Sydney in July offers plenty of things to do indoors to help keep warm. When the sun is shining, this is a wonderful time to go bushwalking and explore our national parks.

If you are visiting Sydney in July, it’s worth knowing that the weather can be a bit of a mixed bag, it’s colder than most visitors expect but often the skies are lovely and blue. Snow is falling on Mount Kosciusko 500km southwest and that can bring some crisp winds.

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 (8-19th July 2024), 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.

Average Temperatures: 17-8°C (79.7 – 67.3°F)
While each year varies the last July there were only 5 days of rain.

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
• Bastille Festival
• Christmas in July in the Blue Mountains

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: 7-14 July 2024
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: 11-14 July 2024
Where: Circular Quay and The Rocks
More: Check the official site for more details.

Festivals, Fairs and Markets

Bondi Festival

The Bondi Festival is back with a bunch of free family-friendly events along with ticketed comedy, music and drama events. A feature of the festival is the Bondi Festival Local events, which showcase local artists and grass-roots organisations within Bondi.

Paid and ticketed events are on offer, two that will run across the entire festival are:

• Bondi Festival Ice Rink
• Bondi Vista Ferris Wheel

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

Slip into your best outfit and get ready to glide into an unforgettable communal experience as the sun sets on this year’s Festival.

When: Friday 5 – Sunday 21 July, 2024
Where: Bondi Pavilion, Forecourt

Bondi Festival Ice Rink

Nothing says winter in Sydney like taking the family for a skate on the world-famous Bondi Festival Ice Rink. ice skates of all sizes and push-along penguins for the little ones, so shimmy into some skates and glide across the ice (or shuffle if you’re a first-timer) – all whilst enjoying the best view in town.

When: 30 June -21 July 2024
Where: Bondi Beach NSW
Tickets: $15 – 27, check their website for more details.

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.

Attend classes, buy super new gadgets to make your crafting easier, or if you are as talented as I buy some finished projects!

When: July 3 – 6, 2024
Where: ICC Sydney, Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour
More: The official site has all the details.

Un[contained] Immersive Arts Festival

At this free festival you can expect to find art installations, live performances and food trucks offering tasty treats. The Un[contained] Arts festival debuted 4 years ago, bringing art from galleries to the streets in a bid to encourage community participation in the arts.

This year, themes explored by featuring artists include sustainability, environment, technology and AI.

When: Friday 19th – Sunday 21st July, 4:30-10pm
Where: Kogarah Town Square, Belgrave Street, Kogarah
Cost: Free

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: 13-16 July 2024
Where: Knox Grammar School Weeks Senior Academy Pacific Highway, Wahroonga

Round She Goes Preloved Fashion Market – Winter 2024

A fantastic market for women’s pre-loved and vintage fashion finds. This market is held three times a year and features over 60 stalls. The venue at Marrickville PCYC is accessible and there is a bus stop at the door.

When: 10am-3pm, Sunday 20 July 2024
Where: PCYC Marrickville, 531 Illawarra Rd, Marrickville
Cost: $4 (cash or card accepted).

Musicals, Opera, and Theatre in Sydney in July

DRACULA

Kip Williams concludes his Gothic trilogy with the most ambitious adaptation yet, featuring literature’s famed Count Dracula. Teaming up again with Designer Marg Horwell and Lighting Designer Nick Schlieper, this production delves into the monstrous nature within us all. Zahra Newman, acclaimed for her roles in “Fences” and “Julius Caesar,” takes on the monumental task of performing every role.

This production blends live video, film, and live acting, introducing ‘cine-theatre’ to depict Dracula’s reign of terror from his Transylvanian castle to Victorian London. This groundbreaking combination of technology, design, and storytelling marks an unforgettable theatre experience and the finale of an innovative trilogy.

