From waterfront fiestas to K-pop dance battles, street parties, theatre premieres and huge picnics, Sydney is offering something for everyone this weekend.
My top pick for this week? Hop on a ferry to Manly Wharf and partake in their La Mexicana Festival fiesta, which is all about world-class tacos, refreshing margs and cervezas and dancing the night away to a mariachi band. ¡Arriba México!
If glasses of vino tick your box more than a spicy marg, drop by Chippendale and sip rosé at their Rosé All Day event, which sees popular venues platform incredible Australian winemakers, giving you the chance to sample an incredible lineup of the pink drink.
Also on our radar is the return of Handa Opera, one of Sydney’s biggest theatrical events, where the iconic Phantom of the Opera will light up a one-of-a-kind floating stage right on Sydney Harbour. Picture the most beautiful backdrop, dazzling fireworks and powerhouse vocalists all combining to create an unmissable night of opera.
If you’re looking to have a budget-friendly weekend, a whole host of free community events are popping up across the city, from the Inner West’s Muddy Banks Festival, Sydney Street’s takeover of Harris Street and the return of Sydney Korean Festival.
Continue on for our curated list of Sydney’s biggest events, must-see shows and can’t-miss pop-ups happening this weekend.
Things to do in Sydney this weekend
Sydney Staples
1. La Mexicana Festival at Manly Wharf
Last weekend, Manly Wharf came alive with Mexican flair as the La Mexicana Festival took over the waterfront, bringing world-class eats, a live mariachi band and an impressive lineup of margaritas to the buzzing precinct. They’re back to do it all again this Thursday through to Sunday, making it your last chance to try Michelin guide-recommended tacos from El Vilsito, who have flown from Mexico City for this very celebration.
You may recognise the world-famous taqueria for its appearance on Netflix’s Taco Chronicles, where they show off their famous tacos al pastor, where slabs of pork shoulder are cut from a huge spit and served up with sweet pineapple. There’s also a fresh and zingy snapper crudo taco with avocado, as well as crunchy pork chicharrónes, guacamole with totopos, and a dedicated corn casita serving BBQ elotes and esquites. Feast before you join the fiesta at this incredible cultural celebration, trust me, it’s worth the ferry ride.
Where: E Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095.
When: March 26-29, Thursday and Friday: 4pm- until late, Saturday and Sunday, 11am- until late.
Price: Free entry, RSVP for weekend two here.
2. Sydney Streets Pyrmont
Sydney Streets continues its takeover of the city’s buzziest neighbourhoods with this week’s edition seeing Pyrmont’s Harris Street closed to traffic to make way for alfresco dining, live entertainment and roving performers. There’ll be a Messina caravan serving up their renowned gelato, DJs playing their best reggaeton beats, engaging activations, special offers from local businesses and more.
Where: Harris Street, Pyrmont NSW 2009.
When: March 28, 11am-8pm.
Price: Free entry.
3. Sydney Korean Festival
Tumbalong Park will host Australia’s largest Korean cultural and K-POP festival this weekend, featuring traditional Korean games, live music and dance shows, cultural performances and delicious Korean street food (think tangy kimchi, sweet hotteok and spicy tteokbokki). There will even be a K-Pop Cover dance competition, where participants will perform iconic choreography from K-pop groups that have taken the world by storm.
Where: Tumbalong Park, 11 Harbour St, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: March 28: 10am-9pm, March 29: 10am-7pm.
Price: Free entry.
4. The Hub Fest
Bondi’s The Hub on Hall Street, located just a stone’s throw from the iconic beach, will host a two-day, roaming street festival this weekend. Think DJs in the lane, art installations and special food and drink deals from your favourite spots. Henrietta, Gelato Messina, Salumerie, Lulu and Besa are just some of the big neighbourhood eateries that will serve bites and sips in the laneway, which is set to be this weekend’s ultimate day-to-night hangout.
Where: The Hub, Hall Street, Bondi Beach, NSW 2026.
