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 while there are no public holidays and no school vacations in March 2023 Sydney is hosting the World Pride Festival which has seen hotel rooms across the city almost at capacity. The last weekend in Feb and early March prices will be higher than usual and events and tours may book out early. Things should return to normal by the 3-4 week of March.
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:
- Clean Up Australia Day – Sunday 5 March
Film, Theatre and Stage
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour – Madame Butterfly on Sydney Harbour
This is opera as you’ve never seen it before. Under the stars, on a floating stage, 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 Giacomo Puccini’s famous Madame Butterfly is star of the show.
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: 24 March–23 April 2023
Cost: From $99pp
More: Opera Australia’s website
La Boheme – Opera Australia
Edwards’ reimagining of Puccini’s opera transports audiences to 1930s Berlin with the help of visually stunning sets designed by OAM-recipient Brian Thompson and dazzling costumes by Helpmann Award-winner Julie Lynch.
When: 12 January – 14 March 2022
Where: Sydney Opera House Joan Sutherland Theatre
Cost: from $79
Macbeth – Bell Shakespeare
Bell Shakespeare presents a new production of Macbeth, in celebration of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s First
“Directed by Artistic Director Peter Evans, the production is a terrifying portrayal of moral collapse and an intense and compelling journey into the dark heart of humanity. Shakespeare’s most haunting thriller follows the story of Macbeth, a Scottish general, famed for his exploits on the battlefield.”
Where: Sydney Opera House
When: 25 February – 2 April
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Hairspray
Where: Lyric Theatre
When: 27 April
Tickets: From $60 each
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)
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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
AJurassic 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
Stomp the Grapes
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.
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
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. 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: 17-19 March 2023 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
Camden City Show
A weekend of country show fun that is run entirely by volunteers. Camden is just one hour from Sydney and here the show offers your perfect change to experience a couple of days of good old fashioned fun!
Where: Camden Showground
When: 24-25 March 2023
Cost: Tickets from $8-32
More: Check the official website
