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

• Sydney Festival – 4-28 January 2024
• Flickerfest – 19-28 January 2024
• Australia Day – 26 January 2024
• Year of the Dragon Festival

Sydney Festival

From 5-28 January, prepare yourself for a remarkable 24 days packed with music, performances, theatre, art, fashion, circus acts, and dance events spanning across Greater Sydney.

The festival boasts an impressive lineup, including 26 world premieres, 29 exclusive Australian performances, 15 co-commissioned works, and a total of 43 free events. Amidst this extensive program, you can look forward to a diverse array of local and international highlights, with over 1,000 artists participating in over 150 events.

Highlights include:

• Summerground in Tumbalong Park – This three-night extravaganza, running from January 5th to 7th, will feature international headliners, beloved local talents, and hidden gems from the world music scene.
  
• The Thirsty Mile in Walsh Bay – This exciting new summer destination and festival center offer a diverse range of experiences. It features theaters, bars, exhibition spaces, cabaret speakeasies, and even a dedicated late-night club.
  
• The Blak Out bill, curated by Jacob Nash, the Creative Artist in Residence at Sydney Festival, is set to feature three world premieres. Alongside these premieres, the program will also include a rich selection of compelling First Nations performances.
  
• Night Songs at Coney Island – transforms the iconic Sydney Luna Park into an immersive musical experience. This enchanting performance will feature artists from the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, distinguished vocal soloists Peter Coleman Wright AO and Cheryl Barker AO, a children’s ensemble, and a chamber orchestra.
  
• Multicultural Comedy Gala – Whether First Nations, first generation, tenth generation or a new Australian, there is plenty to laugh at with appearances from Nazeem Hussain (Legally Brown); George Kapiniaris (Fat Pizza); He Huang (Australia’s Got Talent); Cameron Duggan (At Home Alone Together); Gavin Sempel (Black Comedy); and triple j’s Amelia Navascues.

Flocking to Summerground, The Thirsty Mile, Bondi Beach and Circular Quay this summer in free roaming performances are the Snuff Puppets’ Seagulls. Out and about, in your face and in this case, likely to be rooting around in your shopping bag, flying off with your hat or fighting for that one thing all gulls go mad for – a hot chip.

When: 4-28 January 2024
Where: Many events take place in the CBD area but the festival is spread across the Greater Sydney area.
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 2024
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

So Frenchy So Chic

Billed as the hottest picnic in the southern hemisphere, So Frenchy So Chic brings all things French to Sydney so you can escape to France for a day with sun, fun, French musicians, and plenty of Champagne!

When: 20 Jan 2024
Where: Bicentennial Park Glebe
Cost: $96.85 More Info: Find out more here

Festivals, Fairs and Community Events

This section will be updated as details are made available.

PICNIC UNDER THE BRIDGE

Take advantage of free picnic rugs, blankets, and cushions available at Dawes Point Park and have yourself a picnic while taking in the views of Sydney Harbour. Picnic under the Bridge will run until Sunday 14th January.

Where: Dawes Point Park, Sydney
When: Weekends from 10am – 5pm until Sunday January 14th
Cost: Free

Living Sculptures: How the Birds Got their Colours

Put on by Queensland’s Arc Circus Co’s, this free performance is inspired by a Dreamtime story told through the use of site-specific acrobatics, First Nations dance and physical theatre.

Where: Bondi Beach
When: Sunday 14 January 9am, 11am and 7:30pm.
Cost: Free

La Traviata

Violetta is a coveted courtesan, the toast of Paris, desired by many. When she meets the ardent Alfredo, her life changes forever and she longs to break free of her past. But can she? Who is this woman beyond the sparkling salon? This fresh production of an opera classic invites new questions.

When:: 2 January – 14 March 2024
Where: Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House
Cost: $109 – Book tickets here

Orpheus & Eurydice

Take a look at this genre-busting opera that fuses Circa’s awe-inspiring acrobatics and exquisite music.

Where: Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House
When: 12–31 January 2024
Cost: From $79 +$9.80 booking fee Booking here

Gurra Era Op

Gurra Era Op celebrates culture and explores the threat of climate devastation through its portrayal of four mainland-born Torres Strait Islander woman in a battle against rising tides which threaten their ancestral homeland.