When: March 28 and 29, 12pm-9pm.
Price: Free entry.
5. Muddy River Festival
Muddy River Festival returns to the banks of Cooks River in Sydney’s vibrant inner west, bringing a relaxed, family-friendly and completely free event to the community. Hosted by Marrickville Golf Club, the event centres around music, culture and connection, as a line-up of local artists takes to the stage. Bring a picnic blanket and relax under a gum tree as you enjoy that classic Inner West community feel and learn about the importance of the Cooks River.
Where: Marrickville Golf Club, Wharf St, Marrickville NSW 2204.
When: March 28, gates open at 2pm, music from 3pm-7pm.
Price: Free entry, you can RSVP here.
6. Alliance Française French Film Festival
After the successful return of Tropfest, Sydney has once again proven its appetite for bold, unique cinema, making the arrival of the 37th Alliance Française French Film Festival all the more exciting. Last year, the festival had a record-breaking 199,000 admissions, reflecting the passion of French filmmakers and the cultural importance of the AFFFF.
You can also catch plenty of French cinema across Sydney during the festival, which includes Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace, Roseville Cinema, Palace Moore Park and United Cinemas Warriewood, all screening featured films.
Where: Taking place at cinemas across Sydney.
When: March 3- April 8.
7. Ocean Lovers Festival
Sydney’s deep connection to the sea takes centre stage during the annual Ocean Lovers Festival, a city-wide program celebrating marine life, coastal culture and the communities working to protect it.
The festival’s schedule is packed with events and activities, ranging from guided kayak paddles and wildlife cruises to beach clean-ups, art installations and family-friendly discovery zones, alongside conversations with marine scientists, environmental advocates and ocean athletes. You can even paddle into sunrise with the Eco Kayak Tour offered during the Ocean Lovers Festival. Many activities are free or low-cost, making it an accessible way to explore Sydney’s maritime identity while learning about the challenges facing the world’s oceans.
Where: Various locations across Sydney, including Bondi and Manly.
When: Until March 31.
Price: Many events are free; some are ticketed.
What’s on in Theatre
8. Handa Opera Phantom of the Opera
Handa Opera is celebrating two anniversaries this year. 2026 marks Opera Australia’s 70th season, and to celebrate, they’ll be putting on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s global phenomenon The Phantom of the Opera, 40 years after it debuted on the West End. Taking place at Fleet Steps at Mrs Macquarie’s Point, Handa Opera is one of the most anticipated theatre events in Sydney’s calendar, thanks to its stunning backdrop, one-of-a-kind customisable floating stage, and a spectacular fireworks display over Sydney Harbour that lights up the night sky during each performance. For more on the 2026 Handa Opera extravaganza, click here.
Where: Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquaries Point, Sydney.
When: March 27-May 3, 2026.
Price: From $108 plus $9.80 booking fee.
9. Julius Caesar at the Sydney Opera House
This contemporary staging of Julius Caesar marks Bell Shakespeare’s first production of 2026, featuring a seasoned ensemble cast, an innovative creative team and an intriguing setting of Eastern Europe in the 1990s. Playing at the iconic Sydney Opera House until April 5, this production is bound to stir feelings of awe and fear, as Brutus and Cassius hatch their conspiracy to put an end to Julius Caesar’s growing influence.
Artistic Director Peter Evans shared his excitement about the production, stating, “Shakespeare’s text delves into the art of persuasion and the results of political violence, looking at the dangers of political rhetoric and how it can inspire chaos and civil war. This play is always timely, and you can’t help but see reflections in political systems around the world today.”
Where: Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: March 7- April 5, 2026.
Price: Adult tickets start at $59.
10. LAST CHANCE: Gatsby at the Green Light
After the sell-out success of its premiere season, GATSBY at the Green Light is back for a sultry stint at the Sydney Opera House. This weekend marks the end of its run, after transforming the Studio into a 1920s-inspired club, revolving 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.
