Sydney Events in March 2026: What’s On This Month
March is one of my favourite months in Sydney. The heat eases, the crowds thin out after summer, and the events calendar is genuinely packed.
This month the Biennale of Sydney opens across five venues, Phantom of the Opera takes over the harbour, Pulp and Basement Jaxx both play the Opera House forecourt, and the Blue Mountains Music Festival kicks off.
Average temperatures sit around 25°C—comfortable for outdoor activities, harbour walks and exploring the Blue Mountains without the peak summer heat. Last March saw ten rainy days.
This month is also a popular time for locals to plan a getaway with a number of great regional events. You should also be planning and booking if you are considering an Easter weekend away for the beginning of next month.
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Major March Events in Sydney
Biennale of Sydney & St Patrick’s Day
Start your month off right with these key happenings in Sydney.
- Clean Up Australia Day – Sunday 1 March 2026
- Biennale of Sydney: Rememory – 14 March to 14 June 2026
- Sydney St Patrick’s Day Festival – 14-17 March 2026
- Royal Australian Navy International Fleet Review – 21 March 2026
Sydney Mardi Gras – 28 February & 1 March 2026 The parade and Fair Day wrap up the first weekend of March. See our full Sydney Mardi Gras guide for everything you need to know.
Biennale of Sydney: Rememory
The 25th Biennale of Sydney opens in March with free contemporary art exhibitions across five venues. Curated by Hoor Al Qasimi, the edition takes its title from author Toni Morrison and explores how memory shapes identity and belonging, with works by 53 artists from 31 countries including Australia.
The Biennale spans White Bay Power Station, Art Gallery of NSW, Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney, Campbelltown Arts Centre, and Penrith Regional Gallery. Highlights include 15 commissioned works by First Nations artists from around the world, large-scale installations, and site-specific projects.
When: 13 March – 14 June 2026
Where: Five venues across Sydney
Cost: Free | More information
Royal Australian Navy International Fleet Review
Up to 30 naval vessels from 20 nations assemble on Sydney Harbour to mark the Royal Australian Navy’s 125th anniversary — the kind of event that only happens once a decade. Captain Cook Cruises has a range of ways to watch from the water, from a breakfast cruise during the official fleet arrival, a sailpast cruise through to a sunset dinner cruise.
Options range from a relaxed two-hour sightseeing cruise (from $35 adults) to a four-course dinner cruise ($135 adults). All depart King Street Wharf, Darling Harbour. Book early — this one will sell out.
When: Saturday 21 March 2026
Where: Sydney Harbour — departures from King St Wharf, Darling Harbour
Cost: From $35 | captaincook.com.au
Festivals and Community Events
March in Sydney is bursting with festivals and community events, offering a diverse range of experiences from thought-provoking discussions to family-friendly fun.
All About Women
The Sydney Opera House’s annual takeover coincides with International Women’s Day, transforming the precinct into a hub of conversations, panels and workshops on gender, justice and equality.
The first speakers announced for 2026 include former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on redefining leadership, British author Zadie Smith discussing her essay collection Dead and Alive, journalist Emily Maitlis (known for her Prince Andrew interview) on journalism’s role in holding power to account, and Moroccan-American novelist Laila Lalami on her latest release The Dream Hotel. The full program will be announced in January.
When: Sunday 8 March 2026
Where: Various venues, Sydney Opera House
Cost: From $35
Culture Alive Festival Series – Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour
A series of free multicultural festivals runs through March at Tumbalong Park, making it one of the busiest spots in the city for anyone wanting to eat, watch and explore different cultures.
- Greek Festival – Sunday 1 March, 10am–10pm. Traditional dance, street food and live music, headlined by vocalist Loulia Karapataki.
- Holi Festival – Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 March, 11am–10pm. Two days of colour throws during the day and a Holi After Dark experience with glow and laser effects in the evening.
- UkiFest – Saturday 14 March, from 11am. Ukrainian food, folk dancers and Kozak performers in the heart of Darling Harbour.
