13 things to do this weekend in Sydney (August 15-17)

Whether you’re chasing cherry blossoms, cheering on the Swans, sampling 75 different whiskies or scoring up to 80% off activewear, there’s no shortage of action across Sydney this weekend.

Art lovers can head to the Art Gallery of NSW for the final weekend of the Archibald Prize Exhibition, or take in powerful snapshots of everyday Australia at the thought-provoking Australian Life Exhibition at Circular Quay. Maritime enthusiasts can peruse the latest boating technology at the Sydney Boat Show and meet footy and fishing legend, Andrew ‘ET’ Ettinghausen, or head to Sydney Harbour for a free tour of the famed Chilean Naval Vessel, Esmerelda.

For those who love Italian culture, cuisine, and Aperol spritzes, head to the Ferragosto Street Festival at Five Dock for a day of live music, free amusement rides and all the Italian food you could dream of (think arancini, gelato and pasta). If you’d rather sip on wine than an Aperol, Carriageworks is hosting a Winter Cellar Door, featuring winemakers from all over NSW. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just keen to enjoy a few tastings, this is the place to be.

If you fancy treating yourself to a bit of shopping this weekend, head to the Stylerunner Warehouse Sale on Oxford Street, offering up to 80% off sleek sportswear and streetwear, just in time for marathon season. Running all weekend, the sale features discounted items from favourite brands, including HOKA, Adidas Originals, New Balance, and P.E. Nation, among others.

Things to do in Sydney this weekend

1. Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival

The Sydney Cherry Blossom festival is back in full bloom this Saturday, 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.

To get to the Auburn Botanic Gardens from Central Station, take the T2 to Auburn Station. Free shuttle buses will run between Auburn Station and Auburn Botanic Gardens on festival days (8:30am–5:30pm). Buses run in a loop approximately every 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.

When: Saturday, August 16 until Sunday, August 24, 2025. Daily 9am–4:45pm.
Where: Auburn Botanic Gardens, Chiswick Road, Auburn NSW 2144
Price: Adult $16.60, child (5–16 years) $8.95, family (two adults, two children) $44.65. All tickets must be pre-booked. There are no sales booths at the Gardens.

READ MORE: Sydney’s most photogenic festival will turn Auburn pink in August

2. Watch the Sydney Swans at the SCG

This weekend, the Sydney Swans will take on the Geelong Cats at the SCG, in what promises to be a close and thrilling clash. While Geelong may hold the edge on the ladder, the Swans are expecting to bring fierce competition to their home turf — making this a game you won’t want to miss.

Tickets to the game start from just $31, but if you’d prefer to soak up the atmosphere with a schooner in hand in a warm pub, catch the action at a Swans supporter favourite, like the Paddo Inn or the Bellevue Hotel, just minutes from the SCG.

Where: Sydney Cricket Ground, Driver Ave, Moore Park NSW 2021.
When: Sunday, August 17 at 3:15pm.
Price: Tickets from $31.

3. Celebrate Italy at the Ferragosto Street Festival

Ciao, Sydney! Ferragosto is returning to Great North Road in Five Dock this Sunday for its 28th year of celebrating all things Italian. The day involves a lot of Aperol spritzes, giveaways, free amusement rides and even a petting zoo. There are three main stages (FerraVarietá, FerraComunitá and FerraCucina) hosting an array of entertainment, from cooking demos, choirs and even a set from award-winning Italian Australian comedian, James Liotta.

Attendees can indulge in plenty of Italian cuisine, thanks to the 150-plus food and market stalls serving favourites like arancini, cannoli, pasta, and antipasto, alongside handmade crafts, boutique fashion and artisan goods. The festival is all about showcasing the best of Italian culture, cuisine and heritage, drawing Sydneysiders and lovers of Italy to the Inner West.

Where: Great North Road, Five Dock, NSW 2046.
When: Sunday, August 17, 10am-5pm.
Price: Free to attend.

READ MORE: Review: Rovollo is the new Italian restaurant in Martin Place that’s here to shake things up

4. Winter Cellar Door at Carriageworks

This Sunday, Carriageworks will transform into a wine lover’s haven as the one-day Winter Cellar Door event takes over the iconic Inner West venue. With more than 120 labels to sip and sample, the event brings together the passionate makers behind some of NSW’s most beloved and undiscovered wines.

Enjoy a relaxed day of tasting, chatting with winemakers, and discovering drops from across the state, including Orange, the Hunter Valley, Canberra, the South Coast and the Southern Highlands — all paired with local food and live music.

Where: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh NSW 2015.
When: Sunday, August 17, 11am-5pm.
Price: Free entry. Pre-purchase a tasting glass for $10 before the event.

5. Meet local celebrities at Sydney Boat Show

Sydney Boat Show will be docking at the Sydney Showground at the Olympic Park this August for the first time ever. Spanning four days, the event will showcase the best of Australian boating, including trailerable boats, cutting-edge marine tech, fishing gear, casting demonstrations and even live cooking shows.

Keep an eye out for special guests throughout the event, including TikTok fishing sensation Shroom, who’ll be sharing his stories on the Anaconda Main Stage; beloved TV chef Miguel Maestre, cooking up a storm with his signature flair; and none other than Rugby League legend turned fishing enthusiast Andrew “ET” Ettinghausen.

Where: 1 Showground Road, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127
When: Thursday, August 14, until Sunday, August 17, 2025.
Price: Tickets from $19 plus booking fee.

