What’s on in Sydney in April 2026
Autumn arrives in Sydney in April with the Royal Easter Show taking over Olympic Park from April 2-13. Easter weekend falls April 3-6 and school holidays run the first two weeks of the month—making April one of the busiest times for family activities and events.
Anzac Day on April 25 brings dawn services to Martin Place and marches through the city. Phantom of the Opera continues its harbour run through April 26, and the Sydney Comedy Festival kicks off mid-month with 350+ artists.
When is Easter 2026?
Easter Sunday falls on April 5, 2026. Good Friday is April 3, Easter Monday is April 6.
When are NSW April school holidays 2026?
NSW school holidays run 7-17 April 2026 (Term 1 break).
Average Temperatures: 23-15°C (73-59°F)
Families looking for ways to entertain the kids can check out our guide to autumn School holiday activities.
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New events and updated content are added to these pages as it becomes available. Please contact us if you have an event you would like to share.
Major Events this month
Key events in April are:
- The Royal Easter Show – 2 -13 April 2026
- Sydney Family Show – 12 – 27 April 2026
- Sydney Comedy Festival – 13 April to 17 May 2026
- Anzac Day – 25 April
See our full list of Easter Events or check out what’s open on Good Friday and Easter long weekend
The Royal Easter Show
Since 1823 farmers have been bringing the country to town for the Royal Agricultural Show a two-week agricultural affair held at the Sydney Olympic Park.
The show awards over 15,000 trophies for everything from livestock and farm skills to photography and cake decorating.
Enjoy seeing the baby farm animals, sample produce from around the state, play all the old-school sideshow games, and then head to the stadium for precision driving and the nightly fireworks show.
When: 2 -13 April 2026
Where: Sydney Olympic Park l Cost: $41 approx.
More: Find out everything about the show here.
Ingenia Holiday Parks Sydney Family Show
The Ingenia Holiday Parks Sydney Family Show returns to the Entertainment Quarter this April, promising fun for the whole family.
Thrill-seekers can enjoy BMX freestyle shows and classic carnival rides, while younger children can explore the Easter Basket Zone. Don’t miss the traditional sideshow games, animal experiences, and showbags.
When: 12-27 April 2026
Where: Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park
Cost: TBC
Anzac Day
Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand to commemorate Australians and New Zealanders service people who have served their country.
Dawn Services are held in every town across the country, with the biggest one being in Martin Place. If you get the opportunity to attend, I highly recommend it.
Breakfast and a parade through the city streets follow the service. Once the official ceremony is complete, everyone hit the pub to try their luck at Two-Up.
When: 25th April
Where: Martin Place and George St Sydney
More: Find out more about Anzac Day here
Festivals, Fairs and Markets
Lifeline Art Show North Sydney
The inaugural Lifeline Art Show brings together local and emerging artists in support of mental health services. Judged by Damien Minton, the exhibition features multiple prize categories including a $1,500 Established Artist Prize and People’s Choice Award.
The event opens with a special preview night featuring an art auction, followed by six days of general exhibition. Art lovers and collectors can purchase works both at the venue and through online sales, with artists receiving a portion of sales while supporting this vital community cause.
When: Early April TBC
Where: Fred Hutley Hall, North Sydney Council Chambers, 200 Miller Street
Caravan Camping Holiday Supershow
NSW’s largest caravan and camping exhibition returns to Rosehill Gardens with over 250 exhibitors showcasing the latest in outdoor adventure gear. Browse everything from motorhomes and campervans to tents and camping accessories.
Highlights include:
- Presentations by 4×4 expert Pat Callinan
- Fishing talks with Andrew ‘ET’ Ettingshausen
- Family entertainment including petting zoo and face painting
- Ingenia Holiday Parks Fun Zone with toddler area
Perfect timing for families planning school holiday adventures or anyone interested in exploring NSW by road.
When: 28 April – Sunday 3 May 2026
Where: Rosehill Gardens Racecourse, Rosehill
Cost: $20 one day Conc. $25 adults – 2 day tickets $40
Musicals, Opera and Theatre
Phantom of the Opera on Sydney Harbour
The Music of the Night soars across Sydney Harbour as Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera returns for its 40th anniversary. This spectacular production features all the iconic moments – the mirror, the boat journey, the chandelier – reimagined on an enormous stage over the water.
Directed by Simon Phillips with stunning costumes and sets by Gabriela Tylesova, this grand staging includes themed pop-up bars, nightly fireworks, and a live orchestra.
