What’s on in Sydney in April 2026

Autumn arrives in Sydney in April, bringing with it school holidays, Easter celebrations, and the commemoration of Anzac Day. Many Sydneysiders will have time off work, making it a popular time for activities and events. While the temperatures begin to cool, and rain is possible, there’s still plenty to enjoy both indoors and out.

Families looking for ways to entertain the kids can check out our guide to autumn School holiday activities.

Average Temperatures: 23-15°C (73-59°F). While weather can vary, April typically offers a mix of sunny and cloudy days.

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.

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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 here

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.

Royal Easter
Credit: Destination NSW

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.

Sydney Family Show
Sydney Family Show

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.

handa opera sydney March2026
Phantom of the Opera

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: March 27 – April 26, 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.

Anastasia photo of two cast members  Credit:  Roy Beusker
Anastasia Credit: Roy Beusker

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: anastasiamusical.com.au

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.

Lion King cast in front of Sydney Harbour
The Lion King Sydney begins in this month

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 2026 
Where: Capitol Theatre, Sydney
Cost: 

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 in Cluedo
Genevieve Lemon in Cluedo

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

See our guide to the April School Holiday events for theatre events for kids & young adults

Comedy, Music and Dance

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 Pogues © Graham MacIndoe
The Pogues © Graham MacIndoe

The band will perform the album in full across two nights, including favourites such as Rainy Night in SohoSally 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.

Buddy Guy
Buddy Guy

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

Art, Exhibitions and Workshops

World Press Photo Exhibition

One of the most popular exhibitions staged at the State Library each year the annual World Press Photo Contest is a globally acclaimed exhibition showcasing the pinnacle of photojournalism and documentary photography from the past year.

Celebrating excellence in storytelling through imagery, the spotlight shines brightly on two Australians making waves in the Southeast Asia and Oceania region: Eddie Jim, a standout in the Singles category, and Aletheia Casey, making her mark in the Open Format category.

When: TBC
Where: State Library NSW, Macquarie Street Sydney I Free

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.

Find a new favourite at the Cheese and Wine Festival
Find a new favourite at the Cheese and Wine Festival

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: tbc
Where: CommBank Stadium, Parramatta, NSW

NSW Regional Events in April

Camden City Show

A weekend of country show fun that is run entirely by volunteers. Camden is just one hour from Sydney and the Camden show offers your perfect change to experience a couple of days of good old fashioned fun!

Camden Show Ferris Wheel in action
Camden City Show

When: 4-5 April 2025
Where: Camden Showground
Cost: Tickets from $8-32

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.

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