What’s on in Sydney in January 2026
One of my favourite months to be in Sydney, January always sees plenty going in across the city. With summer in full swing and what seems like half of Sydney on holiday, there are events on every day.
Accommodation prices are still at their peak and many attractions are busy. So if you are visiting and keen to do tours and activities on a particular day, it’s worth booking these in advance.
New events and updated content are added to these pages as it becomes available.
Average Temperatures: 25.9 – 18.7 C ( 79.7 – 67.3°F)
While each year varies, the last January was pretty wet with 12 days of rain.
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Major Events in January
The Sydney Festival kicks off the year with a huge bang with dozens of free and paid events. We don’t have the space to share them all but have added our favourites here. For the full list be sure to visit the festival site.
- Sydney Festival – 8 – 25 January, 2026
- Flickerfest – 23-01 February 2026
- Australia Day – 26 January 2026
- Year of the Horse Festival
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Sydney Festival
Sydney Festival 2026 will feature over 130 shows and events, 43 locations, and more than 50 free events, over 12 nights of live music. With First Nations artists at the forefront and new international works being introduced, this year promises to inspire audiences.
The festival reflects current cultural themes through diverse local and international artists.
When: 8 January–25 January
Where: Various venues across Sydney
More: Check out the jam-packed program here.
Australia Day
Australia Day, held on 26 January, commemorates the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet of British ships at Port Jackson. Conversely, it is a sad day for indigenous Australians as it marks the day of the white invasion. There are options for commemorating each of these events.
Head to the Harbour to join the Australia Day Regatta will play out on the harbour from 1:30pm – 6pm, and the Wheelchair Race will take place in the Rocks from 9am.
To join the indigenous activities head to the Yabun Festival in Redfern. This festival is the largest one-day gathering and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in Australia.
When: 26 January 2026
Where: All over Sydney but the CBD, Rocks and Circular Quay are the centre of the action
More: Check out our guide to Australia Day events here
Festivals, Fairs and Community Events
This section will be updated as details are made available.
Musicals, Opera, and Theatre
Cricket The Musical
Denis Carnahan’s one‑man satirical show takes aim at the summer’s cricket highs and lows with songs, sketches and video. Expect sharp takes on Bazball, tour controversies and classic moments from the game’s past, delivered with plenty of wit for cricket tragics and casual fans alike.
Part of a national tour, the Sydney run lands in Rozelle across two weeks. If you follow the Tests or the Big Bash, this is an easy night out with plenty of laughs.
When: 3, 4, 9 & 10 January 2026
Where: The Bridge Hotel, Rozelle
Bookings: cricketthemusical.com.au
Cirque Alice
From the creators of Le Noir and The Illusionists, Cirque Alice reimagines Lewis Carroll’s classic with aerialists, acrobats, contortionists, puppetry and guest musical acts. A cabaret‑style stage layout puts audiences close to the action while a newly arranged soundtrack ties the acts together.
This strictly limited season runs over the holiday period, finishing in early January. It’s a family‑friendly option in Western Sydney with affordable entry tiers.
When: 24 December 2025 – 4 January 2026
Where: Sydney Coliseum Theatre, West HQ, Rooty Hill
Cost: From $69 + booking fee (early bird presales from $49) Bookings
Putting It Together – Stephen Sondheim Revue
A smart, intimate Sondheim celebration set at a glamorous cocktail party, this revue weaves the composer’s greatest songs into a witty story about love, ambition and desire. The Sydney season features a standout cast including Caroline O’Connor, Michael Cormick, Nigel Huckle, Bert LaBonté and Stefanie Caccamo in the Foundry Theatre’s close‑up setting.
If you love musical theatre, this offers premium vocals and a curated Sondheim songbook without the big‑house crowds. Multiple performances each week make it easy to fit into summer plans.
When: 6 January – 15 February 2026 (performance times vary)
Where: Foundry Theatre, Pirrama Road, Pyrmont
Cost: From $69 (transaction fees apply) l Bookings
Outdoor Cinema & Film Festivals
Flickerfest
Flickerfest is an Academy® Accredited and BAFTA-recognised International Short Film. Films of 35 minutes or less and completed in the last two years are eligible for entry.
This year is the festival’s 32nd anniversary and will feature 25 films shown in the Spiegeltent tent on the North Park lawn at Bondi Beach. The festival will tour Australia from February to October.
Where: Bondi Beach
When: 23-01 February 2026
More: check the website for program details.
Westpac Open Air Cinema
Billed as the most beautiful cinema in the world, the Westpac Open Air Cinema shows both the latest flicks as well as classics with the beautiful Sydney Harbour at its back.
