What’s On in Sydney February 2026

February is the last month of summer in Sydney. Mardi Gras takes over the city from February 14-28, with Fair Day on the 15th and the Parade on the 28th. You’ll also see Lunar New Year lanterns and celebrations continuing from late January.

The warm weather is perfect for beaches and outdoor cinema. Accommodation prices drop after the January school holidays.

Grace Jones performs at the Opera House on February 28, SailGP returns to the harbour, and Antenna Documentary Film Festival screens 50 films across the city.

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Major February Events in Sydney → Mardi Gras & Lunar New Year

February is all about love! With Valentine’s Day and Mardi Gras filling the street with happiness.

When is Lunar New Year 2026? January 29, 2026 (Year of the Horse). New Year celebrations continue through February with dragon boat races and lantern festivals.

For something different, outdoor cinema screenings make romantic evening options, or catch the sunset from one of Sydney’s coastal walks before dinner.

When is Mardi Gras 2026? Sydney Mardi Gras Festival runs February 14 – March 2, 2026. Fair Day is February 15 (free at Victoria Park). The Parade happens February 28 from 6pm on Oxford Street.

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

Let Your Pride Shine – Pullman Sydney Hyde Park

Pullman Sydney Hyde Park transforms into Pullman Pride Park for its fourth annual pre-parade celebration, positioned right at the start of the parade route on College Street. This four-hour party runs from 5pm-9pm with premium food, drinks and a stellar entertainment lineup.

Australian music icon Paulini headlines with a live performance, joined by MANÚ (RuPaul’s Drag Race Pit Crew star), Coco Jumbo from RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under, and hosted by Sydney powerhouse Dakota Fann’ee. She Beast, Tora Hymen, Baila Muestra Showgirls and DJ Dom Diaz round out the entertainment.

The ticket includes four hours of food and beverages, complimentary cocktail on arrival, free-flowing beer, wine and Chandon Garden Spritz, plus 360° video booth and photo opportunities throughout the venue.

When: Saturday 28 February 2026, 5pm-9pm
Where: Pullman Sydney Hyde Park, College Street
Cost: $229-$249 (early bird sold out) Tickets

markets & Community events

Bondi Latin Fiesta

Latin arts and culture take over Bondi Pavilion for a free family day of live music, dance workshops, arts and crafts, and Latin American food. High-energy performers bring colour and movement throughout the afternoon, with activities suitable for all ages.

The event celebrates Latin culture through accessible workshops where you can try dance styles or crafts before settling in with food and watching performances. No tickets needed, just turn up.

When: Sunday 8 February 2026, 12pm-7pm
Where: Bondi Pavilion
Cost: Free

North Sydney Streets: CBD ‘After Dark’

Brett Whiteley Place and surrounding streets close to traffic for a free after-work street party in North Sydney’s CBD. Long tables fill the streets as restaurants including Ciabatta, Rafi, Glorietta and Poetica serve food outdoors, whilst the Firehouse Hotel runs an Aperol pop-up bar.

Live music, interactive games and giveaways run throughout the evening as the precinct transforms into an open-air dining hub. This is the first of three annual community events funded by NSW Government’s Open Streets Program.

When: Friday 6 February 2026, 4pm-9pm
Where: Brett Whiteley Place, Denison Street and Mount Street, North Sydney
Cost: Free

Brittany Down Under Festival

The biggest Brittany festival outside France returns to Sydney’s Sub Base Platypus with Celtic music, traditional circle dancing, and proper Breton food. Expect crêpes, galettes, fresh oysters and seafood washed down with cider and beer while live bands Louzco Fouzco and The Folksters perform throughout the day.

Breton folk dance classes run at noon and 2:30pm for all levels—no experience needed. There’s also a table football (babyfoot) tournament with registrations at 10:30am, 12:30pm and 2pm. The festival celebrates northwestern French culture with traditional crafts, clothing and the authentic marinière shirt.

When: Sunday 8 February 2026, 10am-5pm
Where: Sub Base Platypus, North Sydney
Cost: Free
Getting there: F5 ferry to North Sydney (3 min walk) or train to Milsons Point (12 min walk).

