Sydney doesn’t just exist. It thrives on celebrations, culture and a collective refusal to sit still. This buzzing city hosts some of the most exciting events in the world, so it’s no surprise that Sydneysiders always have a packed calendar. If you’re wondering what events deserve a spot on your to-do list, you’ve come to the right place. From jaw-dropping harbour spectacles to cultural extravaganzas, here’s a list of top events in Sydney!
New Year’s Eve: Fireworks And ‘Oohs’ Aplenty
When it comes to New Year’s Eve, Sydney doesn’t do subtle. No, no. While the rest of the world is waving sparklers and sipping lukewarm champagne, Sydney is setting the entire sky on fire. Millions of people gather around the harbour, squeezing into prime positions to witness fireworks that make you question whether you’re still on Planet Earth. If you’re on a Sydney Harbour New Year cruise, congratulations: you’re living everyone else’s dream. If not, there’s always a crowded rooftop.
Australia Day: Sun, Fun And A Ferry Race
On January 26, Australia Day brings Sydneysiders together to enjoy the spectacle that is Sydney Harbour and celebrate together. Like every other important day in the city the harbour hosts a variety of events, from a grand ferry race on the harbour to live music performances and cultural displays. Pro tip: End your day watching fireworks at Circular Quay on an Australia Day Fireworks Dinner Cruise.
Sydney Festival: Fancy, Artistic And Instagram-Worthy
This arts festival is held every January, and goes on for three weeks. If you’re an arts enthusiast, you should check this one out! Expect breathtaking outdoor performances and fascinating installations. If you’re not into art, don’t worry. You’ll still look sophisticated just by showing up. Bonus points if you nod thoughtfully while sipping a flat white.
Mardi Gras Parade: Love, Glitter And Parties
Sydney Mardi Gras Parade is a celebration of love, diversity, creativity and pride. Every year from the second Thursday in February to the first Saturday in March, Oxford Street becomes ground zero for fabulousness. Think glitter, sequins, drag queens, and floats so impressive that you forget you’ve been on your feet for six hours. With 80+ events and countless parties, you’ll need two things: dancing shoes and electrolytes. Prepare to cry happy tears as you cheer for love in all its forms.
Royal Easter Show: Where Sheep And Rollercoasters Meet
If you’re in Sydney for Easter, do check out this grand event! The Sydney Royal Easter Show takes place at Sydney Showground every year. The Royal Easter Show is 12 days of wholesome fun that’ll have you petting sheep one minute and screaming on a rollercoaster the next.
Vivid Sydney: Where The City Turns Into A Wonderland
This winter festival is one of the top things to do in Sydney! Icons like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge get dazzling light makeovers, and suddenly everyone is taking selfies against the stunning art installations that’s everywhere in the city. Between live music, food and interactive projections, it’s hard to tell where the festival ends and your Instagram feed begins. Want the best views? Hop on a harbour cruise!
City2Surf: When 14km Sounds Like A Fun Idea
Even if your idea of exercise is running late for brunch, City2Surf is totally worth the effort. It’s 14 kilometres of “Why did I sign up for this?” followed by “This is the best day ever!” Thousands of people wobble their way from Hyde Park to Bondi Beach, cheered on by enthusiastic strangers. If you survive, you earn a medal and bragging rights.
Christmas In The City: Sunshine, Carols And Huge Trees
Forget snow; Sydney’s Christmas is all about sunshine! Twinkling lights, massive Christmas trees and holiday markets pop up in the city. Martin Place and Darling Harbour host carol performances, festive feasts and outdoor movies! Just don’t expect a white Christmas; Sydney’s ‘magic’ is golden, and so is your tan.
Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race: Sailboats And Champagne
In Sydney, the festivities do not end with Christmas! Every Boxing Day, sailing enthusiasts visit the harbour to witness the iconic Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. The race starts at Sydney Harbour and continues to Hobart, Tasmania. It’s thrilling, even if you don’t know a thing about sailing!
Final Word: Book a Harbour Cruise, Seriously
Sydney’s events are like the city itself: loud, proud and impossible to ignore. Whether you’re an arts lover, sports fan, or professional fireworks enthusiast, there’s always something to do (usually near the Harbour). So, when in doubt, hop on a Sydney Harbour cruise. You’ll get the views, the happiness and the satisfaction of knowing you’re officially ‘doing Sydney’ right.
