June has become one of Sydney’s most exciting months thanks to the Vivid Sydney Festival. For the first two weeks of June, Circular Quay, The Rocks, Darling Harbour, and even Surry Hills transform into a wonderland of light installations, drawing visitors from across the globe.
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Major June Events in Sydney
Sydney comes alive in June with several major events drawing both locals and visitors to the city. From world-class light art to international film festivals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
- Vivid Sydney: Friday 23 May to Saturday 14 June 2025
- Sydney Film Festival: 4-15 June 2025
- Whale Watching season begins
- Sydney Pride Month: 1-30 June 2025
Festivals and Fairs
From artisan markets showcasing fresh talent to vibrant cultural festivals, June offers plenty of opportunities to explore Sydney’s creative side. Whether you’re searching for unique handmade goods, enjoying live music, or sampling the cuisine, these events showcase the best of Sydney’s community spirit.
Loco Markets at South Eveleigh
South Eveleigh launches a new winter tradition with the Loco Markets, a six-week celebration of creativity, community and connection inspired by European street markets. Each week features a different theme with rotating vendors, live entertainment, and family activities.
Extended hours for precinct eateries including Sana, Fishbowl, Anita Gelato, BrewDog, and Grounds Coffee Factory
When: 19 June – 27 July 2025
Where: South Eveleigh
Cost: Free entry, some workshops require bookings
Winter Solstice Festival at Chinese Garden of Friendship
Celebrate the traditional Chinese Dongzhi Festival marking the arrival of winter with a day of cultural activities and performances. The festival honors the balance and harmony of the season as days begin to lengthen.
Festival Highlights:
- Lantern decorating workshops (11am-2pm, Water Pavilion)
- Mahjong lessons with expert Eric Wan (11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm, Peace Boat Pavilion)
- Live traditional music featuring Billy Han (dizi, xiao), Julia Luo (guzheng) and Dr Nicholas Ng (erhu, hulusi, keyboard) (2pm-4pm, Hall of Longevity)
Special Dining Offer: One Dining restaurant offering $1 warm sweet red bean congee with set menu purchases (11am-3pm)
When: 21 June 2025
Where: Chinese Garden of Friendship, Darling Harbour
Cost: Adults $12, Children $8, Free for Friends of the Garden members
Pride Fest 2025
Qtopia Sydney presents their biggest Pride Month festival yet, with over 150 events celebrating LGBTQIA+ culture and history across the city. This month-long celebration joins global Pride Month festivities with an impressive lineup of performances, exhibitions, and community events.
When: 1-30 June 2025
Where: Various venues across Sydney’s Oxford Street Precinct
Cost: Various – from free to ticketed events l Check the official site for the full program
SPOKEN – Bicycle Design Festival
Celebrating the intersection of cycling culture and design, SPOKEN returns to Carriageworks for a three-day festival. This unique event brings together bicycle enthusiasts, designers, and makers to showcase innovations in cycling culture.
When: 20-22 June 2025
Where: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh
Cost: From $15
Uncontained Arts Festival
South Sydney’s biggest outdoor art festival returns for its fifth year, transforming Kogarah into a spectacular celebration of art, light and culture. After attracting over 40,000 visitors in 2023, this award-nominated festival promises three nights of immersive installations, performances and culinary delights.
Festival Highlights:
- Interactive Art Installations including Samuel Absurd x Lawrence Liang’s “ANINA”, Anastasia Parmson’s 3D drawing room, and Chrissy Lau’s “King Kogarah Bin Chicken Rave”
- Embodied Art Tours with Betty Grumble (5:15pm Auslan interpreted, and 7pm daily)
- LED Lantern Making Workshops by Empress Arts
- Live Entertainment featuring Tower Divas, We Play Records DJs, and more
- Food Village with diverse offerings from local vendors
- Uncontained Bar featuring a special ice sculpture pour on Friday night
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, quiet spaces available, accessible toilets and parking. Some installations feature flashing lights and smoke effects.
When: 27-29 June 2025, Friday: 5pm-10pm, Sat. 4:30pm-10pm, Sun, 4:30pm-9:30pm
Where: Kogarah Town Square and Belgrave Street, Kogarah
Cost: 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: June 26 to 29, 2025
Where: ICC Sydney, Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour
More: The official site has all the details.
Supanova Comic Con
Sydney’s premier pop culture event returns with a exciting lineup of special guests, exhibitors, and activities. This celebration of all things pop culture brings together fans of comics, anime, gaming, and cosplay.
When: 21-22 June 2025
Where: The Dome, Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park
Cost: Free for kids 12 and under. Tickets from $42.50. Find more information here.
Markets
Love discovering handmade treasures? Sydney’s markets in June offer a mix of artisan goods, sustainable products, and vibrant local culture. Whether you’re hunting for unique gifts, fresh produce, or one-of-a-kind art, these markets are not to be missed. Here’s what’s on this month.
The Coal Loader Artisans Market
The Coal Loader Artisans Market has established itself as one of Sydney’s premier destinations for handmade and locally crafted goods. This carefully curated market brings together emerging and established designers, artists, and makers in a unique heritage setting.
