What’s on in Sydney Guide for the week friday 24 April to 01 May
Welcome to your Sydney guide for the week of Friday 24 April to Friday 1 May 2026.
This week is anchored by the solemnity and community of ANZAC Day, transitioning into a vibrant late-autumn schedule of world-class ballet, quirky markets, and the prestigious Biennale of Sydney.
ANZAC Day | Saturday 25 April
Sydney marks the 111th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings with major commemorations across the CBD and suburbs:
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The Dawn Service: 4:30 AM at the Cenotaph, Martin Place.
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ANZAC Day March: Starting at 9:00 AM from the intersection of Martin Place and Elizabeth Street.
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The Rocks Commemorations: Head to The Rocks post-march for a “Diggers Breakfast,” live marching bands, and the city’s most spirited Two-Up arenas at the Australian Heritage Hotel and The Glenmore.
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Sunset Tribute: A “Lest We Forget” musical tribute on the Sydney Opera House Forecourt (Friday 24 April).
Arts & Culture
The city is currently a canvas for the 25th Biennale of Sydney, titled Rememory.
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White Bay Power Station: The industrial heart of the Biennale. Catch Art After Dark on Friday nights—expect DJ sets, art tours, and eclectic performances.
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The Gallipoli Art Prize: View the 2026 finalists and winner at the Cleland Bond Store in The Rocks (Daily).
Australian Heritage Festival: Various tours and heritage experiences are running across Millers Point and the CBD throughout the week.
Major Art Galleries
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The exhibitions currently showing at each gallery for the period of Friday 24 April to Friday 1 May 2026.
Major Public Institutions
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Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (140 George St, The Rocks)
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Data Dreams: Art and AI: A major international premiere exploring the intersection of technology and creativity. Final days—closing Monday 27 April.
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MCA Collection: Perspectives on Place: A rotating selection of Australian contemporary art.
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Art Gallery of New South Wales (Art Gallery Rd, Sydney)
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25th Biennale of Sydney (Rememory): Large-scale installations across both the North and South buildings.
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Art and Dementia Tour: Special sculpture tour on Friday 24 April at 11:00 AM.
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White Bay Power Station (Robert St, Rozelle)
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Biennale Hub: The centerpiece of the Biennale of Sydney, featuring immersive multimedia and industrial-scale installations.
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Art After Dark: Live music and late-night access on Friday 24 April and Friday 1 May.
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Private & Specialized Galleries
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White Rabbit Gallery (30 Balfour St, Chippendale)
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This Moment: A bold collection of Chinese contemporary art from the last 25 years featuring monumental sculpture and light installations.
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Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery (8 Soudan Ln, Paddington)
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Animal Architecture: Deep Time: A solo exhibition by John Wolseley exploring the relationship between geology and burrowing animals.
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Wentworth Gallery (175 Pitt St, Sydney)
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The Golden Light: A solo exhibition by Johnny K featuring vibrant landscape paintings. Opening Thursday 30 April.
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Ken Done Gallery (1 Hickson Rd, The Rocks)
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Paintings You Probably Haven’t Seen: A curated selection of Ken Done’s recent works focusing on the Australian coast and icons.
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University & Regional Centers
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National Art School (156 Forbes St, Darlinghurst)
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Searchers: Graffiti and Contemporary Art: Exploring the history and influence of street art. Closing this week.
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Mitch Cairns: Artist’s Mouth: A 20-year career survey. Opening Night Thursday 30 April.
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Chau Chak Wing Museum (University Pl, Camperdown)
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Biennale Commissions: New works by Benjamin Work and Richard Bell.
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The Power of Photography: Exploring the museum’s extensive historical archives.
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Campbelltown Arts Centre (1 Art Gallery Rd, Campbelltown)
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Poetic Vocabularies: An exhibition exploring how text and language are integrated into contemporary artistic practice.
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Penrith Regional Gallery (86 River Rd, Emu Plains)
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The Moderns: Works from the permanent collection highlighting Australian modernism in the historic Lewers house.
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Entertainment, Opera & Concerts
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The Australian Ballet: Romeo and Juliet at the Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House. A lush, romantic production running nightly (except Sundays).
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Opera Australia: Handa Opera’s The Phantom of the Opera continues its spectacular outdoor run at Mrs Macquaries Point—a must-do for the harbor views alone.
