Looking for things to do in Sydney in August? We have searched far and wide to come up with a variety of things to do from comedy to sport so get comfortable, and let’s plan your month!

From prime whale-watching season to our the city’s favourite road race, the City to Surf you will find something fun to do, we are sure.

If you are visiting Sydney this month, you will find that accommodation prices are reasonable in August, and you won’t have to deal with the enormous crowds that summer brings.

It’s the last month of winter, which means it’s still pretty chilly, so it’s a good idea to bring a jacket. Having said that, we have plenty of gorgeous blue skies and sunny days.

Average Temperatures: 18-9°C (64-48°F)
While each year varies the last August saw only four days of rain.

New events and updated content are added to these pages as it becomes available. If you would like to add your event to Sydney Expert, please email us.

This page contains affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more information.

Annual Events in Sydney in August

Auburn Botanic- Gardens Cherry Blossom Festival

For 2 weeks each August, Auburn Botanic Gardens turns Japanese with a stunning display of Cherry Blossoms.

Celebrate Hello Kitty’s 50th birthday and enjoy a slice of Japan as you wander through the iconic Cherry Trail. Delight in the Japanese Food Village, serving cherry blossom-themed dishes and a wide selection of Japanese fusion foods. The festival features cultural performances, traditional Japanese music, dancing, kids activities, horticultural talks, and more.

Capture the perfect ‘cherry snap’ at the iconic Cherry Arbour in the Japanese Gardens and the Mt Fuji Torii Gate, perfect for ‘insta-ready’ photos and videos of the beautiful cherry blossoms.

Tickets, especially weekend dates, will sell fast, so get in quick!

When: August 17-25, 2024
Where: Auburn Botanic Gardens, Auburn, NSW
Cost: $15.50 for adults, $6.60 for kids. Free for Cumberland Council area residents. Tickets available now at Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival

Festivals, Fairs and Community Events

South Eveleigh Winter Series: A Month of Immersive Experiences

Celebrate winter at South Eveleigh with a fun month-long series of community events.

There is something for the whole family here:

• Brick work Exhibit and Playzone: Enjoy interactive LEGO® displays and play areas, and watch award-winning brick artist Kale Frost create a custom masterpiece.
• Silent Cinema: 2 movie sessions every Saturday, let the kids enjoy kids-only films with professional childcare while you head out to eat. Tickets for kids’ sessions are $30 and include a meal deal and childcare. The second session will feature family friendly films at no cost.
• Food and Drinks: Discover delicious options from Whitton, Pepper Seed Thai, and Anita’s Gelato. Join Brewdog’s ‘Pooch Portrait’ sessions every Sunday.
• Bikes and E-bikes: Free tune-ups and safety tips on 6 and 20 August at the top of Mitchell Way.
• South Eveleigh Rooftop Garden: Inspiring talks from local heroes every Tuesday from 12pm-1pm.

When: 5-31 August 2024
Where: South Eveleigh, Sydney For more information, visit South Eveleigh.

Forage The Rocks

Forage The Rocks, the precinct’s annual celebration of food and drink, invites us to enjoy the charming, inner-city heritage area with fantastic deals and experiences. You can sip on $25 cocktails and canapés, sample NSW’s best wines at the new NSW Wine Cellar Door at The Rocks Markets, and explore the best easy eats.

There is so much happening! Choose from:

Drinks

• The Cocktail Trail: $25 for limited-edition cocktail and canapé pairings at 13 top bars, including Le Foote and The Glenmore.
• NSW Wine Cellar Door at The Rocks Markets: Sample NSW wines bi-monthly at Dawes Point Park, featuring wineries like Tamburlaine and De Beaurepaire.
• Cocktail Masterclasses: Hands-on classes at Bar Lulu and distillery tours at Hickson House Distilling Co.
• Happy Hours: Enjoy deals like $12 wine at Chateau Tanunda, $8 beers and wines at Bar Lulu, and $8 pints at The Mercantile Hotel.

