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 – 3-26 January 2025
• Flickerfest – 19-28 January 2025
• Australia Day – 26 January 2025
• Year of the Snake Festival

Sydney Festival

From 3-26 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 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.

When: 3-26 January 2025
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 2025
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
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

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

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 

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 32st 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: TBC
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

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.

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.

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.

When: TBC
Where: 2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour, Sydney

Music & Comedy

Sunset Sessions on Cockatoo Island

Get ready for a summer of fun with the return of the popular live music series at Cockatoo Island, starting in January! The Sunset Sessions will run on Saturday evenings from 13 January. Bring your family or friends and enjoy picnics on the lawns of historic Biloela House, take in stunning views of Sydney Harbour, and enjoy great music from a diverse array of performers.

You’ll also have the option to buy food and drinks from Marina Café & Bar. Don’t miss out on these delightful summer evenings filled with music and scenic beauty!

• 13 Jan – Sunny Reyne (5:30pm) and Ruby Jackson (6:45pm)
• 20 Jan – Anieszka (5:30pm) and Mi-Kaisha (6:45pm)

When: TBC
Where: Biloela Lawn, Cockatoo Island

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.

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 2025

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

• Elvis Festival Parkes – 8-12 January 2025
• Tamworth Country Music Festival: 17-26 January 2025
• Guyra Lamb & Potato Festival: TBC 2025

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