Pâtisserie pop-ups, huge Navy spectacles on the Harbour and the return of Sydney’s biggest street party? Count us in. Here’s what Sydney’s offering up this weekend.
Sydney Streets is back this weekend with its biggest and best edition, as Darlinghurst’s buzzy Stanley Street hosts a vibrant free party. My tip? Go early. You don’t want to be locked out of the fun when the street undoubtedly hits full capacity!
We’re crossing our fingers and toes that the Matildas will win the final of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, which will be played on home turf at Accor Stadium this Saturday, with tickets for the epic showdown still available.
Other major events continue to draw crowds across Sydney, from the citywide Ocean Lovers Festival and the sprawling Biennale of Sydney to the très bien Alliance Française French Film Festival.
Read on for our full list of all the best things to do in Sydney this weekend.
Things to do in Sydney this weekend
- Sydney’s Big Events
- Sporting Events
- Art Exhibitions and Galleries
- What’s on in Theatre
- Gigs and Concerts
- Where to eat and sip
Sydney’s Big Events
1. Darlinghurst’s Sydney Streets
This weekend sees the biggest and best Sydney Streets iteration return to Darlinghurst’s Stanley Street. Every Sydney Street celebration is a good time; however, Darlo’s edition is injected with extra hype and excitement, which usually results in the event reaching full capacity and a one-in, one-out system. Sydney Streets is a family-friendly event, perfect for families and friends to enjoy together, meet neighbours, and soak up the inclusive community atmosphere. If you’re keen to join in the fun, head down to Stanley Street early to secure your entry, and note that from 3pm, there will be entry from Yurong Street only.
Where: Stanley St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010.
When: March 21, 11am-10pm.
Price: Free.
2. See huge international warships gather in the Harbour
The biennial Exercise Kakadu Fleet Review returns to Sydney Harbour this Saturday for a milestone occasion, marking the 125th anniversary of the foundation of Australia’s Navy. A Fleet Review is a Naval Tradition, which sees a Reviewing Officer inspect the massed ships of the navy, which typically occurs when the Battle Fleet is mobilised for war. Fleet Reviews have been held for commemorative events and celebrations since the 19th century, and this special Exercise Kakadu Fleet Review will bring the largest gathering of international warships on Sydney Harbour in more than a decade, with up to 30 ships from 20 countries.
The commemorative event will feature the traditional naval ceremony, with a reviewing ship led by HMAS Leeuwin passing the assembled fleet as ships deliver ceremonial salutes. The spectacle will also include aerial displays, a ceremonial gun salute, a public sailpast and a historic flotilla procession. You can check out the official map and schedule of the Fleet Review here.
Where: Between the Sydney Harbour Bridge and South Head, Port Jackson.
When: Saturday, March 21, 6am-6:45pm.
Price: Free to watch.
3. Biennale of Sydney 25th Anniversary
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.
4. Manly Writers Festival
This independent, volunteer-run festival is for readers, writers, journalists, novelists and just about anyone who cares about storytelling, words and ideas. The three-day event brings together a group of almost 90 creative and talented writers who will explore fiction and non-fiction in all its forms, from novels, memoirs, history, reportage, personal reflection, and the important issues of today, balancing conversation with lived experiences.
Program highlights include Cory Alpert’s talk titled The Algorithmic Age: What AI Is (and Isn’t) Doing to Culture and Ashley Kalagian Blunt, Sarah James and Jack Toohey’s talk: Boys, Masculinity and the Online World. You can check out the full program, list of venues and ticket prices here.
Where: Various venues across Manly.
When: March 19-March 22.
Price: Tickets vary, with some free events and others ranging from $15 to $75.
5. 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. Across beaches, harbours and cultural venues, the program blends science, wellness and creativity through talks, hands-on workshops, film screenings, outdoor experiences, and outdoor adventures that encourage Sydneysiders to engage more closely with the ocean.
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.
6. Mind Body Spirit Festival
Australia’s largest health, wellness and spiritual event is back in Sydney, featuring over 150 wellness exhibitors, meditation sessions, psychic readings, yoga and free workshops. Whether you want to learn about breathwork, discuss hormones and menopause or join a line dance, there’s something for all wellness gurus at this festival. There are also some exciting prizes up for grabs from a variety of exhibitors, including Immortal Blends Superfood and Rockpool Publishing, as well as showbags for purchase featuring premium products from “natural, holistic, and conscious brands.”
