What’s On in Sydney This Week: A Comprehensive Guide August 22 to 29

Sydney is buzzing this week with a vibrant mix of arts, culture, music, and community events. Whether you’re looking for a cultural deep dive, a day of market browsing, or a fun night out, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Arts and Culture

Exhibitions:

This week offers some fantastic last chances to catch major exhibitions. At the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Learning Curve Lecture Series: Modern Art, Modern Love concludes on Saturday, August 23. This fascinating series explores the creative partnerships of iconic artists like Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Meanwhile, the White Rabbit Gallery presents its final week of Tender Comrade, an exhibition exploring queerness in Chinese history and culture through contemporary art. The blockbuster exhibition RELICS: A New World Rises, which uses LEGO® bricks to create intricate worlds, is a must-see at the Australian Museum.

The Marriage of Figaro,Sydney Opera House 

Theatre and Music:

The Sydney Opera House is a hub of operatic drama this week. The Marriage of Figaro by Opera Australia has its final performances, with its last show on Wednesday, August 27. Meanwhile, a bold new production of the classic opera Carmen opens on Friday, August 22, and runs until late September. In the city, the Ensemble Theatre presents The Emerald City, a witty revival of David Williamson’s play, until August 23. At the Seymour Centre, don’t miss The Face of Jizo, a powerful play commemorating 80 years since the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, with performances through September 6. For live music, acclaimed Australian guitarist and three-time ARIA winner Jeff Lang has performances on Friday, August 22 and Sunday, August 24. For pop fans, Tyler, the Creator is performing at Qudos Bank Arena from August 26-28.

Workshops and Tours:

Discover the city’s hidden gems and learn new skills. You can join a 90-Minute History Walking Tour of The Rocks to explore Sydney’s convict past and see its historic sandstone buildings. For those with a creative side, the MCA Art Play offers early learning sessions for children through art on Monday, August 25. The Sydney City Farm also hosts a free Seasonal Guided Walk and a Volunteer Induction Session on Saturday, August 23, for those looking to get involved in community gardening. The Royal Botanic Garden offers a Behind the Scenes Glasshouse Tour on Wednesday, August 27, where you can explore the Tropical Centre and learn about rare plants.

Markets

Sydney’s markets are a perfect way to spend a weekend, with a variety of stalls and a lively atmosphere.

• The Rocks Markets: A weekend classic, The Rocks Markets operate every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm, with vendors offering local art, handcrafted goods, and gourmet street food, all set against the historic backdrop of the harbour.
• Chinatown Market: For a taste of late-night Asian street food and unique goods, head to the Chinatown Night Markets, a popular spot every Friday evening.
• Kirribilli Markets: This week, the popular Kirribilli General Market is held on Saturday, August 23. It features over 220 stalls selling new and recycled fashion, homewares, arts, and crafts.
• Carriageworks Farmers Market: A true foodie’s paradise, this market is held every Saturday from 8am to 1pm, featuring over 70 NSW farmers and artisan food producers.
• Bondi Farmers Market: Held every Saturday from 9am to 1pm, this market is a haven for fresh, seasonal produce directly from local farmers.
• Second Life Markets: This popular pre-loved fashion market is held at Carriageworks on Sunday, August 31, and features over 120 stalls of curated vintage finds, alongside local DJs and food trucks.

Community Events and Activities

• Fireworks at Darling Harbour: Enjoy a spectacular fireworks display along the harbour’s edge on Saturday, August 23. The show typically starts around 8:30 pm.
• Recycle It Saturday: A free recycling drop-off event on Saturday, August 23, where you can responsibly dispose of a range of hard-to-recycle items like electronic waste, batteries, and lightbulbs.
• Korean Film Festival in Australia (KOFFIA): The festival returns to Sydney this week, screening the best of Korean cinema with a program of critically acclaimed films.
• LGBTIQA+ Discussion Group: The Reginald Murphy Community Centre hosts an open discussion group for the LGBTIQA+ community. Check with the centre for the exact schedule.
• Glebe Community Day: A community barbecue will be held at the Glebe Community Centre on Friday, August 29.
• Library Treasure Hunt: Join a fun library treasure hunt across the City of Sydney libraries in August to celebrate Library and Information Week and Book Week.
• Balance Bike Clinics: Parents can bring their children to a free balance bike clinic at the Sydney Park Cycling Centre on Saturday, August 23, designed to teach young kids the basics of bike riding.
• Mardi Gras Film Festival: Queer Screen’s 12th Film Fest is running from August 27-31, featuring 37 films from around the world.
• Creative Histories: A Conversation: A free public talk at the Chau Chak Wing Museum on Wednesday, August 27, exploring new approaches to historical research.
• Wear It Purple Day: On Friday, August 29, celebrate and support LGBTIQA+ young people. Look for events and activities across the city.
• Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival: The popular festival continues this week until Sunday, August 24, at the Auburn Botanic Gardens, offering a stunning sight of blooming cherry blossoms and a taste of Japanese culture.

