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Photograph: Supplied | Moonlight cinema
Photograph: Supplied | Moonlight cinema

Things to do in Sydney this week

Wondering what to do across Sydney? Our list will guide you in the right direction

Avril Treasure
Written by Avril Treasure
Editor, Time Out Sydney
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Hello! Welcome to your weekly wrap of what’s on.

Mardi Gras celebrations are bringing a whole of glitter to the Harbour City this week, and if the festivities are getting you keen for the main event, you can score tickets here. And just because Valentine's Day has been and gone, it does’t mean you should tone down the romance – our guides to Sydney’s best restaurants, underground bars and sunset spots are here to help on that front. 

In the mood for a show? Broadway’s award-winning show Purpose has come to Sydney Theatre Company. It’s about a powerful African American family, and how it’s thrown into chaos when its estranged youngest son returns home with an uninvited guest. Oprah Winfrey said it’s “brilliant and funny and serious and complex and powerful”. Get a ticket here, and you can explore our full guide to all the shows on in Sydney here.

If you haven't been yet, I really recommend watching a film at the Westpac OpenAir Cinema, which overlooks Sydney Harbour and does a damn fine job of making you feel proud of our beautiful city. My tip? Get down early to reserve your seat, or book one of the packages so you’re guaranteed a good pozzie. If you don’t have the cash to splash on this one, you’ll find our guide to all of the best free outdoor cinemas in Sydney (including a free one in The Rocks) over here. 

The spectacular new $836 million Sydney Fish Market is finally open. Find out everything you need to know, including what to eat, here – and go check it out this week.

For a culture hit, check out two fabulous exhibitions at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. First up is Mike Hewson’s The Key’s Under the Mat, a giant interactive playground for the young (and young at heart). It’s free – bring your swimmers. Next up is Ron Mueck’s Encounter – a stunning sculptural exploration of the human condition.

Booking a catch-up? Sydney's best restaurants and best new restaurants are a good place to start. Or, head to one of Sydney's best bars.

Plus, summer is in full swing – so you can wash away your worries at one of Sydney’s best beaches, get your sweat on with a pretty bushwalk, or pack drinks and snacks and throw out a rug at one of our fave picnic spots.

Scroll on for our full list of the best things to do in Sydney this week.


Mapping out your weekend? These are the best things to do in Sydney this weekend.

Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox.

The best things to do in Sydney

Sunset Sessions at Cockatoo Island

  • Music
  • Sydney
Sunset Sessions at Cockatoo Island
Sunset Sessions at Cockatoo Island
Photograph: Supplied | Harbour Trust
If there’s one thing Sydney does spectacularly well, it’s slow summer evenings – the kinds that see the sky turn sherbet-pink and the whole city look a little softer around the edges. This summer, Cockatoo Island/ Wareamah is handing us a very solid excuse to make the most of it: Sunset Sessions is back, taking over the lawn of historic Biloela House with a weekly dose of live music in the open air. Running on Saturday evenings from January 10 2025 to April 4 2026 (except from Saturday, March 7), the island’s curated open-air gig series is one of those annual events that reliably sells out – and for good reason. The formula is foolproof: pack a picnic rug, stretch out on the grass and let a line-up of emerging local artists soundtrack the slow fade into night as the sun sets behind the city. RELATED READ: These are the best sunset spots in Sydney This year brings a particularly juicy mix of genres and rising talent to Sydney Harbour’s largest island. Expect lush vocals from Charlie Collins, dreamy pop by Mia Lovelock, and globe-spanning grooves courtesy of Immy Owusu and Dom Diaz. You’ll also catch Bella Amor, Mina Siale, PA777IENCE, Skyscraper Stan, Lady Lyon and Lucienne – with more artists still to be announced. If you’re not the type to pack your own snacks, Biloela House will have refreshments ready to go – or you can pre-order a hamper of treats when you book your ticket. And if you’ve ever entertained the fantasy of running away to an island for the night, Cockatoo...
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Water Lantern Festival

