It’s a huge weekend in Sydney, with international artists in town, special markets popping up, and Valentine’s Day in the mix.
Things to do in Sydney this weekend
Editor’s Picks
There’s something wonderfully poetic about Ed Sheeran playing in Sydney on Valentine’s Day. After all, the globally acclaimed singer-songwriter is best known for his romantic love songs. I also imagine Accor Stadium will see its fair share of proposals among the Sheerios that flock to Sydney Olympic Park this weekend. Sheeran is sure to put on an incredible show (kicking off this Friday), as he brings a new stage, new tricks and new songs to Australia.
For those who aren’t Sheerios, there’s still plenty of live music happening across Sydney this weekend, including Halsey at Hordern Pavilion, plus acclaimed pianist Mitch Dormer at Watsons Bay Hotel on Friday. Fashion inclined readers should head to the Ace Hotel on Saturday for their Archive Event, which features an oyster bar, live jazz and DJs, alongside the popular Second Life Markets’ selection of curated vintage clothing. For those who still haven’t planned the perfect Valentine’s Day date, check out our guide on the best Valentine’s Day dining deals in Sydney, or use this list to spark ideas for a fun Galentine’s outing.
Sydney Staples
1. Celebrate Valentine’s Day
Looking to impress a special someone this year? Or maybe you’re in charge of planning this year’s Galentines? Whether Valentine’s Day is a traumatic mid-February date for you or you can’t wait to celebrate it with your other half, use our guide on the best Valentine’s Day dining deals in Sydney to get ahead and plan the day as smoothly as possible. From boujie multi-course set menus to Galentine’s bottomless lunches, there’s something on our list for everyone.
Want to do something a bit different this V-day? Book a spot at one of Sydney’s many outdoor cinemas, or grab tickets to Taronga Zoo’s summer concert series, Twilight at Taronga. You could even opt for a date night pottery class with Crockd, which is known for its ‘Wheel & Wine’ evenings, or head to Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park and receive two combo meals of your choice, plus a koala photo experience for just $99.99.
Where: Citywide.
When: Most deals are available on February 14.
2. Second Life Archive: Sydney Vintage Valentine’s
Second Life Markets usually draw big crowds to Carriageworks, but this weekend they’re switching things up with a special Valentine’s Archive event at the ever-groovy Ace Hotel. They’ve carefully curated an array of archival and designer vintage fashion for guests to peruse, also offering up prosecco and cocktails, live jazz and DJs in the lobby, a vintage photo booth and a literal oyster bar. Who needs a Valentine’s Day date!
Where: Ace Hotel, 47-53 Wentworth Ave, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Saturday, February 14, 12pm-6pm.
Price: Ticket prices range depending on entry time. The last 30 minutes are free, but tickets can go up to $16.28.
3. Flower bar pop-up at Bar Planet
Funky Enmore Road martini spot Bar Planet is celebrating Valentine’s Day their way, teaming up with Marrickville florist and design gift shop Date Night Studio for a one-off flower bar pop-up. From 3pm until 5pm, martini lovers can pull up a chair, grab a cocktail and choose from a variety of specially chosen stems and bouquets. Options include single rose stems ($10), anthuriums ($16), and grab-and-go bouquets ($35), and although flowers will be snatched up on a first-come, first-served basis, martinis will be flowing all night.
Where: 16 Enmore Rd, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Saturday, February 14, 3pm-5pm.
Price: Free entry.
4. Sydney Lunar Streets
Sydney Lunar Streets is Chinatown’s official opener for the next few weeks of Lunar New Year events, and it kicks off this Saturday. The five-hour street parade begins in the evening, transforming different pockets around Haymarket into vibrant hubs of live entertainment, roving performers, market stalls, food trucks, DJs and lion dances.
This year, expect to see a fire horse installation rise over Dixon Street, 12 lunar lanters on Hay Street, plus a colourful carousel illuminating the street. For the ultimate experience, check out our guide to Chinatown and dine at one of Haymarket’s vibrant and authentic Asian eateries. You can also check out what’s on for Lunar New Year across Sydney here.
Where: Haymarket, NSW 2000.
When: February 14, 5pm to 10pm.
Price: Free.
5. Twilight at Taronga Summer Concert Series
The world’s most beautiful zoo knows how to throw a great event, and the Twilight at Taronga concert series is no exception. Set against the zoo’s stunning harbour backdrop, this annual summer ritual brings world-class live music to Sydney’s shores for five back-to-back weekends from February through to March. Featured artists include Aussie indie folk trio, Sons of the East, groovy singer-songwriter Dope Lemon and the world’s number one ABBA tribute band, Björn Again.
Where: Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088.
When: February 6 until March 7.
Price: Tickets start at $67.15.
6. 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. 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.
Gigs and Concerts
7. Ed Sheeran at Accor Stadium
British singer-songwriter and multi-award-winning artist Ed Sheeran will play three highly anticipated shows at Sydney’s Accor Stadium this weekend. His Sydney set is taking place at Accor Stadium this weekend, making his concert the ultimate Valentine’s Day gift to your partner. Ed last played in Australia in 2023, when he made headlines for repeatedly breaking concert attendance records. More than 200,000 fans travelled to Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia’s largest stadium, to catch his 2023 shows, so there’s no doubt his arrival in Sydney is on every Sheerio’s radar.
For more info on how you can secure tickets, click here.
Where: Accor Stadium, Edwin Flack Ave, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127.
When: February 13, 14 and 15.
Price: From $149.90.