Art & Exhibitions

• Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes
  • Overview: Australia’s most prestigious and popular art events are back. The 2025 exhibition showcases the year’s best portraits, landscapes, and genre paintings, including finalists Regina Pilawuk Wilson for the Sulman Prize and Sid Pattni for the Archibald Prize.
  • Address: Art Gallery of NSW, Art Gallery Rd, The Domain, Sydney NSW 2000
  • Time: Today, 10am to 5pm
• Australian Life Exhibition 2025
  • Overview: An intimate and powerful journey through contrasting scenes of connection, resilience, and play. This free outdoor exhibition displays the 30 finalists of the Australian Life photography prize, a competition showcasing epic and intimate images of daily life across the country.
  • Address: Customs House Square, 31 Alfred St, Sydney NSW 2000
  • Time: Today, 12pm to 5pm
• Little Sydney Lives Exhibition 2025
  • Overview: A delightful glimpse into the world through the eyes of Sydney’s youngest photographers, aged 5 to 12. This free exhibition showcases 21 finalists whose works are both cheeky and surprising.
  • Address: Customs House, 31 Alfred St, Sydney NSW 2000
  • Time: Today, 10am to 6pm
• Tender Comrade
  • Overview: A thought-provoking exhibition at the White Rabbit Gallery that challenges conventional narratives of Chinese history and art, presenting a curated selection of contemporary Chinese works.
  • Address: White Rabbit Gallery, 30 Balfour St, Chippendale NSW 2008
  • Time: Today, 10am to 5pm
• Cerith Wyn Evans …. in light of the visible
  • Overview: Step into a world of monumental light sculptures and sound installations. The exhibition is co-curated by the MCA and spans 15 years of Evans’ practice, featuring major works and site-specific installations that interact with Sydney’s unique harbour environment.
  • Address: Museum of Contemporary Art, 140 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000
  • Time: Today, 10am to 5pm

Theatre, Dance & Film

• MJ the Musical
  • Overview: A spectacular musical celebrating the unparalleled artistry and creative genius of Michael Jackson, featuring his biggest hits and signature choreography. The show has won multiple Tony Awards® and is thrilling audiences worldwide.
  • Address: Sydney Lyric Theatre, 55 Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont NSW 2009
  • Time: Today, 7pm to 10pm
• The Book of Mormon
  • Overview: The hilarious and multi-award-winning musical returns to Sydney, promising an evening of laughter and unforgettable songs. This Tony®, Olivier®, and Grammy® award-winning production is a must-see.
  • Address: Capitol Theatre, 13 Campbell St, Haymarket NSW 2000
  • Time: Today, 7pm to 9pm
• Cats
  • Overview: Based on T.S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats,” this timeless musical spectacular is suitable for the whole family (ages 5+) and runs for approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, including an interval.
  • Address: Theatre Royal Sydney, 108 King St, Sydney NSW 2000
  • Time: Today, 7pm to 9.20pm
• Burn the Floor with guest Prinnie Stevens
  • Overview: This explosive and innovative show reinvents ballroom dance with a stellar cast of international champion dancers and the powerful vocals of guest artist Prinnie Stevens. The show runs for 1 hour and 30 minutes with no interval.
  • Address: Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000
  • Time: Today, 7pm to 8.30pm