  • Things to do
  • Fairs and festivals
  • Sydney
Water Lantern Festival
Water Lantern Festival
Photograph: Supplied
If your summer calendar could use a little magic, this mesmerising event might be just the ticket. For two sparkly evenings this February – Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 – the Lakeside Lawn at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan will be transformed into a shimmering field of light thanks to the return of the beloved Water Lantern Festival.From 5pm, gates will open to a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with food trucks, live music and plenty of space to sprawl out on a picnic rug. As the sun dips lower, guests will be invited to decorate their own eco-friendly lantern – writing messages, drawing symbols or illustrating moments of hope, healing, love or gratitude. Some mark milestones or personal wins, others honour memories or simply set intentions for what’s next.RELATED READ: Here's everything you need to know about Mount Annan Botanic Gardens As twilight settles in, the experience will reach its emotional peak. From 8pm, hundreds of softly glowing lanterns will be released onto the water, creating a moving, almost meditative spectacle as they drift across the lake. Each lantern is made from biodegradable materials and collected after the event, ensuring the garden’s precious environment remains protected. The Water Lantern Festival is an alcohol-free and deliberately inclusive event, making it a perfect summer outing for families. Visitors are encouraged to bring a camping chair or blanket, along with sunscreen, bug spray and weather-appropriate clothing – this is...
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Pandora and Bridgerton QVB Pop-Up

  • Shopping
  • Sydney
Pandora and Bridgerton QVB Pop-Up
Pandora and Bridgerton QVB Pop-Up
Photograph: Supplied | Pandora
Dear gentle readers, if you’ve ever imagined being Her Majesty Queen Charlotte’s diamond of the season, then here’s your chance. While a trip back to Regency-era London isn’t on the cards, Pandora is set to bring the world of Bridgerton to life with an immersive pop-up at Queen Victoria Building from February 3 to March 8. Alongside the pop-up comes a swoon-worthy 14-piece collection inspired by the Netflix hit series, giving fans the chance to take a little piece of finery home – and you might even spot your new jewellery in the hotly anticipated fourth season, of which the first part lands in late January.  Drawing on the lavish universe of Shonda Rhimes’ period romp, the Pandora and Bridgerton Rules to Love By collection reimagines classic Regency-era jewellery through a modern lens. Crafted in 100 per cent recycled sterling silver and 14k gold plating, the range will feature pearls, bows and crystal accents in pastel shades, including lilac wisteria (a Bridgerton staple). There’ll be everything from ear climbers to necklaces, adorned with hand-finished flowers that nod to the secret love messages of Regency romance.  Watch the Pandora QVB space transform to a salon gorgeous enought to make all the ladies of the ton jealous. The QVB's romantic architecture is already a step back in time, but now the Pandora store will be adorned with wisteria wallpaper and flourishing wall mouldings. Don't miss the regal ceiling-to-floor drapery that's perfect to snap a pic in front...
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Mike Hewson: The Key’s Under the Mat

  • Things to do
  • Exhibitions
  • Sydney
Mike Hewson: The Key’s Under the Mat
Mike Hewson: The Key’s Under the Mat
Art Gallery of New South Wales | Mim Stirling
If you've ever wondered what would happen if a kid's drawing of their wildest dream utopia suddenly came off the page and into real life, you're in luck, because that's pretty much what's happening right now beneath the Art Gallery of NSW.  Artist and professional disruptor Mike Hewson has taken over the weird subterranean world of The Tank with his one-of-a-kind new exhibition, Mike Hewson: The Key's Under the Mat, where for the first time ever, all the main lights in the normally pitch-dark Tank will be switched on, revealing a weird wonderland of interactive art pieces and play equipment that have to be seen to be believed. We're talking: A steam room with stained glass windows that you can actually sit in, a functioning sauna with bespoke church pews, five actual operating public barbeques that you can cook on, rushing water to play in (seriously, bring your swimmers), a working laundry,  and a free-to-use recording studio, plus a whole plethora of bright and delightful surprises that are all about getting community together, to do cool stuff, for free. Basically, break your imagination and delete all adult expectations. This is unlike anything we've ever seen.  Kids who aren't afraid of some risk are also one of Hewson's big targets with this show (although parents, rest easy, the floor is specially made out of recycled soft rubber that's rated for use in public playgrounds), with the space also home to a wild children's playground. Intrepid kidlets can test their...
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Late Night Vice