Food

• Easy Eats: Affordable lunch and dinner specials at The Argyle, The Orient, Mrs Jones, and Fortune of War Lock Up.
• Taste Trail Food Tour: Guided tour at The Rocks Markets, sampling local treats for $40, including a tote bag and voucher.
• Picnic Under the Bridge: Win hampers and enjoy a picnic with treats from The Rocks Markets.
• Dumpling Masterclass: Learn to make dumplings at Luna Lu, complete with a glass of sparkling for $100pp.

Fun

• The Rawson: Mingle under the soaring ceilings of a historic chapel!
• The Australian Heritage Hotel: Head to The Aussie’s rooftop bar for a chance to connect with like-minded people under the Sydney sky!

When: Across August – check the website
Where: In venues across The Rocks

Ferragosto Street Festival

Fivedock is home to some of the best of Italian culture and this festival has it all. Fantastic food, focusing strongly on cooking and over 300 stalls selling everything you could need in an Italian kitchen.

When: 18 August 2024
Where: Great North Road, Five Dock between Lyons and Queens roads
Cost: Free, details here.

Festival of Dangerous Ideas 2024: Sanctuary

The Festival of Dangerous Ideas (FODI) returns to Sydney’s Carriageworks this month with the theme Sanctuary. This event brings together thought-leaders and artists from around the world to engage with the ideas behind the headlines of the 24-hour news cycle.

Sanctuary provides a space for meaningful dialogue and intellectual exploration. Sessions this year include:

• The Pitchforks are Coming – Myra Hamilton, Carl Rhodes, Jordan van den Berg (aka Purple Pingers) – Why the 1% should be afraid.
• Speaking Bluntly – Antoinette Lattouf, Andy Mills, Josh Szeps – Identity politics in
  journalism.
• The End of Protesting – Jem Bendell, Ed Coper + more – What actions actually make real change?
• Australia is Breaking: The Minefield Live – Waleed Aly and Scott Stephenson joined by guest Stan Grant – Navigating eroding social cohesion.

FODI 2024 will feature an interesting mix of art, installation, and ideas, with local and international guests set to challenge and inspire.

In addition to the main event, special satellite partner events will be held at UNSW and the State Library of NSW from 21 to 27 August.

When: 24-25 August 2024
Where: Carriageworks, Sydney

Carriageworks Night Market

Curated by Australia’s leading sustainable chef Matt Stone, the market will showcase over 45 stalls celebrating sustainable food practices and the best produce from across NSW, in line with Vivid Sydney 2023’s theme – Naturally.

Showcasing an exciting and diverse array of Sydney’s food scene including Native Australian, Middle Eastern, Japanese, Vietnamese, Chinese, Mexican, Italian, French, vegetarian and vegan, Carriageworks is set to come alive with local hospitality, food demonstrations and live entertainment.

When: 2 August 2024
Where: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh
Tickets: Tickets $15 + fee. Check more details here.

TEDxSydney Youth

After a successful 2023 run, TEDxSydney Youth is back with an event that promises to inspire with a lineup of young, brilliant speakers.

With the theme “CTRL > SHIFT”, TEDxSydney Youth provides a platform for some of the country’s brightest minds to share their unique perspectives on the future. From a 22-year-old CEO to an up-and-coming Netflix actress, the future leaders, change-makers, and visionaries of today are set to take to the stage in Western Sydney this August.

Featured speakers include:

• Chloé Hayden: An award-winning speaker, actress in Netflix’s Heartbreak High, bestselling author, content creator, and disability rights activist. Diagnosed with autism and ADHD, Chloé is a powerful advocate for disability rights.
• James Parr: An award-winning model, speaker, and event host who champions visibility and change for people with disabilities. As an amputee, James draws on his personal journey to inspire others.
• Elliot Ulm: Known as elliotisacoolguy, Elliot has over 500,000 followers on Instagram and YouTube, where he shares his honest experiences in the graphic design industry.

See the full list of participants for more. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to hear from the next generation of leaders and innovators.