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

North Sydney Streets: Crows Nest

The second instalment of North Sydney’s street transformation series brings family-friendly entertainment, food and music to Crows Nest for an afternoon celebration. Details on specific vendors and entertainment to be announced.

When: Saturday 21 February 2026, 12pm-5pm
Where: Crows Nest (check North Sydney Council for specific location)
Cost: Free

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

Planning dinner before a show? Check out our pre-theatre dining guide for restaurants near major Sydney theatres.

Hänsel & Gretel at the Sydney Opera House

Humperdinck’s Hänsel & Gretel brings the classic Grimm fairy tale to life on the Joan Sutherland Theatre stage, in a colourful Opera Australia production sung in English and ideal for families new to opera.

Expect storybook sets, playful choreography and a lush late‑Romantic score that feels approachable even if your last opera was “never”, with just enough dark forest atmosphere to keep older kids and adults engaged. Families looking for a first opera that’s visually spectacular but not too long or heavy, as well as opera fans keen to hear a top‑notch cast and orchestra in one of the world’s great opera houses, will love it.​

Turandot at the Sydney Opera House

Puccini’s Turandot is a monumental new production blending ancient Chinese fable with monumental sets, immersive projections, mesmerising choreography and the electrifying aria Nessun dorma.

Sung in Italian with English surtitles, it explores power, passion and redemption through Turandot’s icy challenges and a slave girl’s sacrificial love – a spectacle of emotional extremes and Puccini’s largest-ever chorus.

When: February dates include 2, 5, 7, 10, 13, 18, 21, 24 & 27 February (mostly 7:30 pm, plus select matinees).​
Where: Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House.
Cost: $159 Book tickets here or direct at Opera Australia

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

Roleplay

Comedian, writer and director Hannah Reilly’s new solo work follows a broke feminist podcaster who rebrands as a “slutfluencer” chasing fame and followers. Part of Belvoir’s Up Late program, the show interrogates modern sex, womanhood and the commodification of feminism through darkly hilarious, surreal storytelling.

Reilly—who previously hosted a sex and relationships show on triple j and created Direct Eye Contact—examines the cost of inauthenticity in the age of personal branding. Directed by Paige Rattray (Sydney Theatre Company’s Associate Director), this is raw, electric work catching the show in its earliest form before potential wider runs.

When: 1-8 February 2026 (7pm Sun 1 Feb, 9pm Tue-Thu, 5pm Sun 8 Feb)
Where: Upstairs Theatre, Belvoir St Theatre
Cost: From $45

Check our guide to where to eat before the show here

Opera Up Late

Reuben Kaye returns to host this unapologetically fabulous night of comedy, cabaret and operatic brilliance at the Opera House. Following last year’s sold-out show, the 9:30pm soirée features soprano Emma Matthews, tenor Daniel Macey, mezzo soprano Ruth Strutt and baritone Anthony Mackey performing reimagined opera hits, musical theatre classics and pop numbers.

Directed by award-winning Shaun Rennie, the evening mixes queer romance, razor-sharp wit and soaring melodies with stunning costumes. Expect operatic talent performing like you’ve never seen them before—it’s designed for first-timers and opera aficionados alike.

When: Saturday 21 February 2026, 9:30pm
Where: Sydney Opera House
Cost: From $59

Tina – A Tropical Love Story

First Nations drag artist Miss Ellaneous (Ben Graetz) blends storytelling, cabaret and drag in this celebration of Tina Turner. The show honours the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll whilst weaving in Top End community and queer culture through high-voltage performances.

This is more than a tribute act—expect personal stories, powerful vocals and costumes that bridge Indigenous and drag performance traditions. Three nights only at the Pavilion.

When: Thursday 12 – Saturday 14 February 2026, 7:30pm-8:30pm
Where: Bondi Pavilion
Cost: $30-59

The Elocution of Benjamin Franklin

Griffin Theatre Company marks the 50th anniversary of steve j. spears’s landmark Australian play with Simon Burke in the central role. The tragicomedy scandalised audiences when it premiered at this same venue in 1976, collecting three Obie Awards during its Off-Broadway run.

