Sydney is buzzing this February, with a calendar full of festivals, gigs, exhibitions and events you don’t want to miss. Here’s our ultimate guide to making the most of the month.
Things to do in Sydney in February
Editor’s Pick
With Sydney’s February calendar this packed, narrowing down my top events was no easy feat. From the electric enegry of Mardi Gras, one of Sydney’s most iconic annual events, to the long-awaited return of Tropfest under the stars at Centennial Park, Sydney is pulling out all the stops this month. I’m especially excited to make the most of the end of summer, catching live music as the sun goes down as Sunset Sessions on Cockatoo Island, plus booking a movie at Westpac Open Air Cinema before it wraps up later in the month. There’s also a stacked lineup of international stars heading to Sydney’s many music venues, from Ed Sheeran and Lorde to Halsey and OneRepublic. And finally, who could forget Twilight at Taronga, the world’s most beautiful zoo’s iconic concert series set against views of the sparkling Sydney Harbour.
Read on for our top picks for the best things to do in Sydney in February.
Sydney Staples
1. Mardi Gras
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival is one of the city’s most iconic events, best known for its vibrant, loud and proud annual parade, which this year will take place on Saturday, February 28. The 48th edition of Sydney Mardi Gras will be titled ECSTATICA and is “an act of euphoric rebellion… a collision of glamour, grit, and raw joy that burns brighter when we stand together.”
Sydney will be transformed into a pulsating party scene for two weeks from February 16 until March 3, featuring a program jam-packed with theatre, dance parties, cabaret and comedy nights. For our top tips for planning your perfect Mardi Gras, plus the 12 best events of Mardi Gras 2026, click here.
Where: Citywide.
When: February 16- March 3, 2026.
Price: Some free events, some ticketed.
2. 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, kicking off February 6. 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.
3. TropFest
It’s been six years since Tropfest, the world’s largest short film festival, last championed homegrown filmmakers in Sydney, so we’re thrilled to see it finally return after a long hiatus. Returning with “a new era of creativity, diversity, and innovation”, the festival’s main event is a free outdoor event in Centennial Park, where aspiring filmmakers will be in the running for a host of major prizes, including a share of $100,000.
When creating their short films, entrants must include the Tropfest Signature Item (TSI), which proves that their film was made specifically for the festival. This year, the TSI is an hourglass, due to its symbolism of time, creativity and magic, and the finalists of the competition will have their films screened at the Centennial Park event.
Where: Live event hosted at Centennial Park.
When: February 22, 2026.
Price: Entry to the event at Centennial Park is free of charge.
4. 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.
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. 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.
6. 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. This week opens with an Afrofuturist performance by Nū, an Ethiopian Australian artist, vocalist and live coder whose sound blends jazz, R&B and electronic rhythms. Enjoy Mediterranean-inspired food by Aplenty and drinks by Lo-Fi Wines as you enjoy stunning views and gentle sounds from your picnic blanket.
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.
7. Mov’in Bed Beach Cinema
Mov’in Bed Beach Cinema transforms Barangaroo’s Harbour Park into a city beach, and offers the comfiest cinema experience possible, with the options to upgrade to ‘bed tickets’ and have your own pillows, mattress and doona! This year they’re back for a long hot summer of hit movies in Barangaroo, and to make it even more special, they’re celebrating their 10th anniversary. From new releases to classic favourites, their program has something for everyone, so head down to the city beach and enjoy the sun setting as you cuddle up and enjoy the films.
Where: Harbour Park Barangaroo, Barangaroo NSW 2021.
When: Until April 5.
Price: From $12, $45 per person for a bed.
Gigs and Concerts
8. Ed Sheeran
British singer-songwriter and multi-award-winning artist Ed Sheeran will tour Australia in early 2026. His Sydney set is taking place at Accor Stadium on February 13 and February 14, aka making his concert the ultimate Valentine’s Day present to your partner. Ed last played in Australia in 2023, when he made headlines for repeatedly breaking Australian 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.
When: Friday, February 13 and Saturday, February 14, 2026.
Price: From $149.90.
9. Lorde
The last time New Zealand-born singer Lorde was spotted in Sydney, she was crashing a Lorde tribute night at Mary’s Underground in May. Since then, she’s finally stopped teasing Sydney with a tour and will make her long-awaited return Down Under in February, playing her first live shows here since 2023. Her Ultrasound World Tour will open in Brisbane before heading to Sydney and three other major Australian cities. Expect a dreamy stage production, emotionally charged vocals, and a crowd singing every lyric back to her.