Now, go forth and plan! You’ve got a calendar to fill!
New Year’s Eve: Fireworks And ‘Oohs’ Aplenty
When it comes to New Year’s Eve, Sydney doesn’t do subtle. No, no. While the rest of the world is waving sparklers and sipping lukewarm champagne, Sydney is setting the entire sky on fire. Millions of people gather around the harbour, squeezing into prime positions to witness fireworks that make you question whether you’re still on Planet Earth. If you’re on a Sydney Harbour New Year cruise, congratulations: you’re living everyone else’s dream. If not, there’s always a crowded rooftop.
Australia Day: Sun, Fun And A Ferry Race
On January 26, Australia Day brings Sydneysiders together to enjoy the spectacle that is Sydney Harbour and celebrate together. Like every other important day in the city the harbour hosts a variety of events, from a grand ferry race on the harbour to live music performances and cultural displays. Pro tip: End your day watching fireworks at Circular Quay on an Australia Day Fireworks Dinner Cruise.
Sydney Festival: Fancy, Artistic And Instagram-Worthy
This arts festival is held every January, and goes on for three weeks. If you’re an arts enthusiast, you should check this one out! Expect breathtaking outdoor performances and fascinating installations. If you’re not into art, don’t worry. You’ll still look sophisticated just by showing up. Bonus points if you nod thoughtfully while sipping a flat white.
Mardi Gras Parade: Love, Glitter And Parties
Sydney Mardi Gras Parade is a celebration of love, diversity, creativity and pride. Every year from the second Thursday in February to the first Saturday in March, Oxford Street becomes ground zero for fabulousness. Think glitter, sequins, drag queens, and floats so impressive that you forget you’ve been on your feet for six hours. With 80+ events and countless parties, you’ll need two things: dancing shoes and electrolytes. Prepare to cry happy tears as you cheer for love in all its forms.
Royal Easter Show: Where Sheep And Rollercoasters Meet
If you’re in Sydney for Easter, do check out this grand event! The Sydney Royal Easter Show takes place at Sydney Showground every year. The Royal Easter Show is 12 days of wholesome fun that’ll have you petting sheep one minute and screaming on a rollercoaster the next.
Vivid Sydney: Where The City Turns Into A Wonderland
This winter festival is one of the top things to do in Sydney! Icons like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge get dazzling light makeovers, and suddenly everyone is taking selfies against the stunning art installations that’s everywhere in the city. Between live music, food and interactive projections, it’s hard to tell where the festival ends and your Instagram feed begins. Want the best views? Hop on a harbour cruise!
City2Surf: When 14km Sounds Like A Fun Idea
Even if your idea of exercise is running late for brunch, City2Surf is totally worth the effort. It’s 14 kilometres of “Why did I sign up for this?” followed by “This is the best day ever!” Thousands of people wobble their way from Hyde Park to Bondi Beach, cheered on by enthusiastic strangers. If you survive, you earn a medal and bragging rights.
Christmas In The City: Sunshine, Carols And Huge Trees
Forget snow; Sydney’s Christmas is all about sunshine! Twinkling lights, massive Christmas trees and holiday markets pop up in the city. Martin Place and Darling Harbour host carol performances, festive feasts and outdoor movies! Just don’t expect a white Christmas; Sydney’s ‘magic’ is golden, and so is your tan.
Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race: Sailboats And Champagne
In Sydney, the festivities do not end with Christmas! Every Boxing Day, sailing enthusiasts visit the harbour to witness the iconic Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. The race starts at Sydney Harbour and continues to Hobart, Tasmania. It’s thrilling, even if you don’t know a thing about sailing!
Final Word: Book a Harbour Cruise, Seriously
Sydney’s events are like the city itself: loud, proud and impossible to ignore. Whether you’re an arts lover, sports fan, or professional fireworks enthusiast, there’s always something to do (usually near the Harbour). So, when in doubt, hop on a Sydney Harbour cruise. You’ll get the views, the happiness and the satisfaction of knowing you’re officially ‘doing Sydney’ right.
Now, go forth and plan! You’ve got a calendar to fill!