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Sydney Summer Events You Won’t Want To Miss

A round up of the best summer events in Sydney!

Sydney is home to some of the best summer events in the world. From art to sports to multi-day festivals, there’s something for everyone. If you’re planning a visit to the city this summer or if you’re a local looking for something new to try, we know some summer-season Sydney events to help you create your perfect summer.

Art Gallery of New South Wales
Image credit: Vasily Kandinsky Landscape with factory chimney 1910, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, Solomon R. Guggenheim Founding Collection, by gift, photo courtesy Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation

Art Gallery of New South Wales

The Art Gallery of New South Wales is one of Australia’s flagship art museums and the state’s leading visual arts institution. 
As a highlight of the Sydney International Art Series for the 2023-2024 season, exclusive major exhibitions will be showcased during the summer at the Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW) and the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA Australia).
At the Art Gallery of New South Wales:
  • Kandinsky from 4th November 2023 to 10th March 2024.   
  • Louise Bourgeois: Has the Day Invaded the Night or Has the Night Invaded the Day? From 25th November 2023 to 28th April 2024.  
Stay at the luxurious Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, just a short walk from the Art Gallery’s transformed campus.
Performances during MCA Late, a part of Vivid Sydney 2022 held at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Tacita Dean, The Wreck of Hope, 2022, installation view, Bourse de Commerce - Pinault Collection, 2023, chalk on Blackboard, image courtesy Pinault Collection, © Tadao Ando Architect & Associates, Niney et Marca Architectes, agence Pierre-Antoine Gatier, photograph: Aurélien Mole

Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) hosts a range of exhibitions throughout summer including Tacita Dean, the largest presentation of the acclaimed artist’s work in the Southern Hemisphere, presented as part of the Sydney International Art Series, between 8 December 2023 and 3 March 2024. MCA exhibitions include work from emerging and established Australian and international living artists.
Stay nearby at the Harbour Rocks Hotel Sydney – Mgallery and take advantage of the boutique hotel rooms, heritage hallways, restaurant, and bar.
Family visiting the Australian Museum
Family visiting the Australian Museum which is hosting Ramses & The Gold of the Pharaohs exhibition. Image credit: Destination NSW

Ramses & The Gold of the Pharaohs

More than 3000 years in the making, this iconic collection is exclusive to the Australian Museum in Sydney, and features over 180 ancient Egyptian treasures. The exhibition runs from the 18th of November to the 19th of May, and transports visitors back to the time of the most celebrated pharaoh, Ramses himself.
Boats race across the harbour during the Australia Sail Grand Prix, Sydney
Boats race across the harbour during the Australia Sail Grand Prix, Sydney. Image credit: Destination NSW

Live entertainment in Sydney this summer

Sydney is home to several fantastic theatres, from the Capitol Theatre to the Sydney Lyric Theatre, and summer might just be the best time of year to enjoy all the live shows that visit this iconic city.
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical
Experience the inspiring story of the queen of Rock & Roll, Tina Turner. A rock music spectacular, Tina is already bringing audiences to their feet, night after night at the Theatre Royal Sydney. The show features more than 20 of the artist’s iconic songs, including “Simply the Best”, “What’s Love Got to Do with It”, and the high-energy “Proud Mary” that’s sure to get you dancing in your seat!
Wicked
Wicked returns to Sydney to tell the untold, true story of the Witches of Oz. Fans of the original book by L. Frank Baum will know the story of Dorothy, and how the good witch Glinda helped her on her path. But Wicked takes audiences into the world of Oz to learn what life was like for Glinda and her friend–the iconic, green, Wicked Witch of the East–and why being wicked might not mean what we thought.
Sail GP Sydney
For those in Sydney looking for a different type of live entertainment, there are plenty of exciting sports events to enjoy throughout the city, including the Sail GP. The Australia Sail Grand Prix takes to the seas on the 24th and 25th of February 2024. The event showcases the best sailing Sydney has to offer, with heart-stopping races across both days. 
Oxford Street Fair, Sydney WorldPride 2023, Sydney
Oxford Street Fair, Sydney WorldPride 2023, Sydney. Image credit: Destination NSW

Sydney Mardi Gras

On the 2nd of March 2024, the 46th Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade takes over the city for the biggest night-time LGBTQIA+ Parade in the world. The 2024 theme is "Our Future" and it invites all to participate and champion LGBTQIA+ causes as we look forward while honouring the past.
GӧteborgsOperans Danskompani  Sydney Festival
Image credit: GӧteborgsOperans Danskompani Sydney Festival

Sydney Festival

Sydney Festival is a city-wide celebration of all things culture, creativity, and curiosity. 
The festival has been running since 1977 and shows no signs of slowing down. Live music, theatre, comedy, visual art, and plenty more for all ages take over the city from the 5th to the 29th of January 2024.
Highlights include;
  • Ill Tabario
  • White Gold
  • Anushka Shankar
  • BANNANALAND
  • GöteborgsOperans Danskompani (Skid and Saaba)
View the newly released Sydney Festival 2024 program and book tickets on sale now.
Friends have fun at a concert, The Domain, Sydney
Friends have fun at a concert, The Domain, Sydney. Image credit: Destination NSW

Tropfest

The world’s largest short film festival, Tropfest is a must-visit for film lovers. The festival has helped kickstart the careers of some of Australia’s best filmmakers, spanning genres and audiences. The festival first ran in 1993 with a screening for only 200 people at the Tropicana Caffé in Darlinghurst. Now the festival is so popular, it has even expanded around the globe, with other locations in London, Toronto, Berlin, and New York City. Despite the international expansion, the original Tropfest right here in Sydney remains iconic and unique.
Lunar New Year Sydney festivities
Lunar New Year Sydney festivities. Image credit: James Adams | City of Sydney

Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year celebrations in Sydney are a sight to behold. From street performances, market stalls, food trucks, DJs, and plenty of moments that you won’t be able to resist snapping a shot of for your social feed. 2024 is the Year of the Dragon—specifically the Wood Dragon—and promises a creative year for all.

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