For more information on tickets, transport and set lists, click here.
Where: Qudos Bank Arena, 19 Edwin Flack Ave, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127.
When: February 18 and 19 at 7:30pm.
Price: Tickets from $149.90.
10. OneRepublic
Grammy-nominated pop-rock band OneRepublic will take to the stage at Qudos Bank Arena, the first week of February, kicking off a highly anticipated month of music. The American six-piece is composed of lead vocalist Ryan Tedder, guitarists Zach Filkins and Drew Brown, keyboard player Brian Willett, bassist and cellist Brent Kutzle, and drummer Eddie Fisher. They’ll be sure to perform hit songs like Apologize, Counting Stars, and I Ain’t Worried as well as some newer releases in their repertoire, including their track with Kygo, Chasing Paradise.
Where: Qudos Bank Arena, 19 Edwin Flack Ave, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127.
When: February 6 at 7:30pm.
Price: Tickets from $121.00.
11. Halsey
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.
Food and Drink
12. Check out the new Sydney Fish Market
The new Sydney Fish Market opened its doors at Blackwattle Bay on January 19, and now that the original hype around the building may have died down slightly, February is the perfect month to head over to get your dreamy seafood fix. All your favourite retailers have made the move from the old market, including Claudio’s, Christie’s Seafood, GetFish and Peter’s, but there’s also plenty of new options, from gelateria Cow & The Moon, pizzeria La Dea Pizza and waterfront restaurants including Touch_wood, Tam Jiak by Ho Jiak and Hamsi Taverne.
Read our guide to the new Sydney Fish Market, which includes the new retailers, prices and our top tips.
Where: 1 Bridge Rd, Glebe NSW 2037.
When: Opening hours Sunday-Thursday: 7am-10pm, Friday and Saturday: 7am-12am.
13. An Evening with Yotam Ottolenghi
Chef and restaurateur Yotam Ottolenghi is known for his best-selling cookbooks, from Ottolenghi Simple to Plenty, alongside co-owning nine delis and restaurants in London and Bicester Village. He’s bringing his cheffing knowledge to Sydney’s State Theatre, blending live cooking, storytelling and audience interaction in this intimate, insightful stage event. Discover his kitchen secrets, the inspirations informing each dish and the ingredients he returns to again and again.
Where: State Theatre, 49 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: February 18 and 19, 7:30pm.
Price: Tickets from $89.
14. Valentine’s Day Dining Deals
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.
Where: Citywide.
When: Most deals are available on February 14.
Sport Events
15. 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 on February 13, when the Waratahs will take on the Queensland Reds at Moore Park’s Allianz Stadium. If you can’t make this game, don’t worry- the Tahs will return to Allianz Stadium on February 20, taking on Fijian Drua.
Where: Allianz Stadium, 40/44 Driver Ave, Moore Park NSW 2021.
When: February 13 and February 20.
Price: Tickets from $25.
16. KPMG Sydney Sail Grand Prix
Following the recent Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, Sydney Harbour is back in action with the KPMG Sydney Sail Grand Prix. The world-class event draws thousands of fans from across the globe to watch the high-stakes battle for victory on the water. Snap up a Dockside ticket for DJ beats, top-tier food and drinksm athlete appearances, dedicated Tech Talks and an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the SailGP Tech Site as the flying F50 catamarans are craned from the water.
Where: East Sydney Harbour.
When: February 27 to March 1.
Price: Dockside tickets start at $85.
Art Exhibitions and Galleries
17. 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.
18. 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.
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. 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.
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 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.
22. 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.
Where: Art Gallery of NSW, Art Gallery Rd, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Running until February 15, 2026.
Price: Adult tickets: $35, Youth: $18.
23. 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.
24. 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
25. The Great Gatsby: A Jazz Ballet Odyssey
Not to be confused with the Sydney Opera House’s Gatsby at the Green Light, this production is a fusion of ballet, tap and jazz, reimagining F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless classic with all the 1920s flair you could dream of. World-class dancers have been directed and choreographed by Joel Burke to a score blending Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, James P. Johnson’s The Charleston, and bold new works by Emmy award-winning Jason Fernandez, as well as Dominic Cabusi. Head to the Capitol Theatre this February to be fully immersed in this glitzy dance spectacle.
Where: 13 Campbell St, Haymarket NSW 2000.
When: February 19- March 8.
Price: From $79.90.
26. 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.
27. 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.
28. 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.
29. 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.
30. 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.