When: Wednesday, 29 August
Where: Riverside Theatre, Parramatta
Time: 9:30 am – 2 pm l Tickets: Available now via the TEDxSydney website

Penrith Show

Entertainment, rides, side show alley, trade stalls, competitions, exhibitions performances and so much more!

When: 24 August 2024
Where: 141-147 Station Street, Penrith
More: Check the website for more info

Dog Lovers Festival 2024: Unleashing Fun and New Attractions

The Dog Lovers Festival, featuring over 800 dogs and exciting attractions, is a fun two-day event that includes pup-inspired entertainment, education zones, and renowned animal experts, promising to delight dog owners of all kinds.

New and Expanded Features:

• Dog Friendly Travel Hub: Discover dog-friendly travel products, accessories, and destinations.
• Optimum™️ DOGWALK: Enjoy a runway show featuring Hero Dogs, fur-shanistas, celebrities, and Insta-Pooches.
• Advance™️ Paws and Talks: Educational talks from expert breeders and interactive K9 sessions.
• Mini Dog Races: Cheer on mini dogs under 30cm racing over 15cm jumps.
• Dog Parkour: Watch dogs tackle challenging obstacles.
• Australia’s Best Doggleganger: See the nation’s best human and canine look-alikes.
• Doggie-dedicated Supermarket: Shop for all your dog’s needs.

Returning Festival Favourites:

• Kurgo® DockDogs: Competitions in Big Air, Extreme Vertical, and Speed Retrieval.
• VitaPet Arena: Extreme High Jumping Dogs, Mini Dog Races, and Dog Parkour.
• Adoption Zone: Learn about responsible dog ownership and adoption.
• Advance™️ Breed Showcase: Meet over 800 dogs of various breeds.
• SASH Ask-A-Vet: One-on-one sessions with veterinary experts.

Dog lovers can also access half-price tickets to the Cat Lovers Festival, running concurrently next door in its own dedicated venue.

When: Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 August 2024, 9:30am-5pm
Where: Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park

Cat Lovers Festival

Can’t have the dog lovers having all the fun! As Australia’s largest kitty-focused event, the cat lovers festival aims to educate, inspire, and entertain cat parents across a two-day celebration.

New and Expanded Features:

• Dr. Karl Kruszelnicki: Learn about the fascinating science of cats on the WHISKAS® Stage.
• WHISKAS® Kitty Corner: Watch and engage with cats and kittens in giant enclosures with experts on hand.
• Championship Cat Show: Leading breeders compete for prizes, ribbons, and glory.
• SASH Ask-A-Vet: Free in-person sessions with veterinary experts.

Returning Festival Favourites:

• WHISKAS® Stage: Discover everything about cats and their care.
• CATMANTOO: Tips on training cats to use a harness and leash, featuring the skateboarding cat, Didga.
• Dr. Katrina: Shares her cat knowledge and expertise.
• Adoption Zone: Meet cats looking for a forever home.
• Breed Showcase: Learn about popular and rare cat breeds.
• Feline Face Painting: Fun for kids and adults to look like their favorite feline.

Cat enthusiasts can also access discounted tickets to the Dog Lovers Festival, running concurrently next door.

When: Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 August 2024, 9:30am – 5pm
Where: Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park
Cost: $32.50 for adults, $24.50 concession, $17.50 for kids.

Sydney Science Festival

Enjoy a curated program of free (and one-ticketed) events that include talks, workshops, and activities. This nine-day festival will run across various venues in the city and explore the theme of Revival.  

UNSW x National Science Week

The UNSW inaugural SciFest has something for everyone, from curious kids to inquisitive adults. During National Science Week, they are opening laboratory doors and bringing science into everyday life with a number of events.