  • Things to do
  • Redfern
Late Night Vice
Late Night Vice
Photograph: Supplied
Landing just in time for Mardi Gras and fresh from sold-out seasons in Melbourne and Brisbane, is Late Night Vice – it’s very, very naughty and just a little bit nice. Brought to you by Strut & Fret, the glorious minds behind Blanc de Blanc Encore, this is cabaret with a sharper bite – you’ve been warned.  Opening on February 12 at The Grand Electric (on Cleveland Street), it’s where glamour flirts with chaos and all the rules are gleefully broken. It’s strictly for an 18+ audience (yes, they will check ID), so dress to impress in black and step into a world of decadence and dance.  Headlining the act is global burlesque icon Jake DuPree, the first non-binary performer to appear at Crazy Horse Paris. New York creature of the night Ruby McQueen will perform ultra dangerous acrobatics using aerial straps and an iron jaw (a mouth bit). Powerhouse vocals come courtesy of Emma Mylott, while musical theatre royalty Melanie Hawkins (think Wicked, King Kong, Saturday Night Fever) delivers polish with punch. Add Strut & Fret’s own chaos merchant Spencer Novich, plus genre-bending circus and burlesque star Adam Malone, and you’ve got a seriously talented line-up. No phones or cameras allowed. Expect nudity, profanity, strobe effects, pyrotechnics, feather explosions, confetti… as we’ve said before, you have been warned. Ticket prices start at $69 each. Get all the details here.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and...
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Gatsby at the Green Light

  • Circuses
  • Sydney
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended
Gatsby at the Green Light
Gatsby at the Green Light
Photograph: Supplied | Daniel Boud
Jay Gatsby invites you into the decadent world of The Green Light, nestled inside The Studio theatre of the Sydney Opera House, where the roaring '20s is reborn for an evening of decadence, debauchery and delight. Gatsby at the Green Light is back by popular demand and, with an extended run until March 2026, there’s clearly a demand for cabaret with a touch of elegance and plenty of grandeur.  What type of show is Gatsby at the Green Light? Based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic text, The Great Gatsby, director Craig Ilott once more takes audiences into an exploration of the liquor-fuelled parties, yearning and lust of the illusive figure, Jay Gatsby, in an evening of professional cabaret. Ilott doesn’t so much play out the story of The Great Gatsby, but instead takes the crux of it – one of greed, love, decadence and the unreachable American Dream – to showcase some of the best talents in cabaret, aerial acrobatics, tap and circus. Set inside the fictionalised bar, The Green Light, designer Stuart Couzens creates a world that feels like you’ve stepped back into a speakeasy bar of Fitzgerald’s America. The three-tiered seating elements of Green Light mean that audiences have the choice of sitting back in the rafters and overseeing the party (much like the host himself) or the middle of the space set far enough back to see all but not be so close as to feel the intimacy of the stage.  Those who want to hear the heartbeat of the waiter-come-dancers around you, feel the heat...
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Powerhouse Materials: Paper

  • Things to do
  • Exhibitions
  • Castle Hill
Powerhouse Materials: Paper
Powerhouse Materials: Paper
Photograph: Supplied | Powerhouse Museum
In a city where culture is constantly evolving, the Powerhouse Museum has no problem keeping up. Spanning four sites – including Sydney Observatory, Powerhouse Castle Hill, the heritage-listed Powerhouse Ultimo site currently undergoing a $300-million transformation and a brand-new Powerhouse Parramatta location set to open in late 2026 – it’s officially the largest museum group in Australia. Now, Powerhouse Castle Hill is taking centre stage with its latest instalment Powerhouse Materials – a new series of exhibitions and events that showcase the Powerhouse Collection (home to more than half a million objects!) through the lens of a guest curator and a chosen material. Actor and activist, Chloe Hayden was the first to curate a colourful and quirky exhibition focused on textiles, and now Andy Griffiths is in the hot seat. The second iteration continues to embody imagination and eccentricity with Powerhouse Materials: Paper. Curated by best-selling children’s author Andy Griffiths (the mind behind the Just! and Treehouse series), this exhibition dives deep into the world of paper. From November 22 to March 8, this free exhibition features a quirky collection of paper objects from the Powerhouse Collection, ranging from the ordinary to extraordinary. Every visitor will receive a self-guided activity book packed with drawing and story prompts developed in collaboration with Griffiths – perfect for sparking young imaginations, and giving older ones a blast from the past. For...
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Lakemba Nights

