Things to do in Sydney in March 2025

As we cling to the end of summer, though inevitably fall into Autumn, here is our list of all the best things to do in Sydney in March. Jam-packed full of events, from horse-racing to exhibitions to French films, our guide will give you plenty of inspiration for making the most of everything Sydney has to offer this month.

1. Great Southern Nights

More than 300 live music gigs will take place across New South Wales across 16 days, starting from Friday March 21. Since the inaugural event in 2020, Great Southern Nights has become one of the state’s best events for lovers of live music. Bringing the best of Australian music to the masses from the coastlines of Byron Bay to the heart of the outback in Broken Hill and back to Sydney, plus everywhere in between, top artists this year include Hoodoo Gurus, Birds of Tokyo, Troy Cassar-Daley, Lime Cordial and The Cat Empire.

Where: Various locations.
When: March 21-April 6
Price: Ranging from free up to $80

Find out more: Great Southern Nights

2. Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival

Fancy spending a day dressing up, eating good food and watching some horse racing? The Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival kicks off with Chandon Ladies Day at Rosehill Gardens. Expect to see everyone dressed in their finest attire to watch the fillies and mares compete – if you’re unsure about what to wear, check out dress code requirements here. The Carnival includes 18 Group 1 races over six weeks, finishing up with Schweppes All Aged Stakes Day in mid-April.

Where: Rosehill Gardens or Royal Randwick Racecourse
When: March 15-April 19
Price: Tickets start at $25

Find out more: Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival

3. MJ the Musical

Broadway hit MJ the Musical has arrived in Australia and is now playing at Sydney Lyric Theatre. Created by Tony Award-winning Director and Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon, and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ the Musical follows the King of Pop’s early life and career, set at the start of his Dangerous tour in 1992. Roman Banks plays the titular role, and has been highly acclaimed for his ability to bring Michael Jackson to life, in particular, his signature moonwalk. Go see the play that received a tremendous 10 nominations at the Tonys, taking home the prestigious ‘Best Choreography’ award among others.

Where: Sydney Lyric Theatre
When: Until August 2025
Price: Tickets start from $70

Read our review: MJ the Musical

4. Dan Sultan at the Sydney Opera House

Come rain or shine, Australian-singer Dan Sultan will be performing for free at the Sydney Opera House Forecourt. Known for his electric roots-rock sound, Sultan is sure to put on a great show- and what better setting for a free concert than the steps of the Opera House at sunset. Go see him play his soulful hit songs ‘Every Day My Mother’s Voice’ and ‘The Same Man’ at the start of his 2025 tour.

Where: Sydney Opera House Forecourt
When: Saturday March 8, Gates open 6pm
Price: Free

Find out more: Dan Sultan at Sydney Opera House

5. Neon Playground 2.0

Neon Playground is back! The hugely popular event will light up Chinatown and Haymarket this March, promising a dazzling array of art installations, food, music, and plenty of neon lights. The event features work from a line-up of exciting Asian-Australian artists and plenty of exclusive deals from local restaurants and bars. Neon Playground will kick off with a free block party on Dixon street on the 15th March, a perfect way to start the celebrations of this vibrant community. 

Where: Chinatown and Haymarket
When: March 15-April 6
Price: Free

Find out more: Neon Playground 2.0

6. Guys & Dolls on Sydney Harbour

Opera Australia opens its bespoke stage which floats on Sydney Harbour and is backed by panoramic views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge each year, and this year, it’s Broadway favourite Guys & Dolls that will take to the stage. Sydneysiders expect big, vibrant dance numbers blended with engaging storytelling and the kind of bombast that looks good with the harbour’s sparkle as the backdrop. Something that this production can certainly offer.

Where: Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquaries Point
When: March 21-April 20, 2025
Price: From $305 for selected Early Bird offer shows

Find out more: opera.org.au

7. ACO Family Day

Think you have some budding musicians in the family? The Australia Chamber Orchestra is inviting families down to Walsh Bay to experience a classical music concert with the aim to celebrate music and creativity. Recommended for children ages 2-10, tickets will include a 30-minute concert and the chance to explore a variety of musical instruments. Refreshments will then be available in the foyer, where you can take in the stunning view of the Sydney harbour.

Where: The Pier, at Pier 2/3 in Sydney’s Walsh Bay Arts Precinct
When: March 16
Price: $25 for both adults and children

Find out more: ACO Family Day

8. International Women’s Day

Each year on March 8 the world unites in celebrating the power of womanhood and championing female voices. There are lots of incredible talks, workshops, exhibitions and comedy shows happening this week. Sydney Opera House will host its All About Women festival, with the Feminist Roast returning following its huge success last year, and there are events for foodies too, such as a themed high tea or a food and wine evening. Find our full IWD guide here.