When: 27 March – 3 May, 2026, 7:30pm nightly
Where: Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquaries Point, Sydney
Bookings l Accessibility: Audio described performance April 8, Auslan interpreted April 14
Anastasia
The Broadway musical Anastasia makes its Australian premiere, bringing the legendary tale of Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov to life. From the twilight of Imperial Russia to the glamour of 1920s Paris, this lavish production follows Anya as she sets out to discover the mystery of her past.
Georgina Hopson stars as Anya, joined by Robert Tripolino, Joshua Robson, Rodney Dobson, Rhonda Burchmore and Nancye Hayes AM. The Tony Award-winning creative team of Terrence McNally, Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens brings this family-friendly musical to the Sydney stage.
When: 7 April – 5 July 2026
Where: Sydney Lyric Theatre, Pyrmont
Cost: From $69.90 adults, $59.90 concessions More: The official site
The Lion King
Disney’s global phenomenon returns to Australia with a cast representing the best talent from Australia, New Zealand and around the world. The production brings together alumni members of THE LION KING family alongside fresh faces for this iconic musical.
South African performer Buyi Zama returns as Rafiki for her third Australian tour, while New Zealander Nick Afoa steps into the role of Mufasa after making his theatre debut as Simba twelve years ago. The principal cast also features Aphiwe Nyezi as Simba, Emily Nkomo as Nala, Jamie McGregor as Timon, and Rutene Spooner as Pumbaa.
When: From April – August 2026 on sale now – April almost sold out!
Where: Capitol Theatre, Sydney
Cost: From $60
Bette & Joan – Ensemble Theatre
If you know anything about Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, you already know this is going to be good. Anton Burge’s two-hander puts both women in the same room at the height of their famous feud — egos, barbs and all.
Australian theatre veterans Jeanette Cronin and Lucia Mastrantone play Davis and Crawford respectively, in the Australian premiere of a production that went down well in London. Sharp, funny and decidedly not polite.
When: 20 March – 25 April 2026
Where: Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall Street, Kirribilli
Cost: $46–$95 | Buy direct here
An Iliad
David Wenham plays a world-weary poet condemned to retell the story of the Trojan War until humanity stops repeating its mistakes. Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare’s adaptation strips Homer’s epic back to one man, one musician, and a direct, unflinching look at war and what drives people to it. Wenham is up close in the intimacy of Wharf 1 — worth it if you want serious theatre this April.
When: 13 April – 7 June 2026 | Approx. 100 mins, no interval
Where: Wharf 1 Theatre, Sydney Theatre Company
Cost: From $74 (Under 30) | $94 concessions | $124 adults | Book at sydneytheatre.com.au
The River
Miranda Otto returns to the Sydney Theatre Company stage in this lyrical thriller by Jez Butterworth — the Olivier and Tony Award-winning playwright behind Jerusalem. On a moonless night, a fisherman (Ewen Leslie) brings a woman to his family’s remote cabin on the cliffs.
It should be a romantic weekend, but nothing is quite what it seems. Directed by Margaret Thanos, the 80-minute chamber drama is atmospheric, intimate and reportedly leaves audiences unsettled long after they leave.
When: 30 March – 9 May 2026
Where: Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House
Cost: Adults from $69 More details sydneytheatre.com.au
My Brilliant Career
Sybylla Melvyn is back. Kala Gare leads the returning cast in this musical reimagining of Miles Franklin’s novel, which won five Green Room Awards in its sold-out premiere season including Outstanding Production.
Set in 1890s rural Australia, Sybylla is unapologetically ambitious and wholly uninterested in the future society has mapped out for her — which makes for a raucous, funny and surprisingly moving night out. The score mixes contemporary pop, bush ballads and pub rock, with design by Tony Award-winner Marg Horwell.
When: 21 March – 26 April 2026
Where: Roslyn Packer Theatre
Cost: From $85
The Red Shoes – Qtopia Sydney
Hans Christian Andersen’s folktale gets a queer reimagining in this production fresh from a sold-out season at NIDA’s Festival of Emerging Artists. An orphaned boy taken in by a wealthy widow discovers a pair of red shoes that awaken something in him — leading to joy, judgment, and a choice between conformity and his true self.
Director Jason Forrest draws on his own experience growing up gay in suburban Australia in the late 80s and 90s, framing the story as a response to ongoing erasure of queer stories worldwide. Live 80s music, original compositions and NIDA-trained performers round it out.
When: 15–18 April and 21–25 April 2026
Where: Qtopia Sydney, The Loading Dock Theatre, 301 Forbes Street, Darlinghurst
Cost: $30–$45 | Book at tickets.qtopiasydney.com.au
The Prom – Australian Premiere
The Tony-nominated Broadway musical gets its Australian premiere at Teatro at the Italian Forum in Leichhardt. Four desperate Broadway stars descend on a small town when a student is banned from bringing her girlfriend to prom — chaos and big-hearted musical theatre ensues.
