At the beginning of winter, shorter days and colder nights, but we still get blue skies and sunny days. What used to be the quietest month of the year has, over the last decade, become a pretty busy time in the city thanks to the Vivid Sydney Festival.

Vivid runs for the first two weeks of June and Circular Quay, The Rocks, Darling Harbour, and the Botanic Gardens turn into a wonderland of light installations.

Average Temperatures: 18-10 °C (64-50°F)
While each year varies the last June saw 8 days of rain.

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Major June Events in Sydney

It is cool outside but that won’t keep Sydneysiders indoors. Vivid Sydney is one of the biggest annual events in the city and the whale watching season sees hundreds of us board boats every weekend to catch a glimpse of the whales making their way north for the summer.

Festivals, Fairs and Markets

Cronulla Jazz and Blues Festival

Eleven stages, over 100 artists, and everything from Jazz, Blues, Funk Soul, Alt-Country & Americana. Head to Dunningham Park, Monro Park, street buskers, or one of the ticketed performances at local venues.

When: TBC
Where: Cronulla Street Cronulla l Cost: Most events are free
More: Check the official website for the schedule.

SupAnova COmic Con

Supanova Comic Con is back in 2024. Expect all the usual players on the exhibition floor and for both new and seasoned cosplays coming dressed their best. Guests expected on the Q&A panel and event timetable are to be released. Some event headliners announced so far include: Sophia Di Martino, Kat Graham, James Marsters, Robert Patrick and Australia’s very own Lincoln Lewis.

When: TBC
Where: The Dome, Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127
Cost: Free for kids 12 and under. Tickets from $42.50. Find more information here.

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: TBC
Where: Bondi Beach NSW
Tickets: $15 – 27, check their website for more details.

The Coal Loader Artisans Market

“Meet the Makers” at one of Sydney’s best artisans markets at the fabulous Coal Loader. The market offers you an opportunity to purchase original and creative handmade products directly from emerging and contemporary designers, artists, and makers.

Stalls display and sell art, ceramics, basketry, eco products, fashion, jewellery, textiles, food, children’s design, and much more.

When: TBC
Where: The Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability 2 Balls Head Drive, Waverton

Markers and Shakers Market

130 stalls of handmade local product, I love everything about the Makers and Shakers concept. High-quality goods crafted with care and meticulous attention to detail. The markets foster a movement away from mass-produced products, championing the preservation of traditional skills and crafts.

View of the Australian Made Market - Makers and Shakers

By supporting local artisans and small businesses, you can contribute to a sustainable future through mindful consumption.

When: TBC
Where: White Bay Cruise Terminal – James Craig Road Rozelle

The Cronulla Winter Market

With more than 250 stalls combined, bringing fashion, art, craft, homewares, kids’ goods, candles, gifts, food and more to these two brilliant locations, showcasing brilliant small retailers from Cronulla and across Sydney.

The Cronulla Winter Market

There will also be a bounty of delicious global food to suit all tastes, live music, and plenty of activities for kids.

When: TBC
Where: Don Lucas Reserve Wanda Beach, Cronulla

Musicals, Opera and Theatre in Sydney in June

Details coming soon

Film Festivals

Sydney Film Festival

The 71st Sydney Film Festival offers another exciting season of cinema amidst a whirlwind of premieres, red-carpet openings, in-depth discussions, film guests, and more. 

Sydney Film Festival
Tickets sell out fast for the Sydney Film Festival

When: 4-15 June 2024
Where: The State Theatre, Event Cinemas George Street, Dendy Newtown, Palace Central, Palace Norton Street, Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace Cremorne, Ritz Cinemas Randwick, Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre and Art Gallery of NSW
More: Visit the official site for ticket information

Children’s International Film Festival

Featuring daring adventures in the Himalayas, a journey through the fascinating world of art, heartwarming friendships, and an exciting blend of live-action and animation, the Children’s International Film Festival (CHIFF) returns for its fifth year, showcasing a program filled with family-friendly films.

When: TBC
Where: Sydney: Ritz Cinemas Randwick; Melbourne: Classic Cinemas Elsternwick, Lido Cinemas Hawthorn and Cameo Cinemas Belgrave
Tickets: Single Admission $15.00, Member tickets $13.00, Family Pass $52.00. Full details here.

The Korean Film Festival in Australia (KOFFIA) 

The Korean film industry has produced some huge international hits over the last few years. This year’s festival features 13 films from a range of genres including drama, crime, fantasy, mystery, and romantic comedy.

All films are presented on the festival screen with English subtitles.