Events on offer include:

• Creative Clash – Human vs Machine: Discover how humans and artificial intelligence approach creativity differently through this interactive talk with Associate Professor Oliver Brown and musician Adrian Lim-Klumpes.
• Live Chemistry Experiments: Witness thrilling chemistry experiments in action with UNSW’s resident mad scientists, including Professor Timothy Schmidt.
• Immersive Animal Encounters: Experience the world of crocs and snakes in a live stage show presented by Professor Mike Letnic, Professor Mike Archer and Dr Jodi Rowley, then get up close and personal with interactive reptile, frog and bug displays.
• Stargazing: Peer into the cosmos with telescopes or immerse yourself in the wonders of the universe in the planetarium.
• Chem Class in Glass: Head back in time to your school days and learn the art (and science) of mixing cocktails. An event strictly for 18+ years with tickets at $85 each available to purchase from the first week of July here.

Date: Friday 16 August 2024
Location: Roundhouse, UNSW, Anzac Parade, Kensington
Price: This is a free event, but registration for a ticket is required. Please note, some experiences within the festival require an additional ticket to reserve a space. Tickets available for purchase here. Please visit UNSW Events to discover and learn more.

Musicals, Opera and Theatre in Sydney in August

Tosca

In the seething heart of Rome, Scarpia’s ominous whisper, “Tosca,” reverberates with sinister intent. Amidst political turmoil, Tosca grapples with a harrowing choice: how much of her soul will she sacrifice to save her captive lover?

Puccini’s opus unfolds in a single, frenzied day, weaving a tapestry of passion and betrayal. Tosca, the revered diva, confronts the brutal machinations of power embodied by Scarpia, while Cavaradossi, the ardent revolutionary, stands at the brink of oblivion.

Through soaring melodies and heart-wrenching arias, Puccini paints a portrait of love tested to its limits. Opera North’s spellbinding production delves deep into the human psyche, weaving a tale of courage, sacrifice, and redemption against a backdrop of breathtaking grandeur.

When: 25 June–16 August 2024
Where: Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House
Tickets: $115 can be purchased here

Great Opera Hits

Enjoy a captivating concert featuring the best of opera. As the sun dips below Sydney Harbour, immerse yourself in the melodic sounds of renowned arias by composers like Bizet, Puccini, Rossini, and Verdi.

Talented singers from Opera Australia will grace the stage, accompanied by piano, delivering a delightful 90-minute performance. Relax and let the music transport you to the enchanting world of opera against the backdrop of Sydney’s stunning skyline.

When: 4, 11, 17 August  
Where: Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House

The Turn of the Screw

Set in a secluded English manor, this gripping tale unfurls as a young governess arrives to care for orphaned siblings, Flora and Miles. She uncovers eerie apparitions haunting the estate and the children. As she battles to shield them from sinister forces, the boundary between sanity and madness blurs thrillingly.

Britten’s evocative score melds tension, blending haunting melodies with discordant harmonies, capturing the ghostly aura of Henry James’s gothic novel.

When: 16 August – 15 September
Where: Hayes Theatre Co, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point
Tickets: $75-89

Hamlet

Shakespeare’s timeless introspection on humanity finds a new resonance in Brett Dean’s operatic adaptation of “Hamlet.” Dean’s expansive score, premiered at Glyndebourne and graced prestigious stages like the Metropolitan Opera, ingeniously captures the prince’s unravelling psyche. 

Making its debut at the Sydney Opera House, this Australian masterpiece transforms the classic tale with rich orchestral music and eerie electronic sounds, immersing the audience in Hamlet’s turbulent world. Librettist Matthew Jocelyn introduces intriguing twists to the familiar story, adding depth and intrigue.

When: 2, 5, 9 August 2024
Where: Dame Joan Sutherland Theatre Sydney Opera House

Mozart’s Così fan tutte

Is love a fickle friend or a steadfast ally? Is it a winding road or a straight path? Can it withstand the whims of fate and the trials of time?

Enter the world of Mozart’s “Così fan tutte,” where love’s essence is put to the test in the most curious of ways. In this tale, spun with laughter and woven with melody, two lovers find themselves entangled in a wager, their hearts laid bare upon the stage.

Through disguises and deceit, they navigate the labyrinth of affection, seeking to unravel its mysteries. Yet beneath the surface of frivolity lies a profound exploration of the human heart, its joys and its sorrows.

