What’s On in Sydney in July 2026

July in Sydney brings crisp winter days perfect for exploring the city’s indoor attractions and, when the sun is shining, our beautiful national parks. While temperatures are cooler than most visitors expect, clear blue skies are common, making it an excellent time for both indoor and outdoor activities.

On very special (and rare) occasions we get snow closer to Sydney in the Blue Mountains and Orange. So, if you are visiting at this time of year, please bring a jacket! The first half of the month is the winter school holiday (4-18th July 2025), causing prices of family accommodation and attractions to skyrocket.

It’s also a perfect time to plan a winter getaway for some wine tasting or perhaps to the snow.

Major July Events in Sydney

Plenty of this month’s activities take place indoors so you can stay warm, but the Bastille festival and NAIDOC week events are well worth throwing a jumper on for.

• NAIDOC Week – 5 – 12 July 2026
• Bastille Festival
• Christmas in July in The Rocks

NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC week is a celebration of the history and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by all Australians. Events will be held across the country in the second week of July.

When: 5 – 12 July 2026
Where: Across the country
More: on the official site

Bastille Festival

Food, wine, cheese and the best of French culture with an Olympic twist. The Bastille Festival takes over the waterfront at Circular Quay. The biggest celebration of French Culture in the Asia Pacific to celebrate its 10th birthday, Bastille will be expanding this year to cover much more of Circular Quay.

This year stalls will venture into The Rocks, The Overseas Passenger Terminal, East Circular Quay, Customs House, Quay Quarter Lanes and more. Get ready for the biggest Celebration of French culture in the Asia Pacific.

Tastings, classes, special menus and plenty of stalls to tempt you. Chocolate croissant anyone?

This year’s street festival will offer gourmet French cuisine, art exhibitions, and a 1.4-kilometre wine-tasting tour around the Harbour. 

When: TBC
Where: Circular Quay and The Rocks
More: Check the official site for more details.

Christmas in July at The Rocks

Returning after a six-year break, The Rocks transforms into a European-style winter village with authentic wooden chalets, 40 real pine trees, and kilometres of fairy lights. The festival’s centerpiece, Snow Lane, features artificial snow flurries, towering nutcrackers, and light installations.

The artisan market showcases handmade ceramics, snow globes, winter wear, and gourmet pantry items. Hot Chocolate Stations serve rich cocoa with all the trimmings, while mulled wine stations offer spiced winter warmers.

Thursday nights feature The Rocks Jazz Sessions with a festive twist, while over 15 live concerts and roving performers entertain throughout the festival. The event coincides with NSW school holidays, making it an ideal family outing.

When: TBC
Where: The Rocks, Sydney l Cost: Free entry
More:  On our Christmas in July page

Have you got questions about any of these things to do in Sydney in July? Pop over to our Facebook group and we would be happy to help.

Festivals, Fairs and Markets

Bondi Festival

Bondi’s 17-day winter festival returns with its biggest program yet, featuring comedy, music, theatre and visual arts.

Alongside festival favorites like the beachside ice rink and Bondi Vista Ferris Wheel, highlights include the Comedy Gala hosted by Pat Doherty, performances by ARIA winner Megan Washington and Triple J Unearthed winner RIAH, plus the new Blue Sky Markets in Bondi Park.

The festival also features the Waverley Art Prize, Pavilion Paw Parade, and the Bondi Beach Sea Wall street art exhibit.

Festival Highlights:

• Performances by Megan Washington and RIAH
• Ice Rink (10am-8:45pm daily)
• Bondi Vista Ferris Wheel (10am-9pm daily)
• Waverley Art Prize at Bondi Pavilion Gallery (10am-5pm, until July 17)
• Food Markets & DJs in Bondi Park (Saturdays 11am-9pm)
• Bondi Beach Sea Wall exhibition
• Comedy Gala hosted by Pat Doherty

Ticketed events are very affordable and expected to sell out quickly!

When:  3-19 July 2026 l See the full listing here
Where: Bondi Pavilion, Forecourt

National Indigenous Art Fair

The National Indigenous Art Fair launches NAIDOC Week celebrations, bringing together Indigenous artists from remote regions across Australia. This ethical art market showcases award-winning works, design objects, fashion, jewellery, and handcrafted items using locally sourced materials.

Highlights include:

• Original artworks and limited-edition pieces
• Indigenous fashion runway show
• Live music and dance performances
• Interactive weaving circle
• Bush food tastings and BBQ
• Children’s workshops and demonstrations

Artists from communities spanning from Bathurst Island to the Tanami Desert will be present, offering visitors a rare opportunity to meet makers and purchase directly from Indigenous art centers.

When: 4 July – 5 July 2026
Where: Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks

Sydney Craft and Quilt Fair

I have to be honest; I have about as much crafting ability as a rock, and the exhibits here blow me away. How are some people so talented? From embroidery to quilting and paper craft to weaving, there is a lot going on.

