What’s on in Sydney in April 2024
April is usually a holiday month in Australia when Easter and Anzac Day meet. The first school term ends, resulting in lots of people having time off work.
Temperatures continue to decrease, and rain is not unusual. We have stopped camping at this time of year because we have been rained out so often.
If you are entertaining kids this month check out our guide to all the best things to do with kids during these autumn School holidays.
Average Temperatures: 23-15°C ( 63-43°F)
While each year varies the last April was unusually dry with only 2 days of rain.
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 in April
Key events in April are:
- The Royal Easter Show – 22 March- 02 April 2024
- Sydney Comedy Festival – 22 April – 19 May 2024
- Anzac Day – 25 April
- Biennale of Sydney – March thru June 2024
See our full list of Easter Events here
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
Australian Heritage Festival
A celebration of the heritage and culture of Australia through ceremony, song and dance, performance art, talks, and tour.
When: 18 April – 19 May 2024
Where: Across the country
Suitcase Rummage
Head to The Goods Line in Ultimo, between the Powerhouse Museum Cafe and the Frank Gehry UTS Building for a cool market experience.
Suitcase Rummage is a hassle-free mini market with big rewards. Buy secondhand and handmade items from the suitcases set up along the path.
Expect to find vintage items, artwork, clothing, books, jewellery, seconds, handmade shoes, records, music, badges, cards, and handmade paper at the event.
Join the Rummage experience as a seller ($33) or the buyer (free)
When: 28 April 2024
Where: The Goods Line, Ultimo
More: Check their website for more details
Round She Goes Market
Round She Goes is Sydney’s favourite market for women’s preloved and vintage fashion. The market features 70+ handpicked stallholders who will sell women’s preloved designer fashion, quality vintage and retro fashion, handmade jewellery + accessories.
There is free parking at the venue, and the 423 bus stops right outside (or it’s a 13-minute walk from Marrickville station)
When: 20 April 2024
Where: PCYC Marrickville, 531 Illawarra Rd, Marrickville
Cost: Entry is $4 (cash or card accepted)
More: Check their website for more details
Musicals, Opera and Theatre
West Side Story
This year’s Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour is the hit musical West Side Story. First Nations soprano Nina Korbe will make her professional stage debut as Maria, while Canberra-born tenor Billy Bourchier, recognized for his performance in OA’s celebrated production of Miss Saigon, will join her.
This electrifying, larger-than-life production of West Side Story will run for a 4 week season that is bound to be a sell out!
When: 22 March–21 April 2024
Where: Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquaries Point, Sydney
The Rocky Horror show
After a popular run last year Rocky Horror is back a limited time. This iconic Rock ‘N’ Roll musical, featuring Jason Donovan as Frank N Furter and Myf Warhurst as the Narrator, continues to be a global favourite.
Created by Richard O’Brien, it stands out as a landmark rock musical reaching a 50-year milestone. The cast includes Ellis Dolan, Darcey Eagle, Ethan Jones, Deirdre Khoo, Loredo Malcolm, and Henry Rollo, making it a must-see event for fans and newcomers alike.
When: 31 March to 28 April 2024
Where: Theatre Royal Sydney
Grease
Sydney’s Annelise Hall,who most recently featured in The Marvellous Elephant Man as well as Aspects of Love at the Hayes Theatre,in the coveted role of Sandy made famous by Olivia Newton-John. Melbourne’s Joseph Spanti, best known for Friends! The MusicalParody and Cruel Intentions: The 90’s Musical, will be donning the famed black leather jacket as Danny Zuko, played by John Travolta in the movie version of the much-loved musical.
Marcia Hines will star as Teen Angel and Jay Laga’aia as Vince Fontaine.
When: From 24 March 2024
Where: Capitol Theatre, Sydney
& JULIET
&Juliet reimagines Shakespeare’s classic tale, proposing a vibrant future where Juliet chooses life and love over tragedy. This musical journey of self-discovery and empowerment is fueled by a soundtrack of pop anthems, offering a modern twist on the iconic love story.
The Australian production features Lorinda May Merrypor in the lead role, with Rob Mills as Shakespeare and Amy Lehpamer as his wife, Anne.
