Things to do in Sydney in March
March is one of my favourite months in Sydney. The weather has cooled, humidity begins to drop, and it’s a perfect time to explore the city.
For those of you visiting the city, it’s worth noting there are no public holidays and no school vacations in March which helps keep crowds and prices down a little. Mardi Gras is the first weekend, so unless you are coming in especially for that event, consider dates after that for the best value for money.
Average Temperatures: 25-18°C ( 74-64°F)
While each year varies, the last March saw six days of rain.
We add new events and updated content to these pages as it becomes available. If you would like us to publicise your event, please send us an email.
Annual Events
The Mardi Gras Festival draws to a close and art takes centre stage this month. March is also the perfect time to head off on a bush walk or explore the Blue Mountains.
Major events this month include:
- Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade – 5 March 2022
- Biennale of Sydney – 12 March to 13 June 2022
- Clean Up Australia Day – 6 March
- Sydney Art Month
Film, Theatre and Stage
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour – The Phantom of the Opera
This is The Phantom of the Opera as you’ve never seen it before. Under the stars, on a floating stage with the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and city skyline glittering in the background. With fireworks every night and themed pop-up bars and restaurants, this will be an unforgettable evening.
This year will see the very first outdoor performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber Phantom of the Opera.
The cast will feature Melbourne-born Joshua Robson as The Phantom, Brisbane performer Georgina Hopson as Christine and acclaimed West End and Broadway musical theatre performer Callum Francis as Raoul Vicomte de Chagny.
The location is amazing; the catering is excellent, and it really is memorable, especially for visitors to the city.
Where: First Fleet Steps Mrs Macquarie’s Point
When: 25 March–24 April 2022
Cost: From $99pp
More: Opera Australia’s website
Club Kabarett will also feature the globe trotting talents of world-renowned fire breather Jacqueline Furey, whiskey soaked Cirque du Soleil bad boy Rueben DotDotDot, gender bending aerial artist Matthew Pope, hula hooping queen Lisa Lottie, Vegas showgirl clown J’aiMime and pole king Blue Phoenix.
Sydney Symphony Under the Stars
Help Sydney Symphony Orchestra celebrate 90 years of entertainin Sydneysiders with the is fabulous performance in Parramatta Park.
“Music lovers of all ages can look forward to a diverse program featuring everything from canonical greats like Dvořák and Mozart; a selection of heart-stirring, familiar film classics; and works by acclaimed contemporary Australian composer Elena Kats-Chernin”
When: Saturday 26 March, 7pm – Doors open from 5pm
Where: The Cresent Parramatta Park
Cost: Free, no tickets required.
More info here
Rock in the Park
Featuring a line up of Aussie Rock Royalty including solo artist and lead singer of the Platinum-selling Sydney rock band Noiseworks Jon Stevens and the star-studded Australian Rock Collective (A.R.C.), which comprises music icons Darren Middleton from Powderfinger, Mark Wilson from Jet, Kram from Spiderbait, and Davey Lane from You Am I.
Also lighting up the stage are multi-ARIA-Award-winning hard rock band Baby Animals and alternative rockers Kingswood.
When: Sunday 27 March, doors open from 4pm. Concert commencing from 4:45pm. Fireworks to finish the concert at 9pm.
Where: The Cresent Parramatta Park
Cost: Free, no tickets required.
More info here
Breath
The virtuosity and sensitivity of Synergy Percussion meets the dynamism and drama of Taikoz in Ian Clenworth’s BREATH – a 65-minute work for percussion, keyboard percussion, taiko of all sizes and sounds, synthesiser and voice, which will take you on a journey that explores notions of this fundamental act of being.
Where: Seymour Centre
When: 26 March 8pm
Tickets: $50 adults, $45 conc. – Dine and Discover vouchers accepted.
North by NorthWest
David Campbell stars in this classic action-packed thriller of mistaken identity, kidnapping and espionage.
Where: Lyric Theatre
When: 15 March to 3 April
Tickets: From $60 each
Jewish International Film Festival
Featuring 55 premiere films from 20 countries, including 31 feature films, 25 documentaries and episodes from 1 television series, and 6 short films alongside a suite of live arts events.
Ritz Cinemas, Randwick will present a complementary arts program including a star-studded band of musicians performing the best of Kavaret’s songs, poems and music arrangements in tribute to Leonard Cohen and digital Q&A events including Fourth Window’s director Yair Qedar and Blue Box’s Michal Weits.