  • Things to do
  • Food and drink
  • Lakemba
Lakemba Nights
Lakemba Nights
Photograph: Supplied
For people of Islamic faith, Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year. During this time, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. But once the sun sets, iftar begins – a fast-breaking feast that runs late into the night, bringing family and friends together to enjoy an array of rich treats and moreish morsels. To coincide with this time of year, Sydney’s popular month-long celebration Lakemba Nights is back, running every Thursday to Sunday from February 19 to March 15, 2026. RELATED READ: The 5 must-try dishes at Sydney's Lakemba Nights Ramadan markets. What time does Lakemba Nights during Ramadan open and close? From 6pm until 2am, Thursday through to Sunday, more than 60 local businesses will transform Lakemba’s Haldon Street into a vibrant, global food bazaar with traditional cuisine from Indonesia, Burma, Pakistan, India, Lebanon, the Cocos Islands, Syria and more. Time Out tip: We recommend getting there early, around 6pm, and making a beeline straight for the busiest stalls (they're the ones with fences up for lines!). It’s not only Sydney’s Muslim communities that comes together during Lakemba Nights – people of all backgrounds are welcome to flock to sample the fare of pop-up kitchens and food trucks lining Haldon Street. What started as a single street barbecue back in 2012 has grown into what many consider one of Australia's best places to celebrate the ancient tradition, with the event from previous years drawing in more than one million people across the...
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Ron Mueck: Encounter

  • Art
  • Sculpture and installations
  • Sydney
Ron Mueck: Encounter
Ron Mueck: Encounter
Photograph: Supplied | Art Gallery of NSW
The Art Gallery of New South Wales is one of our fave places to hang out year-round – and this December it welcomes a banging new exhibition from Melbourne-born artist Ron Mueck. Ron Mueck: Encounter is the artist’s largest exhibition ever in Australia, bringing together a stunning selection of his hyperreal human sculptures from around the globe.  The life-like and scaled up sculptures aim to challenge perceptions by offering a profound and observational look at the human experience. Grounded in realism, the captivating figures tenderly embody themes such as birth, death, alienation and togetherness.  After making his start in children’s television, Mueck trained under Jim Henson (The Muppets) in puppeteering and model making where he made a name for himself on major projects including Sesame Street and the film Labyrinth. Soon after he relocated to London to run his own animatronic studio, before finding his way to figurative sculptures in the late ‘90s and revitalising the medium.  Ron Mueck: Encounter runs daily from December 6 to April 12, 10am–5pm, and until 10pm on Wednesday nights, as part of the Sydney International Art Series, a government initiative that teams up with Destination NSW to bring the world’s most prolific artists exclusively to Sydney. Tickets are $35 for adults on weekdays, $37 on weekends and public holidays, with two-for-one Art After Hours deals on Wednesday evenings, or $45 flexi tickets (which are un-dated single entry tickets). You can book...
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Laneway Cinema

  • Film
  • Outdoor cinema
  • The Rocks
  • Recommended
Laneway Cinema
Laneway Cinema
Photograph: Daniel Tran
Nothing will come between us and a free flick and the magic of an outdoor movie will never wear off. Add an iconic location to that, and we’re ready to say "pass the popcorn". So yeah, we're pretty pleased to hear that The Rocks is bringing back its Laneway Cinema this summer. Catch a flick every Wednesday night between November and February – think the big screen and bean bags among the golden sandstone buildings and cobbled lanes of The Rocks. Located on the end of Playfair Street, it's a short stroll from Circular Quay, so you can easily get there by train, ferry, bus or light rail. You can even grab a bag of popcorn (minimum $2), with proceeds in support of deserving charities.  November is all about millennial throwbacks. From horror to teen comedy and romance, the line-up includes Final Destination and Can't Hardly Wait. December, on the other hand, gets festive with Christmas rom coms like Bridget Jones's Diary (December 3) and The Holiday (Dec 17).  A bunch of the Rocks’ food and drink offerings are just a few steps away. Our resident food and drink fanatic recommends popping into Le Foote, The Doss House, Saké or one of the many eateries in the area.  Doors open at 5.30pm with the movie commencing at 7pm. Tickets are released every Monday for the following week's Wednesday screening. Be sure to register here for free tickets to secure your seats, as there is limited seating available.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more...
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