There is lots to see and do in Sydney in November and our comprehensive list will help you find all the top events and some of the more obscure but equally interesting ones.
In the last four weeks of spring, the city enjoys some of the loveliest weather of the year. It is also Jacaranda season when a purple haze covers the footpaths of many Sydney suburbs.
No large annual events mean prices in hotels are reasonable and attractions are not as busy as they will become in the next few months.
Average Temperatures: 24-16°C (61-75°F)
While each year varies last November saw seven days of rain.
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Major Events in Sydney in November
Sydney Open
Sydney Open is our city’s premier architectural event, offering a unique opportunity to explore behind the scenes of Sydney’s most historically and architecturally significant buildings and spaces. This annual event, provides unprecedented access to structures that are often closed to the public.
Over the past two and a half decades, this prestigious event has opened the doors to more than 600 buildings and places of cultural significance. In that time, it has welcomed over 95,000 attendees.
When: 3 November 2025 – all events now sold out!
Where: Mainly in the inner city and suburbs
Sculpture By the Sea – Continues this month – The cliffs between Bondi and Tamarama Beaches play host to up to 100 sculptures making this breathtaking walk even more stunning.
Ghost in the Rocks continues until 3 November, see last months listing for details
Markets and Fairs
Greenwich Village Arts Trail
Greenwich artists are inviting the public to explore their studios and view their art. Despite its small size, this community boasts numerous talented artists, including award-winning contemporary painters, illustrators, sculptors, ceramicists, jewelers, photographers, and textile artists.
The Art Trail in Greenwich is a unique experience that guides you through this hidden gem of a suburb, just a few kilometres from the city centre. Follow the walk using the map or opt for the free hop-on-hop-off bus service that the local council will operate across the weekend. Buses leave from Greenwich wharf every 15 minutes.
When: 2-3 November, 10am-4pm
Where: Open studios in Greenwich, details here
Finders Keepers Market
Visit one of Australia’s favorite design markets as The Finders Keepers returns to Carriageworks this November. This much-loved market brings together Australia’s best designers and makers, offering a chance to shop unique, mindfully made products while enjoying live DJs, fresh food, and local bars.
It’s the perfect place to celebrate creativity and support the country’s top talent. Plus, grab unique Christmas presents.
When: 15-17 November 2024
Where: Carriageworks, Eveleigh, NSW, Gadigal land
Entry: $6 daily (Kids under 13 free!)
Southeast Aboriginal Arts Market
The Finders Keepers market returns with independent Aboriginal artists showcasing hundreds of unique artworks. You’ll find an incredible selection of ceramics, jewelry, weaving, carving, textiles, paintings, and prints—all for sale. This is a fantastic opportunity to support Indigenous artists and discover one-of-a-kind pieces that celebrate Australia’s rich culture and creativity.
When: 23-24 November 2024
Where: Carriageworks, Eveleigh, NSW, Gadigal land
Musical Theatre, Opera & Drama
Live Music Performances and Dance
Sydney Symphony Orchestra – Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony
Immerse yourself in the brilliance of Mozart’s final symphony, Symphony No. 41, popularly known as the “Jupiter.” This masterpiece is a stunning blend of grandeur and elegance, showcasing Mozart’s genius.
With its opening chords evoking the might of thunderbolts and the majesty of the king of the gods, this symphony promises to be an electrifying experience. Join Chief Conductor Simone Young as she leads the orchestra through this striking composition.
When: 8–9 November
Where: Sydney Opera House
Cost: Starting from $69
Film festivals and Events
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.
This year’s lineup is packed with blockbuster hits like Gladiator II and The Joker: Folie à Deux, along with timeless classics and themed nights, making it Sydney’s ultimate summer cinema experience. Relax under the stars and indulge in food and drinks delivered directly to your bed—from handmade pizzas to frozen cocktails and local wines, all ordered via a QR code on your bedside table.
For an elevated experience, upgrade to the West Hotel VIP area with king-sized beds, butler service, bottomless popcorn, and complimentary sparkling wine.
