There are film festivals, art fairs, exhibitions, and so much more. Here are just some of the best.
Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool season opener
Celebrate the first day of spring at the free swimming pool season opening. There’ll be breakfast and yoga classes. You can also take advantage of a special membership offer.
Sunday 1 September
History Week
Did you know Central railway station occupies the site of Sydney’s first main cemetery? Find out more about the hidden history of Sydney at a series of free events during History Week.
Sunday 31 August to Sunday 8 September
Paper Tigers
This exhibition celebrates 1970s printed visual culture in Sydney. Check out posters, prints and ephemera from both celebrated and anonymous artists and designers.
Friday 30 August to Saturday 12 October
Sydney Fringe Festival
Celebrate our local independent artists, makers and performers. There’s bound to be something you’ll love at the month-long festival.
Sunday 1 September to Monday 30 September
Sydney Latin American Film Festival
Experience a curated program of 23 feature films and shorts, showcasing the very best in contemporary Latin American cinema.
Wednesday 4 September to Wednesday 11 September
Sydney Contemporary
Be inspired by top Australian and international artists and discover the next generation of talent . This Sydney Contemporary will feature over 450 artists and over 150 events including installations, live performances, panel discussions, experimental video art and kids’ activities.
Thursday 12 September to Sunday 15 September
CityTalks: Making Art Public - 50 Years of Kaldor Public Art Projects
This free event at Sydney Town Hall explores the extraordinary work of John Kaldor. For 50 years, Kaldor Public Art Projects has created groundbreaking projects with international artists, changing the landscape of contemporary art in Australia with works that resonate around the world.
Tuesday 10 September
The Slow Fashion Market
Head to Sydney’s first sustainable and ethical fashion market for new clothing. Shop at 40 stalls featuring clothing for men, women and children.
Saturday 14 September
Creative workshops
Develop your creative skills at a Saturday workshop with an experienced artist to carve and print your own block designs. You can also learn creative mindfulness activities beyond colouring in, finding inner focus while learning drawing and painting techniques.
Saturday 21 September and Saturday 28 September
SF3: SmartFone Flick Fest
Head along to Australia’s international smartphone film festival. Developed for filmmakers of all ages and abilities, this year the festival will also screen the inaugural SF3 Feature, a full-length film shot entirely on a smartphone.
Saturday 14 September to Sunday 15 September
E-waste drop-off day
Got some old electronics gathering dust? Don’t send them to landfill. Gather your busted or just wanted electronics and bring them to our free e-waste drop-off day.
Saturday 14 September
Australian Life
Visit Hyde Park North to see the finalists in Australian Life. One of Australia’s biggest – and most democratic – photography prizes, it features epic and intimate images of Australia from amateur and professional photographers.
Thursday 19 September to Sunday 13 October
Little Sydney Lives
Sydney’s youngest photographers have been busy snapping their perspective of Sydney for our children’s photography competition. See the 20 finalist images among the beautiful backdrop of Sandringham Gardens in Hyde Park.
Thursday 19 September to Sunday 13 October
Pyrmont Festival
This celebration of food, fine wine and local arts and culture runs over 17 packed days. Don’t miss the headline event: a massive 2-day family friendly outdoor food and wine festival at Pirrama Park.
Friday 20 September to Sunday 6 October
Light the City
For 1-night only Mrs Macquaries Road in the Royal Botanic Gardens will be closed to cars and open for people. Walk or ride through magical lights and installations at this free event. It’s part of Sydney Rides 2019.
Saturday 21 September
Artificial intelligence explained
Discover the truth about this world-changing technology in a free 1-hour chat.
Tuesday 24 September
Meet our cutest neighbour: the flying fox
Learn all about the flying fox at this free talk. Discover the critical role they play in the Australian environment. You’ll even get to meet tame flying foxes!
Saturday 28 September