- Korean Festival – Saturday 28 March (10am–9pm) & Sunday 29 March (10am–7pm). K-pop, Korean BBQ, traditional arts and dance workshops.
Where: Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour
Cost: Free | More details
Climate Action Week Sydney
Sydney’s largest climate action event returns with nearly 300 community-run events across Greater Sydney. From keynote speeches to hands-on workshops, this week-long program offers diverse ways to engage with climate solutions.
The program includes art installations, film premieres, immersive experiences, cooking classes, eco-playgroups, tree planting events, and augmented reality exhibitions across Greater Sydney.
When: 9-15 March 2026
Where: Various locations across Greater Sydney
Cost: Free or low-cost events l Bookings: www.caw.sydney
Mind, Body, Spirit Festival
Australia’s largest health, well-being, and natural therapies event offers several free workshops, paid experiences, and over 200 exhibitors for you to chat with. There will be tastings and readings, seminars and sound healings, and chair yoga!
When: 19-22 March 2026
Where: ICC Sydney, Darling Harbour
UNO Social Club at Bungalow 8
The world’s favourite card game takes over Bungalow 8 at King Street Wharf for the month of March. Fresh from a Las Vegas residency and UK pop-ups, the UNO Social Club transforms the waterfront venue with themed cocktails, immersive gameplay experiences and social-media-ready setups.
Expect brunch series, gameplay nights and “Wild” weekends — basically an excuse to be competitive with your friends in a good-looking setting.
When: 26 February – 26 March 2026
Where: Bungalow 8, King Street Wharf
Bookings: bungalow8sydney.com.au
Musicals, Opera, and Theatre
From classic Broadway hits to cutting-edge contemporary productions, Sydney’s theatre scene offers a captivating array of performances this March.
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour: The Phantom of the Opera
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical returns to Sydney Harbour for its 40th anniversary, staged outdoors on an enormous platform built over the water. Directed by Simon Phillips, the production features the Sydney Opera House as a backdrop, a live orchestra, and nightly fireworks.
The outdoor setting allows for large-scale staging of the musical’s key moments including the mirror, the journey to the Phantom’s lair, and the chandelier sequence. Pop-up restaurants and bars operate throughout the season. The 2026 season has been extended by a week due to demand.
When: 27 March – 3 May 2026
Where: Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquaries Point
Cost: Book tickets or call +61 2 9318 8200
Bell Shakespeare: Julius Caesar
Bell Shakespeare’s contemporary staging of Julius Caesar explores political violence and persuasion in a setting reminiscent of 1990s Eastern Europe. Directed by Artistic Director Peter Evans, the production serves as a companion to the company’s 2025 Coriolanus, examining the fall of the Roman Republic.
The cast features Leon Ford as Cassius, Brigid Zengeni as Brutus, Mark Leonard Winter as Mark Antony, and Septimus Caton as Julius Caesar. The play follows Caesar’s return from battle and the conspiracy hatched by Brutus and Cassius that leads to violent consequences.
When: 7 March – 5 April 2026 (previews 7, 8, 10 March)
Where: Sydney Opera House Drama Theatre
Cost: Check Bell Shakespeare website for tickets
The River
Miranda Otto returns to the Sydney Theatre Company stage in this lyrical thriller by Jez Butterworth — the Olivier and Tony Award-winning playwright behind Jerusalem. On a moonless night, a fisherman (Ewen Leslie) brings a woman to his family’s remote cabin on the cliffs.
It should be a romantic weekend, but nothing is quite what it seems. Directed by Margaret Thanos, the 80-minute chamber drama is atmospheric, intimate and reportedly leaves audiences unsettled long after they leave.
When: 30 March – 9 May 2026
Where: Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House
Cost: Adults from $69 More details sydneytheatre.com.au
My Brilliant Career
Sybylla Melvyn is back. Kala Gare leads the returning cast in this musical reimagining of Miles Franklin’s novel, which won five Green Room Awards in its sold-out premiere season including Outstanding Production.