Where: International Convention Centre Sydney, 14 Darling Dr, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: March 19-22, 10am-6pm.
Price: Single-day ticket: $6, Multi-day ticket: $10.
7. 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.
Sporting Events
8. AFC Women’s Asian Cup Final
The pinnacle game of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup will play out at Accor Stadium this Saturday. We’re obviously hoping for a Matildas win on home turf, with an epic showdown sure to take over Sydney Olympic Park this weekend. You can still buy your tickets for what is set to be a hugely exciting game here.
Where: Edwin Flack Ave, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127.
When: Saturday, March 21 at 8:00 pm.
Price: Tickets from $90 per person.
9. 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 features 16 rounds, and this weekend, the Waratahs will take on the Blues at Allianz Stadium. The Blues are on an 11-game winning streak against the Tahs in Super Rugby Pacific and have conceded an average of just nine points per game across their last three encounters. This means the mighty Tahs will need all your support in cheering them on this Saturday, so that they can finally secure a win against their fierce competition.
Where: Allianz Stadium, 40/44 Driver Ave, Moore Park NSW 2021.
When: Throughout March.
Price: Tickets from $25.
Art Exhibitions and Galleries
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. 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.
What’s on in Theatre
18. 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.
19. Purpose
The most awarded new American play of 2025 is currently lighting up Wharf 1 Theatre, fresh from winning the 2025 Tony Award for Best Play, the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the 2025 New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award. The story follows an influential African American family that stands firmly on the highest pedestal of American politics, producing congressmen, celebrity pastors and civil rights leaders.
When their estranged youngest son, Nazareth, returns home with an unknown house guest, secrets and tensions threaten to topple the perfect family’s empire. With biting humour, a stellar cast and a sharp exploration of family, power and hypocrisy, this is one new play you won’t want to miss.
Where: Wharf 1 Theatre, The Wharf, Wharf 4/5/15 Hickson Rd, Dawes Point NSW 2000.
When: February 2-March 22.
Price: Tickets from $112 per person, under 30 tickets from $62.
20. 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.
21. 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.
22. Gatsby at the Green Light
After the sell-out success of its premiere season, GATSBY at the Green Light returns 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. Attending Gatsby at the Green Light promises a wild night of entertainment and excitement. 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.
Gigs and Concerts
23. 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.
24. Pacific Avenue at Enmore Theatre
Aussie band Pacific Avenue, known for their heartfelt alternative rock sound, return to the road for their biggest tour yet. Following the release of their second album, Lovesick Sentimental, they’ll be taking to the stage at Newtown’s buzzy Enmore Theatre with their signature high energy. They’ll also be performing songs from their Australian Number One debut album, Flowers, with support from the New Zealand band Daily J.
Where: 118-132 Enmore Rd, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Saturday, March 21, at 7:45pm.
Price: From $64.75.
Where to eat and sip
25. Head to Manly Wharf for the Michelin Guide- recommended Mexican food
Everyone knows that good Mexican food is hard to find in Sydney. That’s why you should be marking Mexico City taqueria El Vilsito’s visit to Manly Wharf in your calendar. The Michelin Guide-recommended institution will host a special takeover at Manly Wharf, marking the first time the cult-favourite street food staple has cooked in Australia. Two El Vilsito chefs (joined by Sandra Blanco, the daughter of owner Juan Carlos Blanco) will recreate the taqueria’s famed tacos al pastor (made globally iconic by Netflix’s Taco Chronicles), exactly as they’re served in Mexico City.
Where: Manly Wharf, 1 E Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095.
When: March 19-22 and March 26-29, Thursdays and Fridays: 4pm until late, Saturdays and Sundays: 12pm until late.
26. Madeleine de Proust Pop-Up
After a sell-out Sydney pop-up last year that had pastry lovers lining up in Alexandria, Madeleine de Proust is back, offering up a new menu of its iconic sweet treats, as well as their brand-new book. Keen fans of the Melbourne patisserie can pre-order their madeleines, with various packages available, from their Sydney Collection 2.0 and their Classic Collection to their Hot Cross Madeleines Pack. Head to Alexandria’s Pastry Lab this weekend to sample their famed madeleines and sip on a Valrhona hot chocolate, which is free with every purchase.
Where: Pastry Lab at Simon Johnson, 24A Ralph Street, Alexandria.
When: March 20, 9am-4pm and March 21, 9am-3pm.
Price: Varies based on purchase, but packs vary from $16 to $85.
