12 things to do in Sydney this weekend (September 5-7)

The Sydney Fringe Festival is the talk of the town this weekend, as it takes over the city with hundreds of bold, brilliant and delightfully bizarre performances. Whether you’re into thought-provoking theatre, outrageous comedy or something totally unexpected (hello, Scientology: The Musical), this is the weekend to book your tickets.

The Talented Mr. Ripley continues its stint at Roslyn Packer Theatre, while CATS: The Musical performs its final curtain call on Saturday. Don’t miss your last chance to see Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical.

Not in the mood for the stage? How about sky-high drones, magical night walks and mesmerising circus spectacles? Darling Harbour will be lighting up the sky over Cockle Bay with a free, spring-themed drone show on Saturday, while Echoes at Bella Vista Farm offers an immersive journey through lights, lasers and soundscapes under the stars.

Feeling fashionable? Bec and Bridge are hosting a massive warehouse sale with all pieces $100 or under. If you’re more interested in food over fashion, head to Messina Eats in Marrickville for a mouthwatering street food collab you won’t want to miss.

For more suggestions on how to make the most of your weekend, consult our top picks of all the best things to do in Sydney, your ultimate guide to all the city’s unmissable events.

1. Sydney Fringe Festival

Sydney Fringe Festival is in full swing,  with more than 450 events presented in over 70 venues across Greater Sydney. From a one-man production based on a famous Australian meme to Burlesque performances and even Scientology the Musical, the Fringe is here to bring you the weirdest and wackiest creations from talented artists, performers and comedians.

Don’t miss your last chance to catch these standout shows before they close this weekend: the laugh-out-loud, extremely blasphemous comedy Nun Slut, and the vibrant, high-energy Ghana Road Show, both running through Saturday. Head First Acrobats will be performing jaw-dropping stunts at the Entertainment Quarter in their show Elixir Revived (think Magic Mike meets Cirque du Soleil), and Wright & Grainger will be singing and storytelling in the Rocks for their award-winning show Orpheus.

When: Monday, September 1, until Tuesday, September 30.
Where: Citywide, now including Central Sydney, Inner West, Eastern Suburbs, North Sydney and Greater Sydney.
Price: Varies per event.

It starts with a ticket! For more information or to grab a ticket, click here

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2. Darling Harbour Drone Show

Fans were disappointed when Vivid Sydney dropped its beloved drone show from the program, citing rising costs and safety concerns. But don’t worry, Darling Harbour is stepping in to save the day! Throughout September, you can catch a dazzling, spring-themed drone show illuminating the view of Cockle Bay, every Saturday at 8:30pm. Miss it one week? No problem, it’s the same stunning display each time, so you’ve got more than one chance to enjoy the spectacle.

Where: Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Harbour.
When: Every Saturday in September at 8:30pm.
Price: Free.

3. Echoes at Bella Vista

Starting this Friday, Echoes will transform Bella Vista Farm into a captivating nighttime wonderland. This immersive outdoor experience blends lights, lasers, projections and interactive installations to bring the site’s rich history to life. Highlights include a magical night walk featuring custom soundscapes, dazzling light displays and pulsating special effects. Stroll along the reimagined convict road, wander through glowing fluorescent flower fields and discover the stargazing stories of the Dharug People.

Where: Elizabeth Macarthur Dr, Bella Vista NSW 2153.
When: Nightly, September 5-October 6.
Price: Adult tickets cost $17.50 per person, children’s tickets cost $12.50 per person.

4. Cirque du Soleil: Corteo

Cirque du Soleil returns to Sydney for ten unforgettable days with Corteo, a breathtaking celebration of strength, vulnerability and imagination. At the heart of the show is Mauro the clown, whose story delicately balances humour and emotion, highlighting both his power and fragility. Blending dreamlike acrobatics, gravity-defying stunts, and whimsical characters, Corteo is a colourful spectacle that will leave audiences truly spellbound. It’s no surprise that since its inception, Corteo has amazed over 12 million spectators in 30 countries.

Where: Qudos Bank Arena, 19 Edwin Flack Ave, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127.
When: September 4-14.
Price: From $81.50 per person.

5. LAST CHANCE: CATS The Musical

It’s your last chance to catch CATS: The Musical in Sydney before the beloved musical embarks on a nationwide tour to Adelaide, Perth and Melbourne. CATS is based on a book of poems by T.S. Eliot, called Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. It was turned into a musical by legendary English composer and impresario Andrew Lloyd Webber, and follows the plight of the Jellicle Cats and the night they make the “Jellicle choice” by deciding which cat will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and come back to a new life. It might sound strange, but clearly it works— we’re celebrating its Aussie 40th birthday after all.

Where: Theatre Royal Sydney, 108 King St, Sydney NSW 2000.
When:  Until September 6.
Price: Tickets start from $69.

