What’s On in Sydney February 2026

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 Fair Day 2026

Step into the heart of the Festival at Victoria Park for Fair Day, Sydney’s iconic outdoor gathering celebrating LGBTQIA+ communities.

The day kicks off with the First Nations Circle opening ceremony, then moves through a whirlwind of activity: Drag King Games, the Queer Fashion Runway, Doggywood pooch parade, and the ever-popular Karaoke Cave: Disco Divas. Pack a picnic, bring friends, and enjoy the vibrant summer atmosphere under the open sky.

When: Sunday 15 February 2026
Where: Victoria Park, Sydney
Cost: Free entry

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade 2026

Oxford Street comes alive for the 48th Annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, a dazzling procession of floats, performers, and thousands of marchers. Celebrate visibility, pride, and community in this unforgettable spectacle, with accessible viewing areas along Flinders Street and VIP vantage points at Taylor Square for front-row experiences. Glitter, music, and joy are guaranteed.

When: Saturday 28 February 2026 from 6pm-11pm
Where: Oxford Street, Flinders Street & Anzac Parade, Sydney

Glitter Club – Mardi Gras Parade Night

Glitter Club returns to Taylor Square with premium Parade-night viewing, DJs and live entertainment at the heart of the Mardi Gras route.

With headline sets from DJ Dan Murphy and Estée Louder, plus raised viewing platforms and dedicated bars, this is one of the most in-demand ways to experience the Parade.This ticketed event transforms Taylor Square into a multi-level viewing party for the Mardi Gras Parade. Raised platforms provide clear sightlines of Oxford Street, while three stages run DJ sets and live performances before, during and after the Parade passes.

When: Saturday 28 February 2026, 6:30pm-late
Where: Taylor Square, Darlinghurst
Cost: Early bird from $89, general admission from $129

Festivals, Fairs and markets

Watsons Bay Summer Market

This harbourside market draws both eastern suburbs locals and day-trippers who combine shopping with the ferry ride and coastal walk. Stalls focus on boutique clothing, handmade jewellery, art prints and specialty food items at mid-to-upper price points.

The location near the ferry wharf makes it easy to combine with lunch at Doyle’s or a walk to South Head. Arrives early morning for best selection, as popular stalls sell out by midday.

Maroubra Beach Market

This beachside market leans into surf culture and coastal lifestyle, with swimwear, beach homewares and casual fashion dominating the stalls. Coffee vans and food trucks line the perimeter while families browse between beach sessions.

The atmosphere is relaxed and distinctly local, without the polish of harbour markets. Parking fills quickly, so arrive via Marine Parade or plan to walk from surrounding streets.

When: Saturday 7 February 2026, 8am-1pm
Where: Maroubra Beach

Ryde Wharf Market

A northern suburbs market with consistent attendance from local families and retirees. The riverside location provides pleasant surroundings, though stalls lean practical rather than boutique—think plants, preserves, children’s clothing and homeware staples.

Food stalls offer lunch options from various cuisines. The market runs monthly, making it a regular fixture for locals rather than a destination event for visitors.

When: Sunday 8 February 2026, 10am-3pm
Where: Ryde Wharf Reserve

Opera, Musicals & Theatre

Afterglow

S. Asher Gelman’s three-hander examines an evolving polyamorous relationship between a married couple and a younger man. Set entirely in one location over several encounters, the production unfolds through intimate conversations about desire, jealousy and the gap between theory and practice in non-traditional relationships.

The play’s frank sexuality and nudity require audiences 18+. Strong performances overseas led to Edinburgh Festival and Off-Broadway acclaim. This Australian premiere marks Darlinghurst Theatre Company’s first production in their newly renovated Eternity Playhouse.

When: 26 February – 22 March 2026
Where: Eternity Playhouse, Darlinghurst
Cost: $69 + fees, 18+ only

The Social Ladder

David Williamson returns with a new comedy about social climbing in contemporary Sydney. Katie stakes everything on impressing art-collecting power couple Charles and Catherine Mallory at a dinner party, complete with a jaw-dropping borrowed painting to prove her cultural credentials.

