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.
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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: 2025 dates not yet released
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
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.
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.
Penrith Show
Entertainment, rides, side show alley, trade stalls, competitions, exhibitions performances and so much more!
When: 30 August 2025
Where: 141-147 Station Street, Penrith
More: Check the website for more info
Dog Lovers Festival
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.
Dog lovers can also access half-price tickets to the Cat Lovers Festival, running concurrently next door in its own dedicated venue.
When: Saturday 23 and Sunday 23 August 2025, 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.
Cat enthusiasts can also access discounted tickets to the Dog Lovers Festival, running concurrently next door.
When: Saturday 23 and Sunday 23 August 2025, 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.
Date: 9-17 August 2025
Location: Roundhouse, UNSW, Anzac Parade, Kensington
Musicals, Opera and Theatre in Sydney in August
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: Every Sunday afternoon in August + Friday 29 August
Where: Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House
Tickets: here
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: TBC
Where: Bankstown Arts Centre 5 Olympic Parade Bankstown, NSW
Cost: Free, full guide here
Music, Comedy And Dance
Art and Exhibitions
Food and Drink Events
Sport and Outdoor events
Sydney International Boat Show 2024
The Sydney International Boat Show is a family-friendly event with a range of exciting highlights.
When: TBC
Where: Darling Harbour, Sydney
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: 10 August 2025
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
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Feature image credit: Destination NSW
