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 (11-12 July 2026), 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: 16 to 19 July, 2026
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: 10-19 July 2026
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. 2026 is a milestone year — Bondi’s postcode is 2026, and the festival is marking it with its most ambitious lineup to date.

Alongside festival favourites like the beachside Ice Rink and Bondi Vista Ferris Wheel, highlights include the return of the sell-out Comedy Gala, the immersive moving-bus show Back of the Bus from New Zealand’s Java Dance, sketch comedy from Hot Department, and the free Paw Parade on 11 July. The festival closes with large-scale illuminated works Spark and Underwater Creatures on the beach and park.

Festival Highlights:

• Ice Rink (10am-8:45pm daily)
• Bondi Vista Ferris Wheel (10am-9pm daily)
• Waverley Art Prize at Bondi Pavilion Gallery (40th annual, 10am-5pm)
• Food Markets and Music in the Park (every Saturday and Sunday, Bondi Park)
• Bondi Beach Sea Wall street art
• Comedy Gala (3 and 4 July)
• Back of the Bus — Java Dance (9-12 July)
• Accordion light installation by Amigo & Amigo, Pavilion Courtyard

Ticketed events are very affordablTicketed events are very affordable, ranging from free to $30.

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

National Indigenous Art Fair

Now in its seventh year, the National Indigenous Art Fair coincides with NAIDOC Week and moves to a new home in 2026 — The Cutaway Barangaroo, marking the inaugural cultural event in the space following its major transformation. More than 30 Indigenous art centres from across Australia are represented, with over 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists travelling to Sydney from some of the country’s most remote communities.

The program covers art sales, large-scale installations, live music, dance, fashion, weaving workshops and talks. Artworks are available to purchase directly from the art centres, with no commission charged — 100% of profits go back to the communities. Price points run from $100 to $30,000. An Opening Night event on Friday 3 July offers early access with performances and a fashion parade.

When: Fri. 3 July, 5:30pm-8:30pm. Sat. 4 July 10am-5pm, Sun. 5 July 10am-4pm
Where: The Cutaway Barangaroo
Cost:Opening Night $40. Adults $15, concession/senior $10, kids 12-18 $10, under 12 free, Mob, free

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: 11-12 July 2026, Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 10am-5pm
Where: ICC Sydney & Darling Square precinct
Cost: Various ticket options available

The Cronulla Winter Market

Looking for a market with variety and a lively atmosphere? The Cronulla Winter Market offers over 250 stalls with something for everyone. From fashion to homewares, this beachside event brings Sydney’s creativity to life.

Live music and international food stalls create a festival atmosphere, while dedicated kids’ activities make this a perfect family day out. The market’s location at Don Lucas Reserve offers stunning beach views while you shop.

When: Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July 2026.
Where: Don Lucas Reserve Wanda Beach, Cronulla

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: 18-21 July 2026
Where: Knox Grammar School Weeks Senior Academy Pacific Highway, Wahroonga

Musicals, Opera, and Theatre in Sydney in July

The Merry Widow

Opera Australia opens its Sydney winter season with Graeme Murphy’s production of Lehár’s The Merry Widow, performed in English at the Joan Sutherland Theatre. The story follows Hanna Glavari, a wealthy widow whose countrymen need her to marry her former lover to keep her fortune at home — a romantic comedy with a neat political twist.

Murphy’s staging is set in 1920s Paris, with art deco sets and elaborate costuming. The score runs from the famous waltz through cancans, marches and a polonaise. Emma Pearson takes the lead role for the first half of the season, with Julie Lea Goodwin stepping in from 31 July. Alexander Lewis returns as Danilo, with Maestra Vanessa Scammell conducting.

Running time is approximately 2 hours 55 minutes including two intervals.

When: 8 July to 18 August 2026 l Evening performances at 7:30pm, matinees at 12pm, 12:30pm and 2pm depending on date. Check the website for the full schedule.
Where: Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House
Cost: Adult tickets from $79. Book here

The Dapto Chaser

A black comedy about two brothers, a greyhound called Boy Named Sue, and a family for whom dog racing is a way of life. Written by Mary Rachel Brown and directed by Anna Houston, this quintessentially Australian play covers debt, dreams and the bonds that hold people together when the odds are against them.

Peter Carroll leads the cast alongside Marco Chiappi, André de Vanny and Justin Rosniak (Colin from Accounts). Described by the Sydney Morning Herald as a play that “wrings humour from every twist of the plot,” it’s gritty and funny, but the heart of it is about how far people will go for a shot at happiness.

When: 29 June to 25 July 2026
Where: Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall Street, Kirribilli
Cost: $46-$95. Book at ensemble.com.au

Music, Comedy and Dance

Haydn’s Creation

Sydney Philharmonia Choirs brings Haydn’s choral masterpiece to the Concert Hall, with 130 voices and full orchestra under the baton of conductor Brett Weymark.

Written in 1798, The Creation sets the Book of Genesis to music, moving through each stage of the natural world’s formation. It’s a substantial work — around two hours — and suits anyone who enjoys large-scale choral performance.

When: Saturday 4 July 2026
Where: Sydney Opera House Concert Hall
Cost: $30-$149. Book at sydneyphilharmonia.com.au

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: 9 May 2026 ‐26 Jul 2026
Where: S.H. Ervin Gallery, Watson Road, Millers Point (The Rocks)

Film Festivals

Children’s International Film Festival

The Children’s International Film Festival wraps up its Sydney season in the first week of July, with 30 films from across Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa and Australia screening at Ritz Cinemas in Randwick. The program is selected exclusively with children in mind, covering animation, live-action adventure and films for toddlers through to tweens.

Highlights include Oscar-nominated animated feature Little Amélie or the Character of Rain, Martin Freeman in fantasy adventure Momo, and a special Family Fun Day screening of Toy Story 5. Two films screen in their original languages (Czech and French).

When: Until 10 July 2026
Where: Ritz Cinemas, Randwick
Cost: Single admission $17, family pass $57 (two adults and two children, or one adult and three children). More at chiff.com.au

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: 11 July 2026
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

Newcastle Art Gallery

Three new exhibitions are now open at the reimagined Newcastle Art Gallery, which reopened earlier this year following a major expansion.

Highlights include a major solo survey by Torres Strait Islander artist Brian Robinson, the first institutional solo show by Tiyan Baker, and 25 works from the Mordant Family Gift collection.

When: Various closing dates from August to November 2026
Where: Newcastle Art Gallery, Newcastle Cost: Free

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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