When: 2 July – 4 August
Where: Roslyn Packer theatre 

The Odd Couple

The Odd Couple,” Neil Simon’s Tony Award-winning comedy, is set to entertain audiences at Theatre Royal Sydney in June with Australian comedy icons Shane Jacobson and Todd McKenney leading the cast.

This hilarious story follows Felix and Oscar, two divorced men with polar opposite personalities who decide to share an apartment, leading to a series of comedic conflicts and misunderstandings.

When:  27 June – 13 July
Where: Theatre Royal 

Hamilton

If you are one of the unlucky Sydneysiders who missed it on its last run, Hamilton is back for another brief season.

Hamilton is a revolutionary musical that tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s Founding Fathers, through a dynamic mix of hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway music.

The show captures Hamilton’s ambitious rise in American politics, his personal struggles, and his impact on the formation of the nation, all while exploring themes of legacy, leadership, and love.

When: July 2024
Where: Lyric Theatre 

CHICAGO

“Chicago” is a captivating Broadway musical set in the 1920s, telling the tale of Roxie Hart, a housewife turned nightclub dancer who gains notoriety by murdering her lover, then sensationalising the crime to catapult herself into fame. Along with Velma Kelly and the cunning lawyer Billy Flynn, Roxie delves into the murky depths of celebrity, greed, and the American justice system, fighting for both the limelight and her freedom.

Zoë Ventoura, known for her performances in “Packed To The Rafters” and “Home and Away,” makes a musical theatre comeback as Velma Kelly. Lucy Maunder, playing Mrs. Banks in “Mary Poppins,” takes on the role of Roxie Hart. The celebrated Anthony Warlow steps into the shoes of lawyer Billy Flynn, bringing his extensive Broadway and Australian stage experience. Comedy legend Peter Rowsthorn joins the cast as Amos, Roxie’s husband, adding a touch of humour to the ensemble.

When: From 9 June 2024
Where: Capitol Theatre

Trophy Boys

A new Australian play by Soft Tread, Trophy Boys is a queer black comedy and drag extravaganza about power, privilege, and high school debating. 

Using a winning combination of satire and camp, it interrogates the well-documented toxic masculinity, misogyny and homophobia of our elite private boys’ schools, and their prevalence in the backgrounds of those holding the highest offices in the country.

When: 19 June – 7 July 2024
Where: Seymour Centre

Music, Comedy and Dance

Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures

Join Mickey Mouse and his friends for Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures, a thrilling journey filled with iconic Disney destinations. Follow Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy as they embark on an interactive adventure, from the rooftops of London with Mary Poppins to the sun-soaked Motunui with Moana.

Safari through the Pride Lands with Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa, then soar into a whole new world with Aladdin and Jasmine. Join Woody and Bo Peep in a comedic carnival, and sing along to beloved Disney tunes with Mickey and pals. Expect surprises and up-close character interaction at this unforgettable event in Sydney!

When: 17-21 July
Where: Qudos Bank Arena

THIS IS WILD!

Bob The Drag Queen, celebrated for his victory in season 8 of RuPaul’s Drag Race and acclaimed work on HBO’s We’re Here, is bringing his first headline stand-up comedy world tour, THIS IS WILD!, to Australia.

Fresh off guest starring on Madonna’s The Celebration Tour, Bob, a Peabody and GLAAD Media Award winner, is set to engage Australian audiences with his dynamic blend of humour, storytelling, and performance art.

When: Friday 19 July
Where: Sydney, Darling Harbour Theatre

Horizon – Bangarra Dance Theatre 

In an innovative cross-cultural collaboration, “Horizon” emerges as a groundbreaking performance, blending the talents of leading Māori choreographer Moss Te Ururangi Patterson and esteemed Bangarra alumna Deborah Brown.

This new work, performed by an award-winning ensemble, weaves together stories from their native lands, exploring themes of homecoming and the enduring spirit of two of the world’s great First Nations.

“Horizon” invites audiences to witness the resilience and beauty of these cultures, set in a sacred realm where earth meets sky and new light is born.