Broadway and West End veteran Caroline O’Connor leads the cast, with direction from Teatro co-founders Andrew Bevis and Nathan M. Wright. A Netflix adaptation starring Meryl Streep and Nicole Kidman gives you a sense of the tone, though the stage version has its own energy entirely.
When: 24 March- 19 April 2026
Where: Teatro at the Italian Forum, Norton Street, Leichhardt
Cost: From $75 previews and from $85 | Direct from Theatre
Amplified: The Exquisite Rock and Rage of Chrissy Amphlett
Sheridan Harbridge plays Chrissy Amphlett in this sold-out Belvoir hit, now back for a second season at the Seymour Centre. It covers Amphlett’s journey fronting the Divinyls, from Australian pub stages to international chart success, with the raw energy and contradiction that made her one of the most compelling performers in Australian rock history.
When: 15 – 25 April 2026
Where: Seymour Centre, Sydney Cost: From $79 seymourcentre.com for tickets
Of The Land On Which We Meet – Na Djinang Circus
Three performers — a First Nations person, a descendant of settlers, and a migrant — share their stories of Country in this physically precise circus work from Naarm-based Na Djinang Circus.
Circus technique, contemporary dance and theatre combine on a spare monochrome stage to explore connection, land and what modern Australia carries from its past. The company’s previous works Common Dissonance and Arterial earned strong critical recognition; this one has a five-star review to its name.
When: Thursday 23 April 2026, 7pm
Where: Riverside Live at PHIVE, 5 Parramatta Square, Parramatta
Cost: $25–$39 | Book at riversideparramatta.com.au
Gutenberg! The Musical!
Two best friends, Bud and Doug, pitch their wildly inaccurate musical about the invention of the printing press to anyone who’ll listen.
Fresh from breaking Broadway records in 2024, this absurdist comedy from the writers of Beetlejuice gets its first Australian production at Hayes Theatre, starring Sydney Theatre Award winners Stephen Anderson and Ryan González.
When: 10 April – 10 May 2026 | Tue 6:30pm, Wed–Sat 7:30pm, Thu 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 5pm
Where: Hayes Theatre Co, 19 Greenknowe Avenue, Potts Point
Cost: From $60 (Under 35) | $69 concession | $79 adult | Book at hayestheatre.com.au
Cluedo
The world’s favourite murder mystery board game comes to life on stage in this fast-paced comedy-thriller. Based on the beloved 1985 film and the classic Hasbro board game, audiences join the suspicious dinner guests at Boddy Manor—Mr Green, Colonel Mustard, Mrs Peacock, Professor Plum, Miss Scarlet and Mrs White—for a night of deadly fun.
Genevieve Lemon, Craig McLachlan and Grant Piro lead the cast in this Australian premiere, directed by Luke Joslin (Grease, In The Heights). This farcical whodunnit promises killer entertainment as everyone tries to solve the mystery while hiding their own secrets.
When: From April 2026
Where: Theatre Royal Sydney
Cost: From $69.90
Sistren – Griffin Theatre Company
Isla and Violet are best friends, self-proclaimed soulmates, and according to their headmaster, a “lethal combination.” Separated by their South London school, the two — a cisgender Caribbean diva and her transgender bestie — have to navigate a world that keeps trying to pull them apart.
This cult-hit sold out before it opened in its 2025 season and won three Sydney Theatre Awards including Best Independent Production. Sharp, loud and very much its own thing.
Note: Captioned performance 22 April
When: 9 April – 3 May 2026 | Tue–Fri 7pm, Sat 1pm & 7pm, Sun 5:30pm
Where: Downstairs Theatre, Belvoir Street, Surry Hills
Cost: From $38 | Book at griffintheatre.com.au or (02) 9361 3817
See our guide to the April School Holiday events for theatre events for kids & young adults
Sydney Comedy Festival & Live Music
Sydney Comedy Festival
Celebrating its 21st anniversary, the 2026 Sydney Comedy Festival presents its biggest program yet, featuring more than 350 artists from around the globe. This year’s festival introduces exciting new elements including the ‘One Night Stand’ series at the Sydney Opera House, launching with Daniel Sloss on April 24th, and the Comedy Crawl through the YCK precinct in the CBD.