Set in 1890s rural Australia, Sybylla is unapologetically ambitious and wholly uninterested in the future society has mapped out for her — which makes for a raucous, funny and surprisingly moving night out. The score mixes contemporary pop, bush ballads and pub rock, with design by Tony Award-winner Marg Horwell.
When: 21 March – 26 April 2026
Where: Roslyn Packer Theatre
Cost: From $85
The Prom – Australian Premiere
The Tony-nominated Broadway musical gets its Australian premiere at Teatro at the Italian Forum in Leichhardt. Four desperate Broadway stars descend on a small town when a student is banned from bringing her girlfriend to prom — chaos and big-hearted musical theatre ensues.
Broadway and West End veteran Caroline O’Connor leads the cast, with direction from Teatro co-founders Andrew Bevis and Nathan M. Wright. A Netflix adaptation starring Meryl Streep and Nicole Kidman gives you a sense of the tone, though the stage version has its own energy entirely.
When: 24 March- 19 April 2026
Where: Teatro at the Italian Forum, Norton Street, Leichhardt
Cost: From $75 previews and from $85 | Direct from Theatre
Bette & Joan – Ensemble Theatre
If you know anything about Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, you already know this is going to be good. Anton Burge’s two-hander puts both women in the same room at the height of their famous feud — egos, barbs and all.
Australian theatre veterans Jeanette Cronin and Lucia Mastrantone play Davis and Crawford respectively, in the Australian premiere of a production that went down well in London. Sharp, funny and decidedly not polite.
When: 20 March – 25 April 2026
Where: Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall Street, Kirribilli
Cost: $46–$95 | Buy direct here
Music, Comedy and Dance
Get ready for a month of electrifying performances, from international superstars to local talent. Sydney’s music scene has something for every taste this March.
Basement Jaxx
Grammy-winning UK electronic duo Basement Jaxx (Felix Buxton and Simon Ratcliffe) bring their full live show to Australia for the first time in over 15 years.
The performance marks 30 years of the duo’s career, featuring hits like “Red Alert”, “Where’s Your Head At” and “Romeo”. Known for blending house, garage, funk, Latin, disco and pop, their live shows typically feature multiple singers, musicians and dancers.
When: Thursday 5 March 2026, gates 6:30pm
Where: Forecourt, Sydney Opera House
Cost: $129.90 + booking fee | Book tickets
New Wave Concert Series – Sydney Fish Market
The final evening of Sydney Fish Market’s free twilight concert series takes place on 7 March with an R&B, jazz and indie pop lineup from 5pm–8pm.
Sydney vocalist Kalena (5pm) blends reggae, R&B, pop and country influences honed at Boston’s Berklee College of Music. Yasmina Sadiki (6pm) brings alt-jazz and neo-soul with hypnotic grooves and cinematic arrangements that have made her one of Sydney’s most captivating live performers. Australian pop artist Yorke (7pm) closes the night with shimmering indie-pop melodies and emotional storytelling—her viral hit “Window Shopping ft. Joan” has passed 12.1 million streams.
Grab seafood from one of the waterfront traders and settle in on the steps as the sun goes down over Blackwattle Bay.
When: Saturday 7 March 2026, 5pm–8pm
Where: Sydney Fish Market, Blackwattle Bay
Cost: Free
The Streets
UK hip hop artist Mike Skinner brings The Streets to the Opera House Forecourt to perform their 2004 album A Grand Don’t Come for Free in full for the first time.
The album debuted at No.1 in the UK and featured hits including Fit But You Know It and Dry Your Eyes.
When: Wednesday 4 March 2026, gates 6pm
Where: Forecourt, Sydney Opera House
Cost: $122.90 + booking fee | Book tickets
Shanghai Symphony Orchestra
Asia’s oldest orchestra, founded in 1879, returns to Sydney for the first time in 30 years as part of their 2026 tour of Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. Led by Music Director Long Yu, the Sydney program features selections from Elliot Leung’s ten-movement suite Chinese Kitchen: A Feast of Flavours — each piece inspired by a traditional Chinese dish — alongside Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme performed by cellist Jian Wang.