When: 12 June-13 July 2024
Where: Sydney Opera House l More details

Volume 

Get ready for the highly anticipated return of the Art Gallery of NSW’s Volume festival, following its epic debut last year.

Taking the stage in the atmospheric underground Tank space will be a stellar lineup of artists, including André 3000’s acclaimed experimental jazz project “New Blue Sun”, Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth fame, Ghanaian-Australian artist Gensis Owusu, and Zimbabwean-Australian singer-songwriter Tkay Maidza.

When: 5 – 21 July 2024
Where: Art Gallery of NSW I Tickets here

The Choir of King’s College, Cambridge

Musica Viva Australia is thrilled to welcome back The Choir of King’s College, Cambridge, one of the world’s premier choral groups. Artistic Director Paul Kildea and Director of Music Daniel Hyde present a program featuring soaring anthems, sacred works, and twentieth-century choral masterpieces.

Highlights include Stravinsky’s Mass for choir and double wind quintet, and Duruflé’s Requiem, featuring the mighty organs of major concert halls. The Choir will also premiere Charlotte, a new work by Australian composer Damian Barbeler, reflecting on identity and ancestry.

When: 29 July 7pm
Where: Sydney Opera House

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: May to Sept 2024
Where: Art Gallery of NSW

Thin Ice VR at the Australian Museum

Opening on 6 July, Thin Ice VR at the Australian Museum offers an immersive experience that takes visitors on one of the greatest survival adventures of all time. Follow in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton on his ill-fated Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, where his ship, Endurance, was trapped in Antarctic ice.

This VR experience, created by adventurer Tim Jarvis AM, uses cutting-edge technology to bring to life the monumental challenges faced by Shackleton and his team.

Winner of the Best VR Film at Cannes and Los Angeles Film Festivals 2022, Thin Ice VR highlights the environmental challenges in the Antarctic today while showcasing a unique account of human determination and leadership. The 22-minute film is supported by award-winning South Australian studio Monkeystack and major partner Torrens University Australia.

Special Events:

• Antarctica Explorers, Breakfast Behind the Scenes: Join Tim Jarvis for breakfast and hear about his adventures. (30 Aug, 7:30am)
• Eureka Talks, Antarctica: Lunchtime talk with Tim Jarvis and senior researcher Dana Bergstom, hosted by journalist Jackson Ryan. (31 Aug, 11am)

When: 6 July – 13 October 2024
Where: Australian Museum, Sydney

Film Festivals

Afrofutures Animation Screening and Q&A at Africa Film Fest Australia

Experience the future of African animation at the Africa Film Fest Australia hosted by Arts & Cultural Exchange (ACE) in Parramatta. This exclusive event features a screening and Q&A session with special international guest Searit Huluf from Pixar’s SparkShorts program.

Highlights:

• Self (2024): Directed by Searit Huluf, follows a wooden puppet’s journey of self-acceptance.
• Afro Algorithms (2022): Explores identity and technology in an Afrocentric future.
• Robo Ramen (2022): A futuristic tale of a dishwashing robot aspiring to be a top chef.

After the screenings, engage with the creators in a Q&A session. ACE Screen Cultures Associate Producer Chidiebube Uba will facilitate the discussion, joined by Nigerian-Australian animator Edi Udo, Jamaican-Australian artist Rubeena King, and Searit Huluf.

When: Saturday, July 20, 2024
Where: Arts & Cultural Exchange (ACE), Parramatta
Cost: Free (Bookings essential) Register: ACE Inc

Food and Drink Events

Mould

Presented by REVEL, the team behind cult wine event Pinot Palooza in collaboration with Nick Haddow of Bruny Island Cheese Co. and Dairy Australia, MOULD will see Australia’s best cheese makers and more come together for tastings, conversations, demonstrations, and plenty of drinks.