Where: Mrs Macquaries Point
When: From Jan 2026
Cost: $36 – More: Full schedule
See the full list of Sydney’s outdoor cinemas here
Art & Exhibitions
PRIMAVERA: Young Australian Artists
Primavera 2025: Young Australian Artists has opened at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA), showcasing works by five emerging artists: Teresa Busuttil, Chun Yin Rainbow Chan, Aidan Hartshorn, Monica Rani Rudhar, and Sarah Ujmaia. Curated by Lucy Latella, the exhibition explores cultural connection amid social and political challenges, with each artist drawing on personal and family histories.
The diverse works presented highlight the evolving nature of cultural identity. Now in its 33rd year, Primavera remains a significant platform for early-career Australian artists.
When: Daily from 10am – 5pm until 27 January 2026
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Level 2 Galleries
Cost: Free
Nikon-Walkley Press Photography Competition
This exhibition of Australian Photojournalism showcases the winners and finalists of the 2024 Walkley Awards for Excellence in Journalism, including the Nikon Photo and Portrait of the Year. There are 30 categories of photography, featuring people from all walks of life and places across the globe.
Where: State Library of New South Wales
When: Daily until January 24. Open from 9am on weekdays and 10am on weekends.
Cost: Free.
Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year 2025
A free exhibition of 120 images showcasing the region’s wildlife, landscapes and human impact. For its 20th anniversary, past winners are displayed alongside this year’s finalists, creating a visual timeline of ecological change. Produced by the South Australian Museum in partnership with the Australian Museum.
Highlights include threatened species, urban adaptation and marine phenomena, with multiple NSW photographers among the category winners. Workshops and special events run alongside the exhibition.
When: 25 October 2025 – 15 February 2026
Where: Australian Museum, 1 William St, Darlinghurst
Cost: Free entry
Music & Comedy
Ludovico Einaudi – The Summer Portraits
Neoclassical composer and pianist Ludovico Einaudi returns to the Concert Hall with a seven‑piece ensemble performing his new album, The Summer Portraits, alongside favourites from his catalogue over six nights. The album’s opening track, Rose Bay, was composed ahead of his last Opera House performance and nods to a family connection with Sydney.
Expect a lush, full‑band set that moves from intimate piano works to rich ensemble pieces, delivered in one of the city’s best acoustic spaces. Tickets will be in high demand for this residency.
When: 23–29 January 2026, 8pm
Where: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Cost: From $139.90 + booking fee
Bookings: sydneyoperahouse.com
Sports and Outdoors
United Cup
Experience the excitement of mixed team tennis as the United Cup returns to Perth and Sydney from Friday, 27 December to Sunday, 5 January 2025.
This thrilling event will bring together the world’s top-ranked tennis players, competing for a share of over US$10 million in prize money and crucial ranking points.
The tournament kicks off with Perth hosting the opening matches at RAC Arena, followed by the group stage at Sydney’s Ken Rosewall Arena. Featuring eighteen countries with up to three men and women each, teams will battle it out for a spot in the quarterfinals and ultimately, the Sydney-hosted semifinals and final.
When: TBC
Where: Ken Rosewall Arena, Sydney
CommBank Women’s Ashes T20 International series
Australia’s dominant women’s cricket team is eager to defend their Ashes title as the thrilling multi-format series kicks off with the One Day International matches. Witness cricket history in the making as these remarkable athletes take the field!
Join us to cheer on the team and experience top-tier sportsmanship and skill firsthand. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible event.
When: TBC
Where: North Sydney Oval
Yoga Under the Bridge
Free yoga sessions are open to the public (and not just early birds) at 9:30am Sunday until January 21st. Note however, that you will need to book tickets in advance and bring your own mat and towel.
Where: Dawes Point Park, Sydney
When: Weekends from 10am – 5pm until Sunday January 14th
Cost: Free. Find more information and book tickets, here.
Cockle Bay Paddle Boats
Get ready for a fun water adventure at Cockle Bay this summer! Rent a pedal boat for up to two adults and two kids to explore and enjoy the scenic views of the harbour city. It’s perfect for a date, a friendly get-together, or a family race. After pedalling, relax at nearby spots for food and drinks, celebrating the festive Christmas spirit at Cockle Bay.
Where: Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour
Cost: $45 per boat for 30 minutes
Regional Events in NSW January
If you are road tripping this month, put these festivals on your radar.
- Elvis Festival Parkes – 7-11 January 2026
- Tamworth Country Music Festival: 16-25 January 2026
- Guyra Lamb & Potato Festival: 2026 TBC
Visitors from Perth will be visiting Sydney, regrettably leaving on January 6th.
I’m finding it difficult to find a live theatre show during that first week. Can you help?
Hi Ewan
We will be updating this page in the next week or two. What sort of show are you looking for? The Opera House has definatly released their schedule as have many of the events that are part of the Festival of Sydney so perhaps check those sites first.