Pianist Serena Wang makes her Australasian debut on the Melbourne leg of the tour.
When: Sunday 15 March 2026, 5pm
Where: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Cost: From $69 + booking fee | Book tickets
Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra: Handel, Mozart & Mahler
The KPO opens their 2026 concert year with three big works — Handel’s Royal Fireworks Suite, Mozart’s Piano Concerto No.20 in D minor featuring Australian pianist Vatche Jambazian, and Mahler’s Symphony No.1 “The Titan.” Led by chief conductor Paul Terracini.
When: Sunday 15 March 2026, 3pm
Where: Concourse Concert Hall, Chatswood
Cost: Standard $55 | Concession $45 | Child $20 | Family $125 | Book tickets
Cinema
Catch the latest blockbusters and acclaimed independent films at Sydney’s diverse cinemas and unique outdoor screenings this March.
The Best of The Best: Stories From The Edge
A one-off free screening of a new documentary celebrating 40 years of Rev Bill Crews’ work with Sydney’s homeless and vulnerable.
The 90-minute film draws from his long-running online series Stories From the Edge, filmed over 13 years on the streets of Sydney. Crews founded the Exodus Foundation (now the Rev Bill Crews Foundation) and has been working at Ashfield for four decades. Free but seats are limited.
When: Tuesday 10 March 2026, 7pm
Where: Event Cinemas George Street, Sydney
Cost: Free | Book at trybooking.com/DGGCC
MOV’IN BED
MOV’IN BED, the world’s largest outdoor bed cinema, is back for a summer-long season! Barangaroo’s Harbour Park will transform into a movie lover’s paradise, where you can sink into one of 160 luxurious beds, complete with pillows and blankets, while enjoying a breathtaking sunset over the city skyline.
When: 28 November 2025 – 05 April 2026
Where: Harbour Park, Barangaroo
Alliance Française French Film Festival
The Alliance Française French Film Festival is back, offering an impressive selection of the finest French cinema. Known as the world’s largest showcase of French films outside of France, and Australia’s biggest cultural paid event, the festival features a diverse range of movies from various filmmakers, genres, and styles.
When: 3 March – 5 April 2026
Where: Palace Central, Palace Verona, Palace Norton Street, The Chauvel Cinema, Roseville Cinema and Hayden Orpheum Cremorne. More information and tickets from 5 Feb.
Serbian Film Festival Sydney
Australia’s premier showcase of Serbian cinema returns with five new contemporary films plus the 1960s cult classic ‘Love and Fashion’ from the Yugoslav Kinoteka Archives. Now in its 21st year, this celebration of Serbian culture and filmmaking brings the latest from Belgrade to Sydney screens.
When: 19 February to 1 March 2026
Where: HOYTS Entertainment Quarter l See the program
Art and Exhibitions
Ngurrara Canvas II – Art Gallery of NSW
One of the largest Aboriginal paintings ever made, the 80 square metre Ngurrara Canvas II makes its final appearance outside the artists’ Country — there are no plans for it to travel again.
Created in 1997 by Western Desert artists for presentation to the National Native Title Tribunal, the floor canvas will be accompanied by a special public performance by traditional owners and two dance troupes travelling to Sydney for the occasion.
When: 14 March – 14 June 2026
Where: Art Gallery of NSW
Cost: Free
Gabriel Chaile: Clay Oven – White Bay Power Station
Argentinian artist Gabriel Chaile has hand-built a monumental adobe clay oven on-site at White Bay Power Station.
During the opening weekend and other key moments throughout the Biennale, the oven will be fired up to cook food for visitors in collaboration with Sydney’s Andina Peruvian Cuisine.
