Sydney Times What’s On Guide – This Weekend-Friday 0ctober 24 to 31 October
Whats on in Sydney GUIDE – Posted Friday 24 october,2025
Sydney is buzzing with activities for all ages this weekend, from groundbreaking art to gourmet food festivals and bustling local markets. Here’s your guide to the best of what’s happening.
Arts and Culture
Immerse yourself in Sydney’s creative scene with these exhibitions and performances:
- Sculpture by the Sea
- Description: The annual, iconic coastal walk exhibition showcasing over 100 sculptures from artists all over the world. A must-see for all ages.
- Location: Bondi to Tamarama Coastal Walk, Bondi Beach (continues through early November).
- Women, Pogroms, Love Exhibition
- Description: A thought-provoking art exhibition by Wendy Lessick Bookatz, featuring artwork created in response to violence against women.
- Location: Sydney (on until early November).
- The Book of Mormon
- Description: The award-winning musical comedy from the creators of South Park continues its run.
- Location: Capitol Theatre, 13 Campbell St, Haymarket.
- Dangerously Modern
- Description: An exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW showcasing fearless women artists who disrupted the male canon.
- Location: Art Gallery of NSW, Art Gallery Rd, Sydney.
Events of All Descriptions
Find fun for the whole family, or a unique outing:
- Japan Expo 2025
- Description: A celebration of Japanese culture, from traditional arts to modern pop culture.
- Location: Sydney Town Hall, 483 George St, Sydney.
Australia’s ultimate exhibition for Japanese theme enthusiasts.
Don’t miss this fun-packed one-day event showcasing Japanese tourism, products, food, culture, and so much more!
The 5th Japan Expo is set to return on Saturday 25 October 2025.
Tickets are now on sale! Click here
Taking over Sydney Town Hall from 10am to 4pm, Japan Expo is a family-friendly event and will feature exhibitors, offering authentic Japanese products at a discounted rate, the latest tourism information, plus fun cultural demonstrations, interactive workshops, stage performance and installation. Japan is under one roof!
Enter for a chance to win round-trip tickets to Nagoya (or other destinations in Japan) with China Airlines ( Taiwanese )!
Look forward to:
- More than 50 exhibitors showcasing the best of Japan’s food, tourism, products, and culture
- Ticket purchasers receive special deals that can be used in Sydney and Japan. See details here. Coupons are in the program of the Japan Expo on the day.
- Exhibitors are from different industries – event organizers, travel and food wholesalers, end users, government agencies, and more
- Taste and buy unique Japanese tea, sake, soba, miso, rice, bento, sweets, Nanko Umeboshi, and more.
- A Samurai performance team from Nagoya Castle — 45th Anniversary of Sydney’s sister city—will be coming to the event!
- Food stalls by local restaurants
- Kimonos, traditional crafts, art, cosmetics, Japanese pottery, artisan ceramics, origami crafts, and more for sale
- Sake bottles for sale – some are directly from Japan
- Free photoshoot with Samurai and Maiko
- Demonstrations of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony
- Samurai performers show from the Nagoya Castle (click details)
- Taiko (Japanese drum) performance
- Enter the Kimono competition to win a return flight to Japan, Japanese restaurant vouchers and book vouchers. (click details)
- Try your hand at Japanese culture workshops throughout the event
- Kagami Biraki opening ceremony (the ritual of breaking open sake barrels)
Japan Expo is perfect for seasoned travelers to Japan and those who would simply like to learn more about Japan’s rich and diverse culture! One day only – do not miss it!
For more information, please see https://www.japanexpo.com.au/
Also, you will see all updated information on Facebook and Instagram. Please follow them.
- Liveworks Festival
- Description: A five-day festival showcasing bold, experimental art and performance from the Asia-Pacific region.
- Location: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh. (Ending this weekend)
- Jurassic Lounge: Halloween Edition (18+)
- Description: A spooky museum party after dark featuring DJs, drinks, prizes, and a LEGO® exhibit.
