February is the last month of summer and with the kids heading back to school, life is getting back to normal after the Christmas/school holiday period. Prices and availability of accommodation usually improve.
Weatherwise this month is one of the most humid of the summer. The warm temperatures make this a great time to explore some of the 100-plus beaches within the Sydney region.
You may also notice plenty of lanterns in the streets in honour of the Lunar New Year.
Average Temperatures: 26-19 °C ( 79-66°F)
While each year varies the last February saw six days of rain.
New events and updated content are added to these pages as they become available.
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Major February Events in Sydney
February is all about love! With Valentine’s Day and Mardi Gras filling the street with happiness.
- Lunar New Year – see our full list of events
- Valentine’s Day – consult our dining guide for your hot date night
- Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival
Over 16 days and nights, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival hosts a variety of events, from talks and exhibitions to parties culminating in the much loved Parade. This year’s festival kicks off on Valentine’s Day and finishes on 2 March.
Mardi Gras Parade
The final event of the Mardi Gras Festival, the parade features over 8,500 participants in outrageous costumes and an enormous variety of floats. Each float represents a community group, topical theme or political message to help raise wider awareness of issues important to the LGBTI community The after-party is sold out!
When: 1 March 2025, 6pm-11pm
Where: Oxford Street – book your viewing area early for best positions
Opera, Musicals & Theatre
Cinderella
Discover a fresh take on the beloved fairy tale in Laurent Pelly’s captivating production of Cinderella. This enchanting rendition of Massenet’s classic opera blends humor, whimsy, and stunning visuals to create a magical experience. After receiving rave reviews in New York and London, this acclaimed production is making its debut in Australia.
The performance features playful choreography, extravagant costumes, and a pop-up storybook set inspired by the original fairy tale illustrations. Audiences of all ages will be charmed by this delightful performance. Rising star Emily Edmonds, alongside Emma Matthews and celebrated mezzo-soprano Margaret Plummer, lead the cast, bringing both heart and humor to Massenet’s beautiful score.
When: 2 January – 14 March
Where: Sydney Opera House
Tickets: Book tickets online or call (02) 9250 7777
Music, Comedy and Dance
This content will be updated 3-4 months in advance as it becomes available.
Cinema
Antenna Documentary Film Festival
Sydney’s premier documentary film festival returns with 50 groundbreaking non-fiction films from around the globe.
The festival welcomes award-winning director Penny Lane (Confessions of a Good Samaritan) as special guest, alongside powerful new works from legendary filmmakers Errol Morris (Separated) and Petra Costa (Apocalypse in the Tropics). The program features three Australian feature documentaries including Larissa Behrendt’s One Mind. One Heart, exploring the historic Yirrkala Bark petitions.
When: TBC
Where: Palace Central, Palace Verona, and Ritz Cinemas
Cost: Tickets from $21.50, Festival passes available
Europa! Europa Film Festival
Europa! Europa brings a carefully curated collection of European cinematic gems to audiences, featuring a handpicked selection of entertaining, heartfelt, and thought-provoking films. These films are from some of the most compelling storytellers and fresh cinematic voices in Europe.
When: February – March
Where: Ritz Cinemas Randwick
Cost: Tickets from $20-25
Queer Screen
Queer Screen’s Mardi Gras Film Festival returns! Over 155 LGBTIQ+ films will be screening in cinemas across Sydney, including the iconic Sydney Opera House, Dendy, Event, OpenAir, and the Ritz.
The film festival will hold World Premieres, Australian Premieres, and Sydney Premieres and give screens to a season of glorious, showstopping, spectacular, never-the-same, unique, completely not ever been done before, conversation-starting and conversation-continuing films. See the full programme and buy your tickets now at queerscreen.org.au.
When: Feb 2026 TBC
Where: Sydney Opera House, Dendy, OpenAir, and more
Moonlight Cinema
Summer is outdoor cinema season in Sydney, but the Moonlight Cinema is one of the classics. A good mix of new releases and golden oldies. BYO drinks make this spot a standout.
Sydney’s Outdoor Cinemas are still on sale and perfect for summer viewing!
When: Nov 2025- March 2026 Dates to be confirmed
Where: Centennial Park
Art and Exhibitions
Classes and Tours
Sport and Outdoors
KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix | Sydney
Experience the world’s most exciting racing on water as the SailGP championship returns to Sydney Harbour. Watch Tom Slingsby’s Australian team defend their home waters against international rivals, with boats reaching speeds of up to 100 km/h in intense, stadium-style racing.
Viewing options:
- Shark Island: Access via spectator transfers from Man O’War Steps (near Sydney Opera House)
- Official Spectator Boats: Departing King Street Wharf at 1:15pm daily
- Dockside SailGP Tech Site: Open Friday 7 February, 4:30pm–7:00pm at Glebe Island
Important: Pre-booking required for all viewing options. Ferry transfer times are strict – please arrive at meeting points at stated times.
Where: Sydney Harbour
When: TBC
Cost: from $67 although there are some free activities
Regional NSW Events
Get a head start on March and April events
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