10 things to do this weekend in Sydney (June 20-22)

Weekend plans still wide open? Here are our top ten picks to make the most of your time in Sydney this weekend.

Almost exactly 40 years since CATS first clawed its way onto the Sydney stage, it’s back to celebrate its Australian anniversary. Catch the iconic musical in all its Jellicle glory at the Theatre Royal. But that’s just the start – whether you’re into gourmet grazing at the Good Food & Wine Show, live music over at Manly’s winter festival, or exploring queer history through bold new art, there’s something happening in every corner of the city.

Here are 10 top things to do in Sydney this weekend (June 20–22) — read on and make it a good one.

Top things to do in Sydney this weekend

1. Catch the CATS 40th anniversary show

It’s one of the world’s most legendary musicals, and now CATS is back in Sydney. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s smash-hit has been enchanting Australian audiences for over 40 years with its dazzling choreography and unforgettable characters like Grizabella, Rum Tum Tugger and Mr Mistoffelees.

Based on T.S. Eliot’s poems, CATS is pure theatrical spectacle: big voices, big dance numbers and big feline energy. Whether you’ve seen it before or are finally ready to find out what all the Jellicle fuss is about, this new production brings the magic to life like never before. Playing at the Capitol Theatre for a limited time, don’t miss your chance to see a musical that’s as iconic as Broadway itself.

Where: Theatre Royal Sydney, 108 King St, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Wednesday to Sunday until Saturday, September 6.
Price: From $69.90.

Book tickets at catsthemusical.com.au.

2. Good Food & Wine Show

Sydney’s ultimate foodie weekend is back. The Good Food & Wine Show takes over ICC Sydney from Friday, with hundreds of tastings, live cooking demos, and gourmet experiences to devour. Sample your way through more than 300 stalls featuring local produce, boutique wines, craft spirits and artisan snacks. Celeb chefs like Kirsten Tibballs and Miguel Maestre will share their insights live on stage, or dive into a gin, wine or tea-focused masterclass. Come hungry, leave inspired.

Where: ICC Sydney, 14 Darling Drive, Darling Harbour NSW 2000.
When: Friday, June 20–Sunday, June 22; 10am–6pm (Fri–Sat), 10am–5pm (Sun).
Price: Tickets from $44.95.

Book tickets at goodfoodshow.com.au.

3. Redfern’s winter solstice festival, NightShift

This week, Redfern is staying up late. NightShift is a one-week festival lighting up Wunderlich Lane, celebrating the precinct’s first winter and Saturday’s winter solstice with food, music, art and after-dark energy.

Expect Italo-disco pizza parties (thanks, Regina x Messina), late-night jazz at Bar Julius, hot toddies and mulled wine at Saarde, a six-hour noodle rave at Island Radio, and a limited edition restorative treatment package at The Parlour Room. There’ll be roving performers, late-night bites, quizzes with Myf Warhurst and Zan Rowe, and plenty of reasons to stay out past dark.

For 10% off The Parlour Room’s new The Sleep Ritual treatment, use our exclusive code SLEEP10 when booking online — available until Sunday!

Where: Across the Wunderlich Lane precinct, 2 Baptist Street, Redfern NSW 2016.
When: Daily until Sunday, June 22.

Find the full program at wunderlichlane.com.

4. Visit White Rabbit Gallery’s major new exhibition

White Rabbit Gallery has reopened today with Tender Comrade, an artistic deep-dive into a queerness that has long existed — even if history tried to forget it. In ancient China, same-sex relationships were part of everyday life: emperors had male lovers, and bisexuality was often the norm. But today, queer communities face censorship, crackdowns and social pressure.

Many reclaim the word tongzhi (comrade) – once a political term, now a symbol of queer solidarity and chosen family. The artists in Tender Comrade embrace this spirit, blending affection, friendship and rebellion in works that defy the rules of identity, love and belonging.

Where: 30 Balfour St, Chippendale NSW 2008.
When: Wednesday to Sunday, 10am–5pm until Sunday, November 16.
Price: Free.