The production reunites Williamson with Ensemble Theatre, where his recent Emerald City and Aria both sold out. Expect sharp dialogue, recognisable social types and the kind of uncomfortable observations about class and aspiration that made him Australia’s most-performed playwright. Runs 90 minutes without interval.

When: 23 January – 14 March 2026
Where: Ensemble Theatre, Kirribilli
Cost: $46–$109

Evil Dead the Musical

The bloodiest musical of all time is crashing into Sydney in 2026. Evil Dead The Musical turns the cult classic film into an outrageous theatre experience, mixing horror, humour, and plenty of splattered gore.

Follow five unlucky college students as a weekend in a remote cabin spirals into demon-fuelled chaos. With a talented cast bringing every blood-soaked beat to life, it’s an unmissable thrill for fans of cult cinema and musical theatre alike.

When: 20 February – 14 March 2026
Where: Reginald Theatre, Seymour Centre, Sydney
Cost: $79-99 Website: evildeadmusical.com.au

Music, Comedy and Dance

Grace Jones

Grace Jones performs under the Opera House sails in a rare outdoor show that combines music, fashion and performance art. The Jamaican singer-model-actor built her reputation on boundary-pushing live performances, and this one-night appearance follows that tradition.

Don’t expect a standard concert format. Jones’ shows blend disco, new wave and reggae with theatrical staging and costume changes. The Forecourt setting and summer evening create a festival atmosphere distinct from typical Opera House performances. Suitable for fans of experimental pop and theatrical spectacle.

When: Saturday 28 February 2026, gates 6pm
Where: Forecourt, Sydney Opera House
Cost: $179.90 + booking fee

Hannah Joy (Middle Kids) – Solo

When: Thursday 19 February 2026, 9pm
Where: Playhouse, Sydney Opera House
Cost: $69.90 + booking fee

Alex G & Lucy Dacus – Sydney Opera House Debuts

Two US indie powerhouses take the Sydney Opera House stage for the first time in February. On Monday 9 February, Alex G (aka Alex Giannascoli) delivers a solo set of introspective indie-rock, featuring tracks from his acclaimed 2025 album Headlights alongside fan favourites. Supporting him is Sydney’s own Esha Tewari with a special acoustic performance.

The very next night, Tuesday 10 February, Lucy Dacus – multi-Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and member of boygenius – performs songs from her first solo album in four years, Forever Is A Feeling. Expect lush arrangements, tender lyrics, and collaborations with some of today’s most innovative musicians. Both concerts promise intimate, unmissable experiences in the iconic Concert Hall.

When:

• Alex G with Esha Tewari: Monday 9 February 2026, 8pm
• Lucy Dacus: Tuesday 10 February 2026, 8pm

Where: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Tickets: From $69.90–$79.90 + booking fee
Booking: sydneyoperahouse.com // +61 2 9250 7777

Cameron Winter – Concert Hall Headline Show

Brooklyn art-rock frontman Cameron Winter brings his debut solo album Heavy Metal (2024) to Sydney for a headline performance in the iconic Concert Hall. On Monday 16 February 2026, he will perform songs from the critically acclaimed album, celebrated for its raw emotion, surreal storytelling, and intimate lyricism.

Trading the post-punk energy of his band Geese for a more personal and poetic sound, Winter’s performance promises a journey through dark humour, existential reflection, and soulful narrative. His vocals have drawn comparisons to Nick Cave, Bob Dylan, and Leonard Cohen, while critics praise his capacity to leave audiences moved, often to tears.

When: Monday 16 February 2026, 8pm
Where: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Tickets: From $79.90 + booking fee Booking: sydneyoperahouse.com

The Edge of Zen

Grand masters of Japanese music meet Western strings in a meditative fusion. Shakuhachi player Riley Lee and koto player Satsuki Odamura join Sydney’s Chroma Quartet for an evocative program blending traditional and contemporary Japanese works with pieces by Debussy and Australian composers Ross Edwards, Anne Boyd, and Lachlan Skipworth.