- Location: Australian Museum, 1 William St, Sydney. (Saturday Night)
- Festival of Mosman Street Party
- Description: Middle Head Road transforms into a buzzing hub of food, live entertainment, and family fun for a vibrant community celebration.
- Location: Middle Head Road, Mosman. (Saturday)
Wine, Food, and Market Events
The Rocks Markets are a vibrant, open-air market set in Sydney’s oldest neighborhood, with cobblestone streets and historic architecture.
- When: The main markets run every Saturday and Sunday. There are also Fridays at The Rocks Markets focused on hot food, artisanal products, and quick gifts.
- What to Expect:
- Artisan Wares: A diverse range of local artisan stallholders selling beautifully handcrafted goods, including jewellery, leather goods, homewares, and fashion.
- Gourmet Street Food: A wide array of culinary delights, international flavors, and sweet treats.
- Live Entertainment: Musicians, including promising new artists, DJs, and buskers, perform across the weekend.
- Ongoing Activities:
- Yoga under the Bridge: Free yoga sessions every Sunday morning.
- Picnic under the Bridge: Free picnic rugs, cushions, and blankets are available at Dawes Point Park to enjoy your market food with a stunning view of the Sydney Opera House.
- The Run Club at The Rocks: A free, weekly group fitness session every Tuesday.
For more details, you can visit The Rocks Markets “What’s On” page.
Indulge your senses with the best local produce and gourmet offerings:
- Wahroonga Food & Wine Festival
- Description: Taste over 130 wines from winemakers across Australia, paired with gourmet food and live music.
- Location: Wahroonga Park, Cnr Miller St and Burns Rd, Wahroonga. (Sunday)
- Urban Wine Walk – Chippendale
- Description: A self-guided wine tasting trail across Chippendale’s lively local venues.
- Location: Various venues around Chippendale. (Saturday)
- Wahroonga Food & Wine Festival
- Description: Meet winemakers, sample a huge range of wines, and enjoy gourmet food stalls.
- Location: Wahroonga Park, Cnr Miller St and Burns Rd, Wahroonga. (Sunday)
- Kings Cross Market
- Description: Freshest food, gourmet produce, plus antiques and art by local artisans.
- Location: Fitzroy Gardens, Macleay Street, Elizabeth Bay. (Saturday)
- EQ Markets (Weekend Market)
- Description: Shop for beautiful, seasonal produce and gourmet treats. Held weekly.
- Location: The Entertainment Quarter, 122 Lang Rd, Moore Park. (Saturday)
- Kirribilli General Markets (Weekend Market)
- Description: One of Sydney’s oldest and most popular markets, offering general goods, fashion, and crafts.
- Location: Kirribilli, Olympic Dr, Milsons Point. (Fourth Saturday of the month—check date for this weekend).
- St Ives Organic Food Market (Providores Market)
- Description: Focuses on fresh, organic produce direct from local growers and makers.
- Location: St Ives Showground, 450 Mona Vale Rd, St Ives. (Saturday)
- Bondi Farmers Market (Providores Market)
- Description: Fresh produce, gourmet foods, and drinks every Saturday.
- Location: Bondi Beach Public School, Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach. (Saturday)
Le Marché: Sydney’s Authentic French Market
Le Marché prides itself on being Australia’s only authentic French monthly market, featuring gourmet food, artisan crafts, and a lively atmosphere.
What to Expect
A trip to Le Marché is a feast for the senses:
- Gourmet Food: Indulge in warm baguettes, buttery croissants, exquisite French cheeses, saucisson, and the ultimate winter comfort food, melted raclette.
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Market Name Location Frequency (2025) Next Dates to Note Woolwich Dock Woolwich Dock and Parklands 2nd Sunday of the month Sunday, November 9 The Entertainment Quarter (EQ) Moore Park 1st Sunday of the month Sunday, November 2 Willoughby (Laurelbank) Laurelbank, Willoughby 4th Sunday of the month Sunday, November 23