6. Tour a famous Chilean tall ship

One of the world’s most famous tall ships is currently docked in Sydney Harbour. The Esmerelda, a Chilean naval vessel, sailed in on Tuesday as part of her 155-day international tour, with ports of call including Honolulu, Osaka and Jakarta. Also known as ‘Dama Blanca’ (‘White Lady’), the ship carries a crew of 267 and arrives as a symbol of 80 years of diplomatic ties between Chile and Australia.

She’ll be open to the public for tours this Friday before departing on Saturday, so don’t miss your chance to step aboard this remarkable piece of maritime history.

Where: Esmerelda is currently docked at Sydney Harbour.
When: Friday, August 15
Price: The tour is free.

7. Pups in Pubs

Celebrate your best friend this weekend with Pups in Pubs at BrewDog South Eveleigh. They’re hosting the ulti-mutt day out featuring pet portraits, boutique stalls, a best dressed pup competition, and, of course, plenty of treats. There’ll be giveaways by pawfect pup brands such as Fit N Flash and Yum Guard, and craft brews on tap for humans (special shoutout to our favourite — the Redfern Draught Mid 3.5%).

Where: Bay 1 Locomotive, Workshops South, Eveleigh NSW 2015.
When: Sunday, 17th August, from 12-3pm.
Price: Free entry.

8. High & Low’s Whisky, Beer and Music Festival

A festival revolving around whisky, beer and good vibes is coming to the heart of the CBD this weekend. High & Low is taking over The Porter House Hotel this Saturday with bold spirits, craft beer and live DJs. Sample over 75 premium whiskeys, meet brand experts and cap off the night at an exclusive rooftop after-party.

Iconic distilleries and spirit brands including Buffalo Trace, Archie Rose, Sullivan’s Cove, Glenfiddich, Westward and Sazerac will be making an appearance alongside a Young Henry’s pop-up bar, serving a range of their signature brews. Tickets include access to masterclasses, plenty of tasters, a $20 food token and a tasting booklet.

Where: The Porter House Hotel, 203 Castlereagh St, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Saturday, August 16, 3pm-7pm.
Price: $85 per person.

9. LAST CHANCE: Archibald Prize Exhibition

It’s your last chance to see one of Australia’s most celebrated and prestigious annual arts events, the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes exhibition. With portraits of Nicole Kidman, Jackie O and Aaron Chen, this year’s finalists have attracted crowds from all over Australia, eager to get a glimpse of some of the famous faces.

The exhibition wraps up in Sydney this Saturday before heading off on a regional tour across Australia, with stops at venues including Gosford Regional Gallery, Mudgee Arts Precinct and Yarrila Arts and Museum in Coffs Harbour.

Where: Art Gallery of New South Wales, Naala Nura building, Lower level 2, Art Gallery Rd, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Until August 17, 2025.
Price: Adult $25, concession $22, family $63 (two adults + up to three youth), youth $13 (12-17 years), children under 12 enter free.

READ MORE: The winning portrait of the Archibald’s People’s Choice was painted without a brush

10. Sydney Tattoo Convention

The Sydney Tattoo Convention is back for a three-day celebration of ink and creativity. Returning to Town Hall this weekend for its third year, the convention will showcase over 200 of the world’s top tattoo artists. Presented by Australian Tattoo Arts Ltd, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to promoting tattooing as a respected and evolving art form, the event will feature live tattooing, competitions and exclusive merch. There will also be seminars and guest talks, covering tattoo history, apprenticeships, and artist education.

Whether you’re covered in ink or just curious to explore different styles, this is the place to be.

Where: Sydney Town Hall, 483 George Street Sydney, NSW 2000
When: Friday, August 15: 2pm-10pm, Saturday, August 16: 10am-10pm, Sunday, August 17: 10am-7pm.
Price: Tickets from $43.21.

11. Australian Life Exhibition

The Australian Life Exhibition showcases a curated collection of powerful photographs that reflect the rich character and everyday beauty of life in Australia. From a train ride through Newcastle and snapshots of rural Australia to a man cracking open a cold one during a heatwave, the exhibition is a celebration of all things Aussie.

The finalists and major prize winners (who are chosen by a panel of professionals) take home prizes worth up to $10,000, and there’s also a People’s Choice award, which visitors can vote for here until August 17. Free to attend, the exhibition is a great way to soak up some authentically Australian culture while you’re in Circular Quay.

Where: Customs House Square, 31 Alfred St, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Showing until Sunday, August 24.
Price: Free.

12. Score up to 80% off sportswear at the Stylerunner Warehouse Sale

With the running season in full swing, the Stylerunner Warehouse Sale couldn’t have come at a better time. Head to Oxford Street this weekend and save up to 80% on sportswear and streetwear brands, including Adidas Originals, Stylerunner The Label, New Balance, ODE, HOKA, P.E Nation, Asics and more.

Whether you’re gearing up for the Sydney Marathon, or just need a fresh new gym fit to stay motivated, Stylerunner has you covered.

Where:  17 Oxford Street, Paddington, NSW 2021.
When: Thursday, May 15: 8am-5pm, Friday, May 16: 8am-7pm, Saturday, May 17: 9am-6pm, Sunday, May 18: 9am-5pm.
Price: Free entry.

13. The Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon is known to be one of the funniest (and most outrageous) musicals of all time. 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 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: Now booking to Sunday, November 30, 2025. Shows take place on most Tuesdays–Thursdays 7pm, Fridays 7:30pm, Saturdays 2pm & 7:30pm, Sundays 1pm & 6:30pm.
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