The forecast is sunshine, the new Sydney Fish Market has officially opened, and we’re heading into a long weekend! Here’s our list of things to do in Sydney this weekend to make it one to remember.
Editor’s Pick
This weekend, I’ll be heading to the Summer Crawl, a free music festival in the Inner West, which will feature over 250 acts across 40-plus venues in Newtown, Enmore, Erskineville and Marrickville (aka, some of the coolest suburbs in Sydney). This year, they’re introducing the Eliza Street Party, which will feature a special outdoor stage by Young Henrys and live sets from a variety of talents.
This weekend, I’d highly recommend a visit to the new Sydney Fish Market, which opened on January 19 and is an incredible foodie hub with a variety of retailers, flavours and restaurants. Our tip? Head there early in the morning or opt for a late evening visit, as many Sydneysiders and tourists will be eager to check out the new facilities, meaning potential delays and queues to enter.
On Monday, I’ll attend Australia Day’s Dawn Reflection, an event honouring the nation’s traditional custodians. This year, it will feature the artwork of proud Aboriginal artist Garry Purchase, projected onto the Sydney Opera House.
This is also your last weekend to see The Book of Mormon at the Capitol Theatre and Back to the Future: The Musical at Sydney Lyric. Sydney Festival also wraps up this Sunday, making it your last chance to experience the citywide cultural takeover this year.
Things to do in Sydney this weekend
Sydney Staples
1. Explore the new Sydney Fish Market
The new Sydney Fish Market officially opened on Monday, January 19, with thousands of people flocking to the sleek new building at Blackwattle Bay. Grab some tiger prawns from Claudio’s or a dozen oysters from Peter’s, or opt to try something from one of the twenty new businesses now trading at the huge, $836 million Fish Market. You can also book into a tour of the new building, or simply sit on one of its waterfront restaurants (we recommend Hamsi Taverna), taking in the view with a cocktail in hand. The world is your oyster (literally!)
Where: 1 Bridge Rd, Glebe NSW 2037.
When: The market is open from 7am-10pm Sunday-Thursday and 7am-12am Saturday and Sunday.
Price: Free entry into the building, price varies at different retailers.
2. Australia Day
The mantra for Australia Day is “Reflect. Respect. Celebrate,” with numerous free events and activities scheduled around Sydney on January 26, a national holiday for Australians. Highlights include the Dawn Reflection, which sees the iconic Sydney Opera House sails lit up with spectacular Aboriginal artwork, the Ferrython, where four of Sydney;s Emerald Class ferries race to the Harbour Bridge, and the Australia Day Live Concert and fireworks. Check out our roundup of all the Australia Day events here.
When marking Australia Day, it’s important to recognise that the date holds deep and complex significance for First Nations Australians. We encourage visitors to reflect respectfully and take time to learn about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and perspectives. You can find guidance on how to engage thoughtfully with the day here.
Where: Citywide.
When: Monday, January 26, 2026.
Price: Plenty of free events with some ticketed and prices varying.
3. The Summer Crawl
After the roaring success of last year’s King Street Crawl, which saw 25 venues open their doors for free, over 160 artists take to the stage, and 12,000 people flock to the Inner West, the Crawl is back and bigger than ever. This year’s edition will see over 250 artists take to 40-plus venues in four of Sydney’s coolest suburbs, Newtown, Enmore, Erskineville and Marrickville, with favourite spaces including Pleasure Club, Kelly’s on King, The Vanguard and Vic on the Park hosting a variety of musical acts. This year’s headliners include the multi-talented Zion Garcia, pop band Egoism and rock trio Smudge.
New this year is the Eliza Street Party, featuring a full street closure between 12pm and 8pm, featuring a dedicated outdoor stage (Young Henrys Outdoor Stage) and live sets from tseba, Le Shiv, Bean Magazine, Lucky, Miramar, plus DJs Joey P, Tropical Dave, Catch 25, moodboi, and DJ Kaizen.