This landmark performance is the creation of Award-winning choreographer and performer Ghenoa Gela and premieres in collaboration with Force Majeure and ILBIJERRI Theatre Company.

Where: The Studio Theatre at Bangarra. Wharf 4/5, 15 Hickson Road, Dawes Point NSW 2000
When: 13 – 19 January
Cost: $65 + booking fees

Dream Circus

Prepare for an extraordinary journey like no other! Dream Circus offers a unique blend of immersive technologies, including 360-degree projection, mind-bending audio, and mesmerising holograms that will leave you in awe.

Created by Sydney’s most talented creatives, Dream Circus is a whimsical world where the only rule is that there are no rules! This captivating experience transcends generations and adds a touch of wonder to your visit to Luna Park Sydney.

Don’t miss the chance to be one of the first to step into the enchanting world of Dream Circus. Get ready for a fantastical adventure that will challenge your perception of reality!

When: From 21 December – 30 January
Where: Luna Park Milsons Point
Cost: $35 kids $45 adults 

DARKFIELD 

DARKFIELD is back with four incredible experiences in special shipping containers. These shows are all about making you feel you’re in a different world.

• Imagine waking up from a dream and finding yourself in a new one called COMA. They’ll offer you a cure, but it’s not real.
• In EULOGY, you’ll enter a dark hotel using your voice. It’s like a maze, and you’ll wonder if what you see is real or just in your mind.
• SÉANCE is all about how your mind can be tricked when you can’t see anything. They’ll test your senses in the dark.
• FLIGHT takes you through two different worlds and two possible outcomes. It’s like having choices and seeing where they lead.

These experiences challenge your senses and thoughts.

When: Opening 23 November to 21 January 2024
Where: Harbour Park Barangaroo 
Cost: $22-$30 

LUZIA CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

LUZIA draws its inspiration from the people, locales, and tales that define Mexico. It invites you on a journey through a dreamlike Mexico, bridging the gap from ancient folklore to the contemporary urban landscape. LUZIA immerses you in an imaginary Mexico, much like a vivid daydream, where light (“luz” in Spanish) uplifts the spirit, and rain (“lluvia”) brings solace to the soul.

With a surreal sequence of stunning visual surprises and awe-inspiring acrobatic performances, LUZIA ingeniously brings to life various facets of Mexico, blending elements from its rich traditions and modernity onto the stage.

When: 24 November – 12 January 2024
Where: Big Top, Entertainment Quarter Moore Park
Tickets: Starting from $80 Buy from the official site here

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 31st 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: 19- 28 January 2024
More: check the website for program details.

“The World’s Most Beautiful 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: Jan- Feb
Cost: $36 – More: Full schedule

See the full list of Sydney’s outdoor cinemas here

Art & Exhibitions

Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs

Step into the world of Ramses the Great at the Ramses & Gold of the Pharaohs multisensory museum experience, exclusive to Sydney. This exhibition showcases 182 priceless artefacts, including the stunning sarcophagus of Ramses II, one of the most remarkable royal coffins from ancient Egypt.

These relics have rarely left Egypt and provide a captivating glimpse into the craftsmanship of Egyptian artisans.

Explore a treasure trove of artefacts, from sarcophagi to animal mummies, exquisite jewellery to royal masks, and ornate golden treasures from the tomb.

The exhibition even offers a virtual reality experience where visitors can virtually tour Ramses’ incredible monuments, like the Abu Simbel temples and Queen Nefertari’s Tomb.

When: 18 November – May 2024
Where: Australian Museum
Cost: Adults $43-52, kids $29-34 Family tickets available.

PRIMAVERA: Young Australian Artists

This annual exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art highlights the work of young Australian artists aged 35 and under. The 2023 exhibition is curated by Talia Smith and explores the idea of the ‘collective body’ and considers “the ways in which communities and growing movements attempt to question, challenge and maneuver through failing societal structures”.

Where: Museum of Contemporary Art.
When: Daily from 10am – 5pm until Sunday February 4.
Cost: Free. Find more information here.

Nikon-Walkley Press Photography Competition

This exhibition of Australian Photojournalism showcases the winners and finalists of the 2023 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.

