Until Mon 2 Nov
Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi
Final week: free outdoor sculptures on the Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk, in the show's 30th year. Closes Monday 2 November.
Sydney events
What's on Sydney
The best events in Sydney this week, this weekend and this month — festivals, shows, openings and the things actually worth booking. Updated every week.
The short answer
This season in Sydney: Sculpture by the Sea at Bondi (until 2 November), the build-up to Christmas with lights and carols, great shows, and the start of beach season. See below for this week's picks and the full events calendar.
Updated weekly
This week in Sydney
Oct 2026The walk
Fri 30 Oct – Sun 1 Nov
The Rocks Markets: Halloween edition
Ghost in The Rocks after-dark markets beneath the Harbour Bridge: Fri 4–10pm, Sat & Sun 10am–10pm. Regular markets run every weekend.
From late Nov
Christmas in the city
The Martin Place tree lighting, Christmas lights and markets across the CBD. [EDITOR: confirm the 2026 launch date once the City of Sydney announces it]
Sun 1 Nov
Sydney Open
A rare look inside around 30 normally closed buildings across the city, 10am–5pm. Ticketed.
Plan ahead
Sydney events calendar
Month by monthJanuary
- Sydney FestivalThe city's biggest arts festival — theatre, music and free outdoor events.
- Australia Day (26 Jan)Harbour celebrations, ferry races and events across the city.
February
- Lunar New YearLanterns, food and celebrations, centred around Haymarket.
- Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi GrasThe festival season begins, building to the parade.
March
- Mardi Gras ParadeOne of the world's great parades along Oxford Street — usually the last Saturday of February or first of March.
- Sydney Royal Easter ShowUsually late March to April at Sydney Olympic Park.
April
- Sydney Royal Easter ShowRides, showbags and the Grand Parade.
- ANZAC Day (25 Apr)Dawn Service at Martin Place and the march through the CBD.
May
- Vivid Sydney beginsLight, music and ideas transform the city (late May–June).
- Sydney Writers' FestivalAuthors and conversations at Carriageworks and beyond.
June
- Vivid SydneyLight installations around the harbour and CBD.
- Sydney Film FestivalPremieres and international cinema at the State Theatre.
July
- YulefestChristmas in July in the Blue Mountains.
- Winter festivalsIce skating, winter markets and fireside pubs.
August
- City2SurfThe world's biggest fun run, from the CBD to Bondi.
- Whale seasonHumpbacks migrating past the Heads.
September
- Sydney Fringe FestivalIndependent comedy, theatre and music across the city.
- Spring in the gardensBlooms at the Royal Botanic Garden and beyond.
October
- Sculpture by the Sea, BondiFree outdoor sculpture on the Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk (mid-Oct to early Nov).
- Christmas party bookings closeBook venues and entertainers now.
November
- Christmas lightsTrees and light shows across the city.
- Work Christmas party seasonSee our Christmas party ideas.
December
- Carols in the DomainSydney's biggest carols night. See Christmas in Sydney.
- New Year's Eve fireworksThe world-famous harbour fireworks at 9pm and midnight. See our NYE guide.
- Sydney to Hobart start (26 Dec)Watch the yachts leave the harbour on Boxing Day.
Dates for annual events change each year — always check the official event website. [EDITOR: add exact 2026/2027 dates and Event schema once confirmed]
Always on
Make a night of it
Evergreen guides
Frequently asked questionsThings you might ask
What's on in Sydney this weekend?
Check our 'This week in Sydney' list above, updated every Monday with the best events, shows, markets and festivals happening this weekend.
What are the biggest annual events in Sydney?
New Year's Eve fireworks, Vivid Sydney, Sydney Festival, Mardi Gras, the Royal Easter Show, City2Surf and Sculpture by the Sea are Sydney's biggest annual events.
What's on in Sydney in December?
Christmas lights and markets, Carols in the Domain, work Christmas parties, the Sydney to Hobart start on Boxing Day and the New Year's Eve fireworks.
Where can I find free events in Sydney?
Many festival events are free, including much of Vivid Sydney, Sculpture by the Sea and Sydney Festival's outdoor programme. See our free things to do in Sydney.
Got an event?
Running a show, festival, pop-up or exhibition in Sydney? Send it to us for consideration in What's On.
Submit an event