Where: Ritz Cinemas, Randwick
When: 1 March to 3 April 2022
Cost: From $23pp
More: JIFF website
Blood on the Wattle
Geoffrey Sykes’ Blood on the Wattle is a powerful and entertaining expose of the political intrigue behind public issues.
“Who said politics could not be entertaining?” says writer-director Geoffrey Sykes.
The play is fast paced, as two characters and two pasts come into collision, that glimpses a way for-ward. It has adult themes.
Where: Roslyn Packer Theatre (25/26 March) and Chippen Theatre (from 30 March).
When: Fri 25 March to 9 April
Cost: From $38 Adults, $28 for under 21s
Book here
Markets and Fairs
ADC Market
With 20 Sydney based artists and designers on sale you will find some really stunning pieces at the ADC Maker’s Market find locally designed, handmade, and collectible pieces including textiles, jewellery, ceramics and homewares.
What: Australian Design Centre Makers Market
Where: Palmer Street, Darlinghurst (between William Street and Stanley Street), and ADC 113-115 William Street, Darlinghurst
When: Saturday 5 March 2022, 10am – 4pm
Entry: Free | BYO mask
Cobbitty Village Markets
Cobbitty Village Markets have been operating since May 1982, and have 150 stalls to tempt you. This true country market has lots of parking and is the perfect place to pick up art, craft, gifts, plants, fresh local produce and delicious cakes and cookies. There is plenty for the kids to enjoy too with farm animals and face painting.
The markets support local charities and organisations.
Where: Cobbitty Public School, 306 Cobbitty Road, Cobbitty
When: Sat 5 Mar 2022 – 8am – 1pm (First Sat of every month until December)
More details
The Boutique Gem & Crystal Expo
Where: Turramurra Masonic Hall, 1247 Pacific H’way Turramurra
When: Sat 5 Mar 2022 – 8am – 1pm (First Sat of every month until December)
More details
Bondi to Bronte Swim
This popular fundraiser for Kids with Cancer is back. Swim the 1km adults course or the 5km course to Bronte and back. There is also a junior swim with a 400m swim or 800m option.
Where: Bondi Beach
When: Sunday 20th March 2022 Check-in: 6:30am – 7.00am Start time: 7:15 am
More info on the official site.
Exhibitions
Art Month Sydney
Art Month Sydney is a not-for-profit festival of contemporary art across Sydney’s top galleries. Enjoy a series of artist talks, workshops, walks, performances and exhibitions.
Where: Galleries and suburbs across Sydney
When: 4-28 March
More: Check the official site
Jurassic World by Brickman®
More than fifteen dinosaurs will roar into the Australian Museum when Jurassic World by Brickman® opens on Saturday 5 March. Experience an interactive Jurassic World recreated with LEGO® bricks and sprinkled with some Brickman magic!
Where: Australian Museum
When: 5-28 March
Cost: Adult $35, Child (3-15 years) $25 Family (admits 4) 2A+2C / 1A+3C $95
More: Check the Museum Website for more
The 67th Blake Prize Exhibition
The Blake Prize is a biennial event that engages local and international contemporary artists in conversations on the broader experience of spirituality, religion, and belief. The selected finalists will show their work at The 67th Blake Prize exhibition on 12 March – 22 May 2022.
Where: 1 Powerhouse Rd, Casula
When: 12 March–22 May 2022
Cost: Free More info
The Great Animal Orchestra
This immersive artwork was created by soundscape ecologist Bernie Krause and the London-based collective United Visual Artists and is bought to the Biennale by the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain.
‘Imagine stepping into a soundproofed black-box theatre whose walls spring to life with overlapping electrocardiograms, representing different species’ sounds. This darkened meditative space includes a shallow reflecting pool, which translates the deepest sounds of the ocean. Visitors can relax on cushions or stretch out on the floor, listening to the sounds of the animal world and reflecting through an emotional and sensory experience.’
Where: Stargazer Lawn Barangaroo
When: 12 March to 13 June 2022
Cost: Free but timed ticketed entry so book here
More: Check the official site
Food and Drink Events
Get out this month and support our hospitality workers this month! It’s time to use those new Dine and Discover vouchers.
Sydney Night Noodle Markets
Presented by Citi, this year we are being treated to an autumn Night Noodle Market to make up for missing our spring event over the last couple of years. This Asian street food festival has always been a popular part of Good Food Month and this year’s event looks to be better than ever.
A big change this year is no more long queue waiting to order your dinner. Simply scan a QR code to view, order and pay for items through Mr Yum, with an SMS sent when orders are ready for pick up.