11. My Brilliant Career
Playing at the Roslyn Packer Theatre from March 21 to May 3, My Brilliant Career offers a bold new take on Miles Franklin’s classic novel, featuring a live soundtrack that fuses pub rock, contemporary pop, and the spirited sounds of a bush band. One of Melbourne’s most in-demand tickets of 2024, this production will have its Sydney premiere in March, starring the talented Kala Gare as Sybylla Melvyn, the intelligent and ambitious young woman who refuses to conform to the idea that her greatest achievement should be finding a wealthy husband.
Where: 22 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay NSW 2000.
When: March 21-May 3, 2026.
Price: From $85 per adult, Under 30s tickets for $55.
Where to Eat and Sip
12. Celebrate National Fromage Day at Bistro Red Lion
This weekend, celebrate all things cheese at Rozelle’s Bistro Red Lion, which will celebrate French indulgence with a limited-edition hero dish created by chef Manu Feildel. The Baked “Fromager des Clarines” Cheese Tartiflette ‘en croûte’ combines golden, flaky pastry, creamy potatoes, caramelised onions, smoky speck and dreamy layers of creamy Fromager des Clarines. Reminiscent of the typical, mouthwatering cuisine served up in the French Alps, this dish is designed for sharing, pairing perfectly with a bottle of French red. It’s a “oui” from us.
Where: The Red Lion Hotel, Level 1/726 Darling St, Rozelle NSW 2039.
When: March 27-29.
Price: The Cheese Tartiflette ‘en croûte’ costs $50.
Book your table here
13. Rosé, All Day, Chippendale
The groovy suburb of Chippendale is packed with vibrant venues, from hidden laneway gems to big institutions. This weekend, the suburb’s best bars will welcome talented winemakers to pour their finest rosé and share stories with vino enthusiasts. The Lord Gladstone will team up with the funky South Australia brand DOOM Juice, while Sneaky Possum will platform NSW’s Bimbadgen, and The Abercrombie Hotel will feature both NOMAN Wines and Saddlers Creek.
Tickets start at $44 plus a booking fee, and include eight 60ml Rosé Vouchers as well as a $10 Food Voucher, which can be redeemed at your selected starting venue at 1pm.
Where: Participating venues in Chippendale.
When: March 28, 12pm-4pm.
Price: Tickets from $44 plus booking fee.
Book your tickets here.
14. CAKE PICNIC
NO CAKE, NO ENTRY is the rule for CAKE PICNIC, a community-focused baking event which will take place at the Royal Botanic Gardens in 2026. Welcoming 500 guests, CAKE PICNIC is set to become Sydney’s most elaborate community cake gathering, promising to be a treat for the taste buds but also an amazing place to meet fellow bakers.
The event is in partnership with KitchenAid, and will coincide with the reveal of their sixth colour of the year. Attendees will also get a goodie bag to take home, however the popularity of the event means that it sold out pretty much immediately, so any keen bakers who missed out may have to wait until next year.
Where: Tarpeian Lawn, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Saturday, March 28, 9am-11am.
Art Exhibitions and Galleries
15. Biennale of Sydney
One of Australia’s leading contemporary art events, the Biennale of Sydney is back for a major milestone: its 25th anniversary. Renowned for providing a platform for bold ideas and boundary-pushing art, the Biennale is a celebration of creativity, showcasing innovative works from artists around the world.
More than 80 artists from 37 countries are now telling their stories across Sydney, interpreting the flexible theme, which was inspired by Toni Morrison’s novel Beloved, in their own personal way. How do we look at the past problems, recalibrate memories and envision better futures? This open brief has led to some extraordinarily profound and fascinating works that are on display over the next few months. You can read our full guide to the art event here.
Where: White Bay Power Station, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney, Campbelltown Arts Centre, and Penrith Regional Gallery.
When: March 14-June 14, 2026.