When: TBC
Where: Event Cinemas George Street 

Music, Comedy and Dance

Art and Exhibitions

Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes

Explore Australia’s most renowned and sometimes contentious art accolade, the Archibald Prize for portrait painting. Since 1921, it has captured the essence of life in this region, welcoming entries from across Australia and New Zealand. 

Packing Room Prize 2023 winner, Andrea Huelin Clown jewels © the artist, image © AGNSW, Jenni Carter
Packing Room Prize 2023 winner, Andrea Huelin Clown jewels © the artist, image © AGNSW, Jenni Carter

Equally captivating, the Wynne Prize celebrates Australian landscapes and figure sculpture, while the Sulman Prize showcases subject and genre painting. Witness the must-see exhibition of finalists and winners, judged annually by the Art Gallery of New South Wales trustees.

Don’t miss your chance to vote for the ANZ People’s Choice award and discover the talent of young artists in the Young Archies exhibition. Family-friendly activities include a children’s trail.

When: TBC
Where: Art Gallery of NSW, Naala Nura, our south building Lower level 2

Salon des Refusés

Since 1992, the Salon des Refusés exhibition has showcased exceptional works not chosen for the Archibald and Wynne Prizes’ official exhibitions.

The exhibition features:

  • Diverse artworks spanning portraiture, landscape painting, and figure sculpture
  • Curated selection highlighting quality, diversity, humor, and experimentation
  • Explore contemporary art practices and innovative approaches

The exhibition has earned widespread acclaim, standing on par with the esteemed ‘official’ showcase. Featuring works renowned for their quality, diversity, humor, and innovative experimentation, this exhibition delves into contemporary art practices, various portraiture techniques, and interpretations of the landscape.

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

Food and Drink Events

Good Food & Wine Show

Sit back and be entertained by your favourite chefs, a perfect day out for food and wine lovers. Enjoy a fantastic day out with friends and wander through the show, sampling from hundreds of stalls, chatting to winemakers and distillers and hearing their stories.

Good Food & Wine Show

When: 20 – 22 June 2025
Where: ICC Sydney, Darling Harbour
Tickets: $35. Full guide here

Sports and Outdoor Events

Kiama Coastal Classic

A Super Trail event with a ‘2km Bolt’, ’12km one way classic’ or full 21km Kiama Coastal Classic, runners from all over the state will take on the Kiama coastline’s rolling hills

When:
Where: Surf Beach, Kiama

NSW Regional Events in June

Dubbo Winter Whiskey Festival

Join distilleries from around Australia and the World in a celebration of whiskey and craft spirit culture. Sample and purchase rare and limited-distribution spirits or enjoy some of the distillers favourite spirits in mixed drinks.

Our Saturday night event is a real festival vibe, where you can take a moment to sit back and listen to the Entertainment or visit one of our amazing food vendors and grab some local cuisine

When: 13 & 14 June 2025
Where: Dubbo NSW

Henry Lawson Festival of the Arts – Grenfell

One of Australia’s greatest poets, the town of Grenfell commemorates Henry Lawson’s birth and his amazing legacy with this annual Henry Lawson Festival on the June long weekend. The festival promotes and recognises aspiring Australians in their artistic endeavours.

Enjoy verse, short stories, painting and photography, and more!

When: TBC
Where: Grenfell NSW
More details on the official site

The Sussex Inlet Viking Festival 

Don’t miss out on the excitement at the Sussex Inlet Viking Festival, honouring the arrival of Jacob Ellmoos in 1880! Jacob hailed from the quaint Danish village of Ensted, near Hostrup, Aabenraa, and this festival celebrates his legacy alongside the vibrant local Aboriginal community, who graciously share their culture with us.

Step into the past and witness 30 Vikings camping on-site, embracing traditional Viking life with tents, fire pits, cooking displays, and authentic Scandinavian cuisine. Engage in thrilling Viking games, armoured combat, knattleikr (similar to mediaeval football), wrestling matches, and crafts demonstrations. Plus, enjoy live music, entertainment, and much more!

Get ready for a jam-packed weekend featuring:

  • Engaging re-enactments of Viking battles and games
  • Live music all day long
  • 2 Kids Zones with rides and entertainment included
  • Axe juggling, fire light & magic shows
  • 2 Viking Beer Gardens
  • Authentic Scandinavian cuisine

When: Saturday 7 June 2025
Where: Ellmoos Reserve, Sussex Inlet, NSW

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Paula Morgan

Paula Morgan, a born-and-bred Sydney resident, has been sharing this city and its secret spots for over 15 years. She's not just about the iconic landmarks; she's loves the hidden alleys adorned with street art, and the joy of discovering a new café or a fabulous restaurant.

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