Markets & Carriageworks

• Carriageworks Farmers Market
  • Overview: A Sydney institution, this award-winning authentic farmers market is held every Saturday. Curated by acclaimed chef Mike McEnearney, the market brings together over 70 NSW farmers and artisan food producers, offering an array of fresh, seasonal, and homemade produce.
  • Address: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh NSW 2000
  • Time: Every Saturday, 8am to 1pm
• Other Notable Markets Around Sydney
  • The Rocks Markets: Browse unique art, handcrafted goods, and gourmet street food in a vibrant, historic backdrop.
    • Address: Jack Mundey Pl, The Rocks NSW 2000
    • Time: Every Saturday & Sunday, 10am to 5pm
  • Paddy’s Markets: A Sydney institution for bargain hunters, offering a huge variety of products from fresh produce to fashion and souvenirs.
    • Address: Market City, 9-13 Hay St, Haymarket NSW 2000
    • Time: Wednesday to Sunday, various times
  • Bondi Markets: Find unique designer clothing, handcrafted jewelry, and vintage finds just a short stroll from Bondi Beach.
    • Address: Bondi Beach Public School, Campbell Parade, Bondi NSW 2026
    • Time: Every Sunday, 10am to 4pm
  • EQ Markets: These markets offer a mix of fresh produce, hot food, and artisan stalls.
    • Address: The Entertainment Quarter, 122 Lang Rd, Moore Park NSW 2021
    • Time: Every Wednesday & Saturday, 8am to 2pm

Talks, Courses & Workshops

• Barangaroo You Wellness Month
  • Overview: Throughout August, Barangaroo offers a free, month-long program of events to help you move, connect, and recharge. Sessions include Barangaroo Bootcamps, Yoga on Country, and the Re:Connect Talk Series.
  • Address: Barangaroo Reserve, Hickson Rd, Barangaroo NSW 2000
  • Time: Today, 12pm to 1pm
• DJ beginner 10-week course
  • Overview: Learn the fundamentals of DJing, from equipment setup and beat-matching techniques to music industry basics and self-promotion. The course culminates in a live performance.
  • Address: Redfern Community Centre, 29-53 Hugo St, Redfern NSW 2016
  • Time: Today, 6pm to 8pm
• English conversation class
  • Overview: Improve your language skills in this free weekly class for beginners, hosted in a friendly and supportive environment.
  • Address: Ron Williams Community Centre, 5–11 Kepos St, Redfern NSW 2016
  • Time: Today, 1pm to 3pm
• Chinese painting for beginners to advanced (Booked out)
  • Overview: This free weekly class focuses on traditional Chinese painting techniques, with a focus on seasonal plants like plum blossoms and orchids. The course is currently fully booked.
  • Address: Ultimo Community Centre, 40 William Henry St, Ultimo NSW 2007
  • Time: Today, 10.30am to 1.30pm

Tours & Experiences

• Aboriginal Harbour Heritage Tour
  • Overview: Join an experienced First Nations guide for a one-hour tour of the Royal Botanic Garden, learning about the Gadigal people’s traditions, history, and connection to the land and harbour. The tour meets at the Garden Shop.
  • Address: The Royal Botanic Garden, Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney NSW 2000
  • Time: Today, 1pm to 2pm
• Commemorate 80 Years Since Victory in the Pacific
  • Overview: The Anzac Memorial is marking this anniversary with special commemorative activities, including a rare, original Second World War searchlight on display. On Friday and Saturday at 6:15 pm, the searchlight will be turned on to mark the occasion.
  • Address: Anzac Memorial, Hyde Park South, Sydney NSW 2000
  • Time: Today, 9am to 6.30pm

Sport & Fitness

• Boxercise class at Juanita Nielsen community centre
  • Overview: Get fit with this high-energy boxing workout that uses gloves and pads. The class is a fun way to improve your fitness.
  • Address: Juanita Nielsen Community Centre, 31 Nicholson St, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011
  • Time: Today, 12.30pm to 1.15pm
• Accessible yoga class
  • Overview: Everyone is welcome to join this weekly class, suitable for all levels of experience. This session provides a welcoming and inclusive space for a gentle, all-abilities yoga practice.
  • Address: Cliff Noble Community Centre, 24 Suttor St, Alexandria NSW 2015
  • Time: Today, 11.30am to 12.30pm
• Casual basketball in Pyrmont
  • Overview: The Maybanke Courts are the place to be for a casual shootaround or a friendly game of basketball.
  • Address: Maybanke Community Centre, 87-89 Harris St, Pyrmont NSW 2009
  • Time: Today, 10am to 6pm
• Fitter and Stronger exercise class for older people
  • Overview: This class at St Helen’s Community Centre is designed to improve strength, fitness, and balance for people over 50. The class is a fun way to stay active.
  • Address: St Helen’s Community Centre, 184 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037

Community & Causes

• Digitally guided mindfulness meditation
  • Overview: A free weekly session to help you unwind and find inner peace. The meditation is digitally guided, making it accessible for anyone to practice mindfulness.
  • Address: Juanita Nielsen Community Centre, 31 Nicholson St, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011
  • Time: Today, 11.40am to 12pm