When: 29 November 2024 – 23 March 2025
Where: Harbour Park, Barangaroo
Cost: Sand tickets $12, Queen Bed for 2 $89, King Bed for 3 $119, VIP Bed options from $150
See the full list of Sydney’s outdoor cinemas for 2024-25 for more great movie fun
Japanese Film Festival
The finest of Japanese storytelling will be on offer at the 2024 Japanese Film Festival.
Drama enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Shadow of Fire, a poignant historical drama by renowned director Shinya Tsukamoto. This touching film tells the story of an unlikely family—a sex worker, a young orphan, and a demobilized soldier—fighting to survive in the aftermath of World War II.
For those who crave suspense, MATCHED offers a chilling dive into the dark side of online dating, starring Japan Academy Film Prize winner Uchida Eiji. Meanwhile, OUT delivers a gritty, real-life inspired narrative about a 17-year-old former gang leader’s quest for redemption after leaving juvenile detention.
Visit the festival website for the complete film lineup.
When: 9 October to 10 November 2024
Where: Palace Norton Street
Irish Film Festival Australia
The Irish Film Festival continues this month, bringing a stellar selection of Ireland’s finest cinematic offerings to Australian audiences. From gripping dramas to thought-provoking documentaries, the 2024 program promises to deliver the wit and charm that Irish storytelling is renowned for.
This year’s festival places a special emphasis on musical themes and important women’s issues, including domestic violence awareness.
When: 17 October to 24 November 2024
Where: Dendy Cinema, Newtown
More details on the event site
Jewish International Film Festival
The Jewish International Film Festival (JIFF) continues this November, offering a captivating lineup of films that dive deep into Jewish life and culture. You can enjoy a diverse mix of 41 feature films, television series, and short films from across 17 countries, with themes that range from history and survival to music and modern-day challenges.
Highlights for this month include The Performance and Tatami, along with exclusive Q&A sessions with filmmakers. Whether you’re in the mood for drama, comedy, or documentary, there’s something for every film lover.
When: 27 October – 22 December 2024
Where: Ritz Cinemas, Randwick | 28 Oct – 5 Dec & Ritz Cinemas, Randwick | 28 Oct – 5 Dec
The Smart Fone Flick Fest (SF3)
The Smart Fone Flick Fest (SF3) is back for its 10th year, celebrating the best international short films shot entirely on smartphones. This year’s festival features over 360 entries from around the world, including categories for kids, mini films, and a special AI section.
When: 16-17 November 2024
Where: Palace Chauvel Cinema, Paddington, Sydney
Museums & Galleries / Art and Exhibitions
Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru
Embark on an extraordinary journey back in time with the Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru exhibition. This immersive multi-sensory experience showcases over 130 priceless ancient Andean artefacts, bringing to life the opulent history of Peru’s captivating civilizations.
Highlights include:
- Remarkable Gold Collection: Come face-to-face with one of the most impressive gold collections ever to tour the globe
- Ancient Artefacts: Discover exquisite jewellery, funerary objects from royal tombs, and many more artefacts that illuminate the daily lives, spiritual beliefs, and extraordinary achievements of the Andean people.
- Virtual Reality Experience: Enhance your visit with a thrilling VR adventure that transports you back thousands of years, allowing you to experience the wonders of Machu Picchu like never before.
- Side Exhibition: A small section will showcase erotic ceramic artefacts, illustrating the Andean fascination with natural life cycles, birth, and death.
When: November 2024 – February 2025
Where: Australian Museum – Tickets on sale soon.
Primavera 2024: Young Australian Artists
Primavera 2024: Young Australian Artists has opened at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA), showcasing works by five emerging artists: Teresa Busuttil, Chun Yin Rainbow Chan, Aidan Hartshorn, Monica Rani Rudhar, and Sarah Ujmaia. Curated by Lucy Latella, the exhibition explores cultural connection amid social and political challenges, with each artist drawing on personal and family histories.
