What’s on in Sydney in July 2023
Sydney in July offers plenty of things to do indoors to help keep warm. When the sun is shining, this is a great 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, causing prices of family accommodation and attractions to skyrocket.
Average Temperatures: 17-8°C (79.7 – 67.3°F)
While each year varies the last July there were only 5 days of rain.
It’s a great time to plan a winter getaway for some wine tasting or perhaps to the snow.
Annual Events in Sydney in July
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 Winter Wonderland (Christmas in July)
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, but some of the big Sydney events include:
Where: Across the country
When: 2-9 July 2023
More: on the official site
Bastille Festival
Food, wine, cheese and the best of French culture hit town when the Bastille Festival takes over the waterfront at Circular Quay. Tastings, classes, special menus and plenty of stalls to tempt you.
Where: Circular Quay and The Rocks
When: 13-16 July
More: Check the official site for more details.
Markets, Fairs and Festivals in July
Bondi Festival
Bondi Festival is back will be 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 event are on offer, two that will run cross the entire festival are:
- Bondi Festival Ice Rink
- Bondi Vista Ferris Wheel
Ticketed events are very affordable and expected to sell out quickly!
Where: Bondi Pavillion
When: 30 June – 16 July 2023
More: Check the official site for more details.
Lightscape
Lightscape is an internationally acclaimed multi-sensory experience of light, color, and sound. Coinciding with Vivid but continuinng into late July this is a great option for those of you who miss the Vivid Festival.
Begin your journey under glowing tree canopies filled with color, stroll beneath larger-than-life flowers and alongside neon roots bursting from the undergrowth, where shards of light fizz through trees like fireworks.
Lightscape is fully accessible and a great choice for families.
Where: 280 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills, Sydney, New South Wales
When: 01-Jul-2023 To 30-Jul-2023
Ticket: Starting from $30 for adults and $18 for children. Members eligible for a $4 discount per ticket, Check more details here.
Tinseltown
It’s time to make every day cheery again, and you guessed it. Tinseltown is a celebration of Christmas, featuring elves, presents, tinsel, festive tunes and winter warmer drinks.
The halls are decked with baubles, bows, hanging trees, wreaths and every festive goodie ever, leaving visitors unable to shake the spirit and joy of their favourite season.
Where: Queen Elizabeth II Gate via the Sydney Opera House Forecourt only
When: 26 May and 16 July with timed entry from 5.30pm to 10pm/ Wednesday & Thursday from 5.30PM-9.00PM, Friday from 5.30PM-11.00PM and Saturday & Sunday from 3.00PM -10.30PM
Ticket: Tickets are required and can be purchased for just $20.00pp. Tickets include entry to the themed bar for 90 minutes and a festive drink on arrival., Check more details here.
Opera, Musicals and Theatre
The Tales of Hoffmann – Opera Australia
Hoffman is tipsy and in the mood for storytelling. Offenbach’s last and greatest work is an intoxicating mix of emotion and dazzling music, including the famous, fiendishly difficult ‘Doll Song’, starring Australian Soprano, Jessica Pratt.
Where: Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House
When: 11-22 July 2023
More: Tickets and more details
Aida – Opera Australia
Verdi’s monumental music makes this historic epic a popular favourite. David Livermore’s radiant production is a thrilling theatrical experience. From the famous Triumphal March to the intimate ending, every scene is spectacular.
Where: Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House
When: 19 June – 21 July 2023
More: Tickets and more details
Beauty and the Beast
Where: Capitol Theatre
When: Opening June 2023 – tickets on sale until mid August
Check full details here
Disney on Ice
Disney On Ice presents 100 Years of Wonder – an adventure for the whole family, featuring world-class skating and high-energy performances. The show brings excitement with acrobatic stunts, unexpected moments, and awe-inspiring feats on the ice and in the air.
Experience the magic of Disney with Mickey and Minnie Mouse and explore intergalactic adventures. From Buzz Lightyear and Woody to Elsa and Anna in Frozen, and Moana’s bravery to the magic of… Explore the magical worlds of The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and more.
Where: Qudos Bank Arena
When: 12-16 July 2023
Check full details here
Yuldea
Yuldea is a ceremonial affirmation of history and heritage. From the incomparable storytellers of Bangarra comes a major new work. At Yuldea, stories hover in the sky. The stars reveal a divine Songline, stretching between earth and sky.