When: Sunday 1 February 2026, 3pm
Where: Utzon Room, Sydney Opera House
Cost: Standard $105 | Under 35s $55 | Student $25.90
Tickets: sydneyoperahouse.com

Human Nature – MTWN20: Celebrating 20 Years of Motown

Human Nature return home to Sydney to celebrate 20 years of their Motown era with two special hometown shows at the State Theatre. MTWN20 brings together the songs that reshaped the group’s career, blending classic Motown hits with the polished harmonies and energy they’re known for.

Expect a crowd-pleasing setlist packed with favourites like My Girl, Baby I Need Your Lovin’, Easy and I’ll Be There, alongside the group’s own chart successes. These Sydney performances kick off the southern leg of their 2026 regional tour and are the only hometown dates on the run.

When: Friday 27 February & Saturday 28 February 2026
Where: State Theatre, Sydney
Cost: humannaturelive.com

Film Festivals

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: 5-15 February 2026
Where: Palace Central, Palace Verona, and Ritz Cinemas
Cost: Tickets from $21.50, Festival passes available

Queer Screen

Celebrate global LGBTQIA+ storytelling at the 33rd Mardi Gras Film Festival, featuring premieres, panel discussions, and networking events across multiple Sydney venues. From provocative shorts to feature-length narratives, the festival highlights diverse voices, international perspectives, and queer creativity in film.

When: Wednesday 12 – Wednesday 26 February 2026
Where: Various Sydney venues
Cost: Tickets vary by screening

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

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.

• Foreshore vantage points – Find a spot along the harbour’s edge at Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, or Kirribilli for free and watch the boats slice through the waves.
• Spectator boats – Take to the water for a front-row experience, with ticketed boats offering commentary and drinks while you feel the spray on your face.
• Shark Island – For a more secluded and panoramic view, secure a spot on Shark Island and enjoy the race framed by Sydney’s skyline.

Important: Pre-booking required for all viewing options. Ferry transfer times are strict – please arrive at meeting points at stated times.

When: Saturday 28 February & Sunday 1 March 2026
Where: Sydney Harbour
Cost: Free  from foreshore locations, some ticketed events.

Regional NSW Events

Kangaroo Valley Show

This is one of those old-school country shows that makes a regional detour worthwhile. You’ll see livestock judging, woodchopping, pavilion displays, rides for kids and plenty of local food and produce. It’s relaxed, community-focused and unapologetically regional — a proper snapshot of country NSW rather than a polished festival.

When: Saturday 14 February 2026
Where: Kangaroo Valley Showgrounds

Red Hot Summer Tour – Berry

Berry hosts one of the Red Hot Summer Tour’s regional stops, bringing a major Australian live music event to the South Coast. Expect a full outdoor concert setup, big sing-along moments and a crowd that skews local rather than city slicker. It’s an easy add-on if you’re already exploring the Shoalhaven region.

When: Sunday 15 February 2026
Where: Berry Showground

Magpie Up Style Market, Lawson

This much-loved Blue Mountains market is a strong mix of handmade, vintage and pre-loved, with a distinctly local feel. You’ll find independent makers, small fashion labels, art, jewellery and good coffee, all wrapped into a walkable village setting. Ideal if you’re in the Mountains for the weekend and want something low-key but interesting.

When: Sunday 15 February 2026
Where: Adelaide Street, Lawson

Girrakool Blues Festival, The Entrance

This laid-back blues festival takes over the waterfront at The Entrance for a long weekend of live music, food stalls and seaside wandering. It’s casual rather than curated — turn up, drift between sets and settle in when something grabs you. A solid excuse for a Central Coast getaway outside peak summer crowds.

When: Friday 27 February – Sunday 1 March 2026
Where: Memorial Park, The Entrance

Get a head start on March and April events