“What’s On in Sydney” guide  covering Friday, January 23 to Friday, January 30, 2026

“What’s On in Sydney” guide  covering Friday, January 23 to Friday, January 30, 2026

Welcome to our comprehensive “What’s On” guide for Sydney, covering Friday, January 23 to Friday, January 30, 2026.

This week is the pinnacle of the summer season, featuring the 50th-anniversary finale of the Sydney Festival, a high-octane Australia Day program, and the last hurrah for school holiday activities.

 Australia Day & The Long Weekend (Jan 24–26)

Sydney Harbour becomes a global stage this Monday for Australia Day.

The Rocks & Circular Quay (Monday, Jan 26)

• Dawn Reflection (5:20 AM): The day begins with First Nations artwork projected onto the Opera House sails. Best viewed from the Overseas Passenger Terminal.

• Oz Day 10K (9:00 AM): The world’s elite wheelchair athletes race through the historic streets of The Rocks.

• Australia Day at The Rocks Markets (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM): A massive street-party version of the markets with live music and dozens of extra stalls.

• Harbourfest Highlights:

  • Ferrython (12:10 PM): Sydney’s Emerald-class ferries race for glory.

  • RAAF Flypast (12:00 PM): An F-35A Lightning II will conduct a handling display over the water.

  • Tall Ships Race (1:00 PM): Historic vessels compete in a majestic race from Bradley’s Head to the Bridge.

• Australia Day Live (7:30 PM – 9:30 PM): A star-studded concert at the Opera House Forecourt featuring Cody Simpson and Kate Ceberano, ending with a massive fireworks and jet-ski display.

Cultural & Community Events

• WugulOra Ceremony (7:30 AM, Barangaroo): A sacred smoking ceremony to cleanse the way for the new year.

• Yabun Festival (10:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Victoria Park): The largest one-day celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in the country.

• Vigil: Belong (Jan 25, Barangaroo): A choral performance on the eve of Australia Day featuring 600 voices.

Arts & Culture

It is “Last Call” for some of the biggest shows of the year.

• Sydney Festival Finale (Ending Jan 25): The 50th-anniversary festival wraps up this weekend. Don’t miss LACRIMA at the Roslyn Packer Theatre or the free Waverider circus show at Bondi Pavilion.

• Ron Mueck: Encounter (Art Gallery of NSW, Ending Jan 25): The final days to see these hyper-realistic sculptures that have taken Sydney by storm.

• Songs of the Bulbul (Jan 28–31, Opera House): A mesmerizing new dance work inspired by Sufi myths.

• Hansel & Gretel (Starting Jan 27, Opera House): Opera Australia debuts this lush, family-friendly production of the classic fairy tale.

• Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds (Jan 23–24, ICC Sydney): A dark and powerful musical residency to kick off your weekend.

 School Holiday Events for Kids

With school resuming next week, here is how to spend the final few days of freedom.

• Mega Kidz Zone (Jan 26, Circular Quay): A huge, free interactive arcade at the Overseas Passenger Terminal with giant games and inflatable obstacle courses.

• Vaucluse House (Jan 28–30): Historic garden games (Quoits) and “old-fashioned laundry” workshops for kids.

• Justice & Police Museum (Daily to Jan 30): Kids can perform “mock trials” in the 19th-century courtrooms and earn their own police badges.

• Waterworld Central (Ending Jan 26, Moore Park): The final weekend of the massive inflatable water park at the Entertainment Quarter.

• Cyanotypes Workshop (Jan 28, Elizabeth Farm): A hands-on “sun print” photography workshop for creative older kids.

 Providore & Markets

A busy week for local produce and artisanal goods.

⚠️ Important Transport Note

Due to the Australia Day crowds, Ferries will not run to/from Circular Quay between 11:45 AM – 12:45 PM and 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM on Monday, January 26. Plan your trip early and consider using trains to Wynyard or Town Hall.

Would you like me to create a printable one-page itinerary specifically for your Australia Day at The Rocks?