The story unfolds with a mix of self-discovery and empowerment, set to a soundtrack of pop anthems. Nominated for 9 Tony Awards® including Best Musical, “& Juliet” is a vibrant celebration of life beyond the original tragedy. The cast also includes Blake Appelqvist, Casey Donovan, Hayden Tee, Jesse Dutlow, and Yashith Fernando, making for a dazzling lineup of talent.
When: 27 February, 2024 – 28 April, 2024
Where: Sydney Lyric Theatre
Into the Shimmering World
Into the Shimmering World is a moving Australian tale of love and renewal, set against the backdrop of life on the land, featuring performances by Colin Friels and Kerry Armstrong. They portray Ray and Floss, a farming couple whose enduring partnership is tested by the challenges of a severe drought, leading them to the brink of significant change.
This production promises to captivate with its gothic, dreamlike portrayal of the Australian landscape, rich, musical language, and a profound examination of the Australian spirit.
When: 2 April – 19 May, 2024
Where: Wharf Theatre
Holding the Man
The iconic Australian love story, known for its raw honesty, humor, and emotional depth, makes a triumphant return to the Belvoir stage. “Holding The Man” is presented in a unique setting, with Belvoir transforming its space to enhance the storytelling experience.
A new seating arrangement has been introduced, featuring the most comfortable seats yet – couches, settees, and sofas reminiscent of your grandmother’s living room, providing a cozy atmosphere for audiences.
When: 9 March – 14 April
Where: Belvoir Upstairs l Tickets here
The Sunshine Club
The Sunshine Club, written by Wesley Enoch AM, a proud Noonuccal Nuugi man, is an exciting new Australian musical featuring 28 songs by composer John Rodgers.
Set in 1946, the story follows Frank Doyle, an Aboriginal serviceman returning from World War II to find little change in Brisbane’s attitudes. Determined to create a better future, Frank establishes The Sunshine Club as a place of unity, laughter, romance, and dance.
The Sunshine Club is a multi-award-winning production, offering an exhilarating and thought-provoking theatrical experience with a talented cast of 11 emerging and established First Nations artists, accompanied by a dynamic 5-piece live band.
When: 11th to 20th April 2024
Where: Sydney Coliseum Theatre, Rooty Hill
Tickets: from $69
The Lewis Trilogy
Griffin Theatre is celebrating its time at the SBW Stables Theatre by presenting The Lewis Trilogy by Louis Nowra, a legendary dramatist whose work embodies the spirit of Kings Cross. This event marks a grand farewell before the theatre’s significant redevelopment.
Over ten weeks, an ensemble of eight beloved Sydney actors, including Paul Capsis, will perform three of Nowra’s most iconic plays under the direction of Griffin’s Artistic Director, Declan Greene. This vibrant showcase of love, loss, and Australiana can be experienced over separate nights or as a full-day event, offering a unique tribute to the Stables’ Darlinghurst legacy. The Lewis Trilogy is an epic celebration not to be missed.
When: 9 Feb – 21 April
Where: SBW Stables Theatre – 10 Nimrod Street, Darlinghurst
The President
Hugo Weaving stars alongside Ireland’s celebrated Olwen Fouéré in a groundbreaking co-production between Sydney Theatre Company and Dublin’s Gate Theatre.
This collaboration brings together top Irish and Australian theatre talents for a global theatrical event. Weaving and Fouéré portray the President and First Lady of a besieged, unnamed country, seemingly detached as a revolution unfolds around them.
The play delves into the intricacies of their marriage and the crumbling political landscape, offering a compelling narrative set against a backdrop of turmoil.
When: 13 April – 18 May 2024
Where: Roslyn Packer Theatre
The Great Divide
David Williamson, Australia’s eminent playwright, returns from retirement with his latest work, “The Great Divide. The play delves into themes of wealth inequality and human greed.
Set in the serene town of Wallis Heads, reminiscent of Williamson’s own Noosa in Queensland, “The Great Divide” portrays Penny Poulter’s tranquil life disrupted by the arrival of the wealthy and ruthless Alex Whittle. Starring Georgie Parker from Home and Away as Alex, alongside a talented ensemble cast including Kate Raison, Caitlin Burley, Emma Diaz, James Lugton, and John Wood.