When: Opening weekend 14-15 March, plus selected dates
Where: White Bay Power Station
Cost: Free (registration required)
Ema Shin: Handwoven Heart – Chau Chak Wing Museum
Melbourne textile artist Ema Shin presents her largest work to date — a two-metre 3D handwoven heart inspired by her grandfather’s family tree spanning 32 generations, which recorded only men and women who had borne sons.
The work is a tribute to the women written out of her family history.
When: 14 March – 14 June 2026
Where: Chau Chak Wing Museum, University of Sydney
Cost: Free
Biennale Opening Weekend Artist Talks
Free spotlight talks run across the opening weekend, with artists presenting alongside their own works. Confirmed speakers include Natalie Davey, Edgar Calel, Carmen Glynn-Braun and Ángel Poyón.
When: 14-15 March 2026
Where: Various Biennale venues
Cost: Free
Australian National Maritime Museum: Navy 125
The Australian National Maritime Museum marks 125 years of the Australian Navy with a year-long program kicking off in March. The Navy 125 exhibition opens 28 February, covering people and events that have shaped the Navy from its earliest days through to today — stories of service, sacrifice and life at sea.
On 1 March — the anniversary of the Navy’s creation in 1901 — the entire museum opens free to the public, with Navy personnel on site, naval vessels to explore and hands-on activities throughout the day.
When: Exhibition from 28 February | Open Day 1 March 2026
Where: Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour
Cost: Open Day free | sea.museum
Michaela Gleave: Event Horizon – Artspace
Australian conceptual artist Michaela Gleave’s first major solo exhibition in Australia opens at Artspace in March. Working with light, sound, mist, glitter, inflatable objects and atmospheric conditions, Gleave creates immersive environments that sit somewhere between science and art.
Event Horizon draws on astrophysics and quantum physics to explore the limits of what we can observe and know — the exhibition title refers to the boundary around a black hole beyond which nothing can be retrieved. Four new bodies of work spread across five interconnected zones, with an ongoing live performance series running throughout the season.
When: 6 March – 7 June 2026 | Opening event Thursday 5 March, 6pm
Where: Artspace, Sydney
Food and drink
March brings food and wine lovers together at festivals across Sydney, celebrating local produce and regional wines.
Sparkling Wahroonga Food + Wine Festival
The team behind the popular Wahroonga Food & Wine Festival returns with a sparkling-focused event at Wahroonga Park. This free-entry community festival brings together 30 NSW wineries, 11 artisan distilleries, a local craft brewer, and gourmet food vendors, all with live music in the park.
The event welcomes all ages. You can purchase tasting packages on the day from the tasting ticket marquee, starting at $39.50 (includes one branded festival glass and five tasting tickets).
When: Sunday 1 March 2026, 11am-5pm
Where: Wahroonga Park, Coonanbarra Road, Wahroonga
Cost: Free entry; tasting packages from $39.50 | More details
Mardi Cha at The Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre
The Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre transforms their monthly yum cha into Mardi Cha for Sydney’s biggest celebration. Hosted by Jackie Daniels, this two-day event kicks off on Sunday 1st March from 11am–4pm, serving as the ultimate recovery feast after Mardi Gras night.
Settle in with the specialty “Berocca Breeze” cocktail whilst a vinyl DJ plays from 4pm. The celebration extends into Monday 2nd March with their “Operation: Sickie” campaign—49% off your bill if you extend the long weekend.
When: Sunday 1st March, 11am–4pm (DJ from 4pm) & Monday 2nd March
Where: The Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre, Chippendale
Bookings: Directly on their site
Sport and Outdoors
From high-octane motorsports to outdoor adventures, Sydney offers plenty of opportunities to get active and enjoy the beautiful March weather.
AFC Women’s Asian Cup: Matildas Watch Parties
The Matildas play in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup throughout March, and eight Solotel pubs across Sydney are showing every match live.
All venues have $12 margaritas during Matildas games, and The Clock in Surry Hills is offering a free margarita for the first Matildas goal of every game (limited to 100 per match — register in advance).
