From boundary-pushing festivals and harbourfront cinemas to headline concerts, immersive theatre and world-class exhibitions, Sydney’s weekend program is looking absolutely stacked.
Editor’s Weekend Picks
This weekend, I’ll be heading to the opening night of Sydney’s Westpac Open Air Cinema, aka the World’s Most Beautiful Cinema, to catch the first blockbuster of its summer 2026 season under the stars. I’m also tempted to hop on a ferry to Cockatoo Island for its iconic Sunset Sessions series, which features live music and a stunning harbour backdrop (which I’ll never get bored of). My Saturday morning will be spent at Carriageworks Farmers Market, perusing Sydney’s best gourmet food stalls and enjoying the vinyl takeover by La Foxy Fuzz. On Sunday, I’ll round out the weekend with a visit to South Eveleigh’s pickleball pop-up, soaking up some wholesome, on-court fun after a couple of days of music and movies.
Sydney Staples
1. Sydney Festival
This week marks the beginning of Sydney’s ultimate citywide cultural takeover, kicking off on January 8 and running until January 25. The festival will feature two weeks of trailblazing theatre, music, dance, installation, and all kinds of bold and bonkers live performances that embrace the art of summer in Sydney. This weekend features a jam-packed program, including performances from all-female Jannawi Dance Clan Garrigarrang Badu at the Sydney Opera House, BURGERZ by author, playwright, and performer Travis Alabanza, and street party turned movie set Live on Hickson Road: Efectos Especiales.
You can check out the full Sydney Festival program, including what’s on this weekend, here.
Where: Citywide.
When: January 8 to January 25.
Price: Price varies depending on the event, with some ticketed and some free performances.
2. 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. This Friday sees its return to the Botanic Gardens, opening with a showing of the acclaimed new Timothee Chalamet film, Marty Supreme. While Friday night has sold out, a limited number of tickets remain for Saturday’s screening of Hamnet and Sunday’s True South.
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.
3. 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. This weekend will feature a performance from talented songwriter Skyscraper Stan and powerful vocalist Lady Lyon, which you can enjoy 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.
Price: Adult tickets: $38 per person.
4. Vinyl Sessions at Carriageworks Farmers Markets
What’s better than spending your Saturday morning at Carriageworks Farmers Markets? Spending your Saturday morning at Carriageworks Farmer Markets while grooving to a specially curated live vinyl set! Sydney-based vinyl DJ La Foxy Fuzz will bring a new series of morning vinyl takeovers to the iconic Farmers Market, starting this weekend. Expect an open-air soundscape celebrating the global rhythm diaspora, from vibrant Latin soul, Brazilian funk and Afrobeat to funky Caribbean grooves. Boogie along as you peruse the stalls, which feature some of the best gourmet produce in Australia.
Where: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh NSW 2015.
When: Saturday, January 10, from 9am-1pm.
Price: Free.
5. The United Cup
Didn’t get tickets to the Australian Open? Or maybe you don’t fancy the trek down to Melbourne? Head to the United Cup at Sydney Olympic Park’s Ken Rosewall Arena to get your tennis fix. The international hard court tennis competition features mixed-gender teams from 18 different countries. Tennis stars participating include Coco Gauff, Taylor Fritz, Emma Raducanu and Naomi Osaka, with tickets available to the Quarter Final, Semi Final and Finals across the weekend.
Where: Ken Rosewall Arena, Cnr Olympic Vlvd & Shirley Strickland Ave, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127.
When: Games across this weekend with the final taking place on Sunday, January 11, at 5:30pm.
Price: Tickets from $50.
6. Play pickleball at South Eveleigh
Pickleball is the latest craze sweeping Sydney, and South Eveleigh has popped up its very own court in the heart of the precinct, inviting Sydneysiders to drop by and learn how to play the fast-growing sport. Innovation Plaza has transformed into a Pickleball hub, with beginner lessons available on Wednesdays from 3:30pm-7:30pm and Saturdays from 7:30am- 12:30pm. Outside of lesson times, the court will be open for free casual play, giving visitors the perfect opportunity to perfect their pickleball technique.
Where: South Eveleigh, Innovation Plaza (near BrewDog).
When: January 6 until February 1, 2026, courts open daily from 7:30am-7:30pm.
Price: $10 per person, maximum 4 players per session.
Gigs and Concerts
7. Yungblud at Qudos Bank Arena
British rockstar Yungblud was originally set to play at Sydney’s Horden Pavilion; however, due to overwhelming demand for tickets, the star will now perform at Qudos Bank Arena on the same date. With an incredible eight billion global streams to his name, Yungblud is bringing his IDOLS world tour to Australia for some of his biggest shows yet. Fans can expect a performance showcasing his trademark electrifying stage presence, powerful love vocals and a dynamic mix of live instrumentation.