When:  15-18 July 2026
Where: ICC Sydney, Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour

SMASH! Sydney Manga and Anime Show

SMASH! returns to Darling Harbour for three days celebrating Japanese pop culture, anime and manga. Along with the main convention at ICC Sydney, the surrounding Darling Square precinct will come alive with special food offers and live DJ performances.

Convention Highlights:

• Exhibitor marketplace
• Cosplay competitions
• Special guests and panels
• Artist alley
• Gaming area

Even the precinct’s restaurants will offer special SMASH-themed menus and deals throughout the weekend, from Indonesian cuisine to loaded sandwiches, artisanal desserts and unlimited wings deals. Many venues offer discounts for cosplayers or convention badge holders.

When: mid July 2026
Where: ICC Sydney & Darling Square precinct
Cost: Various ticket options available

FRMEFEST

Sydney’s premier photography and videography convention returns to Carriageworks, celebrating visual creation through exhibitions, workshops, and industry presentations.

When: July 18-18 , 2026
Where: Carriageworks

Sydney’s Biggest Pre-Loved Book Fair

This event really should come with a warning for any Bibliomaniacs who may be reading. This is Sydney’s biggest second-hand book fair. On display, you will find over 110,000 pre-loved books and other reading materials on sale at irresistible prices. The quality is excellent and the books are well sorted to save you from rummaging through topics of no interest.

I challenge you to leave with less than five books in your bag. My last visit resulted in two boxes!

When: 16-19 July 2026 (TBC)
Where: Knox Grammar School Weeks Senior Academy Pacific Highway, Wahroonga

Musicals, Opera, and Theatre in Sydney in July

Music, Comedy and Dance

Art and Exhibitions

Archibald, Wynne, and Sulman Prizes

The Archibald Prize is awarded to the best portrait, the Wynne Prize goes to the best Australian Landscape or figure sculpture, and the Sulman is awarded to the best mural project, genre, or subject painting.

Along with the official prize, the team in the packing room vote for their favourite as do the public. If you can visit on a week day it’s usually a much more relaxed experience.

When: 9 May to Sunday, 16 August 2026
Where: Art Gallery of NSW

Salon des Refusés

Ever wondered what doesn’t make it into the Archibald? Since 1992, this alternative exhibition has shown some of the best works that missed out on the main show.

Often just as impressive as the official exhibition, the Salon des Refusés showcases different styles and approaches to portraiture and landscape painting. It’s worth visiting both exhibitions to decide for yourself which works deserved a spot in the official show.

When: TBC
Where: S.H. Ervin Gallery, Watson Road, Millers Point (The Rocks)

Food and Drink Events

Sydney Spirits Festival

Australia’s premier celebration of spirits returns to Circular Quay this winter. Following its award-nominated debut in 2024, the festival showcases hundreds of Australian and international spirits against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour.

When: TBC
Where: Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay
Cost: From $55 (early bird), general admission $90, masterclasses from $180

Sports and Outdoors

NSW Regional Events in July

Yulefest in the Blue Mountains

We may not get a nice traditional white Christmas in December in Oz but that just means we get two Christmases. Since 1980, the villages of the Blue Mountains have spread yuletide cheer across the region.

Check out the following hotels who offer Christmas in July dinners and packages:

• The Fairmont
• The Carrington Hotel
• Hotel Mountain Heritage
• Hydro Majestic Hotel
• Victoria and Albert Guesthouse

Where: Various hotels across the Blue Mountains
When: Throughout July

Hunter Valley Wine & Beer Festival

The Hunter Valley’s premier food and drink celebration returns for its 13th year, showcasing the region’s finest wines, craft beers, spirits, and gourmet food. Over 45 local producers will be present, including renowned wineries like Pepper Tree, Allandale, and Leogate Estate, alongside craft brewers Sydney Brewery and Zymurgy Brewing.

Celebrity chef Miguel Maestre headlines the Masterclass Stage, offering food matching sessions and cooking demonstrations throughout the day. A dedicated Kids Zone with jumping castles, train rides, and face painting makes this a perfect family day out.

When: TBC
Where: Rydges Resort Hunter Valley
Cost: Adults $34 (students $29), includes welcome drink and souvenir wine glass. Kids Zone Pass $10 Note: Proceeds support local Rural Fire Service

Bundanoon Winterfest

Picture a lovely little village in the Southern Highlands brimming with charm, throw in an array of fun with workshops and a street party, and you’ve got a colourful weekend the whole family will enjoy. That’s Winterfest in Bundanoon and it’s just two hours from Sydney, making it a great escape from the big smoke.

When: Dates TBC
Where: Cnr Church St & Railway Ave, Bundanoon

Berry Camellia and Floral Show

The Berry School of Arts hosts the annual Camellia and Floral Show, a magnificent display of winter blooms, including camellias and cut flowers. Camellias will be available for purchase.

When: 25-26 July 2026
Where: Berry School of Arts in Alexandra Street Berry
More: on the festival website

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