Elocution teacher Robert O’Brien’s life shifts when 12-year-old acting prodigy Benjamin Franklin arrives as a student. What follows is a razor-edged portrait of persecution that remains disturbingly relevant half a century later.

When: 21 February – 29 March 2026
Where: Downstairs Theatre, Belvoir St Theatre
Cost: From $40
Content warning: References to child sexual abuse, homophobia and suicide

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

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

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

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

Bach’s Complete Vocal Motets

Bach Akademie Australia teams with The Song Company for seven of J.S. Bach’s vocal motets—some of the most beautiful choral music from the Baroque period. The program features four to eight voices in virtuosic displays exploring themes of comfort, resurrection and joy, originally written for funerals and celebrations.

Artistic Director Madeleine Easton leads the ensemble alongside Dutch singer Iris Korfker, with works by Australian composer Sandra Milliken and Scottish composer Sir James MacMillan rounding out the program. These motets were the only Bach vocal works to remain in constant performance after his death until the 19th-century Bach revival.

When: Thursday 12 February 2026
Where: St James Church, Sydney
Cost: Check Bach Akademie Australia website

Golden Hour Presents Crowded House

Australia’s newest summer ritual arrives at Bondi Beach with Crowded House headlining a sunset concert on the sand. The iconic band performs alongside acclaimed singer-songwriter Thelma Plum in this landmark evening celebrating Australian music.

Golden Hour transforms the beach into an outdoor venue from 5pm, timing the performance to catch the golden light over the ocean. This is the inaugural edition of what’s planned as a regular summer event.

When: Friday 20 February 2026, from 5pm
Where: Bondi Beach

Sunset Variations

Australia’s most compelling musicians perform immersive three-hour sets from Sydney’s highest natural point as the sun sets over the harbour. Each evening from 5pm to 8pm, Sydney Observatory transforms into an outdoor venue where musicians soundtrack the city’s golden hour through to twilight.

Bring a picnic blanket and settle in for the performance—curated food and drinks are available on site (no BYO). This all-ages outdoor event runs throughout late January and February, with limited tickets available at the door from 4pm.

When: 30 January – 27 February 2026, 5pm-8pm
Where: Sydney Observatory, Millers Point
Cost: $10 (free for children under 12 with paid adult)

Mighty Hoopla Sydney

The UK’s biggest pop festival makes its Australian debut at Bondi Beach with four stages of total pop mayhem. Headliners include Kesha, Becky Hill, Countess Luann and Rose Gray, alongside Australian icons Jessica Mauboy and Delta Goodrem.

Expect celebration of LGBTQIA+ communities, self-expression, surprise performances and the kind of high-energy pop spectacle that’s made the UK version a cult favourite. This is a full-day beach festival starting at 2pm.

When: Saturday 21 February 2026, from 2pm
Where: Bondi Beach
Cost: Check event website

Bumpy: The Kanana Tour

Proud Noongar artist Bumpy brings her debut album Kanana (meaning “land where the sun sets”) to Bondi Pavilion. Her sound fuses jazz, funk, folk and R&B into what she calls a “soul-filled celebration of connection and unity.”

The performance showcases hypnotic vocals and vibrant sonic journeys that blend Indigenous and contemporary influences. This is part of Bumpy’s national tour following strong reception of the album.

When: Friday 27 February 2026, 7:30pm
Where: Bondi Pavilion
Cost: Check Bondi Pavilion website

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

Omega Ensemble: Starburst

Australia’s most dynamic chamber group opens their 2026 season with works by Shostakovich, GRAMMY winner Jessie Montgomery and Gerald Finzi, alongside the world premiere of Lachlan Skipworth’s double concerto for clarinet and trumpet. Sydney Symphony Orchestra Principal Trumpet David Elton joins pianist Vatche Jambazian for Shostakovich’s Concerto No.1—a whirlwind of classical fanfare and jazz-hall swagger.

Artistic Director David Rowden performs Finzi’s lyrical Clarinet Concerto before teaming with Elton for the premiere of A Turning Sky, written specifically for the pair. Montgomery’s radiant Starburst combines jazz, folk and classical threads into the opening work.