8. Halsey at Hordern Pavilion
It’s the tenth anniversary of Grammy-nominated artist Halsey’s triple-platinum debut album, BADLANDS, and marking the milestone with a brand-new tour, titled Back to Badlands. BADLANDS is one of the only albums in music history to have every song RIAA certified gold, platinum or multi-platinum, and has accumulated over nine billion on-demand streams worldwide. Halsey will be singing her heart out at Hordern Pavilion on February 13 and 14, making her concert the ultimate Galentines outing.
Where: Hordern Pavilion, 1 Driver Ave, Moore Park NSW 2021.
When: February 13 and 14 at 8pm.
Price: Tickets from $149.90.
9. 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. 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.
10. Sunset Variations Summer Music Series
This Friday marks the return of Sunset Variations at Sydney Observatory, a Friday night live music series that brings together some incredible local talent to soundtrack Sydney’s golden hour. Offering sweeping views across the harbour, guests can arrive at sunset and settle onto the Observatory Lawn to enjoy genre-defying performances as the sky turns orange.
Where: Sydney Observatory, 1003 Upper Fort St, Millers Point NSW 2000.
When: Every Friday evening from January 30 to February 27.
Price: $10 per ticket.
11. Watsons Unplugged: Mitch Dormer
This Friday, acclaimed pianist and former contestant on The Voice, Mitch Dormer, will perform a special live performance at Watsons Bay Hotel. The intimate concert will take place in their Beach Club, on the shoreline of one of Sydney’s most iconic harbour beaches. Hop on the ferry from Circular Quay and head to the iconic venue for a chilled afternoon of piano music as the sun sets.
Where: 10 Marine Parade, Watsons Bay NSW 2030.
When: February 13, 6pm-8pm.
Price: Free entry.
Sport Events and Activations
12. Super Rugby Pacific
Super Rugby Pacific is the Southern Hemisphere’s premier pro rugby union club competition, made up of 11 teams primarily from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and the Pacific Islands. The 83-match season kicks off this Friday, when the Waratahs will take on the Queensland Reds at Moore Park’s Allianz Stadium. Tickets start at $25, making it one of Sydney’s more budget-friendly rugby games, without compromising on on-field excitement.
Where: Allianz Stadium, 40/44 Driver Ave, Moore Park NSW 2021.
When: Friday, February 13, at 7:35pm.
Price: Tickets from $25.
13. Sydney FC v Adelaide United
Although Sydneysiders are generally more passionate about their AFL or NRL than their soccer, Sydney FC still draws a good crowd to their games. This weekend, they’ll take on Adelaide United FC at Allianz Stadium in a crucial clash as they push to climb the A-League ladder. If you don’t have a date this Valentine’s Day, rally a group of mates and head to Moore Park instead, where you can enjoy the sport, a schooner or two and the cracking atmosphere.
Where: 40/44 Driver Ave, Moore Park NSW 2021.
When: Saturday, February 14, at 7:35pm.
Price: Tickets from $35.
Art Exhibitions and Galleries
14. LAST CHANCE: Dangerously Modern
This exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW celebrates the remarkable women artists who overcame social barriers to forge international careers beyond Australia. Dangerously Modern 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.
Dangerously Modern departs the Art Gallery of NSW on February 15, so be sure to catch it before it goes.
Where: Art Gallery of NSW, Art Gallery Rd, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Running until February 15, 2026.
Price: Adult tickets: $35, Youth: $18.
15. LOVING at Qtopia Sydney
Qtopia, regarded as the home of queer history and culture in Sydney, is launching a new exhibition this week in association with the European Union Delegation to Australia. Titled LOVING, the display will showcase a photograph collection capturing intimate moments of Queer love between the 1850s and 1950s by American collectors and married couple, Hugh Nini and Neal Treadwell.
The landmark exhibition draws from the extraordinary private collection of more than 4000 images of men in love, found at flea markets, auction houses, family albums and online collections from across the globe over a period of more than two decades. Mark the beginning of Mardi Gras in a meaningful way with a visit to this groundbreaking exhibition.
Where: The Loading Dock Theatre, 301 Forbes St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010.
When: From February 5, 2026.
Price: Tickets to Qtopia cost $15, concession is $10.
16. Super Nature
This free exhibition marks the start of the Art Gallery of NSW’s exciting 2026 calendar, exploring four thematic spaces: the intersections between people and the environment, the role of gardens as memorials, the wild nature that lives alongside (and sometimes within) us, plus the cultivation of nature for survival and sustenance.
Exciting new acquisitions will be shown for the first time, including four colourful paintings by Butcher Cherel Janangoo that tell of the medicinal properties of bush foods and their cultural significance to Gooniyandi people. New and exciting digital media will also be displayed, including teamLab’s computer-generated interactive animations Flowers and people – gold 2025 (pictured above), where flowers slowly bud, blossom, grow, and decay on digital screens.
Where: Art Gallery of NSW, Nalla Nura building, Lower level 2.
When: February 7, 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. 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. 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.
19. 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.
20. 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.
21. 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.
22. Bent Forms, Ricky Swallow
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.
What’s on in Theatre
23. LAST CHANCE: 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.
24. LAST CHANCE: Putting It Together
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.
25. Hänsel and Gretel
The Sydney Opera House is declaring this production of Hänsel and Gretel “an operatic feast” that is “grand, gripping and deliciously dark”. The whimsical production from acclaimed director Elijah Moshinsky is based on the original Grimms’ fairytale, packing in plenty of humour and heart to balance out its dark undertones. Perfect for people who are yet to see an opera, Hänsel and Gretel is a vibrant, surreal and enchanting production. You can read our review of the production here.
Where: Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: January 27 to February 28, 2026.
Price: Tickets from $79.
26. Madama Butterfly
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.
27. 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.