Browse stalls featuring art, ceramics, basketry, eco products, fashion, jewellery, textiles, food, and children’s designs.
When: Sunday 22 June 2025
Where: The Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability 2 Balls Head Drive, Waverton
Markers and Shakers Market
This curated marketplace celebrates the art of handmade, featuring 130 carefully selected stalls showcasing Sydney’s finest artisans and makers. Each vendor is chosen for their commitment to quality and sustainable production methods.
The market represents a shift away from mass production, championing traditional skills and craftsmanship. Visitors can discover unique homewares, fashion, accessories, and gourmet products while supporting local small businesses.
When: 14-15 June 2025
Where: White Bay Cruise Terminal – James Craig Road Rozelle
Cost: $5 – kids under 12 years free
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: 28-29 June 2025
Where: Don Lucas Reserve Wanda Beach, Cronulla
Carriageworks Winter Seasonal Market
The popular Carriageworks Farmers Market celebrates the arrival of winter with a special seasonal event. This expanded version of the weekly market features Sydney’s finest producers alongside special programming.
Visitors can enjoy live cooking demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and food talks, while discovering the best seasonal produce from local farmers and producers.
When: 14 June 2025
Where: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh
Read about all the weekly markets in Sydney for more ideas
Musicals, Opera and Theatre in Sydney in June
June is the perfect time to enjoy Sydney’s thriving performing arts scene. From celebrated musicals to thought-provoking dramas, there’s no shortage of entertainment for theatre enthusiasts this month. Below are some of the highlights gracing the city’s stages this month.
Cats
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking musical returns to Theatre Royal Sydney, 40 years after its Australian premiere. Join the Jellicle cats on their magical night as they compete to ascend to the Heaviside Layer.
Featuring the iconic song ‘Memory’ and spectacular dance numbers from the original production, this timeless musical continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
When: Opens 17 June 2025, Tues-Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7.30pm, & 6pm Matinees Wed, Sat & Sun
Where: Theatre Royal Sydney
Cost: From $69.90 More on the official site
Coriolanus
Shakespeare’s explosive political drama comes to the intimate Neilson Nutshell in Bell Shakespeare’s first production of this play in 30 years. Starring Hazem Shammas (Macbeth, The Twelve) as the uncompromising warrior, this tale of power and politics remains disturbingly relevant.
When: June 20-July 19, 2025, Previews: June 20-24
Where: The Neilson Nutshell, Pier 2/3, 13A Hickson Rd, Dawes Point
Cost: Preview tickets: $50 general tickets $94-$124 Concessions and Under 35s available
Strictly Baz Luhrmann
Opera Australia celebrates the iconic director’s cinematic legacy in a special two-night concert event. This musical extravaganza brings together the best-loved songs from Luhrmann’s films, performed by some of Australia’s finest musical theatre talents.
Stars Tim Draxl, Alinta Chidzey, Ryan Gonzalez and Phoebe Panaretos join the Opera Australia Orchestra to perform hits from ‘Strictly Ballroom’ through to ‘Elvis’. The program includes beloved songs such as ‘Love is in the Air’, ‘Kissing You’ and ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’.
When: June 23-24, 2025, 7pm
Where: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Cost: From $49
Film Festivals
Film buffs are in for a treat this June with both the Sydney Film Festival and several specialty film events running throughout the month.
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.
When: 4-15 June 2025
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
Music, Comedy and Dance
From classical concerts at the Opera House to comedy shows in intimate venues, June’s performance calendar offers something for every taste and budget.
Skank Sinatra
This award-winning cabaret show arrives at Qtopia Sydney as part of Pride Month, featuring powerhouse vocals and a fresh take on Sinatra classics. Created and performed by Jens Radda, the show blends cabaret, drag, and theatre while exploring themes of identity through music ranging from New York jazz to Berlin cabaret.
Fresh from collecting five-star reviews and Best Cabaret awards at Adelaide Fringe, this rhinestone-studded performance combines big-band numbers with sharp wit and extravagant costumes, creating a unique celebration of music and queerness.
When: 14-22 June 2025, 8:00pm
Where: Qtopia Sydney, 301 Forbes St, Darlinghurst
Music on Tubowgule
This powerful double-header celebrates contemporary First Nations classical music through new works by leading Indigenous composers and performers. The evening opens with Eric Avery, a Ngiyampaa, Yuin and Gumbangirr violinist and vocalist, who interweaves violin with traditional Ngiyampaa language songs.
The second performance, “Stories of Water and Earth,” features Ensemble Offspring and Arafura Music Collective collaborating with Yuwaalaraay composer Nardi Simpson and Yolŋgu poet Melanie Mununggurr. Their hour-long performance combines chamber music, beat poetry and dreaming stories, exploring connections between language, Country and cultural experience.
When: Thursday 26 and Friday 27 June 2025, 7:15pm
Where: Studio, Sydney Opera House
Cost: $60 + booking fee
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Contact venue for specific requirements.