The People’s House: The Sydney Opera House at 50

Hosted by the Musuem of Sydney, The People’s House: Sydney Opera House at 50 reflects on and celebrates the five decades since the opening of the iconic Opera House. The exhibition shares behind-the-scenes stories, past performances, and displays of costumes, posters, archival records and photographs.

Visitors can also explore the intricacies of the architectural masterpiece through an interactive LEGO® model, practice design skills on a digital drafting table or try their hand at conducting a virtual orchestra.

Also featured on display are a series of specially commissioned artworks including a woven Opera House created by master First Nations weavers Steven Russell and Phyllis Stewart and a masterpiece shellwork Opera House created by the late Esme Timbery, renowned Bidjigal artist and elder.

Where: Museum of Sydney
When: Daily 10am – 5pm until 10 March.
Cost: Free.

Kandinsky

Drawing on the rich holdings of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York, this comprehensive exhibition showcases the life and work of one of the most significant and best-loved European modernists, Vasily Kandinsky. Full guide on the event site

When: 4 November 2023 – 10 March 2024
Where: Art Gallery of New South Wales South Building Lower level 2
Cost: $35 adult, $88 family (2 adults + 3 children) | $16 youth (12–17 years) | under 12 free

2023 OCEAN PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR EXHIBITION

The Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition is a stunning collection of over 100 photographs that offer both beauty and contemplation.

This exhibition provides a comprehensive view of ocean life, encompassing drone, land, and underwater photography. It includes remarkable wildlife encounters, breathtaking seascapes, and artistic interpretations of the profound connection between humans and the ocean.

Featuring winners and finalists from Oceanographic Magazine’s prestigious competition, the Ocean Photographer of the Year awards, the exhibition draws entries from global photographers, both amateur and professional.

When: until May 2024
Where: 2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour, Sydney
Cost: Adults $25 Children 4-15 years $15 under 4 years free

Jurassic World: The Exhibition

Jurassic World: The Exhibition‘s stay at SuperLuna Pavilion in Sydney has been extended until February 18, 2024. Since its September debut, the exhibition has drawn thousands of visitors, captivating audiences of all ages with its immersive prehistoric environments and life-sized dinosaur experiences.

Enter the iconic Jurassic World gates, encounter Velociraptors, stand beneath a towering Brachiosaurus, and even come face-to-face with the fearsome Tyrannosaurus rex. Additionally, visitors can interact with “Bumpy,” a character from the popular animated series Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous, now streaming on Netflix.

When: To 18 Feb. 2024,  Mon- Thurs 9am to 6pm (5pm in school term)  Fri-Sun 9am-7pm
Where: Super Luna Pavilion Sydney Olympic Park

Food and Drink Events

Sports and Outdoors

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.

Free Yoga and Pilates Classes – with a view

For a workout with a view, consider trying the free Yoga and Pilates classes available at Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool. Open to those of all experience levels, these classes run on weekends at 8am and 9am. Booking in advance is required.

Where: Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool
When: Weekends at 8am (for Mat Pilates) and 9am for Yoga Hatha.
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 pedaling, relax at nearby spots for food and drinks, celebrating the festive Christmas spirit at Cockle Bay.

When: Weekdays: 2-16 Dec, 12pm-8pm; 17 Dec-28 Jan, 10am – 8pm Weekends: 10am-8pm
Where: Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour
Cost: $45 per boat for 30 minutes

Regional Events in NSW January 2024

If you are road tripping this month, put these festivals on your radar.

• Tamworth Country Music Festival: 19-28 January 2024
• Elvis Festival Parkes – 10-14 January 2024
• Guyra Lamb & Potato Festival: 17-28 January 2024

Soundswell Festival (Regional)

Join us for Soundswell, a free, all-ages summer music celebration in, Morpeth. Featuring top Australian musicians like Kate Miller-Heidke, Boo Seeka, Kira Puru, and The Appointments. Experience live music, family-friendly activities, and local food vendors in the beautiful setting along the Hunter River. 

Maitland City Council’s event promises unforgettable moments in this charming town. Discover Morpeth’s unique charm and boutique offerings. Visit www.maitlandevents.com.au for details. Don’t miss this vibrant celebration of music and community.

When: 13 January
Where: Queens Wharf Morpeth 

Need more ideas? Join our Sydney Expert Facebook Group where you can ask questions, stay updated with what’s happening and meet a bunch of friendly locals just waiting to share their advice!