READ MORE: Review: Cats, at the Theatre Royal, Sydney

6. SofT FoREST

This calming sensory experience for kids is held at Paddington’s beautiful Reservoir Gardens, aiming to take visitors away from the bustle of the city and into a serene green space. At the centre of this event (which is organised by Erth Visual & Physical Inc) is Fauna, an enchanting inflatable creature who will share the stories of nature through movement, soundscapes and light. Described as “part performance, part gentle meditation”, this immersive experience is designed to inspire children to connect with nature while learning about animals, endangered species and the importance of conservation.

Where: Paddington Reservoir Gardens, 251-255 Oxford St, Paddington NSW 2021.
When: September 4-20, Thursdays to Saturdays, 5:30pm, 6:30pm and 7:30pm.
Price: Free.

7. Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition

Always dreamed of seeing Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, but can’t make it to the Vatican City. Now you don’t have to. Head to the Sydney Olympic Park and experience Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition, an up-close encounter like never before. Featuring stunning, life-size reproductions of all 34 frescoes, the exhibit uses licensed high-definition imagery and a special printing technique to bring every brushstroke to life. Explore at your own pace with informative signage and optional audio guides that offer deeper insight into each masterpiece. It’s the next best thing to being there, and doesn’t come with jet lag and crowds.

Where: Fever Pavilion, Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127.
When: Runs until October 26 (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays).
Price: Standard adult admission is $33.

8. Bec and Bridge Warehouse Sale

One of Australia’s most iconic women’s fashion brands, Bec and Bridge, is hosting a huge warehouse sale in Rosebery this weekend, from Thursday through to Sunday. With nothing over $100, and for swimwear and accessories going for just $20, this sale is your chance to get your hands on some premium, Australian-produced fashion for a fraction of the original price. They’ll be adding new styles daily, with doors open 8am-7pm on Thursday and Friday, and 8am-3pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Where: 4 Durdans Avenue, Rosebery, NSW 2018.
When: September 4-September 7, Thursday and Friday: 8am-7pm, Saturday and Sunday: 8am-3pm.
Price: Nothing over $100.

9. Messina Eats: Olympic Eats

Messina Eats is a series of free-entry, pop-up street food events and collaborations hosted by Sydney ice cream institution, Gelato Messina. This weekend, they’re teaming up with the undisputed champs of mouthwatering chargrilled deliciousness, Olympic Meats. For two nights, the Messina HQ car park will be rife with flavour and incredible dishes, including Aussie Style Lamb ‘Yeeros’, Olympic’s iconic Spanakopita and warm, honey-soaked loukoumades. Drizzle some Messina garlic yogurt over your gyros and polish off the rich meat with some fresh watermelon and halloumi salad.

There are no tickets or bookings required, just rock up hungry and you’ll be good to go.

Where: Messina HQ, 1 Rich Street, Marrickville.
When: From 12pm until sold out.
Price: Food prices range from $7 for spanakopita and $25 for Aussie-style lamb ‘Yeeros’

10. Odd Mob at Metro Theatre

Fresh off major international performances at Tomorrowland, EDC Las Vegas and a sold-out headline at LA’s Hollywood Palladium, Australian DJ and producer Odd Mob is hitting the road this September with a four-city headline tour across Sydney, Perth, Brisbane and Melbourne. He’ll be bringing his genre-blending, bass-heavy sound to the Metro Theatre this Friday and Saturday, no doubt playing his viral hits LEFT TO RIGHT and his remix of Sean Paul’s Get Busy.

Where: Metro Theatre, G2/624 George St, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Friday, September 5, and Saturday, September 6, doors open 7pm.
Price: $79.90 per person.

11. The Talented Mr. Ripley

Sydney Theatre Company’s The Talented Mr. Ripley has hit the stage at the Roslyn Packer Theatre with a dazzling cast of Australia’s top screen and stage talent. Will McDonald (Heartbreak High) stars as the enigmatic Tom Ripley, with Raj Labade (The Office Australia) taking on the role of Dickie Greenleaf. Director Sarah Goodes shared her thoughts on the success of the novel-turned-play, stating: “The stage is the perfect setting for such rich psychological material, his slippery identity, his shame and his cunning talent for impersonation.”

The Talented Mr. Ripley‘s season kicks off this week and runs until September 28, so don’t miss your chance to watch this gripping psychological thriller come to life on stage.

Where: Roslyn Packer Theatre, 22 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay NSW 2000.
When: August 25–September 28, 2025.
Price: Tickets from $38.

READ MORE: Fans of Saltburn, meet your new obsession in The Talented Mr Ripley

12. Breakfast Point Spring Festival

Breakfast Point may be one of Sydney’s smaller and lesser-known suburbs, but did you know that scenes from the sequel to the cult-classic Hollywood film I Know What You Did Last Summer were recently filmed in this quiet, unassuming neighbourhood? With its beautiful harbour views and peaceful green spaces, it’s not really that surprising. Experience the suburb yourself during its Spring Festival, a community-led event set in the beautiful Village Green.

Featuring high-quality market stalls, delicious food, live entertainment, children’s activities, and community performances, there will be a family-friendly, fun atmosphere that’s perfect for celebrating the start of Spring.

Where: Village Green, 65 Village Dr, Breakfast Point NSW 2137
When: Sunday, September 7.
Price: Free to attend.