Mould – A Cheese Festival celebrates the crumbly cheddar, gooey Camembert, and bitey blue by the best artisan producers from across the country. There is a great range of hand-picked wine, beer, cider, sake, and nibbles for you to enjoy between cheese tastes and to take home.

When: 26 July 2024
Where: Carriageworks, Bay 22-24
Tickets: $40.

Sports and Outdoors

Sydney SuperNight 2024

Get ready for the ultimate adrenaline rush as the Sydney SuperNight returns to Sydney Motorsport Park in July for Round 7 of the Repco Supercars Championship! Experience the thrill of night racing as the Gen3 Supercars hit the track under lights for the first and only time in 2024.

Don’t miss three action-packed days filled with on-track rivalry and off-track entertainment, including family activities, merchandise stalls, signing sessions, and live entertainment. Whether you prefer Reserved Grandstands, Unreserved Grandstands, or General Admission, there’s a ticket option for everyone to witness the excitement up close at the only Supercars night race of the year!

When: 19-21 July
Where: Sydney Motorsport Park

Wallabies v Wales & Wallaroos v Fiji – Sydney Double Header

Don’t miss out as the Wallabies kick off the Joe Schmidt era against Wales, marking Wales’ return to Australia after over a decade. Eager to redeem themselves after Rugby World Cup 2023, the Wallabies are set to make a bold statement and launch their season with flair.

In an exciting bonus for rugby enthusiasts, arrive early to catch the Wallaroos face off against Fijiana in an epic double-header. This thrilling lineup promises an unforgettable day of rugby action that you won’t want to miss!

When: 6 July from 4.45pm
Where: Allianz Stadium, Moore Park, NSW

Wallabies vs Georgia 

Be part of rugby history as the Wallabies clash with Georgia for the first time on Australian turf in the July International Series. Georgia, aiming for redemption after their loss at Rugby World Cup 2023, seek to upset the Wallabies.

Gather your loved ones for an exhilarating Saturday afternoon of International Rugby! 

When: 20 July from 3.45pm
Where: Allianz Stadium, Moore Park

Tuff Nutterz Sydney

Australia’s largest inflatable obstacle course promises a fun-filled event suitable for all ages. No need to worry about age restrictions – all are welcome to join in the excitement. Parents with children under 5 receive a complimentary accompanying ticket.

Navigate through climbing walls, slides, and more, as you race to the finish line with family and friends.

When: 11 July 2024 to Sunday 21 July 2024
Where: Centennial Park
Tickets: $40.

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

Winterfest Camden

Get ready for an amazing event that offers a jam-packed program over a massive three days. The Winter Wonderland has fun for the entire family with winter-themed activities and entertainment every day.

When: 7-9 July 2024
Where: Onslow Oval Cawdor Road, Camden

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: 5-7 July 2024
Where: Cnr Church St & Railway Ave, Bundanoon

Kiama Winter Festival

This free, all-ages event will infuse winter days with excitement and illuminate the nights with festive lights. Enjoy stage shows, roaming artists, musical gardens, and eco-friendly beat workshops.

Dive into art making, soak up the vibrant atmosphere, and witness live art activations. Local businesses will offer special deals and serve up delicious winter treats, making it a feast for the senses.

When: 13-14 July 2024
Where: Harbour Foreshore, Kiama

Moama Lights

Experience the enchantment of Moama Lights‘ fourth year, a magical journey through sound and light by Mandylights. “Enchanted Nights: A Celebration of Light” honours Horseshoe Lagoon’s beauty, inspired by Banjo Paterson’s poem. Meander along the illuminated path, admiring nature’s splendour, and skate on ice for added excitement.

Running over four weekends in July, tickets are available for specific sessions. Relax in the American beer garden, sip on your favorite brews, and immerse yourself in the winter festivities. Don’t miss this captivating event, embracing the magic of winter at Moama Lights.

When: 5 – 28 July
Where: Horseshoe Lagoon Reserve, event entry is via the Kerrabee Soundshell Gardens.

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.