16. ສູ້ສູ້ Sou Sou by Mechelle Bounpraseuth
This new interactive exhibition will bring plenty of colour to the Art Gallery of NSW’s Naala Nura building, as Mechelle Bounpraseuth displays her hand-built, glossy ceramics. The exhibition will feature newly commissioned works and large-scale ceramic sculptures paying homage to the family dinner table, with a special emphasis on fruit, especially the rare kind from her Lao parents’ homeland. Its title, ສູ້ສູ້ Sou Sou, is a Lao phrase of encouragement meaning ‘you can do it!’ or ‘stay strong!’, in reference to the exhibition’s emphasis on the role of young people in the continuation of culture.
The Art Gallery of New South Wales also regularly hosts exhibitions suitable for families, including interactive art pieces and play equipment for kids.
Where: Art Gallery of NSW, Naala Nura building, Lower Level 2.
When: March 14, 2026- February 2027.
Price: Free.
17. The Hooligans
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.
18. NSW at Night
Powerhouse and the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner have teamed up for a new photography exhibition, which will be displayed at NSW Parliament House from March 3 to 26. NSW photographers Andrew Quilty, Tajette O’Halloran, Anthony Rigby-Smith and Jade D’Amico have been commissioned to document the state’s night-time culture across Sydney’s inner city, Western Sydney, Wollongong and the Northern Rivers. The result is an intimate look at a variety of demographics headed out at night, from the evening run clubs in Wollongong to the thumping clubs of Sydney.
Where: Fountain Court, Parliament House.
When: March 3-26, weekdays from 9am-5pm.
Price: Free.
19. Encounter by Ron Mueck
Internationally celebrated artist Ron Mueck returns to Australia with a major new exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW. 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. You can check out our review of the incredible exhibition 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.
20. Data Dreams: Art and AI
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.
21. Ocean Photographer of the Year Exhibition
The premier exhibition of the Ocean Photographer of the Year is currently on at the Australian National Maritime Museum, 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.
22. Mike Hewson: The Key’s Under the Mat
New Zealand-born, Sydney-based artist Mike Hewson is transforming 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.
23. Event Horizon
Conceptual artist Michaela Gleave brings a transcendental display of works to Woolloomooloo’s Artspace with her first major solo Australian exhibition. Using light, sound, performance, and chromatic experiments, she explores the nature of reality and highlights questions of movement, time, and bodily experience. In physics, an ‘event horizon’ is the boundary around a black hole, marking a threshold beyond which information cannot return to an external observer.
Using energy fields and physical materials such as mist, sound waves, atmospheric conditions, glitter, recycled timber, and inflatable objects, Michaela invites visitors to heighten their awareness of their own process of perception and to explore new ways of seeing and feeling.
Where: Artspace, 43–51 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011.
When: March 6-June 7.
Price: Free.
Gigs and Concerts
24. Wu-Tang Clan at Qudos Bank Arena
The world’s most iconic hip-hop group, Wu-Tang Clan, will bring their The Final Chamber tour, which will celebrate the group’s deep catalogue. Fans can expect to hear songs that have never been performed live, as well as major hits from their debut album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), and the group’s Grammy-nominated and highest-selling second album Wu-Tang Forever.
Where: Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW.
When: March 28, start time: 8pm.
Price: Tickets from $71.90.
Book your tickets here.
25. Sunset Sessions at Cockatoo Island
Cockatoo Island returns with its popular Sunset Sessions, running from January through April and showcasing a lineup of talented musicians on its Biloela Lawn stage every Saturday. You can enjoy the low-key performances from the comfort of your picnic blanket as the sun sets over the picturesque Sydney Harbour, offering gorgeous views across the water and city skyline. Tickets cost $38 per person, with children 12 and under welcome for free with a paying adult. To get to the famous island, simply hop on the F3 and F8 public ferries from Circular Quay or Barangaroo.
Where: Cockatoo Island.
When: Saturdays from January 10 until April 4, 2026.
Price: Adult tickets: $38 per person.
