What’s On in Sydney This Week Guide -The week Friday 02 January to 09 January 2026
-Happy New Year to our Loyal readers and International Visitors to Sydney-Welcome!
Here is our updated guide for the week of January 2 to January 9, 2026.
This is a massive week for Sydney as the summer peak hits with world-class tennis, the start of the Sydney Festival, and the Pink Test at the SCG.
Theatre, Opera & Musical Productions
Madama Butterfly | Opera Australia
A breathtaking production of Puccini’s tragedy. The 2026 season features Guanqun Yu as Cio-Cio-San.
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Dates: Opens Jan 3, 2026
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Venue: Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House (Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000)
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Tickets: $79 – $449+
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Contact: sydneyoperahouse.com | (02) 9250 7777
Back to the Future: The Musical
The West End and Broadway hit is in its final weeks. Great for families and fans of the 80s classic.
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Dates: Daily (Must close Jan 25, 2026)
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Venue: Sydney Lyric Theatre (55 Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont NSW 2009)
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Tickets: From $65
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Contact: ticketmaster.com.au | sydneylyric.com.au
Gatsby at the Green Light
An immersive theatrical experience that transforms the club into a 1920s speakeasy.
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Dates: Throughout the week
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Venue: The Green Light (CBD location, check ticket for secret entry)
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Tickets: From $85
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Contact: sydneyfestival.org.au
Since 2026 marks the 50th Anniversary of the Sydney Festival, the city is pulling out all the stops. Here is a curated “Special Edition” focus on the festival’s opening highlights for January 8 and 9, 2026, plus the best ways to experience it on a budget.
Sydney Festival 50th Anniversary: The Opening Edit
The festival officially roars to life on Thursday, January 8. This year’s theme centers on “Intergenerational Connection”—celebrating 50 years of Sydney stories while looking toward the next fifty.
The “Big Three” Opening Shows
| Event | What is it? | Venue | Price |
| Kankawa Nagarra | A soulful opening night concert by the legendary Walmatjarri blues elder. | ACO On The Pier, Walsh Bay | From $49 |
| Post-Orientalist Express | High-energy, avant-garde dance from South Korean “enfant terrible” Eun-Me Ahn. | Roslyn Packer Theatre, Walsh Bay | $79 – $129 |
| Garrigarrang Badu | A powerful First Nations dance work where Dharug women bring Country to life. | Sydney Opera House (Drama Theatre) | $59 – $89 |
Free & Public Art Installations
If you want to soak up the festival atmosphere without spending a cent, head to these locations starting January 8:
- HELD by Lucy Simpson | Barangaroo ReserveA series of stunning sculptural vessels at Stargazer’s Lawn that honor earth, sky, and sea. It’s the spiritual heart of the “Blak Out” program.
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Address: Westem Point Rd, Barangaroo NSW 2000
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- Observer, Observed | Pyrmont BridgeA playful and slightly provocative public art installation that turns the act of “people watching” on the bridge into a reflection on digital surveillance.
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Address: Pyrmont Bridge, Darling Harbour
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- The Thirsty Mile | Walsh Bay Arts PrecinctThis is the festival’s “takeover” of the waterfront. Wander through the nooks of Walsh Bay to find free live music and DJs at the Moonshine Bar every night from Jan 8.
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Address: 13 Hickson Rd, Dawes Point NSW 2000
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The “Special Thing”: Tix for Next to Nix
For the 50th anniversary, the festival has brought back its most famous “insider” secret for budget-conscious culture lovers.
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The Deal: Every morning of the festival (starting Jan 8), you can grab $26 tickets for selected performances happening that same day.
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How to do it: You must visit the sydneyfestival.org.au website between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM.
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The Catch: They are first-come, first-served and limited to two per person. It’s the best way to see a $100 show for the price of a cocktail.
Opening Weekend Teaser (Jan 10)
While technically just outside your Jan 2–9 window, mark your calendar for Saturday, Jan 10:
Live on Hickson Road: A massive, free street party and “live movie shoot” taking over the road outside the Wharves. It starts with a choreographed performance and ends with a huge outdoor dance floor.
Would you like me to find a list of the specific ‘Summer School’ workshops or talks happening during those first two days of the festival?
Art Galleries & Cultural Exhibits
Ron Mueck: Encounter
A Sydney-exclusive exhibition featuring hyper-realistic, scale-defying sculptures.
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Dates: Open daily (6 Dec 2025 – 12 Apr 2026)
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Venue: Art Gallery of New South Wales (Art Gallery Rd, Sydney NSW 2000)
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Tickets: Adults ~$35 (Member discounts apply)
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Contact: artgallery.nsw.gov.au
ACO On The Pier: Kankawa Nagarra
Part of the Sydney Festival opening week, featuring the legendary Walmatjarri blues singer.
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Date: Thursday, Jan 8
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Venue: Pier 2/3, Walsh Bay Arts Precinct (13A Hickson Rd, Dawes Point NSW 2000)
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Tickets: From $49 + booking fee
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Contact: sydneyfestival.org.au
Concerts & Live Music
070 Shake
The American rapper and singer-songwriter brings her experimental alt-pop to Sydney.
