Cherry blossoms are blooming, City2Surf is back, and Sydney’s stages are packed: here’s everything worth seeing and doing this August.
August is one of the busiest months on Sydney’s events calendar, with the city coming alive through festivals, cultural events and outdoor experiences. Wander beneath blooming cherry blossoms at Auburn Botanic Gardens, cheer on 90,000 runners at City2Surf or explore hidden landmarks during the inaugural Parramatta Open.
The city’s stages are just as busy, with blockbuster musicals, opera and dance taking centre stage. Catch Fiddler on the Roof, The Lion King before it leaves Sydney, or experience acclaimed new shows including the dance performance VISTA at Carriageworks and a brand-new opera production of The Drover’s Wife at the Sydney Opera House.
Art lovers are spoiled for choice this month, with the long-awaited reopening of the Brett Whiteley Studio, the final weeks of the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes, and one last chance to experience Mike Hewson’s immersive installation The Key’s Under the Mat in the Art Gallery of NSW’s subterranean Nelson Packer Tank.
Whether you’re seeing Massive Attack’s sold-out Sydney show, catching international football at the Sydney Super Cup or spending a day at the Cat Lovers and Dog Lovers festivals, there’s no shortage of reasons to get out and explore the city this month. Here are our picks for things to do in Sydney in August.
Things to do in Sydney in August
1. Our top picks
Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival
The Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival is back in full bloom this August, returning to the Auburn Botanic Gardens for a nine-day stint. This festival is one of Western Sydney’s most anticipated (and photogenic) events, showcasing a dazzling display of more than 200 cherry blossom trees alongside a line-up of Japanese-inspired food, drink and entertainment.
Where: Auburn Botanic Gardens, Chiswick Road, Auburn NSW 2144.
When: August 22-August 30.
Price: Adult tickets cost $17.65, children’s tickets $9.60.
City2Surf
The world’s largest fun run returns to Sydney this August, with 90,000 keen participants set to tackle the iconic 14km course. Running from the heart of the city to the beloved Bondi Beach, participants (and supporters) are guaranteed a day of fun, community and celebrations as the city stops to make way for the runners. Whether you’re puffing up Heartbreak Hill or simply cheering on runners, City2Surf is always a highlight in Sydney’s August calendar.
Where: Starts at the intersection of Park Street and College Street. The finish line is on Queen Elizabeth Drive in Bondi.
When: August 9.
Price: Free to watch; general entry costs $99 for adults.
Fear Island
If you’re looking for a fright, Fear Island is taking over Cockatoo Island from August 28 to 30. The immersive horror event transforms the historic island into a nightmare after dark, with terrifying live scare tunnels, roaming performers, ghost stories and more than 100 choreographed scares. For the ultimate experience, pair it with the immersive Thriller Dinner, where horror and dining collide.
Where: Cockatoo Island.
When: August 28-30.
Price: Tickets start at $40.
Festival of Dangerous Ideas
Presented by The Ethics Centre, the Festival of Dangerous Ideas will take over venues across Sydney for 10 days of talks, arts, films and excursions. You’re probably wondering, what makes it “dangerous”? The festival is designed to start conversations around taboo ideas that force audience members to question their own biases and assumptions.
The festival includes talks titled “Trump Is A Symptom”, “Weapons of Mass Distraction” and “Paranoid Nationalism” and is hosted at some of Sydney’s most iconic buildings, including the State Library, Carriageworks and the MCA. You can check out the full program here.
Where: Venues across Sydney including State Library, MCA, Carriageworks, Dendy Newtown and more.
When: August 20-30.
Price: Ticket price varies each event but usually costs around $39.
Parramatta Open
Go behind the scenes at some of Parramatta’s most fascinating buildings during the first-ever Parramatta Open. Presented by Museums of History NSW, the one-day event offers rare access to 16 heritage landmarks, contemporary architectural icons and hidden spaces across the city, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Government House, PHIVE and Parramatta Square.
The event is an extension of the usual Sydney Open program, which will finally extend to Western Sydney in its 22nd year. The CEO of Museums of History NSW said, “Parramatta has an extraordinary architectural story, from deep histories and early colonial landmarks to bold civic and cultural spaces that speak to the future of Western Sydney. Parramatta Open is an opportunity to explore the city in new ways and celebrate the buildings, people and stories that make it so unique.”
Where: Parramatta CBD and surrounds.