When: Thursday 12 February, 7pm
Where: City Recital Hall, Sydney
Cost: omegaensemble.com.au/starburst

Film Festivals

Antenna Documentary Film Festival

Highlights include:

• Sentient (Tony Jones) – Investigative debut following Sundance world premiere, taking viewers inside animal laboratory research
• We Are Jeni – Dr Jeni Haynes’ extraordinary case of testifying through multiple identities to convict her abuser
• The Clown of Gaza – Performer brings joy to children after losing his home in Gaza

Special guest Kirsten Johnson (Cameraperson, Dick Johnson Is Dead) presents an In Conversation event and curated sidebar program. Gillian Armstrong screens her 50-year longitudinal documentary following three Adelaide women, with Q&A.

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

Europa! Europa Film Festival

The fifth edition of this European film festival brings 43 films from 22 countries to the Ritz Randwick throughout February and March. The program opens with The Testament of Ann Lee, Mona Fastvold’s visually stunning musical about the founder of the Shaker religious movement, starring Golden Globe nominee Amanda Seyfried. The Sydney opening night screening on February 19 is in 70mm format.

A special retrospective strand presents Michelangelo Antonioni: Modernist Master, featuring four films from the Italian director’s artistic peak—L’Avventura, La Notte, L’Eclisse and Red Desert—all collaborations with Monica Vitti that invented a new film language dissecting tensions between people and the modern world.

When: 19 February – 19 March 2026
Where: Ritz Cinemas, Randwick
Cost: Tickets from $20-25
Opening Night: Thursday 19 February, 6:45pm (includes drinks, DJ, nibbles), film 7:30pm in 70mm l More: europafilmfestival.com.au

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

Serbian Film Festival Sydney

Australia’s premier showcase of Serbian cinema returns with five new contemporary films plus the 1960s cult classic ‘Love and Fashion’ from the Yugoslav Kinoteka Archives. Now in its 21st year, this celebration of Serbian culture and filmmaking brings the latest from Belgrade to Sydney screens.

When: 19 February to 1 March 2026
Where: HOYTS Entertainment Quarter l See the program

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: Open 21 Nov 2025 – 5 Apr 2026
Where: Centennial Park

Art and Exhibitions

Nature Within: The Architecture of Toyo Ito

This solo exhibition showcases three iconic works by Pritzker Prize-winning Japanese architect Toyo Ito, known for creating open spaces that evoke the feeling of being outdoors while inside. The exhibition focuses on Sendai Mediatheque (2000), Gifu Media Cosmos (2015), and Ibaraki City Culture Complex (2023)—public buildings designed with fluid spaces and fewer walls to encourage flexible use.

Architectural models, sketches and photography by Iwan Baan trace these projects from concept to completion. Ito’s fifty-year career has made him one of Japan’s most prominent architects, winning the Royal Gold Medal, Golden Lion at Venice Biennale and Pritzker Architecture Prize.

When: 31 January – 18 April 2026
Where: The Japan Foundation Gallery, Sydney
Cost: Free entry

LOVING: A Photographic Collection of Love, 1850s–1950s

Qtopia Sydney presents more than 4,000 photographs of men in love, collected over two decades by American couple Hugh Nini and Neal Treadwell from flea markets, auction houses and family albums worldwide. These intimate portraits capture same-sex relationships during eras of profound legal persecution and social constraint.

The images span a century—from the 1850s to 1950s—showing tender moments that defied convention and were often kept hidden. Most photos lack inscriptions, but visual clues like uniforms and studio settings reveal their social context. This landmark exhibition restores visibility to LGBTQIA+ histories long absent from public archives.

When: From 5 February 2026
Where: Qtopia Sydney – The Loading Dock Theatre, Darlinghurst
Cost: $15 – free on Sundays

SEARCHERS: Graffiti and Contemporary Art

More than 35 Australian artists spanning four decades explore spray paint’s journey from street subculture to contemporary art practice. National Art School Gallery’s exhibition marks 20 years since opening, bringing together leading graffiti writers, established contemporary artists and the next generation using aerosol as their primary medium.

Highlights include nine large-scale works painted directly onto gallery walls by graffiti writers SPICE, MACH, BAGL and others; Callum Morton’s monumental freeway installation Motormouth; Reko Rennie’s work employing spray as decolonial language; and Eddie Martin’s influential documentary Jisoe. The exhibition traces how spray paint amplified voices outside institutional frameworks whilst reshaping visual languages within galleries.