The diverse works presented highlight the evolving nature of cultural identity. Now in its 33rd year, Primavera remains a significant platform for early-career Australian artists.
When: 30 August 2024 – 27 January 2025
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art
Ocean Photographer of the Year
Dive into a world of wonder at the Ocean Photographer Exhibition, showcasing the most breathtaking underwater imagery from around the globe. This stunning collection features works from both renowned and emerging photographers, offering a unique glimpse into the mysterious depths of our oceans.
When: From 28 November into the new year
Where: Australian National Maritime Museum
Head On Photo Festival
Secure your ticket to Australia’s hottest event in photography! The Head On Photo Festival returns to Sydney for its 15th year, with a program full of exciting events and engaging artist talks.
Don’t miss out on the Head On Launch Party, where you can experience the power of a global arts platform firsthand. You’ll meet the exciting faces behind the world’s most acclaimed photographic works.
Check the website for the list of events.
When: 8 Nov–1 Dec 2024
Where: Bondi Pavilion and Beach Promenade and in galleries across Sydney
Cost: Get your tickets at Humanitix
Isaac Julien: Once Again… (Statues Never Die) at MCA Australia
Isaac Julien, a pioneer of multi-screen installation art and one of Britain’s most influential artists, combines film, photography, and installation to explore themes of race, gender, and cultural identity. His latest work, Once Again… (Statues Never Die), is a five-screen black-and-white film that delves into the relationship between art collector Albert C. Barnes and philosopher Alain Locke, two figures central to discussions of African art and its role in global art history.
When: 27 September 2024 – 16 February 2025
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Australia
Cost: Visit the MCA website for ticket information
Events for Foodies
November is a bumper month for food lovers in Sydney with loads of food and wine events to fill your calendar.
Sydney Cellar Door
Sydney Cellar Door is back, bringing together the best wines from across New South Wales in a two-day celebration. After almost a decade’s hiatus, the event offers wine lovers a chance to taste and discover exceptional wines from 40 regional producers representing 16 wine regions.
Expect tastings from wineries like Philip Shaw and Ross Hill from Orange, Margan and Tyrrell’s from the Hunter Valley, and classic Mudgee varietals from Lowe Family Wines and Robert Stein. The event will also feature live entertainment and food trucks, making it a fun-filled experience for all.
When: 9-10 November 2024
Where: Tallawoladah Lawn, outside the Museum of Contemporary Art, The Rocks
Sydney Gin Festival
Raise a glass and get ready for a gin-credible experience as the Sydney Gin Festival returns this November! Gin enthusiasts can enjoy an extraordinary lineup of over 55 craft distillers and a chance to sample 220 boutique gins.
Take your gin journey to the next level with masterclasses hosted by experts from the International Spirits Academy, offering insider tips and hands-on cocktail crafting sessions. Be sure to check out special features from Hickson House, Papa Salt, and Puss & Mew Distillery!
For more details and to secure your spot, visit www.ginevents.com.au
When: Friday 15 – Saturday 16 November 2024
Where: Rosehill Gardens, Parramatta
Tickets: 3hr tasting sessions from $50 | Masterclasses from $110 | Four-ticket bundle for $50 per person (Friday only)
Wine Island: A Holiday on the Harbour
Nestled among the palm trees at Gap Bluff in the stunning NSW National Park, this hidden paradise will offer panoramic views over Sydney Harbour while you indulge in a curated selection of wines, beverages, and culinary delights from around the world.
Explore cellar doors from acclaimed wineries like Kies Family Wines, DAS Juice, Chateau Tanunda, Rameau d’Or, and many more! Enjoy a refreshing selection of drinks from iconic Australian holiday spots, including Broulee Brewhouse, Papa Salt Gin, and Lūla Rum.
When: Friday 29 November to Sunday 1 December
Where: Gap Bluff, Watsons Bay
Tickets: on sale now from $89 via their Wine Island
Five Dock “Little Italy” Food Tour
Discover one of Sydney’s original Italian Communities on this walking tour of Five Dock and discover their passion and taste their delicious products!
