Sydney is kicking off 2026 with the ultimate summer line-up across The Rocks, Barangaroo and Darling Harbour
Sydney Times What’s on Guide
Posted Friday 16 january,2025
Sydney, January 2026: Sydney’s iconic waterfront precincts are upping the ante this summer with a vibrant program of events, inviting Sydneysiders and visitors to enjoy live entertainment and incredible experiences across The Rocks, Barangaroo and Darling Harbour.
Whether you’re looking to kickstart healthy routines with yoga or pickleball, unwind with an evening swim and ice-cream, take the family on a scavenger hunt or enjoy a movie night with your pup, Sydney’s harbourside precincts offer something for everyone this summer.
The Rocks
Sydney’s oldest neighbourhood has the perfect summer line-up of free events with a mix of much-loved favourites and exciting new experiences, set among historic laneways and spectacular harbour views.
Swimming enclosure at Marrinawi Cove
What’s on:
- The Rocks Markets returns every Saturday from 10am–5pm and on Fridays from 9 January, 10am to 3pm featuring artisan stalls, handcrafted goods, local art and gourmet street food.
- NSW Wine Cellar Door under the Harbour Bridge on Saturday 31 January and Sunday 1 February, showcasing the best of NSW vineyards.
- Laneway Cinema every Wednesday from 7 January, with new Movie Marathons introduced for the first time.
- All January popcorn proceeds support Sydney Dogs & Cats Home
- Special pet friendly screening of Mean Girls and Jaw Breaker on Wednesday 21 January
- Yoga Under the Bridge returns every Sunday with sessions at 8.30am and 9.30am.
- Run Club kicks off on Tuesday 13 January and will run every week at 7am.
- Reflect. Respect. Celebrate this Australia Day on 26 January at The Rocks with markets, yummy street food, spectacular displays and more.
Barangaroo
Barangaroo offers a relaxed harbourside escape this summer, combining markets, city swimming, live music, and waterfront dining.
What’s on:
- Barangaroo Markets on Friday 16 January and Friday 20 February 10am–4pm
- Mov’in Bed, the outdoor bed cinema experience, continues for a long hot summer of hit movies in Barangaroo – the perfect spot for a date night or fun with friends and running until the 5 April.
- Live music and gelato at Marrinawi Cove every weekend 10am–4pm, running throughout summer until 29 March 2026 offers the perfect spot to unwind and cool off by the water.
- Summer of Tennis at Barangaroo from 20 January to 1 February, tennis fans can experience the thrill of the Australian Open right here in Barangaroo! Fans can relax on comfy beanbags, play lawn games and soak up the summer atmosphere – while watching the tennis on the big screen.
Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour will be buzzing all summer long with live entertainment, festivals and family friendly fun across January and February.
What’s on:
- FREE to attend Sydney Festival (8–25 January) featuring Australian storytellers and world class artists, including:
- Observer, Observed – open art installation across Pyrmont Bridge (8–25 January)
- Save the Last Dance For Me – Polka Chinata workshop at Dancers’ Alley (14 & 15 January)
- Sydney Symphony Under the Stars – free concert by Sydney Symphony Orchestra at Tumbalong Park on 17 January, celebrating 50 years of Sydney Festival
- The HBO MAX Open Air Cinema returns to Darling Quarter on Thursday 8 January with 16 FREE screenings under the stars every Thursday – Sunday until 25 January. Enjoy the line-up of family friendly movies including Superman, Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed, Fantastic Beasts & Where to find them, A Minecraft Movie and many more!
- Darling Harbour Fireworks every Saturday night at 9pm, lighting up the harbour
- House of Pickle (ICC Sydney Event Deck), a new pickleball venue featuring eight tournament quality courts. With coaching, social events and a fully serviced bar!
- School holiday and ongoing kids’ activities, including:
- Plant Explorer – A Kids’ Scavenger Hunt at the Chinese Garden of Friendship on weekdays 5–16 January
- Rhythm n Bubs free musical discovery sessions for 0–5-year-olds every Wednesday
- Disney Jr. Live on Tour: Let’s Play! at ICC Sydney (17 & 18 January)
- Flymotion Bungy Trampolining (3–26 January)
- Kids Yoga at Darling Quarter every Friday
- The Beach at the Australian National Maritime Museum, a bright interactive experience for families at Summer at the Sea Museum
To find out more about the upcoming events, visit the precinct websites The Rocks, Barangaroo & Darling Harbour
Getting there and access:
- Many events are FREE and unticketed but check out the event website page for more details.
- Activities run throughout January and February, with select events extending into the Autumn.
- Leave the car at home if you can! Barangaroo, The Rocks & Darling Harbour are all easily accessed via public transporting including train, light rail, ferry, bus and are a short walk from nearby stations.
- Check transport details here.