When: 8th Mar – 27th April 2024
Where: Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall Street, Kirribilli
Tickets: $43-99
No Pay? No Way!
“No Pay? No Way!” returns to the Drama Theatre after its acclaimed 2020 debut, celebrated for its humour and timely satire. Directed by Sarah Giles and adapted by Marieke Hardy, this farcical comedy, originally penned by Italian playwright Dario Fo, tackles the absurdities of economic struggle.
The story follows Antonia, portrayed by Mandy McElhinney, and her riotous revolt against rising prices, leading to a shoplifting spree and comedic chaos. With a stellar cast including Glenn Hazeldine and Aaron Tsindos, this production promises relentless laughter and sharp social commentary, proving more relevant than ever in today’s world.
When: 6 April – 11 May, 2024
Where: Drama Theatre Sydney Opera House
NAYIKA (A Dancing girl)
A casual comment from an old friend in Sydney triggers a woman’s reminiscence of her teenage years spent alone by the sea in Chennai. As she prepares for her debut dance recital, memories of young love and unraveling emotions flood back, revealing the profound impact of indelible trauma and the resilience of taking back control.
Belvoir is set to debut Nayika (A Dancing Girl), a mesmerising solo act blending storytelling, live music, and Bharatanatyam dance, tailored for the exceptional skills of Helpmann Award recipient Vaishnavi Suryaprakash.
When: Dates: 30 April – 19 May 2024
Where: Upstairs Theatre, Belvoir St Theatre
Wild Dogs Under My Skirt
An electrifying theatrical poetry experience, under Anapela Polata’ivao’s masterful direction, Wild Dogs Under My Skirt introduces depth, strength, and dramatic sophistication to Avia’s deeply personal portrayal of Pacific Island life and its sometimes-turbulent encounters with New Zealand.
Adapted from Tusiata Avia’s poetry collection, this production boldly examines and celebrates the Samoan female experience. Set against the backdrop of ongoing colonial upheaval, five Samoan characters navigate their lives between two cultures: playing, gossiping, enduring, upholding patriarchal norms, and forging powerful new identities.
When: 18 – 20 April 2024
Where: Lennox Theatre, Riverside Theatres Parramatta
Tickets: Riverside Members from $39 | Non-members from $44.50
See our guide to the April School Holiday events for theatre events for kids & young adults
Comedy, Music and Dance
Sydney Comedy Festival
The Sydney Comedy Festival has unveiled its first acts for the 2024 lineup, promising laughter across Sydney from April 22 to May 19. Audiences can look forward to Gold Logie winner Tom Gleeson, stand-up star Luke Heggie, the unique ogre-inspired burlesque, Swamplesque, and the return of the all-female comedy night, Frocking Hilarious.
Additionally, the Festival’s popular Gala events are set to return from April 23 to April 25, hosted at iconic venues including The Sydney Opera House and The Enmore Theatre, showcasing a mix of international stars, Australian comedy legends, and rising talents.
When: 22 April – 19 May 2024
Where: Enmore Theatre, Opera House, Sutherland
Sydney Comedy Festival Gala
Catch the hottest acts of the Sydney Comedy Festival all in one incredible show! Sydney’s biggest month of comedy kicks off in grand style with the Sydney Cmedy Festival Gala.
Featuring a dazzling line-up of the Festival’s funniest international stars, Australian legends, and next-big-things in comedy, the Gala is the premier comedy event in Sydney’s cultural calendar.
When: 25 April 2024
Where: Concert Hall, more details
Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow
Australia’s biggest and best comedy festival featuring the best and brightest of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, we’re bringing the funny to you!
When: 26 April 2023 – 29 June 2023
Where: Prices vary depending on the performer
More: Check their website for updates
Singin’ in the Rain: A Symphonic Night at the Movies
Experience 1920s Hollywood glamour as the orchestra performs the iconic score of “Singin’ in the Rain” live to film at the Sydney Opera House.
Award-winning conductor Nicholas Buc will lead the performance of this classic movie, starring Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, and Debbie Reynolds. Witness unforgettable dance sequences and timeless songs like ‘Make ‘Em Laugh’ and ‘Good Morning’.