The markets are dog friendly so bring the whole family and enjoy an alfresco dinner this month.
Where: Prince Alfred Park
When: Tuesday 22 March till Sunday 27 March (5–9pm on Tuesday, 5–10pm Wednesday and Thursday, 12–11pm Friday, 12–10pm Saturday, and 12–9pm Sunday.)
Cost: Free but registration required
More: Check the official site
United We Shine – Lotus Dining Group
Sydney’s Lotus Dining Group is proud to be getting into the spirit of Mardi Gras festivities with two colourful items that celebrate this year’s theme, ‘United We Shine’.
The special offering includes a purple XO prawn dumpling ($21), which pairs perfectly with the sparkly United We Shine cocktail ($22).
When: 3-5 March
Where: Lotus The Galeries, Lotus Barangaroo, Lotus Double Bay, Lotus Dumpling Bar, CHI by Lotus, The Gardens by Lotus.
Le Dîner en Blanc
Antoine Bessis, host of Le Dîner en Blanc in Sydney, said “We’re delighted to bring Le Dîner en Blanc back to the city for it’s 9th edition. After the hardship and sacrifice we’ve all made over the last two years, it will be a well-deserved escape for many, to relax and unwind while dining on delicacies in a stunning outdoor location.”
This is not an event for the disorganised. Guests must bring their own white table, chairs, and tablecloth. You can either bring your own picnic basket filled with fine food and proper stemware and white dinnerware. Alternatively, you can order a picnic basket.
With previous dinners at Bondi Beach, Centennial Parklands, and the Sydney Opera House forecourt, it will be fun to see what they come up with this year. Register your interest asap to avoid missing out.
When:19th March
Where Secret location
Tickets: from $68-98 Register here
Twilight Food Fair
For over 30 years, people have been gathering at Ted Mack Park on Friday nights for the Twilight Food Fair. On offer is Authentic Turkish Gozleme (v), Bamboo Story (gf) (v), Gelato Man (gf) (df) (v), New Mandras Cuisine (gf) (v) (vg), Ola Lola (v), Pizzeria on the Road Cuisine (gf) (df) (v) and Volkswurst.
When: Every Friday from 11 February to 25 March, 4.30pm to 8.30pm
Where: Ted Mack Civic Park, 200 Miller St, North Sydney
Check their Facebook page for more details
Tours and Classes
Royal Botanic Gardnes – Sunset Spotlight Tour
Wander the garden pathways and visit biodiversity ‘hotspots’ such as the ponds to look for nocturnal animals – some who fly in for the night, others who are long-term residents.
We’ll use our senses and some tech-gadgets used by our scientists to help us locate animals. We may see Golden Orb spiders, Brush-tailed Possums, Microbats, Flying Foxes or Tawny Frogmouths.
When: Sat 5th March, 7:30 – 9:00pm / Sat 19th March 2022, 7:00 – 8:30pm
Where: Woolloomooloo Gate, Mrs Macquaries Road, Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney
Cost: $42 (Dine and Discover vouchers accepted) Kids must be 8 years +
More info here
Sporting Events
Sydney’s Autumn Racing Carnival
The Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Chandon Ladies’ Day and Longines Golden Slipper, this Autumn Racing Carnival features 6 weeks of quality events with lots of food and fun to accompany the action on the track.
When: 12 March – 16 April
Where: Royal Randwick and Rosehill Parramatta
Cost: $45-99
More info here
FIFA World Cup Qatar Qualifier: Australia vs Japan
It’s 2nd v 3rd in the group and there is EVERYTHING to play for as the Socceroos take on Japan in their penultimate AFC Asian Qualifiers – Final Round clash. Tickets are on sale now! Don’t wait to secure your seat at Stadium Australia – the home of so many memorable moments over the years.
When: 24 March kick off at 8.10pm
Where: Stadium Australia, Sydney,
Cost: Tickets from $26-$161
More info here
Regional Events
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. Headline acts this year include John Butler, Casey Chambers, Lior & Domini and dozens more. The festival site is home to 7 performance venues presenting 90+ performances.
Buy a ticket for the entire weekend or just one day.
Where: Katoomba (Festival precinct bounded by Lurline, Merriwa, Ada and Waratah Streets)
When: 19-21 March 2022 Friday: 7.00pm to 11.30pm | Saturday: 10.00am to 11.30pm | Sunday: 10.00am to 9.00pm
Cost: Various – some free
More: Check the official website
Make a weekend of it – Check out our guide on where to stay in the Blue Mountains
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