Grab breakfast at Rusty Rabbit, one of my favourite local spots before you visit.

When: 17 January – 11 April 2026 (continuing through February)
Where: NAS Gallery, National Art School, Forbes Street, Darlinghurst

Unearthed

Around 140,000 objects excavated from Australia’s first Government House site between 1983 and 1991 reveal Sydney’s early colonial history through fragments that lay hidden beneath city streets for nearly 140 years. The Museum of Sydney displays remains from Australia’s first printing press, wine bottles transformed into tools by First Nations makers, and elaborately decorated crockery hidden in privies.

The exhibition explores both the tangible finds and the people who lived at Government House—plus those whose lives were shaped by decisions made within its walls. It also presents the archaeological digs themselves, from the 1983-84 excavation that found the house’s remains to later digs uncovering the governor’s guardhouse foundations.

When: all through February l Hours: Daily 10am-5pm
Where: Museum of Sydney, corner Phillip and Bridge Streets
Cost: Free

Sport viewing 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.

Super Bowl LX Viewing Parties

Fourteen Solotel pubs across Sydney are screening Super Bowl LX on Monday, February 9 from 10am with game-day atmosphere, big screens and American bar food. Venues including Paddo Inn, The Golden Sheaf, The Woodstock and Public House Petersham partner with Budweiser for $30 beer buckets (includes complimentary cap).

The special menu features Buffalo Wings, Fourth Quarter Frank Hot Dogs and Loaded Cheeseburger Fries. Popular venues like The Clock in Surry Hills, Kings Cross Hotel and The Sackville in Rozelle will have wall-to-wall coverage across multiple screens.

Bookings recommended for prime spots—doors open 10am.

When: Monday 9 February 2026, from 10am
Where: 14 Solotel venues across Sydney
Cost: Free entry, food and drinks for purchase
Venues: Paddo Inn, Golden Sheaf, The Woodstock, The Clock, Public House Petersham, Kings Cross Hotel, Sackville Hotel, The Albion Parramatta, and others

The Biggest Super Bowl Party in the East

Coogee Bay Hotel transforms The Garden into Sydney’s biggest Super Bowl viewing party, with NRL legends Braith Anasta, Justin Horo, and Willie Mason hosting live panel discussions about playing professional sport at the highest level.

The venue goes all-in with giant screens, American-style food, bottomless drinks packages, themed entertainment and pop-up bars. Book early—the Garden Experience package has already sold out.

When: Monday 9 February
Where: Coogee Bay Hotel, The Garden
Cost: $39 (reserved seating), $199 (Garden End Zone), $2,500 (Cabana for 8), $3,000 (MVP Cabana for 12)

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

Theatre Under the Stars – The Comedy of Errors

Sport for Jove brings Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors to an outdoor stage at the University of Wollongong. The production follows a family separated by war as they stumble through chaotic Ephesus, where mistaken identities pile up into increasingly absurd situations.

Sunset performances run Wednesday to Sunday with an all-star cast including Nicholas Papademetriou and Tamara Lee Bailey. Pack a picnic and settle in on the oval—this is Shakespeare without the stuffiness.

When: 11-22 February, 7pm (Wed-Sun)
Where: Kooloobong Oval, University of Wollongong
Cost: $55-69

Garabari – First Nations Dance Party

Wiradjuri choreographer Joel Bray brings this contemporary corroboree to Wollongong and Dapto. Developed with Elders on Wiradjuri Country, Garabari shares the story of how the Murrumbidgee River was created—a gift from the late Uncle James Ingram.

Nine performers guide you through an immersive dance party where audience and performers blur together. Expect bodies, light, melodic beats and costumes by Wiradjuri designer Denni Francisco. This comes straight from its Sydney Festival premiere.

When: Friday 6 & Saturday 7 February (7:30pm), Saturday 14 February (1:30pm & 7:30pm)
Where: Wollongong Town Hall (Feb 6-7), Dapto Ribbonwood Centre (Feb 14)
Cost: $40-55

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

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