Sydney comes alive with festivals, film and art this month. The cold weather is no excuse to stay indoors. Here are 13 events you won’t want to miss this month.
Spark your sense of wonder at Vivid Festival
The lights, music and ideas festival will illuminate the soul of our city with creative brilliance for 23 days and nights. This year boasts the longest continuous light walk in the history of the event, from Sydney Opera House to Central station. There’s also heaps of live music as well as thought-provoking debates.
From moonlight kayaking and yoga after dark, to mystical parties and Japanese rock bands – there’s no shortage of things to do all over the city.
Until 18 June
Get inspired at the Sydney Film Festival
Don’t miss 12 days and nights of inspiring and entertaining premieres, talks and parties.
8 to 19 June
Party on Sydney's streets
Your Street Your Party is a colourful, vibrant and lively celebration of neighbourhoods in Sydney, with something for everyone – families, kids and four-legged friends.
This June, get your groove on at parties in Coogee, Randwick, Leichhardt, Summer Hill and Chippendale.
All month.
See the electrifying new production, City of Gold
Following a breathtaking performance on ABC’s Q&A that went viral around the world, writer and performer Meyne Wyatt brings his acclaimed play to Sydney Theatre Company.
Until 11 June
Hear the call of the wild
A collision of culture and nature, The Great Animal Orchestra will take you out of city life and into tropical grasslands, savannas and Arctic tundra for an otherworldly encounter with a soundscape of 15,000 animal species recorded over the last 50 years.
Until 13 June
Support artists at ARTiculate
This impact-focused festival will display incredible works from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander artists, artists living with disability and asylum seeker and refugee artists. All profits from sales directly to the artists.
Wednesdays to Saturdays until 25 June
Take in the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes for 2022
Australia’s most engaging art event is back at the Art Gallery of NSW.
Complete your experience with an authentic Italian meal overlooking the Domain.
All month
Explore Australian Life
Visit Glebe Library and take a cinematic journey through an exhibition of the 2021 Australian Life photography prize finalists. From loud bursts of colour to quiet family moments, the 28 finalist images paint a picture of Australia’s unique personality.
All month
Upskill with a class or workshop
There are so many new skills to learn this winter. From making mugs to creative writing, photography to jewellery-making.
Take a free sewing class in Woolloomooloo or Redfern so you can repair your clothes and extend their lifetime.
Explore the world of essential oils and create a personalised scent for your own perfume and moisturising cream.
Learn how to make, roll and cut fresh pasta dough from scratch and use it to make gnocchi and tortellini.
Immerse yourself in ancient knowledge at Museum of Sydney
Surrender your understandings of time and space and experience Indigenous storytelling as this ancient narrative comes alive through new technology. Walking through a songline sees paintings come to life, stories visualised and ancient knowledge shared in a striking and artistic way.
Thursdays to Sundays, all month
Experience the winter solstice
Camperdown’s Pocket City Farm is welcoming the winter season with a family-friendly solstice celebration with fresh fair food, farm tours, workshops, and market stalls from local sustainability initiatives, businesses and social enterprises.
Saturday 18 June
Wrap up warm and arrive at the elegant Elizabeth Bay House before dawn to see the sun rise on the shortest day of the year. Elizabeth Bay House was built in direct alignment with the sun’s rays on the winter solstice, creating a magnificent display as the sun rises over the horizon.
Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 June
Celebrate Sydney’s rich cultures for Refugee Week
Get involved with a week-long program of events, talks and workshops for Refugee Week.
Sample food from the homelands of asylum seekers and refugees with a 2 or 3-course banquet at Parliament on King. Engage in a night of storytelling about womanhood, escaping the Taliban and solidarity. Or indulge in a 6-course degustation menu from Syrian, Malaysian and Sri Lankan chefs.
19 June to 25 June
Watch something new at the Polish Film Festival
A strong line-up of critically acclaimed films will be shown at Palace Norton Street in Leichhardt and The Ritz Cinemas in Randwick. Get ready for smart comedies, gripping dramas, awe-inspiring biographies, a timeless classic and a little treat for the young audience.
Until 26 June
Want more?
Find an event in the city you’ll love on What’s On.