Where: Across the city
When: March 8

9. Alliance Française French Film Festival

The AFFFF is a celebration of French films and cinema and has become one of the biggest French cultural events in Australia. Various venues in Sydney will be showing a variety of different movies, from comedies to tragedies, displaying the artistry and rich storytelling that French cinema is renowned for. You can get your French film fix in cinemas all over Sydney this month, including in Roseville, Cremorne, Paddington and Central.

Where: Palace Central, Palace Moore Park, Palace Norton Street, The Chauvel Cinema, Hayden Orpheum Cremorne, Roseville Cinemas and United Cinemas Warriewood
When: March 4-April 9
Price: Price varies from cinema to cinema, but will be approximately $27 for an adult ticket

Find out more: Alliance Française French Film Festival

10. Henry V at the Sydney Opera House

Shakespeare’s most prominent war play is presented by favourite National Theatre Company, Bell Shakespeare. Director Marion Potts is back for more, having previously directed successful performances of Othello and Hamlet. Newcomer JK Kazzi takes on the role of King Henry, and is set to bring an exciting and dynamic performance to the Playhouse.

Where: The Playhouse in Sydney Opera House
When: March 5-April 5
Price: Standard tickets go from $59-124 for adults, and around $35-50 for children under 18

Find out more: Henry V at Sydney Opera House

11. Cockatoo Island Sunset Sessions

Is there a better way to spend your Saturday afternoon than in the middle of Sydney Harbour listening to live music? Cockatoo Island’s Sunset Sessions offer just that, showcasing emerging artists on their stage on Biloela Lawn. The Sunset Sessions began in January and are finishing up early April, so make sure you don’t miss out!

Where: Cockatoo Island (hop on the F3 and F8 ferry services at Circular Quay F3)
When: Every Saturday until April 5
Price: $35 per ticket, Children 12 & under FREE (travel costs are not included)

Find out more: Cockatoo Island Sunset Sessions

12. Sydney Streets

The next round in the Sydney Streets saga is in Pyrmont on Harris Street. On the 8th of March, Pyrmont’s thriving community will be coming together for a day of family fun, live music and plenty of entertainment. There will be face painting, fun-filled workshops and plenty of pop-ups from local businesses. The fun of Sydney Streets continues through to the beginning of April, with Glebe Point Road next on the 15th, followed by Redfern Street (29th March) and Crown Street (5th April).

Where: Harris Street, Pyrmont
When: March 8, 11am-8pm
Price: Free

Find out more: Sydney Streets

13. Cao Fei: My City is Yours

Cao Fei’s high- sensory experience continues at the Art Gallery of NSW, as she explores themes of self-identity, technology, rapid urbanisation and transformation in Chinese society. In the largest exhibition of her work ever seen in Australia, Fei has created a world of neon lights, pop music and immersive video, where the digital realm and reality are interconnected. Self-labelled ‘multi-material artist’, her exhibition is captivating and colourful and her ideas are expressed through a variety of mediums.

Where: Art Gallery of NSW, Naala Badu, Lower Level 2
When: Everyday until April 13
Price: $35 for adults, $18 for 12-17 years

Find out more: Cao Fei: My City is Yours

14. Lakemba Nights

After record-breaking crowds of over 1.5 million last year, Lakemba Nights is back! Lasting the whole month of Ramadan, Lakemba Nights offers 60 exclusive food stalls and food trucks, operating from Thursdays to Sundays 6pm-2am. This multicultural event demonstrates the vibrant energy of Western Sydney and its community feel. It’s dedicated to the people of Islamic faith, as they gather to break their fast together on Haldon Street with a variety of cuisines, including Indian, Lebanese, Syrian, Burmese and more.

Where: Haldon Street, Lakemba
When: Every Thursday-Sunday, 6pm- 2am until March 30
Price: Free

Find out more: Lakemba Nights

15. Outdoor Cinema

Open-air cinemas thrive in Sydney because who wouldn’t want to spread out on a beanbag in the park and watch a movie, especially on a warm autumn evening. That being said, these warm evenings won’t be lasting much longer, and Moonlight Open Air Cinema in Centennial Park finishes their season on the 30th of March. They are offering up some exciting new movies, such as Wicked and The Substance as well as classics like Shrek 2. Mov’in Bed Beach Cinema is also offering a variety of films, such as How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and We Live in Time. 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!

Where:
Mov’in Bed Beach Cinema: Barangaroo Harbour Park
Moonlight Open Air Cinema: Centennial Park
When:
Mov’in Bed Beach Cinema: Until the March 23
Moonlight Open Air Cinema: Until the March 30
Price:
Mov’in Bed Beach Cinema: Bed tickets- From $89, Sand tickets from $12
Moonlight Open Air Cinema: General Admission: $27.50

To find out more, head to:
Mov’in Bed Beach Cinema
Moonlight Cinema