The stellar lineup features international acts like Guy Montgomery, Jimeoin, and Arj Barker, alongside Australian favourites including Rhys Nicholson, Melanie Bracewell, Nazeem Hussain, and Becky Lucas. The festival also showcases diverse voices with Brown Women Comedy’s award-winning lineup and Brazilian comedian Fábio Rabin performing in Portuguese.
When: 13 April to 17 May 2026
Where: Enmore Theatre, Riverside Theatre, Concourse Theatre, Joan Sullivan Performing Arts Centre and Bondi Pavilion
The Pogues – Rum Sodomy & the Lash 40th Anniversary
Legendary Irish folk-punk band The Pogues return to Australia for the first time in 14 years to celebrate 40 years of their groundbreaking 1985 album. Original members Spider Stacy, Jem Finer and James Fearnley lead the shows alongside vocalists Daragh Lynch, Iona Zajac and John Francis, honouring the memory of Shane MacGowan.
The band will perform the album in full across two nights, including favourites such as Rainy Night in Soho, Sally MacLennane and Dirty Old Town, plus B-sides, extended versions and a selection of their most beloved tracks.
When: Sunday 5 & Monday 6 April 2026, 8pm
Where: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Cost: From $119.90 + booking fee
Buddy Guy
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and eight-time Grammy Award-winner Buddy Guy returns to Sydney at age 89. The blues guitarist will perform songs from his acclaimed new album Ain’t Done With The Blues alongside iconic hits from his extraordinary career.
A pioneer of Chicago’s West Side sound, Guy has influenced rock legends including Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and Stevie Ray Vaughan. He received the Kennedy Centre Honour in 2012 for his lifetime contribution to American culture.
When: Wednesday 1 April 2026, 8pm
Where: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Cost: From $129.90 + booking fee
Film Festivals and special screenings
Journey – A Dark Fantasy Film
A grieving warrior descends into a perilous underworld in search of his lost love, guided by a dead king and a magical amulet. Made single-handedly over seven years by local filmmaker Damien Osborn — who built the props, costumes and puppets himself — this dark fantasy has picked up more than 85 awards and laurels worldwide and gets its Sydney premiere at Liverpool Powerhouse.
When: Saturday 18 April 2026, 2pm and 7:30pm (70 mins)
Where: Liverpool Powerhouse, 1 Powerhouse Road, Casula
Cost: $22pp + booking fees | MA15+ l Book direct
Alliance Française French Film Festival
The Alliance Française French Film Festival continues this month. Known as the world’s largest showcase of French films outside of France, and Australia’s biggest cultural paid event, the festival features a diverse range of movies from various filmmakers, genres, and styles.
When: 3 March – 5 April 2026
Where: Palace Central, Palace Verona, Palace Norton Street, The Chauvel Cinema, Roseville Cinema and Hayden Orpheum Cremorne. More information and tickets from 5 Feb.
Dance
The Next Step: Legacy World Tour
If you have a fan of the TV series at home, this is the April school holiday show for them. Cast members from all ten seasons of the hit dance drama reunite on stage for new choreography and callbacks to the moments that made the show a global hit.
The series has aired in over 120 countries and Season 10 is currently on ABC.
When: Thursday 17 April 2026, 2:30pm and 7:30pm (limited tickets at 7:30pm)
Where: State Theatre, Sydney Cost: From $69.90 + transaction fees
Museums – Exhibitions and Events
Bloodsuckers: Nature’s Vampires
The Australian Museum has a knack for making science slightly “gross” but totally addictive for kids (and, let’s be honest, adults too).
This major new exhibition dives into the world of leeches, ticks, and mosquitoes. It’s highly interactive, with over ten different hands-on displays where you can use microscopes and models to see how these “tiny vampires” actually work. It’s a fantastic option for the school holidays, especially if you need an indoor activity to escape the autumn rain.
When: Opens 2 April 2026 (Running through October)
Where: Australian Museum, Cnr William & College St
Cost: $28 Adults, $18 Children (Members go free)
Local Tip: This will be popular during the school holidays. Pre-book your timed entry tickets online to skip the queue at the door.
Art Galleries and Workshops
Ngurrara Canvas II – Art Gallery of NSW
One of the largest Aboriginal paintings ever made, the 80 square metre Ngurrara Canvas II makes its final appearance outside the artists’ Country — there are no plans for it to travel again.
Created in 1997 by Western Desert artists for presentation to the National Native Title Tribunal, the floor canvas will be accompanied by a special public performance by traditional owners and two dance troupes travelling to Sydney for the occasion.
When: 14 March – 14 June 2026
Where: Art Gallery of NSW
Cost: Free
Ema Shin: Handwoven Heart – Chau Chak Wing Museum
Melbourne textile artist Ema Shin presents her largest work to date — a two-metre 3D handwoven heart inspired by her grandfather’s family tree spanning 32 generations, which recorded only men and women who had borne sons.