- Sackville Hotel
- The Golden Sheaf
- The Clock
- Public House Petersham
- Kings Cross Hotel
- The Woodstock
- The Albion
- The Erko
When: 1–29 March 2026
Bookings recommended at individual venues.
Jacksons on George – F1 Rooftop Week
Jacksons’ rooftop is going full Formula 1 for Australian Grand Prix week, with live screenings of Practice 2, Qualifying and the Main Race on the big screen.
There are also F1 driving simulators running all week for a timed lap experience, plus Veuve Clicquot by the glass and 2 Vodka Red Bulls for $30 if you need something to calm the nerves.
Where: Jacksons on George Rooftop, Sydney CBD
When: Monday 2 – Sunday 8 March
Cost: Free entry (drinks and food at venue prices)
Australian Superbike Championship
The action-packed event will unfold over two days, featuring practice and qualifying sessions during the day. As the sun sets, the excitement will ramp up with Sydney Motorsport Park’s 138 light towers illuminating the venue for the thrilling ASBK Night Race.
When: March 27-28 2026
Where: Sydney Motorsport Park l More details
Regional Events in NSW March
Great Southern Nights
NSW’s premier live music series returns with 300+ gigs across 120 venues. Features Missy Higgins, King Stingray, Alison Wonderland, Budjerah, The Cat Empire, Lime Cordiale, Birds of Tokyo and more performing across Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong and regional NSW.
When: TBC
Where: Various venues across NSW Including Inner & Western Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, Central Coast, Hunter Valley, Byron Bay, Broken Hill, Orange, Tamworth, Tilba and Bathurst
Cost: Various – check website for individual show prices Some shows already sold out
A Day Well Spent: Jazz and Blues – Berry NSW
The historic South Coast village of Berry is two hours from Sydney and well worth a longer stay. As part of its Extend the Weekend live music series, the Jazz and Blues themed weekend brings touring acts and regional talent to venues across the village on Thursday 19 and Sunday 22 March.
All live music is free to venues, though bookings are required at some. Full lineup announced closer to the date.
When: Thursday 19 & Sunday 22 March 2026
Where: Various venues, Berry I More info: extendtheweekend.berry.org.au
Wings Over Illawarra Airshow & Carnival
Wings Over Illawarra is Australia’s biggest annual air show just over an hour south of Sydney. It is the only major air show experience within easy reach of both Sydney and Canberra.
When: 13-15 March 2026
Where: Airport Road Albion Park Rail
Cost: from $60 for a day pass or $95 for a weekend
Camden City Show
A weekend of country show fun that is run entirely by volunteers. Camden is just one hour from Sydney and the Camden show offers your perfect change to experience a couple of days of good old fashioned fun!
When: 20-21 March 2026
Where: Camden Showground
Cost: Tickets from $8-32
Blue Mountains Music Festival
With artists from around the globe, the Blue Mountains Music Festival of Folk Roots and Blues is a key event on the Blue Mountains calendar each year. The festival site is home to 7 performance venues presenting 90+ performances.
Where: Katoomba (Festival precinct bounded by Lurline, Merriwa, Ada and Waratah Streets)
When: 13-15 March 2026 l Tickets: Various prices- some free shows
Make a weekend of it – Check out our guide on where to stay in the Blue Mountains
Luddenham Show
Set in the beautiful historic town of Luddenham, on the outskirts of Penrith, the Luddenham Show has something for everyone, young and young at heart. Luddenham Country Show
The 120th annual Luddenham Country Show offers a fun carnival for the whole family. Live bands, rides, face-painting, showbags and festival food (costs vary).
Where: Luddenham Showground
When: 28 February – 1 March 2026
Entry: adults $15, kids $10, family pass $40 (2 adults & up to 4 kids)
Plan ahead and check out what’s happening this April and May. Oh and if you hit a patch of rain we have a list of ways to stay busy and dry.