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Date: Monday, Jan 5, 2026
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Venue: The Metro Theatre (624 George St, Sydney NSW 2000)
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Tickets: From $80 (General Admission)
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Contact: metrotheatre.com.au | ticketek.com.au
Turnstile
High-energy hardcore punk for those looking for a louder start to the year.
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Date: Tuesday, Jan 6, 2026
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Venue: Hordern Pavilion (1 Driver Ave, Moore Park NSW 2021)
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Tickets: From $90
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Contact: thehordern.com.au | ticketek.com.au
Major Sporting Events
The Pink Test: Australia vs. England (The Ashes)
The most iconic fixture in the Australian summer calendar.
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Dates: Jan 4 – Jan 8, 2026
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Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground (Driver Ave, Moore Park NSW 2021)
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Tickets: From $22 (Day 5) to $150+ (Premium)
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Contact: ticketek.com.au | cricket.com.au
United Cup Tennis
Mixed-team international tournament featuring some of the world’s top 10 players.
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Dates: Quarter-Finals Jan 8 – 9
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Venue: Ken Rosewall Arena (2 Shirley Strickland Ave, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127)
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Tickets: From $30 (Ground Pass) to $130+ (Reserved Seating)
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Contact: ticketmaster.com.au | unitedcup.com
Markets & Food
Food & Markets
Oxford Street Night Market | Taylor Square On Friday, Jan 9, the weekly night market returns. It’s the go-to spot for global street food and local makers in the heart of Darlinghurst.
Chinatown Friday Night Markets | Dixon St Operating every Friday (Jan 2 & Jan 9) from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM. This is the place for late-night takoyaki, dragon beard candy, and a buzzing atmosphere.
The Rocks Markets | Playfair Street Held every Saturday and Sunday (Jan 3–4). Grab some artisanal bread and handmade jewelry while wandering the historic sandstone lanes.
| Event | Location | Days/Times | Entry |
| Chinatown Night Market | Dixon St, Haymarket | Fri (Jan 2 & 9), 4pm–11pm | Free |
| The Rocks Markets | Playfair St, The Rocks | Sat & Sun, 10am–5pm | Free |
| Oxford St Night Market | Taylor Square, Darlinghurst | Fri (Jan 9), 5pm–10pm | Free |
Arts & Culture
Sydney Festival 2026 | City-Wide The 50th-anniversary celebration of the Sydney Festival officially begins on January 8.
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Garrigarrang Badu: Catch the Jannawi Dance Clan at the Sydney Opera House starting Jan 9.
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ACO On The Pier: Head to Walsh Bay (Jan 8) for a performance by blues legend Kankawa Nagarra.
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Gatsby at the Green Light: Immerse yourself in the Roaring ‘20s at this nightclub-style show in the CBD (Daily).
Relics: A New World Rises | Museum of Sydney Running all week, this exhibition features incredible LEGO® worlds built inside vintage objects (like old refrigerators and pianos). It’s a great family-friendly option to escape the afternoon heat.
Food & Markets
Oxford Street Night Market | Taylor Square On Friday, Jan 9, the weekly night market returns. It’s the go-to spot for global street food and local makers in the heart of Darlinghurst.
Chinatown Friday Night Markets | Dixon St Operating every Friday (Jan 2 & Jan 9) from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM. This is the place for late-night takoyaki, dragon beard candy, and a buzzing atmosphere.
The Rocks Markets | Playfair Street Held every Saturday and Sunday (Jan 3–4). Grab some artisanal bread and handmade jewelry while wandering the historic sandstone lanes.
Major Sporting Events
The United Cup Tennis | Ken Rosewall Arena The world’s best mixed-team tennis is in full swing at Sydney Olympic Park.
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Group Stages: Saturday, Jan 3 – Wednesday, Jan 7.
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Quarter Finals: Thursday, Jan 8 – Friday, Jan 9.
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Tip: Your ticket includes free travel on trains, metro, and light rail!
The Pink Test: Australia vs. England | SCG The 5th Ashes Test kicks off on January 4 and runs through to Jan 8. Even if you don’t have a ticket, the area around Moore Park will be buzzing with fans in pink for the McGrath Foundation on Day 3 (Jan 6).
Live Music & Nightlife
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070 Shake: Performing at the Metro Theatre on Monday, Jan 5 (Venue change from Enmore).
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Turnstile & Basement: Catch high-energy punk/hardcore at the Hordern Pavilion on Tuesday, Jan 6.
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Candlelight Concerts: Mozart and Bach tributes by candlelight at St Stephen’s Uniting Church on Jan 8 & 9.
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Spotlight Saturdays: Live music and surprise acts at various CBD venues on Saturday, Jan 3.
Cinema & Outdoors
Mov’in Bed Cinema | Barangaroo Experience “Australia’s Original Bed Cinema” at Barangaroo. You can watch the latest blockbusters or cult classics from a comfortable outdoor bed with views of the harbour.
Sunset Cinema | North Sydney Oval Running throughout the week, featuring outdoor screenings with a local food-and-drink vibe.