When: 12 – 13 April
Where: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Tickets from $59 plus booking fee
Osmo Vänskä Conducts the Music of Sibelius
Renowned Finnish conductor Osmo Vänskä, hailed as ‘our greatest living Sibelian’ by the Sunday Times, will reunite with the Sydney Symphony for the first time since 2014. Osmo Vänskä Conducts the Music of Sibelius promises a captivating journey through the rich and evocative soundworld of Sibelius.
Joined by acclaimed Finnish soprano Helena Juntunen, they will present a heartfelt celebration of their homeland, performing five songs inspired by Finnish folklore, including Sibelius’ national epic “Luonnator,” alongside the heroic “Lemminkäinen Suite.”
When: 24 – 27 April
Where: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Mendelssohn’s Octet
Eight musicians from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s string section will showcase Mendelssohn’s Octet, a groundbreaking piece for double string quartet (four violins, two violas, and two cellos) that pioneered a new genre of chamber music.
Composed by a 16-year-old Felix Mendelssohn in the autumn of 1825, the Octet has been praised by critics as “one of the miracles of nineteenth-century music.” With its youthful energy and masterful string writing, it solidified the young composer’s reputation among the Romantic greats.
When: 12 – 13 April
Where: Utzon Room, Sydney Opera House
Tickets from $90 plus booking fee
Film Festivals
Fantastic Film Festival Australia
The Festival’s 27 features offer a unique blend of animation, magical realism, horror, and more. Special events such as Q&A screenings, live performances, a world-first scratch-and-sniff screening, music video blind dates, and nude sessions make this program the Festival’s biggest yet.
When: April 14 – 30, 2024
Where: Sydney: Ritz Cinemas, Randwick
Alliance Française French Film Festival
Calling all French film fans for the whopping 34th year, Australia’s Alliance Française French Film Festival is screening a feast of flicks from the other side of the world with an opening-night pick – Masquerade, spinning a tale of glitz, glamour, and the Côte d’Azur’s far-less-glossy underbelly under La Belle Époque’s director Nicolas Bedos’ guidance — and with Pierre Niney (Yves Saint Laurent) and Isabelle Adjani (The World Is Yours) among his stars.
When: April 5, 2023
Where: Palace Central, Palace Verona, Palace Norton St, Chauvel Cinema, Hayden Orpheum
Food and Drink Events
The Greatest Showman
Experience The Greatest Showman like never before at Potts Point Hotel for a limited time! Dive into PT Barnum’s dazzling world with a brunch filled with the movie’s iconic songs, themed drinks, and a delicious menu. Our live cast will transport you into the circus spectacle, offering a sensory feast.
Dress in your finest circus or showman attire and embrace your inner performer. This unique event is perfect for fans of acrobatics, musicals, or those seeking an extraordinary brunch.
Don’t miss out—grab your tickets now for a spot under the big top!
Date: April 28th, 2024
Address: Potts Point Hotel, 33-35 Darlinghurst Rd, Potts Point
Tickets: $65 (includes your meal, a welcome drink, 2-hours of unstoppable live performances)
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire High Tea
Are you prepared for a hauntingly delightful experience with a side of scones? The Shangri-La Sydney is offering a very special Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire High Tea continuing this month.
Step into The Lobby Lounge, transformed into a chilling setting where you’ll indulge in a three-tiered selection of supernatural sweets and savouries inspired by the newly released Ghostbusters movie.
From classic NYC cheeseburgers to cheesecake and apple pie macaroons, immerse yourself in the vibrant flavours of the city that never sleeps. And, of course, no ghostly gathering would be complete without milkshakes and Shangri-La’s specialty scones.
When: March 16th – April 7th, 2024, 11am-1pm or 2pm-4pm daily
Where: The Lobby Lounge, Shangri-La Sydney
Cost: $79 per adult and $74 per child (11yrs & under). Milkshakes and cocktails additional.
Alice in Wonderland
Embark on an extended Easter adventure with Alice during the school holidays, accompanied by the Mad Hatter, at the Alice in Wonderland High Tea Buffet.
Experience the storybook setting with enchanted trees, giant rabbits, whimsical teapots, fanciful books, towering mirrors, and a magical light display.
Indulge in savoury delights fit for royalty, like beef ragout calzone and lamb sausage rolls, and sweet treats from the Mad Hatter’s imagination, including macarons, caramel apple bars, and raspberry opera cake.