You can get your RSVP ticket here, however the rule of the Crawl is first in, best dressed, so make sure you plan out your day and prioritise the concerts you don’t want to miss.
Where: Various venues on Newtown’s King Street.
When: Sunday, January 25, 2026 from 12pm.
Price: Free with RSVP.
4. Last weekend of the Sydney Festival
It’s the last weekend of the ultimate citywide cultural takeover, Sydney Festival. It’s your last chance to check out WAKE by Dublin trailblazers THISISPOPBABY, who will be bringing spectacle, music, stories and laughter to Carriageworks for a final time. You can read our review of the evening here. Other weekend highlights include A Night of Rock and Roll with Bogan Villea by First Nations LGBTIQ+ performing icon Ben Graetz and the collective video game experience asses.masses by Patrick Blenkarn and Milton Lim at the Sydney Opera House.
Where: Citywide.
When: January 8 to January 25.
Price: Price varies depending on the event, with some ticketed and some free performances.
5. The World’s Most Beautiful Cinema
The Westpac Open Air Cinema is often labelled the world’s most beautiful, thanks to its prime location, perched on Mrs Macquaries Point, in front of the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge view. This weekend, you can still get tickets for their feel-good Friday film, 10 Things I Hate About You, plus the French film My Brother’s Band on Saturday and One Battle After Another, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, on Sunday.
The stunning cinema will continue showcasing a curated mix of classic favourites, indie smashes and exciting new releases through to February 24, so book your tickets now and get excited for not just the movie, but the unbeatable backdrop too. You can check out the full program for the cinema here.
Where: Mrs Macquaries Point, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Running from Friday, January 9, until Tuesday, February 24.
Price: From $40.
Sport events and activations
6. Woollahra Hotel’s AO Tennis on The Terrace
If you love tennis but left it too late to book a flight to Melbourne, head to the Woollahra Hotel instead. Their summer activation, Tennis on the Terrace (in partnership with Piper-Heidsieck and Balter), brings the Australian Open atmosphere to Sydney, complete with champagne on ice, deck chairs, strawberries and cream, and every match screened live. All the Grand Slam vibes, none of the airfare.
Where: 116 Queen St, Woollahra NSW 2025.
When: January 12-February 1, 2026.
Price: Free entry.
7. Play pickleball at South Eveleigh
Pickleball is the latest craze sweeping Sydney, and South Eveleigh has popped up its very own court in the heart of the precinct, inviting Sydneysiders to drop by and learn how to play the fast-growing sport. Innovation Plaza has transformed into a Pickleball hub, with beginner lessons available on Wednesdays from 3:30pm-7:30pm and Saturdays from 7:30am- 12:30pm. Outside of lesson times, the court will be open for free casual play, giving visitors the perfect opportunity to perfect their pickleball technique.
Where: South Eveleigh, Innovation Plaza (near BrewDog).
When: January 6 until February 1, 2026, courts open daily from 7:30am-7:30pm.
Price: $10 per person, maximum 4 players per session.
Art Exhibitions and Galleries
8. The Hooligans at White Rabbit Art Gallery
White Rabbit Art Gallery in Chippendale is home to one of the world’s most significant collections of contemporary Chinese art. It recently reopened with a bold new exhibition, titled The Hooligans, which will run until May next year. The new exhibition has been introduced by the gallery as exploring the term “Hooligans”, with its summary stating, “rabble-rousers, riffraff, scoundrels, and criminals. Troublemakers, wanderers, deviants, misfits. They’ve gone by many names — but to the Chinese state, they were once known simply as The Hooligans.“
The Hooligans explores how Chinese artists learned to think beyond imposed boundaries in the face of relentless restrictions, using a variety of media to celebrate speaking up, daring to defy and refusing to cooperate. Exhibitions at White Rabbit Gallery are free to enter, so if you’re looking to peruse a gallery without breaking the bank, White Rabbit should be top of your list.
Where: White Rabbit Art Gallery, 30 Balfour Street, Chippendale, NSW 2000.