When: August 29, 10am-4pm
Price: Adult tickets cost $35, Children under 16 go free.
2. Sporting events
TCS Sydney Marathon
Sydney is warming up to welcome tens of thousands of runners and spectators at the end of August, as the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by Asics gears up for its second race since being crowned the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major. On Sunday, August 30, racers will run the 42.195 km route, which starts at Miller Street in North Sydney, passing through plenty of Sydney icons, including the Harbour Bridge, Centennial Park, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair and wrapping up at the Sydney Opera House.
Where: Start line at Miller Street in North Sydney.
When: August 30.
Price: Free to watch, entries now closed.
Sydney Super Cup
World Cup fever swept across Sydney this July, with fans packing Tumbalong Park and pubs across the city to cheer on the Socceroos and teams from around the globe. While soccer may not rival the NRL or AFL in Sydney, the huge international tournament has won over plenty of new fans, and now that it’s over, the withdrawals are real.
Luckily for Sydney’s soccer supporters, a huge tournament will return to the city this July and August. The Sydney Super Cup will host Premier League teams Chelsea FC and Tottenham Hotspur as they take on Western Sydney Wanderers FC and Sydney FC before playing each other. You can find out more about the tournament here.
Where: The games will be played at Moore Park’s Allianz Stadium or Sydney Olympic Park’s Accor Stadium.
When: July 28-August 12.
Price: Tickets start at $59.
3. Theatre, opera and dance
Fiddler on the Roof
The beloved 1964 musical will have its inaugural Australian Premiere at Theatre Royal in July, running until October 3. Their Sydney run follows the musical’s sold-out season in London, breaking the record for the best-selling musical of all time at the Barbican Theatre, and winning three Olivier Awards, including Best Musical Revival.
The story is set in the tiny village of Anatevka in 1905, where milkman Tevye lives his life by their proud traditions. For his five daughters, this means a visit from the matchmaker. As each daughter challenges his beliefs, against the backdrop of a changing world, Tevye struggles to embrace the unfamiliar as anti-semitic pressures increase in the region.
Where: Theatre Royal, 108 King St, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: July 31-October 3.
Price: Adult tickets from $89.
Rigoletto
Elijah Moshinsky’s much-loved production of Rigoletto returns to the Sydney Opera House, 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.
VISTA
The acclaimed Stephanie Lake Company returns to Carriageworks with the Sydney premiere of VISTA from August 5 to 8. The striking new dance work unfolds in two contrasting acts, shifting from monochrome precision to an explosion of colour, to explore the many ways we perceive reality. Featuring an original score by Robin Fox and costumes by Alpha60, it’s a visually spectacular performance that promises to leave audiences captivated.
Where: Carraigeworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh NSW 2015.
When: August 5-8.
Price: Tickets from $44.
Pride & Prejudice (sort of)
After seeing Pride & Prejudice (sort of), 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 Lion King
It’s exciting news for Sydney’s theatre fanatics: blockbuster musical The Lion King is back in 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 Drover’s Wife
Based on Leah Purcell’s acclaimed play, novel, and film, The Drover’s Wife is a powerful Australian opera about an isolated woman whose life changes when she meets Yadaka, an Aboriginal man fleeing colonial authorities. As their shared histories of violence, loss and survival come to light, the production explores truth, resilience and the enduring impact of colonial Australia through George Palmer’s soaring score and a starring performance from Nina Korbe.
Where: Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: August 7-15.
Price: Tickets from $50.
The Merry Widow
Franz Lehár’s beloved operetta will show at the Sydney Opera House from early July to mid-August, 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.
Where: Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: July 8-August 18.
Price: Tickets from $50.
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.
Liane Moriarty: Big Little Truths
Ahead of the release of Big Little Truths, the long-awaited sequel to her No. 1 New York Times bestseller Big Little Lies, Sydney-born author Liane Moriarty returns to her hometown for an exclusive on-stage conversation. Joined by Bruna Papandrea, the producer behind the acclaimed screen adaptations of her novels, Moriarty will reflect on the enduring legacy of Big Little Lies, the ideas that shape her bestselling fiction and the highly anticipated new chapter readers have been waiting for.
Where: Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: August 24.
Price: Tickets from $39.
Velvet Inferno
Sashay your way into Velvet, a nightclub where disco reigns supreme, and the dance floor calls your name. Velvet Inferno is a 70-minute, non-stop spectacular featuring timeless anthems, powerhouse performances and gravity-defying acts, all inspired by the legendary New York nightclub, Studio 54.