5. British & Irish Lions Tour kick-off

Thousands of Brits are expected to arrive in Australia in the coming weeks as the British & Irish Lions Tour comes Down Under for the first time in 12 years. The series starts on Friday with the first game taking place at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin before they head Perth’s Optus Stadium on June 28.

To watch the action on Friday, go to The Woolpack Hotel in Redfern, which is transforming into The Lionpack Hotel for the duration of the tour. Rebranded as the unofficial HQ for British and Irish Lions fans, expect Guinness specials, flowing Magners and a limited edition Irish-Chinese menu. BrewDog in South Eveleigh will also show the matches on multiple big screens and offer a $129 Game Day Deal, including two burgers and a beer tower. Bungalow 8 and Cargo Bar, both at King St Wharf, will show the games and have food and drink deals too.

6. Rise After Dark at Felons Manly

Rise Manly is the new festival warming up the Northern Beaches this month. Starting on Friday and running until Sunday, June 29, the series will include bright lights, live music and art performances. At Felons Manly, on the wharf, Rise After Dark is their 10-day series of late-night music, celebrating emerging talent in jazz, funk, indie and experimental genres. On Friday, Brazilian funk and soul band End Notes will play, followed by Thai Australian-born singer-songwriter Lady King on Saturday and jazz-fusion band DINK on Sunday.

Where: Across Manly.
When: Friday, June 20 until Sunday, June 29.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Rise Manly

7. Start with yoga, move on to martinis

There’s a celebratory day for everything nowadays, and this Saturday marks two rolled into one. Say hello to International Yoga Day and World Martini Day. Sounds like a great day to us. Begin your day with a calming yoga flow before heading out for a martini or two in the evening. You could go to Insta-fave Body By Berner or Body Mind Life in Bondi before crossing over to Makaveli for their house martini and Italian dishes, or head to Yoga Loft in Redfern which is conveniently close to Bar Julius — it’s one of the Sydney venues serving the Four Pillars Olive Leaf Gin martinis with a matching snack, as part of the Four Pillars Martini Collective. Hurry though, it’s only running until Sunday, June 22.

8. Carriageworks Farmers’ Market

If your FYP is anything like ours, then you’ll have seen Carriageworks Farmers Market. Held every Saturday, the freshest seasonal and artisanal produce from local growers is showcased. Farm-fresh vegetables, beautiful cut flowers and more baked goods than you could dream of, it’s a must.

Where: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh NSW 2015.
When: Every Saturday, 8am–1pm.

9. Yolŋu Power: The Art of Yirrkala at Art Gallery of NSW

Step into the vibrant world of one of the oldest living cultures on Earth. Yolŋu refers to the Aboriginal people of the Northern Territory. This powerful new exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW celebrates nearly 100 years of bold, political and deeply personal works. Featuring artists from Yirrkala and Miwatj Country, it’s a moving look at how creativity becomes resistance, pride, and legacy. Don’t miss it.

Where: Art Gallery Road, The Domain NSW 2000.
When: Saturday, June 21 until Monday, October 6.
Price: Free.

Find out more information at artgallery.nsw.gov.au.

10. Newtown Chewtown food and street art tour

Hit the streets of Newtown like a local on this tasty, art-filled walking tour. You’ll kick off at the iconic I Have A Dream mural before sampling your way through four delicious food stops — think Egyptian, Turkish, Japanese, Italian and more (yes, vegos and vegans are covered).

Along the way, your host will show you Newtown’s coolest street art and hidden gems. Finish with a craft beer paddle at a buzzing local brewery (or a non-alcoholic option if that’s more your vibe). Come hungry, leave happy.

Where: Start at the ‘I Have A Dream’ mural on 301 King St, and finish at a craft brewery just five minutes away from Newtown Station.
When: Sunday, June 22 at 2:30pm.
Price: $80 per person.

Book your spot at localsaucetours.com.au.