Elements of Freestyle – ISH Dance Collective
In an Australian premiere, Netherlands’ ISH Dance Collective brings an explosive fusion of extreme urban sports and performance art to the Opera House. Directed by Marco Gerris of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ fame, this high-energy show transforms the Joan Sutherland Theatre into an urban playground.
Twelve elite artists combine inline skating, skateboarding, freestyle basketball, free-running, and BMX with breakdance and hip-hop, all accompanied by live cello and violin. This boundary-pushing production showcases Olympic-level skills in an electrifying hour of entertainment suitable for all ages.
When: 25 – 29 June 2025
Where: Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House
Cost: From $69.90 + $8.95 booking fee l More info
Art and Exhibitions
The Archibald Prize headlines this month’s art scene, but it’s not the only exhibition worth visiting. Here’s what’s showing across Sydney’s galleries.
Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes
The Archibald Prize is back and it’s still Australia’s most talked-about art competition. Since 1921, this portrait prize has captured Australian life and sparked plenty of debate about who should have won.
When: 10 May – 17 August 2025
Where: Art Gallery of NSW, Naala Nura, our south building Lower level 2
World Press Photo Exhibition 2025
The World Press Photo Exhibition returns to Sydney, showcasing striking global photojournalism and the power of visual storytelling. This internationally renowned exhibition brings together award-winning images selected from more than 59,000 entries across 141 countries, offering fresh perspectives on the world’s most pressing issues.
When: 24 May – 6 July 2025
Where: State Library of NSW l Cost: Exhibition entry is free
Food and Drink Events
Sydney’s food scene springs to life in June with festivals and special events that let you taste your way around the city.
Paddy’s Twilight Market
Sydney’s iconic Paddy’s Markets is transforming Friday nights with its Twilight Market, a vibrant mix of food, shopping, and live entertainment. With more than 29 food trucks and vendors, this is a foodie paradise offering a taste of cuisines from around the world.
Grab a bite of everything from Polynesian dishes to Sicilian wood-fired pizzas, Turkish street food, and Filipino charcoal-cooked delights. Beyond the food, you’ll find unique retailers, wholesale flowers, and acoustic live music to help you wind down your week.
When: Friday, 13 June and Friday, 20 June 2025, 5pm – 9pm
Where: Sydney Flower Market car park, 250 Parramatta Road, Homebush West NSW
(Enter via Austin Ave gate)
Cost: $2 parking per vehicle
Sports and Outdoor Events
For those eager to enjoy the outdoors, June in Sydney offers sports and events that make the most of the city’s stunning settings. Whether cheering from the sidelines or diving into an activity, there’s something to excite outdoor lovers this winter.
Whale Watching Season
June is peak whale watching season, and Sydney offers incredible opportunities to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures as they migrate north along the coast. Join a whale-watching cruise or head to one of the many coastal lookouts for a chance to spot them.
Top viewing locations include North Head Lookout, Watsons Bay, and Cape Solander in Kamay Botany Bay National Park. No matter where you watch, it’s an unforgettable outdoor experience.
When: June through to early November
Where: Coastal lookouts and whale-watching cruises throughout Sydney
Cost: Free at lookouts; cruise prices vary
Coastal Walks
Sydney’s stunning coastline is best explored during the cooler months, and June is perfect for some of the city’s most popular walking trails. From Bondi to Coogee to the Spit Bridge to Manly, these walks offer breathtaking views, fresh sea air, and a chance to connect with nature.
Pack water and comfortable shoes, and don’t forget your camera for those postcard-worthy views along the way. Look out for whale spotting opportunities on elevated sections of the trails!
When: All month
Where: Various coastal trails, including Bondi to Coogee and Spit Bridge to Manly
Cost: Free
More info: Visit our walks page for ideas
NSW Regional Events in June
Some of the best events this month are happening just outside Sydney. These regional festivals and celebrations make perfect day trips or weekend getaways.
Henry Lawson Festival of the Arts – Grenfell
Head to Grenfell for a weekend celebrating one of Australia’s most iconic poets, Henry Lawson. From live performances to street parades, this festival offers a mix of creativity, culture, and community spirit.
When: June long weekend 2025
Where: Grenfell NSW Cost: Most events free.
More details on the official site
The Sussex Inlet Viking Festival
Step back in time and experience the excitement of the Sussex Inlet Viking Festival, where history, culture, and fun collide. This unique festival celebrates Viking life with re-enactments, Scandinavian cuisine, and traditional crafts.
When: Saturday 7 June 2025
Where: Ellmoos Reserve, Sussex Inlet, NSW
Cost: Adult (18+): $35 Child (3-17): $25 (Kids under 3 are free), Family of 4 (2 Adults & 2 Children): $100, Family of 5 (2 Adults & 3 Children): $120
Have questions about things to see and do in Sydney?
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Start planning things to do in July or read through of our list of things to do on rainy days if we hit a patch of bad weather.
the afl matches listed are wrong. sydney dont play brisbane on june 8th at scg
Thanks – we will look into that error now.