When: Friday, 19 December-May 17, 2026.
Price: Free entry.
9. Encounter by Ron Mueck
Internationally celebrated artist Ron Mueck returns to Australia with a major new exhibition. Encounter is the largest exhibition by the artist ever to be presented in Australia, and comprises sculptures drawn from across the globe. If Mueck’s recent exhibition in Seoul is anything to go by, where 100,000 people visited in just 20 days, Encounter is set to draw huge numbers in Sydney. Of the 15 sculptures featured in the exhibition, nine are making their Australian debut, with one never-before-seen work, Havoc, commissioned especially for Sydney.
Mueck is known for his hyperrealistic sculptures, which range from minute to massive, conveying themes that explore our relationship with the world, including birth, death, alienation and togetherness. We had a first look at the exhibition last week, and you can check out our review of the incredible works here.
Where: Art Gallery of NSW, Naala Badu, Lower Level 2, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: December 6, 2025- April 12, 2026.
Price: Adult tickets: $35, Youth: $18.
10. Data Dreams: Art and AI at the MCA
The first of its kind in a major Australian Museum, the new exhibition at the MCA, Data Dreams: Art and AI, considers artificial intelligence and its impact on contemporary life through the work of 10 visionary artists. Presented as part of the Sydney International Art Series 2025-26, this Aussie premiere explores how AI is transforming the way we live, think and create, focusing on a range of concerns, including the relationship between technology and power, and how algorithms and datasets are influencing our worldviews.
Where: Galleries Level 3, MCA, 140 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000.
When: November 21, 2025- April 27, 2026.
Price: Adult tickets are $35, Concession $28. Under 18s go free. You can buy your tickets here.
11. Ocean Photographer of the Year Exhibition
The premier exhibition of the Ocean Photographer of the Year opened at the Australian National Maritime Museum last week, showcasing a striking collection of winning and finalist images from over 15,000 global entries. Featuring 112 breathtaking images that celebrate the beauty of our ocean and highlight the importance of marine conservation, the exhibition raises awareness about the climate crisis affecting our natural world. From tiny baby pufferfish to majestic humpback whales, the display aims to celebrate the brilliance and diversity of ocean life, with Sydney being the first city in the world to show the full collection of images on display.
Where: Australian National Maritime Museum, 2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour, NSW 2000.
When: Running until May 3, 2026.
Price: Special exhibition tickets start at $25 per adult.
12. 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.
13. Dangerously Modern
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: Running until February 15, 2026.
Price: Adult tickets: $35, Youth: $18.
14. 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.
The Key’s Under The Mat is the current talk of the art world, marking Mike Hewson’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: Running until August 23, 2026.
Price: Free.
What’s on in Theatre
15. LAST CHANCE: 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, January 25, 2026.
Where: Capitol Theatre, 13 Campbell Street, Haymarket NSW 2000.
Tickets: From $69 per person.
16. LAST CHANCE: 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.
Unfortunately, the show will close prematurely on January 25, 2026, and will not complete its tour of Australia as previously planned. Make sure to support the show and catch it at the Lyric this summer, before it packs up Down Under for good this weekend.
When: September 26, until January 25, 2026.
Where: Sydney Lyric Theatre, 55 Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont NSW 2009
Price: From $89.
17. Barbra: The Greatest Star
The Hayes Theatre in Potts Point is back with an exciting new tribute show, dedicated to the iconic Barbra Streisand. The show is a collaboration between powerhouse director and performer Brittanie Shipway and three other incredible vocalists, Tana Laga’aia, Laura Murphy and Stellar Perry, as well as a live three-piece band. Expect new perspectives on songs you love, a few surprises along the way and a show that celebrates Barbra Streisand’s legendary humour and ground-breaking impact on music and culture.
Where: Hayes Theatre, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point NSW 2011.
When: January 21- February 14, 2026.
Price: Tickets from $55.