When: 1–17 August 2024
Where: Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House

Sunset Boulevard

Sunset Boulevard is a gripping stage show that tells the story of Norma Desmond, a faded silent film star who dreams of making a triumphant return to the screen. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she meets Joe Gillis, a struggling screenwriter, leading to a complex relationship marked by ambition, illusion, and desperation.

Get ready to meet the incredible cast of Australian performers set to star alongside international recording superstar Sarah Brightman. Leading the cast is Tim Draxl, taking on the role of Joe Gillis, with Robert Grubb as Max Von Mayerling, and Ashleigh Rubenach portraying Betty Schaefer. 

When: 28 August 
Where: Sydney Opera House 

Arlington

From the Tony Award-winning writer of Once, Empress Theatre and Seymour Centre present the Australian premiere of Arlington.

This Beckett-meets-Black Mirror thriller by Irish playwright Enda Walsh premiered in 2017 at the Galway International Arts Festival before its smash-hit run in New York. Walsh, known for his play Disco Pigs starring Cillian Murphy, is called “one of the most dazzling wordsmiths of contemporary theatre” by The Guardian.

Arlington follows Isla as she waits out her days in a state-controlled tower block, trading her memories for a chance to live. Her only companion is the anonymous young man who records her stories from the other side of the wall. As he offers glimpses of the world beyond the tower, an unexpected love story takes hold, forcing an unthinkable fate.

When: 2-24 August, Tues to Sat at 7.30pm; Saturdays (except 3 August) at 1.30pm.
Where: Reginald Theatre, Seymour Centre, Corner City Rd and Cleveland St, Chippendale
Tickets: Full $54 / Concession $44 / Previews $38 / Under 35s, Groups 8+ $40

La Bohème

Riverside Theatres and Opera Australia are thrilled to present Puccini’s La Bohème, a captivating story of young Bohemian love, at Riverside Theatres Parramatta for one performance. This exclusive Sydney production, directed by award-winning Dean Bryant, breathes fresh life into Puccini’s classic score.

Supported by The Opera Conference, Australia’s national partnership of professional opera companies, and various government arts bodies, this production features set and costume design by Isabel Hudson and lighting design by Damien Cooper. La Bohème soars with the ecstasy of love, crackles with the pain of jealousy, and cries with the agony of loss.

When: Saturday 24 August 2024, 7:30pm
Where: Riverside Theatre Parramatta – Corner of Church and Market St, Parramatta
Tickets: Riverside Members from $54.50 | Non-members from $59 here

Murder for Two

After two sold-out seasons at Hayes Theatre Co, the smash hit Murder for Two comes to Parramatta. Murder for Two is an outrageous blend of music, mayhem, and murder. In this hilarious 90-minute show, two performers play 13 roles and the piano in a rip-roaring parody of classic murder mysteries.

Follow Officer Marcus Moscowicz as he tries to solve the murder of Great American Novelist Arthur Whitney at his surprise birthday party. With suspects, including Arthur’s wife, a prima ballerina, and an overly friendly psychiatrist, Marcus has a short time to find the killer before the real detective arrives.

When: 9-10 August 2024, Friday 7:30pm; Saturday, 2pm & 7:30pm
Where: Riverside Theatre, Corner Church & Market St, Parramatta
Tickets: Riverside Members from $60 | Non-Members from $65

In the Heights

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In the Heights took Broadway by storm with its smash-hit debut season. This acclaimed musical, known for its unique blend of salsa, soul, hip-hop, street-dance, rap, and merengue, won Tony Awards for Best Musical and Best Original Score.

In the Heights captures the vibrant spirit of a close-knit community on the brink of change. The story, set in New York City’s Washington Heights, is a celebration of heritage, heart, and hope.

Don’t miss your chance to witness this electrifying musical that has redefined the genre.