Where: Drama Theatre
When: 15 July 2023
Check full details here
Harry Potter: A Yule Ball Celebration
‘Have you ever dreamt of attending the Yule Ball?’ This winter, you are invited to the unique celebratory gathering, Harry Potter: A Yule Ball Celebration and enjoy an evening full of festivities as the interactive experience brings its magic to Paddington Town Hall.
Where: Paddington Town Hall (249 Oxford St, Paddington NSW)
When: July 7, 2023
Check full details here
Comedy, Music and Dance
The Tap Pack
The Tap Pack is a high energy, tap comedy show inspired by the infamous “Rat Pack” which included the famous talents of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jnr.
They sing. They dance. They joke. They bring new, invigorating energy to a timeless style! With dazzling performances on stage, dressed in slick suits and equipped with sharp wit, The Tap Pack is a modern twist on the classic Rat Pack.
Where: Across the country
When: July 2023
More: For dates and tour information, head to their website.
Comedy Club @ The Joan
The best comedy night in town! TheJoan has been building up a reputation as the home of the best comedy in Penrith. Working with host, comedian Frida Deguise and her team of Blacklist comedians, we’ve presented some of Sydney’s finest, including Lizzy Hoo, Tommy Dean, Rebecca De Unamuno, Tahir Bilgiç, Jenny Tian, and Bec Melrose.
Where: 597 High Street, Penrith
When: 21 July 2023
More: For dates and tour information, head to their website.
SPOOKY MEN’S CHORALE
Gird your earlobes, suck in a mighty sweet airy lungful, gather your munchkins close, and let your beardy ringlets tremble with glee: this will be a Spooky tour like no other; actually, it will be as close to what it is as it possibly can be.
With their new renditions of (amongst other things) two Ukrainian songs and Yothu Yindi’s “Treaty”, the Spooky Men are venturing ever deeper into realpolitik, whilst not forgetting their mighty roots in utterly shallow stupidity. Many gigs are being swarmed by others as discriminate as you, probably best not to wait too long to book
Nights at the Museum
Enjoy live music and a drink at the pop-up bar as Sydney’s favourite FREE after-hours culture fix is back! Explore our incredible galleries and exhibitions and be inspired by our natural history and cultural collections.
Where: Museum-wide
When: Every Wednesday at 5pm – 9pm
Tickets: Free. More information here
BENEFACTORS
Ensemble Theatre is pleased to present Benefactors, a witty and funny production written by Michael Frayn, creator of international hits, Copenhagen and Noises Off. Explores what it is to be human in a statistically driven world, in this Olivier Award-winning comedy set in the late 1960s.
When: 16th June to 22nd July 2023
Where: Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall Street, Kirribilli
Cost: $38-80. Details here
ATI: A Dance Reckoning of Truth, Place and Belonging
ATI is a powerful picture of Australia’s past, which is characterized by greed, guilt, bloodshed, and injustice. It goes beyond simple narrative. Through cultural and modern First Nations dance stories, bright projections, and an emotionally stirring backdrop of song and live voices, this performance makes a strong statement about survival and belonging.
When: 21 – 22 July 2023
Where: Bay 20, Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh, NSW
Cost: $30 (adult) $25 (groups/seniors) $15 (concession and community matinee). Details here
Jannawi Dance Clan classes
Carriageworks and Jannawi Dance Clan present weekly cultural dance classes for children aged 4 – 9. Held in the Public Space during the Farmers Market, the classes teach children the stories, language, songs and dances of local Sydney custodians.
When: Saturdays from 22 July – 19 August 2023
Where: Public Space, Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh
Cost: $10 + BF. Full guide here
The Dance and Cultural Dramaturgies on Contested Land Symposium
The Dance and Cultural Dramaturgies on Contested Land Symposium is the culmination of two dance research laboratories hosted by resident company Marrugeku on Yawuru Country (May 2022) and Gadigal, Bidjigal and Gweagal lands of the Eora Nation (Jul 2023).
When: 14-15 July 2023
Where: Bay 20, Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh
Cost: Free, registration essential. Check full details here
Sports and Outdoors
FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™
The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™️ will be a tournament of firsts. In 2023, fans will see 32 nations playing 64 matches across nine host cities in Australia and New Zealand for the first time in Women’s World Cup history.
