WHAT’S ON IN SYDNEY THIS WEEK GUIDE – FROM THURSDAY March 19 TO FRIDAY 27
Posted Thursday March 19
From the Desk of the Publisher
RE: The Week Ahead in Sydney | March 19 – 26, 2026
From the Desk of the Publisher
As we move into the heart of the autumn season, Sydney finds itself in a rare moment of cultural convergence. From the historic sandstone of the State Library to the industrial grandeur of the White Bay Power Station—the flagship hub for this year’s Biennale of Sydney—the city is currently a living gallery of global ideas.
In this week’s edition, we have curated a selection that reflects the true breadth of our harbor city. For those who seek the intellectual rigor of contemporary art, the White Rabbit Gallery continues to challenge with The Hooligans, while the Alliance Française French Film Festival offers a cinematic escape that remains the gold standard of international storytelling.
At the Sydney Opera House, the summer season is reaching its crescendo. Whether you are attending the opening nights of Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin or savoring the final, haunting notes of Turandot, these are the performances that define the Sydney experience.
Beyond the stage, I encourage you to visit the Carriageworks Farmers Market this Saturday. There is no better way to understand the NSW region than through its primary producers—our “Providores Guide” below highlights the essential stops for your weekend pantry.
Sydney is at its best when it is explored with intent. I hope this guide serves as your roadmap to a week of discovery.
Axel R. Publisher, Sydney Times
WHAT’S ON IN SYDNEY THIS WEEK GUIDE – FROM THURSDAY March 19 TO FRIDAY 27
This week in Sydney (March 19–26, 2026) is a high-octane blend of international cinema, harbor-side spectacle, and elite contemporary art. Whether you are hunting for rare vintages at the markets or catching the final days of the summer opera season, here is your definitive guide to what’s happening.
Arts, Culture & Galleries
The city’s major institutions are in a state of transition this week, with the Biennale of Sydney: Rememory now in full swing.
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Art Gallery of NSW (AGNSW): Art Gallery Rd, Sydney NSW 2000
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ສູ້ສູ້ Sou Sou: Don’t miss Mechelle Bounpraseuth’s new ceramic installation in the Children’s Gallery—a playful tribute to food and home.
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Sydney Cinémathèque: The gallery’s new film arm is now hosting weekly screenings and retrospectives.
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Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA): 140 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000
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MCA Late: The museum stays open late this Thursday (March 19) for after-hours art and drinks.
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Upcoming: Note that the major Tony Albert winter exhibition is currently in final preparations for the Vivid season ahead.
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White Rabbit Gallery: 30 Balfour St, Chippendale NSW 2008
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The Hooligans: The current exhibition is a must-see, featuring bold, provocative works from the White Rabbit Collection that challenge social norms.
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Artspace: 43-51 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011
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Event Horizon: Check out Michaela Gleave’s immersive installation.
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Theatre & Entertainment
It is a massive week for stage and screen, highlighted by the annual French film takeover.
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Alliance Française French Film Festival: Running now through April 8. Key screenings this week are held at:
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It is a massive week for stage and screen, highlighted by the annual French film takeover.
-
Alliance Française French Film Festival: Running now through April 8. Key screenings this week are held at Palace Central, Palace Norton St, and the Hayden Orpheum. It’s the peak time to catch the latest Gallic dramas and comedies.
Palace Central: Level 3, Central Park Mall, 28 Broadway, Chippendale NSW 2008
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Palace Norton St: 99 Norton St, Leichhardt NSW 2040
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Hayden Orpheum: 380 Military Rd, Cremorne NSW 20
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Sydney Opera House: Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000
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Opera: The summer season is winding down. Catch Eugene Onegin (opening March 17) or the spectacular Turandot before they close later this month.
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Sydney Symphony Orchestra: Performing Saint-Saëns’ Organ Symphony (March 19–21).
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Sydney Theatre Company (Roslyn Packer Theatre): 22 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay NSW 2000
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My Brilliant Career: Premiering on March 21—a fresh, bold take on the Miles Franklin classic.
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The River (Wharf 1 Theatre): Pier 4/5, 15 Hickson Rd, Dawes Point NSW 2000 – Running through March 22.
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Belvoir St Theatre: 25 Belvoir St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
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The Elocution of Benjamin Franklin: A gripping revival currently on stage.
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Music & Nightlife
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Bernard Fanning: Playing at Enmore Theatre (118-132 Enmore Rd, Newtown NSW 2042) tonight (Thursday, March 19) for his Tea & Sympathy 20th Anniversary Tour.
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Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour: Mrs Macquaries Point, Sydney NSW 2000 – The Phantom of the Opera begins its iconic outdoor run on March 27.
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Live Gigs: * The Duke of Enmore: 148 Enmore Rd, Enmore NSW 2042 – Live Band Karaoke (March 19).
