Believe it or not, 2025 is here. And if you’re keen to make the most of the year ahead in Sydney, it’s worth taking a sec for a little forward planning. To help you map out an excellent year ahead, we’ve put together a list of the key dates to add to your shiny new diary (plus some tips on how to make the most of your annual leave).
Sydney Festival 2025
Dates: Jan 4-26
This annual summertime festival of culture is bringing more than 130 gigs, shows and art activations to the Harbour City.
Women's Ashes 2025
Dates: January 12 - January 30
The Australian women's cricket team will be taking on England for the first game of the series at Sydney Cricket Ground.
Westpac OpenAir Cinema
Date: Jan 9 - Feb 18
This stunning cinema on the banks of Sydney Harbour is back this year with a spectacular food program curated by some of the city’s favourite chefs.
Chinese Lunar New Year 2025
Date: Jan 29
Celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year and ring in the year of the Snake at events across the city.
Sydney Mardi Gras Festival 2025
Dates: Feb 14 - Mar 2 (Mardi Gras Parade: Mar 1)
Celebrate Sydney’s glorious LGBTQI+ community at this magnificent annual celebration. (You can find the program here, and last year's highlights here).
SailGP Sydney
Dates: Feb 8-9
This annual sailing grand prix will be back in the Harbour City for two days of speedy sailing (and Champagne for the spectators).
Date: April 20
Time for a long weekend of chocolate, 'nuff said.
Sydney Comedy Festival 2025
Dates: Apr 21 - May 18
Sydney Comedy Festival brings reliable laughter-medicine to the autumn months, with international and local acts performing across the city.
Women's State of Origin 2025
Dates: From May 1
Keen for your fix of female sporting excellence? Some of Australia's best female footy players will be kicking off the State of Origin rivalry this year, with game one on May 1.
Vivid Sydney 2025
Dates: May 23 - Jun 14
Watch the city come to life at this candyshop-colourful light event. The spectacular light shows aren’t Vivid’s only calling card: expect a huge line-up of immersive live performances and interactive events to keep Sydney’s sparkle alive through the beginning of winter. These are our highlights from the 2024 event.
State of Origin 2025
Dates: From May 28
The fierce NSW vs Qld rivalry will play out from May 28. You can find the best places to watch over here.
Sydney Film Festival
Dates: Jun 4-15
The best week of the year for Sydney cinephiles. Catch international premieres, independent screenings and short films at theatres and cinemas across the city.
City2Surf 2025
Date: Aug 10
Join more than 80,000 other ambitious Sydneysiders on this playful fun run, then enjoy an afternoon of well-deserved debauchery in Bondi.
Sydney Fringe Festival
Dates: Sept 1-30
The state’s largest independent arts festival takes over the city for the month of September with a dynamic program that spans theatre, music, comedy, visual art, film, musical theatre, dance, circus, street festivals, literature and poetry.
NRL Grand Final
Date: Oct 5
Get in as soon as tickets are released if you want to watch live from the stadium – otherwise, tune in from one of Sydney’s best sports bars.
SXSW Sydney 2025
Dates: Oct 13-19
Sydney’s version of the Austin-born multidisciplinary festival is back for round three – taking over Chippendale (recently ranked as the seventh-coolest suburb in the world) with a program spanning film, tech, music and more.
Sculpture by the Sea 2025
Dates: Oct 17 - Nov 3
Sydney’s favourite outdoor art gallery is popping up on the coast path again in 2025 for its 27th year. Expect spectacular sculptures similar to this, and wind up in Bondi for a well-deserved lunch at one of the beachside suburb's excellent eateries.
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