When: 20 July – 25 August, 2024
Where: Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House
Tickets: From $59.90 + booking fee, available via the Sydney Opera House website

Celebrity TheatreSports™ Gala – Comedy for a Cause

This year’s improv stars includes; Ben Fordham, Osher Günsberg, “Jonesy”, Mara Lejins, Rove McManus and Adam Spencer.

When: Sunday, 25th August at 4pm
Where: The Enmore Theatre, Newtown
Bookings: Ticketek or call (02) 9550 3666

The Department of Family Values

Oliver is a writer married to Rebecca, a corporate lawyer. Their marriage is in trouble, and their daughter Chloe hopes to study literature at Oxford University but faces a lack of money for fees. Behind the scenes, secrets, lies, and sacrifices test friendships and marriages. When Rebecca (Ally O’Brien) returns home to find a cryptic letter and her husband Oliver (Barret Griffin) missing, her life begins to unravel. Can this family survive its turmoil?

Sydney playwright Jon Glass debuts his third play with five performances directed by Garreth Cruikshank, featuring a strong cast including Rhiannon Jean, Angus Farrand, and Sally Williams.

When: 21-24 August,7:30 pm and a 3:00 pm matinee on 24 August
Where: The Greek Theatre, Building 36, 142 Addison Rd, Marrickville
Cost: $42 full price, $35 for students and pensioners

Film Festivals

Lebanese Film Festival

Experience the enchanting allure of Lebanese cinema and its lively essence at the extraordinary 11th iteration of the Lebanese Film Festival Australia. Immerse yourself in a range of compelling films that provoke thought, partake in cultural festivities, and engage in enlightening conversations.

When: 15-31 August 2024
Where: Bankstown Arts Centre 5 Olympic Parade Bankstown, NSW
Cost: Free, full guide here

Music, Comedy And Dance

Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony

Experience a concert of dramatic contrasts led by Pietari Inkinen, Chief Conductor of the Deutsche Radio Philharmonie, featuring the return of renowned soloist Alban Gerhardt.

The concert will open with the debut of Australian composer Liza Lim’s Salutation to the Shells.

When: 2 & 3 August 7pm
Where: Sydney Opera House
Cost: Tickets from $72.00, concessions available. (Plus booking fee)

Augustin Hadelich Performs Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto

German-American violin sensation Augustin Hadelich returns to the Sydney Opera House to perform Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, conducted by SSO’s Chief Conductor Simone Young.

When: 7-10 August, 8pm (1.30pm on 8 August)
Where: Sydney Opera House
Cost: $50*, concessions available. (*plus booking fee)

Augustin Hadelich and The Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Acclaimed as one of the greatest violinists of our time, Augustin Hadelich will perform with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. The Sydney Morning Herald praised his SSO debut with a 5-star review, highlighting his unique and rich tone.

When: 15-18 August
Where: Sydney’s City Recital Hall, Wollongong Town Hall, Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre
Cost: $40 *, concessions available. (*plus booking fee)

How to Train Your Dragon Live In Concert

Prepare for fire-breathing, dragon-fighting action as the Sydney Symphony Orchestra performs How to Train Your Dragon Live In Concert. Follow young Viking Hiccup as he defies tradition and befriends one of his deadliest foes – a ferocious dragon he calls Toothless.

John Powell’s Academy Award-nominated score will be presented live to film by the Sydney Symphony in a performance the whole family will love.

When: 23 August – 3 September
Where: Sydney Opera House
Cost: See Sydney Opera House website for ticket details.

Handel’s House with the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra

The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra will present Handel’s House, featuring the acclaimed Japanese soprano Yukie Sato in her Australian debut. Known for her technical skill, innate musicality, and natural charisma, Sato will perform a selection of Handel’s most cherished arias, including ‘Ombre pallide’ and ‘Tornami a vagheggiar’ from Alcina.

Sato, celebrated for her artistry and radiant vocalism, will bring to life the dramatic arias of Handel, exploring themes of love, angst, and revenge. This is a rare opportunity to see Sato perform outside her native Japan.