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Sappho Books: 51 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037 – Catch Trappist Afterland for an intimate acoustic evening (March 19).
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Providores, Markets & Events
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Carriageworks Farmers Market: 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh NSW 2015 – Every Saturday (8 am – 1 pm). Essential for seasonal produce and boutique spirits.
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The Rocks Markets: George St & Playfair St, The Rocks NSW 2000 – Open Friday (10 am – 3 pm) for “Foodie Friday” and Saturday/Sunday (10 am – 5 pm).
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Royal Australian Navy International Fleet Review: Visible across the Sydney Harbour foreshore on Saturday, March 21.
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Chiswick Wine Market: 65 Ocean St, Woollahra NSW 2025 – A special “Women in Wine” event featuring curated lineups.
Shakespeare Room interiors
Libraries & Community
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State Library of NSW: 1 Shakespeare Pl, Sydney NSW 2000 – The Amaze Gallery is currently showing rare maps and early Australian manuscripts.
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Customs House: 31 Alfred St, Sydney NSW 2000 – View the 1:500 scale model of the city under the glass floor.
Would you like me to create a printable PDF version of this guide for your readers?
Arts, Culture & Galleries
The city’s major institutions are in a state of transition this week, with the Biennale of Sydney: Rememory now in full swing.
-
Art Gallery of NSW (AGNSW): * ສູ້ສູ້ Sou Sou: Don’t miss Mechelle Bounpraseuth’s new ceramic installation in the Children’s Gallery—a playful tribute to food and home.
-
Sydney Cinémathèque: The gallery’s new film arm is now hosting weekly screenings and retrospectives.
-
-
Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA): * MCA Late: The museum stays open late this Thursday (March 19) for after-hours art and drinks.
-
Upcoming: Note that the major Tony Albert winter exhibition is currently in final preparations for the Vivid season ahead.
-
-
White Rabbit Gallery (Chippendale):
-
The Hooligans: The current exhibition is a must-see, featuring bold, provocative works from the White Rabbit Collection that challenge social norms.
-
-
Artspace (Woolloomooloo): * Event Horizon: Check out Michaela Gleave’s immersive installation.
Theatre & Entertainment
It is a massive week for stage and screen, highlighted by the annual French film takeover.
-
Alliance Française French Film Festival: Running now through April 8. Key screenings this week are held at Palace Central, Palace Norton St, and the Hayden Orpheum. It’s the peak time to catch the latest Gallic dramas and comedies.
-
Sydney Opera House:
-
Opera: The summer season is winding down. Catch Eugene Onegin (opening March 17) or the spectacular Turandot before they close later this month.
-
Sydney Symphony Orchestra: Performing Saint-Saëns’ Organ Symphony (March 19–21).
-
-
Sydney Theatre Company:
-
My Brilliant Career: Premiering at the Roslyn Packer Theatre on March 21—a fresh, bold take on the Miles Franklin classic.
-
The River: Still running at the Wharf 1 Theatre through March 22.
-
-
Belvoir St Theatre:
-
The Elocution of Benjamin Franklin: A gripping revival currently on stage.
-
Music & Nightlife
-
Bernard Fanning: The Aussie icon hits Sydney tonight (Thursday, March 19) for his Tea & Sympathy 20th Anniversary Tour.
-
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour: The Phantom of the Opera begins its iconic outdoor run at Mrs Macquaries Point on March 27—prepare for the spectacular arrival of the chandelier next week.
-
Live Gigs: * The Duke of Enmore: Live Band Karaoke (March 19) for those who prefer the stage to the stalls.
-
Sappho Books: Catch Trappist Afterland for a more intimate, acoustic evening (March 19).
-
Providores, Markets & Events
For those seeking the best of the region’s produce and artisan goods:
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Carriageworks Farmers Market: Every Saturday (8 am – 1 pm). Essential for seasonal produce, artisanal sourdough, and boutique spirits.
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The Rocks Markets: Open Friday (10 am – 3 pm) for “Foodie Friday” and Saturday/Sunday (10 am – 5 pm) for local craft, jewelry, and street food.
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Royal Australian Navy International Fleet Review: A major highlight this week on Saturday, March 21. Expect spectacular ship displays and harbor activity.
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Chiswick Wine Market: A special “Women in Wine” event featuring curated lineups from the Hunter Valley and beyond.
Libraries & Community
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State Library of NSW: Often overlooked, the Amaze Gallery is currently showing rare maps and early Australian manuscripts that are worth a quiet hour of exploration.
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Customs House: Perfect for a quick architectural fix and to see the scale model of the city under the glass floor.
Would you like me to find the specific screening times for the French Film Festival at the Hayden Orpheum or Palace Central for you?