This is a great experience for locals or visitors to Sydney who want to see a slice of everyday life.
When: 9 November, 9am
Where: Meet in front of Fred Kelly Place, just back off Great North Road Five Dock
Tickets: $70 per person (includes one coffee and 4 tastings, Book here
Sports and Outdoor Events
Australia Vs Pakistan T20
Get ready for an exciting showdown as Australia takes on Pakistan in the Men’s T20 International Series this November. Featuring two world-class fast bowling attacks, this series promises to be a thrilling spectacle across three iconic venues.
The first game in the 3 game series will be held at the Gabba on 16 November, and the final game in Hobart on November 18. The middle game is in Sydney with ticket on sale now.
When: Saturday, 16 November 2024 from 7pm
Where: SCG, Sydney, Moore Park
Yoga in the Park
Get fit and flexible every Sunday morning with FREE Yoga in The Park! The focus on breathing, the concentration required to find balance in certain poses, the flow of the movements – it’s all an active meditation that can help clear the mind, quieten anxieties and strengthen your body.
When: 9:30 am, every Sunday (All Year)
Where: Corner of Lower Fort St. and George St. at Dawes Point Park, right under the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Tickets: Free, more Info here
NSW Regional Events
Blackheath Rhododendron Festival
It’s a flower festival with a whole lot more, including a grand street parade, wood chopping, coal shovelling and lots more.
When: 4 November 2023
Where: Wentworth Street Blackheath Village, Blue Mountains.
Cost: Free
More: Check the festival website
Check out our weekend in Blackheath for ideas of other sites to see if you visit the Rhododendron Festival or our guide to the Blue Mountains High Tea for a bite to eat before you head home.
Savour The Tweed – A Culinary Celebration
Get ready for five days of flavour-filled experiences at Savour The Tweed, Australia’s newest food and drink event, in the last week of November. This exciting event showcases The Tweed’s gourmet offerings through a stunning program of over 20 distinctive events.
From First Nations storytellers to passionate chefs, talented distillers, brewers, baristas, cheesemakers, and artisan producers, Savour The Tweed brings together the best of the region’s culinary scene.
With events like the Welcome to Country Dinner with Bundjalung chef Mindy Woods, seafood cooking demos with award-winning chefs, and exclusive dining experiences featuring local produce, Savour The Tweed is a must-attend for food lovers.
When: 30 October – 3 November 2024
Where: Various locations across The Tweed
Cost: Visit savourthetweed.com.au for event details and ticket purchases.
The Lakes Festival
The Lakes Festival is a 10 day event featuring more than 20 free events across the Central Coast. Think sports, family fun, culture, art, and live music events.
Events are spread along the coast from Woy Woy to Budgewoi. The star of the show Light up the Lake on Saturday 9 November, will feature fireworks, food stalls, and plenty of great live music, so grab a picnic blanket and join in the fun.
When: 8-17 November 2024
Where: Memorial Park The Entrance
Cost: Free, check the festival program
Berry Motorfair
Berry Motorfair is back and bigger than ever! This year’s event will be held at the stunning Coolangatta Estate Winery, offering a perfect day out for car enthusiasts, families, and friends. Expect a curated collection of cool, classic, and collectible cars, alongside live music, delicious food and drink stalls, charity auctions, and exciting giveaways.
In addition to the spectacular cars and entertainment, Berry Motorfair continues its support for Lifeline Australia and is proud to partner with the Starlight Children’s Foundation. The event aims to raise $150,000 for these vital organizations.
- When: Sunday, 24th Nov. 2024 – 10am to 2pm
- Where: Coolangatta Estate Winery, 1335 Bolong Road, Coolangatta
- Tickets: from Berry Motorfair Humanitix page
Plan ahead
There is lots happening across Sydney over the summer so get a head start with these pages.
- What’s on in Sydney in December
- What’s on in January in Sydney
- Christmas Events
- School holidays in Sydney
Have questions about things to see and do in Sydney?
Head over and join our Facebook Group and we will be happy to help.