When: 18-28 April 2024
Where: Grand Ballroom, Shangri-La Sydney
Cost: $84 per adult and $64 per child (11yrs & under). Milkshakes and cocktails additional.
Art, Exhibitions and Workshops
White Rabbit Gallery – A Blueprint for Ruins
In the rush towards modernization, a hidden narrative of violence and loss emerges. As cities demolish their old selves to build towering skyscrapers and sleek high-rises, a critical question surfaces: what happened to the people? The empty streets and abandoned apartment blocks serve as eerie symbols of forsaken dreams.
These desolate structures, reminiscent of ancient tombs, silently testify to the harsh reality of rapid urbanization. Each gleaming new development comes at the expense of something else, illustrating the steep price of relentless progress.
When: to 12 May 2024
Where: 30 Balfour Street, Chippendale l Free entry
Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs
Explore “Ramses & The Gold of the Pharaohs,” an interactive museum experience that offers a glimpse into the life and achievements of King Ramses II, famously known as Ramses the Great. He reigned over Egypt for nearly 67 years, making it the second longest rule in Ancient Egyptian history.
Ramses was renowned as a formidable warrior who established peace with neighboring regions. His reign witnessed an extensive building campaign, resulting in numerous monumental structures dedicated to himself. He’s also believed to have had over 100 children.
This exhibition also includes a virtual reality experience that transports visitors to two of Ramses’ most remarkable monuments: the Tomb of Queen Nefertari, his beloved Royal Consort, and the awe-inspiring temples of Abu Simbel.
When: to 19 May 2024 sessions from 9am to 9pm
Where: Australian Museum
Cost: Adults from $38, Concession from $32, Child from $25. Purchase via Ticketmaster
Sports and Outdoor Events
BSc Energy Aqua Rugby Festival
Don’t miss Australia’s only floating rugby tournament at Darling Harbour this month. Watch star players dive into Sydney Harbour from the floating pitch, showcasing their skills in this unique version of rugby. With crash-tackles and thrilling tries, Aqua Rugby promises entertainment for all.
The tournament features Men’s and Women’s competitions each day, including special matches like Waratahs Greats v League Legends.
Where: Darling Harbour
When: Thursday 11th to Saturday 13th April 2024
Cost: Free from the harbour front. An up-close experience on the party pontoon tickets $65.
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: 21 April & 28 April
Where: CommBank Stadium, Parramatta, NSW
NSW Regional Events in April
Hawkesbury Show
Don’t miss the Annual Hawkesbury Show – NSW’s biggest regional agricultural event! Enjoy fireworks displays, carnival rides, show bags, local produce, games, and more. Plus, watch agricultural events and free family entertainment like FMX Motor Bike Stunt Team, Woodchop Spectacular, and Mower Mania. Fireworks on Friday and Saturday nights.
When: 19 April- 21 April 2024
Where: Hawkesbury Showground – 40 Racecourse Road Hawkesbury
Cost: $23
Nooroo Garden Open Days
Nooroo Garden is one of Australia’s best-known gardens and showcases the beauty and spectacle of plant and flower species from around the world, as well as Australian native plants. Come along with your family and friends and admire the wonderful maples, forsythia, liquid amber, and many other rare plants in all their autumn splendour.
When: open until 26 May 2024
Where: Church Lane, Mount Wilson, NSW, Australia
More info on their website.
Sail Port Stephens
Sail Port Stephens is an annual yachting regatta held every April on the pristine waters of Port Stephens. The Commodores Cup (PHS) and Port Stephens Trophy (ORC Club) will now run over five days with 27 April retained as the lay day and a major social event planned for Wednesday 26 April.
When: April-May 2024
Where: Port Stephens
More info on their website.
Mudgee Classic Cycling
Set in New South Wales’ beautiful Mudgee wine region, the Mudgee Classic will surely be a bike ride to remember. Catering for all levels of cycling ability, the event offers four courses: 175km Maxi Classic, 125km Challenge Classic, 65km Rouleurs Classic, 55km Dirty Mudgee and the 35km Social Classic. More information
When: 4-5 May 2024
Where: Mudgee
More info on their website.
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