The work is a tribute to the women written out of her family history.
When: 14 March – 14 June 2026
Where: Chau Chak Wing Museum, University of Sydney
Cost: Free
Data Dreams: Art and AI
Located at the MCA with that unbeatable Circular Quay backdrop, Data Dreams is the one to see if you’re curious about how AI is changing art. This isn’t just screens and code; it’s a series of “atmospheric” rooms that feel more like stepping into a dream (or a sci-fi movie).
It features ten international artists using AI as a collaborator. It’s thought-provoking, a bit trippy, and definitely a conversation starter for your post-museum lunch at The Rocks.
When: Until 27 April 2026
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), The Rocks
Cost: $35 Adults, Under 18s Free
Michaela Gleave: Event Horizon – Artspace
Australian conceptual artist Michaela Gleave’s first major solo exhibition in Australia opens at Artspace in March. Working with light, sound, mist, glitter, inflatable objects and atmospheric conditions, Gleave creates immersive environments that sit somewhere between science and art.
Event Horizon draws on astrophysics and quantum physics to explore the limits of what we can observe and know — the exhibition title refers to the boundary around a black hole beyond which nothing can be retrieved. Four new bodies of work spread across five interconnected zones, with an ongoing live performance series running throughout the season.
When: 6 March – 7 June 2026 | Opening event Thursday 5 March, 6pm
Where: Artspace, Sydney
Food and Drink Events
Wine & Cheese Fest
For the first time since launching in Melbourne in 2014, the Wine & Cheese Fest arrives in Sydney this April. This all-day tasting event brings together boutique wineries, artisan cheese makers, and gourmet producers under one roof at Carriageworks.
Attendees enjoy unlimited tastings throughout the day, plus free masterclasses, live entertainment with DJs, and a take-home wine glass and tote bag. The event showcases Australia’s finest wines and cheeses, with a full range of flavours to explore from small-batch producers and established favourites.
When: Saturday, 11 April 2026
Where: Carriageworks, Eveleigh
Cost: $54 via wineandcheesefest.com.au
Sports and Outdoor Events
Women’s A-League Semi Final
The much-anticipated Liberty Women’s A-League semi finals kick off in Sydney on Saturday, April 21 and will reach the pinnacle with the Grand Final on Sunday, April 30.
It’s a landmark year for women’s football, and soon our Matildas will take on the world, so this is something to celebrate!
When: late April
Where: CommBank Stadium, Parramatta, NSW
NSW Regional Events in April
Canowindra International Balloon Challenge
Balloons fly at sunrise and in the last hour before sunset across nine days in the Belubula Valley, about three and a half hours west of Sydney. The highlight is the Cabonne Community Glow on 18 April — 15 hot air balloons inflate after sunset and light up synchronised to music at Canowindra Sports Oval, with over 100 market stalls, live music and food and wine. Daily balloon launches are free; there is an entry charge for the Glow.
When: 11–19 April 2026 | Cabonne Community Glow: Saturday 18 April
Where: Canowindra, Central West NSW
Cost: Daily balloon launches free | Glow ticketed — check canowindrachallenge.org.au
Sail Port Stephens
Three weeks of sailing across three separate regattas: Commodores Cup 13–18 April, Performance Racing 24–26 April, and Super Series 1–3 May. Non-sailors aren’t left out — the Street Party on Wednesday 15 April turns central Nelson Bay into a pedestrian-only zone for the evening. A Race Village runs throughout with daily activations, live entertainment, local food and a start-line grandstand with live race commentary. Port Stephens is just under three hours from Sydney.
When: 13 April – 3 May 2026
Where: d’Albora Marina, Nelson Bay, Port Stephens Cost: Free to spectate
Australian Celtic Festival – Year of Scotland
Now in its 34th year, the 2026 festival celebrates Scotland at the Australian Standing Stones in Glen Innes, New England High Country. Events include Highland Games, live jousting, pipe bands, Celtic markets, a Poets Breakfast and a Celtic Kids program on the Sunday Family Fun Day. Glen Innes is seven hours from Sydney and surrounded by autumn colour — worth combining with a road trip through the New England region.
When: 30 April – 3 May 2026
Where: Australian Standing Stones, Watsons Drive, Glen Innes
Cost: Weekend tickets available at australiancelticfestival.com
Don’t forget to check our Easter guide for more ideas for enjoying the Easter long weekend.
Get organised and check what’s planned for May and June.