Where: Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: July 24-September 13.
Price: Tickets from $49.90.
Ballet International Gala
The Ballet International Gala returns to the beautiful State Theatre this August to witness what is widely regarded as one of the biggest events in the ballet calendar. The star-studded lineup of performers includes Iana Salenko (Staatsballett Berlin), Maria Khoreva (Mariinsky Theatre) and Adamzhan Baktiyar (Astana Opera), with more to be announced. Last year’s event sold out, so if you’re a dedicated ballet fan, make sure to grab your tickets asap.
Where: State Theatre, 49 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: August 11 at 7pm.
Price: Tickets from $69.90.
4. Art exhibitions and events
Brett Whiteley Studio
The iconic Brett Whiteley Studio has reopened after two years of extensive building upgrades. 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 reopens 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.
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 mid-August. 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.
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!
The exhibition closes this August, so don’t miss your final chance to experience it.
Where: The Tank, Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney.
When: Running until August 23, 2026.
Price: Free.
5. Family-friendly events
The Penrith Show
The Penrith Show is celebrating its 180th year, bringing the community together to celebrate Penrith’s rich rural heritage and incredible local culture. Similar to the beloved Easter Show that takes over the Sydney Olympic Park each year, the Penrith Show brings an exciting lineup of exhibitions, food stalls, animal shows and agricultural displays.
Featuring the Racing Piggies, who will dash their tiny trotters off and the Metropolitan Axemen’s Association, who will entertain crowds with their woodchopping skills, the Penrith Show is not one to miss.
Where: 127-147 Station Street, Penrith, NSW, Australia, NSW 2750.
When: August 29 and 30, 9am-9:30pm.
Price: Adult tickets cost $19, children’s tickets cost $10.
The Cat Lovers Festival and The Dog Lovers Festival
The Cat Lovers Festival and The Dog Lovers Festival run concurrently at the Sydney Showground (but don’t worry, the cats and dogs are kept completely separate!) Whether you’re shopping for your favourite pup or kitty, dropping by the breed showcase or even looking to adopt your new best friend, both festivals are a great family day out for animal lovers.
Where: Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127.
When: August 22 and 23, 9:30am-5pm.
Price: A single day pass for adults costs $43.38.
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 $42 per person.
6. Gigs and concerts
Massive Attack
English trip-hop pioneers Massive Attack are returning to Australia for a rare, one-night-only Sydney show at Qudos Bank Arena this August. The exclusive tour, which also visits Brisbane and Melbourne for one night only, sold out in record time as fans rushed to secure tickets. If you missed out, keep an eye on Tixel for resale opportunities.
Where: Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW.
When: August 9 at 7:45pm.
Price: Tickets sold out but head to Tixel for resale.
Slayyyter
Pop star Slayyyter is bringing her WOR$T GIRL IN THE WORLD TOUR to Australia for the first time, with two high-energy headline shows at Newtown’s Enmore Theatre on August 9 and 10. Expect a night of hyperpop hits, electrifying visuals and plenty of attitude.
Where: Enmore Theatre, 118-132 Enmore Rd, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: August 8 and 9, 8pm.
Price: Tickets have sold out, but you can join the waitlist here.
Anuv Jain
Indian singer-songwriter Anuv Jain will bring his heartfelt indie anthems to the Enmore Theatre this August. The artist has garnered over 1.5 billion streams globally, with his highly anticipated Dastakhat World Tour 2026 set to showcase his melodic voice and popular songs, including chart-topping hits like Husn, Afsos, and Jo Tum Mere Ho.
Where: Enmore Theatre, 118-132 Enmore Rd, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: August 2.
Price: From $68.85.
Lucas and Arthur Jussen
It’s not often you get to hear music written for two pianos, or rarer still, four hands playing the same piano. You need two musicians totally in sync, so deeply connected that they know each other’s every thought and gesture. Lucas and Arthur Jussen literally have that connection in their DNA.
In their Sydney recital debut, the brothers take us on a journey through more than 100 years of music, opening with the poised elegance of Mozart’s Sonata in D, K381 and the searching, tender lyricism of Schubert’s beloved Fantasie, both works performed four hands at one piano, requiring breathtaking precision and an almost wordless understanding between players.
Where: Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: August 31.
Price: Tickets from $50.