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Live Music:
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Masayoshi Takanaka: The legendary Japanese guitarist at ICC Sydney (Friday 24 April).
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Guy Sebastian: Performing at the ICC Sydney Theatre (30 April – 1 May).
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Parasite: Live in Concert: The Oscar-winning film screened with a live orchestra at the Opera House Concert Hall (24–25 April).
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Cinema: The Opera House is hosting a “Stanley Kubrick Retrospective” and cult classics like Best in Show (29 April) and Tampopo (30 April).
Museums & Libraries
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Australian Museum: Bloodsuckers: Nature’s Vampires—a family-friendly (and slightly creepy) look at the world’s parasites.
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Art Gallery of NSW: Visit the North Building (Sydney Modern) for the Biennale installations or the Centrifugal Love Garden (closing soon).
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State Library of NSW: Perfect for a quiet afternoon; check out their permanent “World of the Book” exhibition.
Markets & Fairs
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The Rocks Markets: Open Saturday 25 April (from 11 AM after the march) and Sunday 26 April. Ideal for artisanal jewelry and street food.
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The New Bradbury Market: Relaunching this Saturday (25 April) at Bradbury Shopping Centre for those seeking handcrafted local goods.
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Sydney Build Expo: For the industry-minded, Australia’s largest construction and design show hits the ICC Sydney (29–30 April).
Guide for markets and providore destinations in Sydney for the week of Friday 24 April to Friday 1 May 2026.
Important ANZAC Day Note: On Saturday 25 April, many markets operate with restricted hours, typically opening from 1:00 PM onwards, though fresh food providores are often exempt and open earlier.
Central Sydney & The Rocks
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The Rocks Markets George St, The Rocks NSW 2000
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Sat 25 Apr: Open from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM (following the ANZAC Day march).
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Sun 26 Apr: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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Paddy’s Markets Haymarket 9-13 Hay St, Haymarket NSW 2000
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Sat 25 Apr: Limited opening from 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
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Sun 26 Apr: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
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Mon 27 Apr: Closed (Public Holiday).
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Oxford Street Night Market Taylor Square, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
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Fri 24 Apr: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Curated food and artisanal stalls.
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Providores & Farmers Markets
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Carriageworks Farmers’ Market 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh NSW 2015
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Sat 25 Apr: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM. High-end seasonal produce and artisanal bread
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Sydney Fish Market Corner Pyrmont Bridge Rd and Bank St, Pyrmont NSW 2009
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Daily: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Includes major providores like Peter’s, Nicholas Seafood, and Blackwattle Del
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Marrickville Organic Food & Farmers Market 142 Addison Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204
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Sun 26 Apr: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
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Oxford Street Farmers Market Taylor Square, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
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Sat 25 Apr: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
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Specialist & Lifestyle Markets
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The Entertainment Quarter Markets (EQ) 122 Lang Rd, Moore Park NSW 2021
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Sat 25 Apr: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Produce and Gourmet food).
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Wed 29 Apr: 8:00 AM – 2:00 P
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XChange Markets The Entertainment Quarter, 122 Lang Rd, Moore Park NSW 2021
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Sun 26 Apr: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Curated vintage and pre-loved fashion
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Paddington Markets 395 Oxford St, Paddington NSW 2021
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Sat 25 Apr: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Iconic designer and craft market
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Ryde Wharf Market Anderson Park, Meadowbank NSW 2114
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Sun 26 Apr: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Waterside market with 70+ stalls.
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The Finders Keepers Sydney Design Market Hordern Pavilion, Moore Park NSW 2021
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Fri 1 May: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Launch of the three-day design festival).
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Weekly Snapshot
| Date | Highlight Event | Venue |
| Fri 24 Apr | Masayoshi Takanaka / Romeo & Juliet | ICC Sydney / Opera House |
| Sat 25 Apr | ANZAC Day Dawn Service & Two-Up | Martin Place / The Rocks |
| Sun 26 Apr | Diesel (By Request) | Opera House Studio |
| Wed 29 Apr | Sydney Build Expo | ICC Sydney |
| Thu 30 Apr | Guy Sebastian | ICC Sydney Theatre |
| Fri 1 May | Great Southern Nights (Music Launch) | Various Venues |
Enjoy your week in the Emerald City!