18. Gatsby at the Green Light
After the sell-out success of its premiere season, GATSBY at the Green Light will return for a sultry stint at the Sydney Opera House this weekend. Transforming the Studio into a 1920s-inspired club, the show revolves around cabaret, outlandish performances and all the glitz and glamour of the Roaring Twenties.
Despite being inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel, the show doesn’t follow the storyline exactly; instead, it immerses audiences in the dazzling world of Gatsby’s legendary parties. Think debauchery, sensuality and opulence. The show will feature ARIA Award-nominated artist Odette, who will sing soulful tunes as performers spin, twirl and fly through the air. Canadian circus artist Spencer Craig, who specialises in aerial loop, will be hosting the show as charismatic yet mysterious Gatsby. Soaring by his side will be daring Caitlin Thomson-Moylan, who will play his eternal (but doomed) love Daisy.
Where: The Studio at Sydney Opera House.
When: From December 13, 2025, until March 28, 2026.
Price: From $59 plus booking fee.
19. Putting It Together at the Foundry Theatre
If you think a Stephen Sondheim revue is all clever lyrics, champagne wit and polished showbiz sophistication, Putting It Together will happily give you that, and then pull the rug out from under you. Now playing at the Foundry Theatre in Pyrmont, this glamorous cocktail-party musical revue is a dazzling celebration of Sondheim’s greatest work, brought to life by a cast that reads like a roll call of Australian stage royalty. Not convinced? Read our review of the show here for more on why you should see the show.
Where: 55 Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont NSW 2009.
When: 6 January-15 February 2026.
Price: Tickets from $69.90.
20. Madama Butterfly by Opera Australia
Back by popular demand, this must-see production of Puccini’s famous opera features some of the world’s best singers as well as emerging Australian stars. Elaborate staging includes a real moat dotted with floating candles, Japanese paper screens and colourful costumes. The audience will be transported to Nagasaki, where they’ll follow the story of Cio-Cio San, a young woman who falls in love and marries Pinkerton, a US Navy lieutenant. In doing so, she gives up her family and life as she knows it, only to be brutally betrayed by Pinkerton, which leads to her ultimate demise.
Head to the iconic Sydney Opera House to witness a production that has earned its place as one of the most-loved and widely performed operas of all time.
Where: Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Showing until March 25, 2026.
Price: From $79.
Gigs and Concerts
21. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds at The Domain
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds will bring their incredible live production, THE WILD GOD TOUR, to the beautiful Domain at the Botanic Gardens of Sydney this weekend. Performing a setlist drawn from their latest album, as well as hits from their forty-year music career, the two-and-a-half hour performance is sure to delight longtime fans and win over some new ones in Sydney.
Where: The Domain, Art Gallery Rd, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Friday, January 23 and Saturday, January 24, 2026.
Price: From $179.90.
22. Michael Bibi at THE WORKS, Carriageworks
Carriageworks continues to prove that it’s the coolest cultural precinct in Sydney with its latest series, THE WORKS, featuring six high-end warehouse events through the month. The series will include incredible sets by Underworld, I Hate Models and Ben Böhmer, as well as the Netherlands’ house hero Chris Stussy alongside the UK’s next big breakout stars, Josh Baker and Propsa. This weekend, Ibiza mainstay and the mastermind behind the esteemed ‘Solid Grooves’ label, Michael Bibi, brings his incredible take on tech house to THE WORKS.
Where: 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh NSW 2015.
When: January 25, doors open at 5pm.
Price: Tickets from $99.99.
23. Trey Songz at Enmore Theatre
Multi-platinum R&B icon Trey Songz returns to Sydney this weekend, bringing his electric live performance energy to the Enmore Theatre. Known for his unmistakable vocals and chart-topping hits, Treyz will perform tracks like “Na Na”, “Slow Motion” and “Bottoms Up” at one of Sydney’s most popular music venues.
Where: 118-132 Enmore Rd, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Sunday, January 25, 2026 at 8pm.
Price: Tickets cost $131.25.
