deep Water, Capricorn Dancer and I Am an Island.
Richard Clapton expressed his own excitement for the concert, stating, “My my – how time flies when you’re havin’ fun! These 17 years at The State Theatre have always been a benchmark of my career, because the three-hour show allows me to gather the best musicians Australia has to offer and to showcase their musicianship.”
Where: State Theatre, 49 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: July 25 at 8pm.
Price: Tickets from $89.