Where: Hordern Pavilion, 1 Driver Ave, Moore Park NSW 2021.
When: January 10, 2026, doors at 6pm.
Price: Tickets from $99.90.
8. Aminé at Enmore Theatre
Known for his hit songs “Caroline”, “Reel It In” and “Blackjack”, American rapper Aminé will bring his signature flair to the Enmore Theatre as part of the Australian leg of his Tour de Dance. He’ll perform fan favourites as well as tracks from his recently released album, 13 Months of Sunshine, which proves the artist’s status as a fiercely talented singer and songwriter. Head to the Inner West’s favourite concert hall for a night of tunes, storytelling and all-around good vibes.
Where: 118-132 Enmore Rd, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Saturday, January 10 at 8pm.
Price: From $91.70.
9. THE WORKS at Carriageworks
Carriageworks continues to prove that it’s the coolest cultural precinct in Sydney with its latest series, THE WORKS, featuring six high-end warehouse events through the month. They’ve already hosted legendary sets by Underworld, I Hate Models and Ben Böhmer, with this Saturday seeing the Netherlands’ house hero Chris Stussy alongside the UK’s next big breakout stars, Josh Baker and Propsa. Tickets have sold out, but you can join the waitlist or try your luck on resale platforms like Tixel.
Where: 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh NSW 2015.
When: Saturday, January 10 at 5pm.
Price: Tickets from $99.99.
What’s on in Theatre
10. Duck Pond
World-class ensemble Circa brings its extraordinary production Duck Pond to the Sydney Opera House this weekend, delivering soaring aerials, gravity-defying balances and daring leaps. Inspired by Swan Lake and The Ugly Duckling, the high-energy spectacle blends sharp humour with jaw-dropping stunts and seemingly impossible feats. Watch out for sequinned, flipper-wearing ducks, a burlesque black swan and a whole flock of acrobats ready to make you gasp, laugh and applaud.
Where: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Friday, January 9- Monday, January 12.
Price: Tickets from $79.
11. The Book of Mormon
Regarded by many as one of the funniest (and most outrageous) musicals of all time, The Book of Mormon was written by the masterminds behind South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone. The musical tells the story of two young missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: “perfect” Elder Kevin Price and socially-awkward Elder Arnold Cunningham.
Kevin hopes his mission will take him to sunny Orlando, Florida, but instead, the mismatched pair are sent to a remote village in Uganda. The result is chaos, comedy and a lot of outrageous satire. We won’t spoil the show, but if you want to find out more, read our review here.
When: Showing until Sunday, January 25, 2026.
Where: Capitol Theatre, 13 Campbell Street, Haymarket NSW 2000.
Tickets: From $69 per person.
READ MORE: The Book of Mormon is back in Sydney — here’s everything you need to know
12. 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.
13. Back to the Future: The Musical
When it opened in London, Back to the Future: The Musical quickly became a success story, scooping up the Best New Musical award at the Laurence Olivier and What’s On Stage awards. It also swiftly transferred to Broadway. Now, the musical is dazzling Sydneysiders at the Lyric Theatre, with breathtaking visuals and a real flying DeLorean.
The exciting cast lineup includes Tony Award-winning actor Roger Bart, who will reprise the role of Doc Brown, having impressed audiences in both the West End and Broadway. Starring opposite him as Marty McFly will be Axel Duffy, a rising star from Brisbane. You can read our review of the new production here.
Unfortunately, the show will close prematurely on January 25, 2026, and will not complete its tour of Australia as previously planned. Make sure to support the show and catch it at the Lyric this summer, before it packs up Down Under for good.
When: September 26, until January 25, 2026.
Where: Sydney Lyric Theatre, 55 Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont NSW 2009
Price: From $89.
14. Madama Butterfly by Opera Australia
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.
Art Exhibitions and Galleries
15. The Hooligans at White Rabbit Art Gallery
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.
Click here for more information.
16. Encounter by Ron Mueck
Internationally celebrated artist Ron Mueck returns to Australia with a major new exhibition. 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.
17. Data Dreams: Art and AI at the MCA
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. Experience the immersive installations, AI-generated films, hallucinatory images, and mind-expanding sculptures as you delve into the fascinating, yet also frightening, world of artificial intelligence.
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.
18. 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.
19. Ricky Swallow, Bent Forms
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.
20. Dangerously Modern
This brand-new exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW celebrates the remarkable women artists who overcame social barriers to forge international careers beyond Australia. This exciting exhibition 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.
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.
Mike Hewson: The Key’s Under The Mat opened last Saturday, and is the current talk of the art world. It marks the artist’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.
