Sydney Events

Sydney Festivals

Sydney is home to a plethora of events and festivals that cater for a wide range of tastes. Whether you are attracted to the party atmosphere of the Christmas period, or the more cultural attractions of the Sydney Film Festival in winter, you are sure to enjoy the quality of events that Australia’s most iconic city has to offer.

Summer

Summer is a great time to visit Sydney, when the festivities of the Christmas period combine with the searing hot temperatures to make Christmas on Bondi Beach a particular favourite of many visitors. Just a few days later is New Year’s Eve, with Sydney Harbour arguably the most desirable place to be on the planet when the big countdown begins and the world-famous firework display kicks into action but make sure you book your accommodation in Sydney months in advance as hotels sell out.

The period from December to February is also a busy one with regards to events, and many people stumble out of bed with a Boxing Day hangover in order to witness the start of the Sydney to Hobart Boat Race, the premier event in the Australian yacht racing calendar. Yachts ranging in size from 30-feet to 90-feet start the race from Sydney Harbor, and race a 630 nautical mile course that ends on New Year’s Eve.

The New Year starts with a bang with the Sydney Festival, the country’s largest cultural event. The festival combines outdoor events, music, theatre and arts to attract over one million people every year. January also sees the beginning of the Twilight at Taronga Summer Concert series, a weekly music event held at Taronga Zoo, and Australia Day, the official national day of Australia, which is marked by an array of weird and wonderful activities, often involving cricket and/or alcohol.

February is a busy month for festivals, and most notably Chinese New Year. Traditional entertainment and Chinese food can be enjoyed on the streets of Sydney, culminating in the spectacular Dragon Boat Races along Darling Harbour.

This is also the time of the world famous Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, an extravagant array of daily events that are held over a four week period. The party atmosphere begins in Hyde Park (usually in the second week of February), and culminates with a parade on the last Saturday of the festival.

Autumn

After the extravagance of February, March and April are relatively quiet on the events front, with the Royal Easter Show – an agricultural event that exhibits rodeo, farm machinery and commercial stalls, the only real exception. The 25^th April is also the date of Anzac Day, a public holiday and national day of remembrance for those that fought for their country during the First World War.

Business picks up again during May, and foodies will love the Hunter Valley Harvest Festival, the Kings Cross Food & Wine Festival and the Jazz and Shiraz Food and Wine Festival, as Sydney flaunts in culinary talents to the world.

Winter

The renowned Sydney Film Festival is the biggest event of its type in the Australian calendar, and runs for two weeks in the first half of June. First established back in 1954, the festival has evolved into a major social event, and showcases contemporary films from all around the world.

The newly-launched Sydney Winter Festival occupies the latter half of the month, and is a great place to enjoy roasted chestnuts, outdoor ice skating and other joys of winter as the city heads towards its coldest month. Don’t expect snowflakes though – it has not snowed in Sydney CBD since 1836!

New tastes and culinary trends are back on the agenda during July, with the Good Food & Wine Show. Free samples, cooking demonstrations and exclusive offers can all be enjoyed at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The fact that it is the final month of winter does not put off the competitors in the annual City 2 Surf run, the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. The race is open to all ages and all levels of fitness for the 14km fun run from Hyde Park to Bondi Beach. Some take it seriously, others have a habit of stopping off for a beer along the way – but it’s all in the name of charity.

Spring

The running theme continues into September, but there’s no stopping for quick half during the Sydney Marathon. The course is something of a sightseeing tour, with Sydney Harbour Bridge an integral part of the scenic 26.2 mile route.

Other delights of September include the Darling Harbour Fiesta – a celebration of Latin American and Spanish cultures, and the Festival of the Winds – Australia’s most colourful kite flying event.

There are more niche events to be enjoyed during October, including the bizarre Granny Smith Festival, a weekend-long event to celebrate the accidental discovery of the Granny Smith apple.

October is also a great month for the motor sports enthusiast, with both the Bathurst 1000 race and the Australian International Motor Show to be enjoyed.

With the exception of the Balmain Arts & Crafts Show, November is a quiet month in the Sydney events calendar, but with Christmas, New Year’s Eve and Australia Day all just a few weeks away, perhaps a month off is required to re-charge the batteries.