Where: Stadium Australia, Sydney Olympic Park
When: 20 July – 20 August 2023
Tickets: $20. Full more info, check their website
YOGA IN THE PARK
Get fit and flexible every Sunday morning with FREE Yoga in The Park!
The focus on breathing, the concentration required to find balance in certain poses, the flow of the movements – it’s all an active meditation that can help clear the mind, quieten anxieties and strengthen your body.
When: 9:30am, every Sundays (All Year)
Where: Corner of Lower Fort St and George St at Dawes Point Park, right under the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Tickets: FREE. More Info here
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.
Where: Art Gallery of NSW
When: 6 May – 3 September 2023
Cost: $25
Botanica de Materia Medica
Botanica features work by some of the best Australian and international established and emerging botanic and natural history artists, Botanica is considered one of the foremost exhibitions of its kind. Traditional botanic art is European, is most often watercolour, and must be scientifically accurate.
Where: Lion Gate Lodge Garden / The Royal Botanic Garden / Mrs Macquaries Road
When: Saturday 29 July – Sunday 13 August at 10AM – 4PM Daily
For tickets and more details, check their website.
Waranara Tours
Expand your understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures on this unique tour of objects from the Australian Museum’s exhibitions, led by a First Nations guide.
Where: LG, Patricia McDonald Education Rooms
When: Saturday 20 May 2023 at 10.30am – 1pm & 2pm – 4.30pm
Tickets: $100 Members, $125 non-Members$100 Members, $125 non-Members. For more details, check their website.
The People’s House
Opera House has evolved to embrace new uses, audiences and technologies. Relive the magic of past performances and events through costumes, posters and programs, set designs, rare archival records, architectural drawings, photography and much more.
Where: Sydney Opera House
When: 1 July to 12 November 2023/ Monday to Sunday, 10am–5pm
Tickets: Free entry. For more details, check their website.
Songline
A visually striking new exhibition now on display at NSW Parliament House will immerse visitors in the stories, imagery and heritage of the Bundjalung people.
Where: NSW Parliament House (6 Macquarie Street, Sydney)
When: Weekdays from 30 May until 27 July from 9am to 5pm
Tickets: Free entry. For more details, check their website.
Talks
PIER GROUP EVENTS
A series of special fundraising events offering a rare opportunity to hear directly from the artists and creative team. The Pier Group are a group of dedicated volunteer fundraisers who have been generously supporting STC for over 30 years, and throughout the year they host a series of fun events for theatre lovers and friends. Everyone is welcome to attend! Proceeds from the events go towards the company’s creation of ambitious new works.
Where: The Theatre Bar at the End of the Wharf
When: 31 July 2023 – 23 October 2023
More details here
JUST LIVE ON STAGE!
This dazzling production vividly and hilariously brings the rich and wild stories to life, with everything from invisibility pills and mudmen, to vomiting dogs and death-defying balloon rides. A love letter to the powers of imagination to remind us that all it takes is just a little determination. Appealing primarily to 8 to 12 year olds and their families, all seven books from the series have been adapted for the stage by Robin Goldsworthy.
Where: Sydney Coliseum Theatre at West HQ in Rooty Hill
When: Monday, 3 July 2023
Tickets here. More details on their website
Barka: The Forgotten River
Barka (the Darling River) is more than a body of water; Barka is a mother, an Ancestor, a life source, and in peril, along with everyone that lives along it. Find out more about the stories, culture and people who have Barka running in their veins in this exhibition developed by Uncle Badger Bates and Justine Muller with the Barkandji community.
Where: Hintze Hall, Upper Ground
When: May 2023- 23 July 2023/ Daily, 10am – 5pm
More details on their website
Food and Drink Events
The Sydney Gin Festival
This three day gin soaked festival will bring together some of Australia’s most exciting craft gin distillers and showcase over 300 boutique gins from Australia’s top crafters.
Taste various G&Ts from all your favourites and find a new one or two! In attendance is Hickson House in the Rocks, Prohibition Liquor Co, Kangaroo Island distillery, Cape Byron, Barossa Distilling, and multi trophy winners Archie Rose, Turner Stillhouse and Never Never Distilling Chat to the distillers and enjoy some gourmet treats.
Where: Ground Floor WINX Stand, Alison Road. Randwick,
When: 21-22 July 2023
More: Visit the festival website
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.
Where: The villages of the Blue Mountains
When:
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.
