What’s on in Sydney Guide for the week Friday 20 February to 27 February
Sydney This Week: The Ultimate What’s On Guide (Feb 20 – Feb 27, 2026)
Posted Friday 20 February,2026
Welcome to a week where Sydney’s heartbeat is faster than ever. As we gallop into the Year of the Fire Horse, the city is a kaleidoscope of red lanterns, sizzling street food, and high-energy performances. Whether you’re here for the Lunar festivities, the tail-end of the summer festival season, or a quiet wander through local markets, this guide covers the best of the Harbour City.
For the week of February 20–27, 2026, Sydney’s museums and art galleries are in a high-energy “festival mode,” blending the celebration of the Lunar New Year with the lead-up to the world-famous Sydney Mardi Gras.
Here is your guide to the must-see exhibitions and special cultural events:
🎨 Major Art Museums
Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW)
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Ron Mueck: Encounter: A rare opportunity to see the hyperrealist sculptures of the Australian-born artist. His giant and miniature figures are deeply human and unsettlingly lifelike.
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Queer Art After Hours (Feb 25): Part of the Mardi Gras program. A free (ticketed) late-night takeover featuring DJ sets, queer performances, and art activations across the Naala Nura and Naala Badu buildings.
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Lunar New Year Celebrations (Feb 22): Free cultural events, including lion dances and artist talks, specifically for the Sunday of the festival week.
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Address: Art Gallery Rd, Sydney NSW 2000
Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)
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Data Dreams: Art and AI: An immersive exhibition exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping our world, identity, and creativity.
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Maria Fernanda Cardoso: Spiders of Paradise: Closing Feb 21. Don’t miss the final days of these vibrant, large-scale photographs of Australian Maratus (peacock) spiders.
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Talk: Indigenous Knowledge Place (Feb 21, 2 PM): Architect Michael Mossman discusses Indigenous perspectives on space and design.
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Address: 140 George St, Circular Quay NSW 2000
🏛️ History & Science Museums
Australian Museum
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Unfinished Business: A powerful 3D photography exhibition detailing the stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living with disabilities.
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Waranara (First Nations Tours): Daily guided tours that offer deep insights into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through the museum’s incredible collection of objects.
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Address: 1 College St, Sydney NSW 2000
Sydney Observatory (Powerhouse)
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Sunset Variations (Feb 20 & Feb 27): An outdoor music and art event at the historic Observatory. Enjoy live electronic music and stargazing on the hill as the sun sets over the harbour ($10 entry).
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Address: 1003 Upper Fort St, Millers Point NSW 2000
Museum of Sydney
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A Corner of the Empire: Explores the history of the First Government House and the archeological remains found right beneath the museum floor.
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Address: Corner Phillip and Bridge St, Sydney NSW 2000
🧧 Specialty & Lunar-Focused Galleries
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White Rabbit Gallery: One of the world’s most significant collections of contemporary Chinese art. Their current show is always provocative and features high-production video and sculpture.
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Address: 30 Balfour St, Chippendale NSW 2008
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4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art: This week features “YEAR OF THE HORSE” (An Offering, A Burning, A Prayer), an exhibition that blends traditional mythology with contemporary symbolism to mark the New Year.
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Address: 181-187 Hay St, Haymarket NSW 2000
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N. Smith Gallery: “Between Earth and Moon” is a special Lunar New Year group exhibition exploring vitality and movement, specifically tailored to the symbolism of the Fire Horse.
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Address: 11 S Dowling St, Paddington NSW 2021
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Quick Gallery Comparison
🏮 Lunar New Year Highlights: Year of the Fire Horse
The Lunar New Year (which officially began Feb 17) is in full swing. This year honors the Fire Horse, symbolizing passion, strength, and vitality.
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Lunar Extravaganza at Sydney Town Hall
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What: A massive showcase of traditional and contemporary dance, music, and song from Chinese, Korean, Thai, and Vietnamese communities.
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When: Saturday, Feb 21 (Two shows)
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Address: 483 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
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Darling Harbour: Jet Pack Shows & Fireworks
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What: Watch high-flying “lion dancers” on jet packs over Cockle Bay, followed by a spectacular fireworks display.
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When: Saturday, Feb 21 (Jet packs during the day; Fireworks at 9:00 PM)
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Address: Darling Harbour, Sydney NSW 2000
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Kensington Street Lunar Festival
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What: A bustling street party in Chippendale featuring lion dances, live music, and some of the best street food in the city.
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When: Saturday, Feb 21
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Address: Kensington St, Chippendale NSW 2008
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Chatswood Year of the Horse Festival
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What: One of the largest suburban celebrations with over 130 food stalls, a lantern parade, and roving performances.
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When: Feb 21 – Feb 22
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Address: Victoria Ave & Concourse, Chatswood NSW 2067
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🍷 Food & Wine: Banquets and Long Lunches
Sydney’s dining scene is leaning into seasonal produce and festive feasts this week.
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Lunar Feast with Luke Nguyen at Fat Noodle
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What: A specially curated Year of the Horse menu by celebrity chef Luke Nguyen.
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When: Wednesday, Feb 25
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Address: The Star, 80 Pyrmont St, Pyrmont NSW 2009
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Wines That Defined the Year: Long Lunch
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What: A four-course Italian lunch overlooking the ocean, paired with 13 of Australia’s top-rated wines.
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When: Saturday, Feb 21, 12:30 PM
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Address: Cibaria Manly, 43-45 N Steyne, Manly NSW 2095
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Twilight Food Market – Coffs Harbour (Worth the trip or local vibe)
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What: If you’re heading north, this beachside market is a Friday staple. Locally, try the Chinatown Night Markets for immediate gratification.
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When: Friday, Feb 20
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Address: Dixon St, Haymarket NSW 2000 (Chinatown)
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🎭 Arts & Culture: From Opera to Underground
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Turandot at the Sydney Opera House
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What: Puccini’s grand masterpiece, featuring the world-famous “Nessun Dorma.”
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When: Nightly until Feb 27
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Address: Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000
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Searchers: Graffiti and Contemporary Art
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What: An edgy exhibition bringing underground spray-can culture into the gallery space.
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When: Daily until April
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Address: National Art School, Forbes St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
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Crowded House at Bondi Beach
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What: Iconic Aussie/Kiwi rock at “Golden Hour” on the world’s most famous beach.
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When: Friday, Feb 20
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Address: Bondi Beach Park, Bondi NSW 2026
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Data Dreams: Art and AI
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What: A cutting-edge exhibition exploring the intersection of technology and creativity.
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When: Daily
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Address: Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), 140 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000
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🛒 Markets: Weekend Wandering
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Northside Produce Market
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What: The “foodie’s market.” Exceptional artisan bread, cheeses, and organic produce.
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When: Saturday, Feb 21 (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
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Address: Civic Park, 220 Miller St, North Sydney NSW 2060
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Bondi Farmers Market
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What: Fresh seasonal produce with a side of sea breeze. Great for a post-surf brunch.
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When: Saturday, Feb 21
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Address: Bondi Beach Public School, Campbell Parade, Bondi NSW 2026
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Marrickville Organic Food Market
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What: The ultimate Sunday vibe with eclectic stalls, pony rides for kids, and incredible organic eats.
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When: Sunday, Feb 22
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Address: 142 Addison Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204
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Pro Tip for the Week:
Traffic in the CBD and Haymarket will be heavy on Saturday due to the Lunar Festival. Take the Light Rail (L2 or L3)—it drops you right in the heart of the Chinatown and Darling Harbour action.