When: 30 August – 7 September 7pm (Sat 2pm)
Where: City Recital Hall, Sydney
Cost: $20-200, check Australian Brandenburg Orchestra for details

Sydney Opera House UnWrapped 2024

Sydney Opera House’s UnWrapped series will showcase 14 works, including 11 new commissions, from over 20 cutting-edge independent Australian artists and technologists. The season, which runs until mid-September explores notions of identity, artistic ownership, and concepts of time via multidisciplinary mediums spanning film, dance, performance, AI-generated choreography, music, and installation.

Tickets are on sale now for all performances. Skip ahead to our September page for details of other shows.

This month you can catch:

Class Act Experience a tongue-in-cheek comic theatre show challenging the Australian class system, created by writer, performer, and co-director of Melbourne’s APHIDS, Mish Grigor.

When: 28-31 August
Where: Studio, Sydney Opera House
Cost: From $25 + $8.95 booking fee

Khalid’s “Sincere” Album Launch at Sydney Opera House

In a world exclusive, multi-platinum superstar Khalid will celebrate the release of his highly anticipated third album, Sincere, with live performances at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall. This intimate, in-the-round experience will feature singles “Adore U” and “Please Don’t Fall In Love With Me,” showcasing Khalid’s soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics.

Khalid, one of the most streamed artists of the past decade, has garnered six Grammy nominations, six Billboard Music Awards, three American Music Awards, and an MTV Video Music Award. In 2019, he was named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People.

When: 5 and 6 August 2024
Where: Sydney Opera House Concert Hall
Tickets: $129 plus booking fee – now at Sydney Opera House

Art and Exhibitions

Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year Exhibition

This free exhibition at the South Australian Museum showcases the stunning diversity of flora, fauna, and landscapes across Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica, and New Guinea. Featuring over 95 finalist images selected from more than 2,882 submissions, it highlights the natural world’s beauty, ferocity, and fragility.

The Museum will also offer Digital Wildlife Photography Workshops led by Angela Robertson-Buchanan, teaching both foundational and advanced techniques in ethical wildlife photography.

When: 22 June – 13 October 2024
Where: Hintze Hall, Australian Museum
Cost: Free for the exhibition – workshops attract a fee

ZAHALKAWORLD – an artist’s archive

The National Art School (NAS) presents a major survey exhibition of Anne Zahalka, a highly regarded photo-media artist.

The Exhibition brings together over 100 works from Zahalka’s 40-year photographic career. The exhibition includes 15 different series, studio ephemera, six NAS artworks, and five new works created between 2023-2024.

Following NAS, the exhibition will tour nationally. Zahalka’s work, known for its critical and humorous lens, interrogates cultural and environmental tensions, deconstructing familiar scenes and reflecting on cultural diversity and the climate crisis.

When: 16 August – 19 October 2024
Where: NAS Gallery, Forbes Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney.

Thin Ice VR at the Australian Museum

Thin Ice VR, is an immersive virtual reality experience following Sir Ernest Shackleton’s famed Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition. Created by adventurer Tim Jarvis AM, this award-winning 22-minute film uses advanced VR technology to bring Shackleton’s incredible journey to life.

Experience the challenges Shackleton and his crew faced as their ship, Endurance, was trapped in Antarctic ice. This VR film also highlights the environmental changes in Antarctica today, emphasizing the urgent need for climate action.

Besides the main event, you can join the Antartica Explorers, Breakfast Behind the Scenes talk with Thin Ice VR creator Tim Jarvis on 30 August, or the Eureka Talks, Antartica discussion with Tim Jarvis and senior researcher, Antarctica Division, Dana Bergstom, hosted by journalist Jackson Ryan on 31 August.

When: 6 July – 13 October 2024
Where: Australian Museum, Sydney
Cost: Included with museum entry

Food and Drink Events

Chefs of the House

The Sydney Opera House has announced Chefs of the House, a new dining experience uniting all four acclaimed Opera House chefs – Matt Moran, Peter Gilmore, Mark Olive, and Danielle Alvarez.

