What to do in Sydney this summer
Warm nights and huge events call for celebration – see our picks for summer in Sydney.
December
Visit our pools
To celebrate the start of summer, you can enjoy a free dip at our aquatic centres on Saturday 7 December. There’ll be tours of the facilities and fun activities from 10am to 3pm. Enjoy fitness classes, giant pool inflatables and a barbecue to celebrate the start of the season.
There’s also an open day membership offer.
Martin Place Christmas Tree
Christmas in Sydney
Make the most of our city at its festive best. Free concerts in your neighbourhood, choirs in Martin Place and markets are just some of the highlights of Sydney Christmas.
Closes Tuesday 25 December.
Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks. Photo: Daniel Tran
New Year’s Eve
How will you bring in the new year? Sydney is one of the first cities in the world to reach midnight, and obviously our parties are up there with the best. Start planning your celebration.
Tuesday 31 December
January
LIFE – the show at Sydney Festival
Sydney Festival
What comes after New Year’s Eve? In Sydney, we always start the year by soaking up the best of Sydney Festival. In 2020, you can catch exuberant cabaret at the Spiegeltent in Hyde Park, explore an immense, radiant labyrinth, or watch a theatrical interpretation of Joan Didion’s The White Album. See what else is happening.
Wednesday 8 January to Sunday 26 January 2020
Australia Day Ferrython
Australia Day
Prepare for a sun-drenched celebration of our nation including the popular Ferrython. Full details of events to be announced closer to the date.
Sunday 26 January 2020
Sydney Lunar Festival LED dragon
Sydney Lunar Festival
Celebrate the Year of the Rat in Sydney at the Sydney Lunar Festival. It all kicks off with the first ever Lunar Lanes street party in Haymarket. Lunar Lanterns return to Circular Quay and there’ll be a few surprises in store too.
Saturday 25 January to Sunday 9 February
Pic: @samyeldham via Instagram
Valentine’s Day
Can you feel that? It’s love in the air. Check out our favourite romantic things to do in Sydney this Valentine’s Day.
Thursday 14 February.
All summer long
Guan Wei exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art
Check out an exhibition
Discover how artists from all over the world have reimagined Sydney in an exhibition at Customs House. See the work of artist Guan Wei. His exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art explores his Chinese cultural heritage and many influences of the West.
Ideas Lab at Darling Square Library
Take a workshop at the new Ideas Lab
Sign-up for a workshop in Darling Square Library’s Ideas Lab. This dedicated makerspace and multipurpose room hosts an exciting program of workshops for startups and curious makers. Learn 3D design and printing or explore robotics, electronics and prototyping.
The Exchange Building
Various dates
Observatory Hill Park has a spectacular view
Chill out in our city’s parks
Pack a picnic and dine alfresco in your local park. It’s hands down the best way to end a weekday.