Launching in August, each chef will host two intimate shared-table dinners, showcasing their culinary excellence and innovation. With 270-degree projections and live music performances, each event promises an immersive dining experience.

The line up includes:

• Danielle Alvarez – Winter Harvest Symphony – 1 & 2 August, 7pm
  A seasonal gastronomy experience, with a menu crafted from directly sourced ingredients, paired with wines and string quartet entertainment.
• Mark Olive – Dreamtime – 8 & 9 August, 6:15pm
  Inspired by indigenous Australian cuisine, featuring native ingredients and First Nation performers Marimayi, with projections of indigenous constellations.
• Peter Gilmore – The Icons of Bennelong – 15 & 16 August, 6pm
  A celebration of 50 years of Bennelong’s culinary history with premium Australian produce, fine wines, and jazz music.
• Matt Moran – Ocean to Table – 29 & 30 August, 7:30pm
  A seafood-focused menu with sustainably sourced ingredients, accompanied by bioluminescent-inspired projections.

Check the Sydney Opera House website for fill menus and reserve your spot now for a uniquely personal and unforgettable dining experience at the Sydney Opera House!

The Squires Feast

Enjoy a delightful feast with paired beers, hosted by James Squire’s Craft Beer Ambassador. There will be trivia with chances to win prizes valued at over $200!

Where: The Squires Landing, Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay West, The Rocks
When: August 10, 12pm – 3pm
Tickets: $79 per person.

Sport and Outdoor events

Sydney International Boat Show 2024

The 2024 Sydney International Boat Show returns to Darling Harbour from August 1-5, offering a family-friendly event with a range of exciting highlights.

• Main Stage: Delve into the world of fishing with daily demonstrations and masterclasses by Australia’s leading fishing experts. Hosted by Paul Burt and other notable personalities, visitors can also snap photos with their fishing heroes.
• Shimano Fishing Tank Show: Hosted by Dave ‘Mossy’ Moss, this engaging show offers top fishing tips and over AUD$1,000 in giveaways.
• Discover Sailing & Paddling Hub: Explore sailing and paddling with expert talks, interactive activities, and information on courses and clubs.
• On-Water Demonstrations: Witness vessels of all shapes and sizes in action, showcasing their performance and handling.
• Speciality Vessels: Step aboard maritime vessels, including environmental services and marine rescue boats, for an inside look.
• Climate Action Now: Visit Lisa Blair’s ocean racing yacht and learn about her record-setting adventures.
• Boating Safety Zone: Get the latest maritime safety information from Transport for NSW.
• Maritime Museum: Explore Australia’s rich maritime heritage with interactive activities for children.

Enjoy special deals at Darling Harbour cafes and restaurants, and consider booking a stay, play, and save package for a fun-filled weekend. Early bird tickets start from $25, with free entry for children under 16 accompanied by a paying adult. Early bird ticket holders also have a chance to win $10,000 in ‘Boat Show Dollars’ to spend at the Show.

When: August 1-5, 2024
Where: Darling Harbour, Sydney
Cost: Early bird tickets from $25, children under 16 free with a paying adult.

City2Surf

City2Surf Run, the city’s favourite fun run draws more than 80,000 people. Runners and walkers make their way along a 14-km route from Hyde Park to Bondi Beach.

When: 11 August 2024
Where: Hyde Park to Bondi Beach
Cost: $65, check the website for training schedules and more

Yoga in the Park

Get fit and flexible every Sunday morning with FREE Yoga in The Park! The focus on breathing, the concentration required to find balance in certain poses, the flow of the movements – it’s all an active meditation that can help clear the mind, quieten anxieties and strengthen your body.

When: 9:30 am, every Sunday (All Year)
Where: Corner of Lower Fort St and George St at Dawes Point Park, right under the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Tickets: Free, more info here 

Plan Ahead

• What’s on in Sydney in September
• What’s on in Sydney in October
• What’s on in Sydney in November
• School holidays in Sydney

Have questions about things to see and do in Sydney?
Head over and join our Facebook Group and we will be happy to help.

Feature image credit: Destination NSW