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. This year things have been a little different, so really… It’s anyone’s guess!

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Major Events in Sydney in November

• Sydney Open – This two-day event allows you to get behind the scenes views of Sydney’s historic buildings, and architectural landmarks.
  
• 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.
  

Festivals, Fairs And Community Events

Schools Spectacular: FABULOUS

It is an iconic cultural event incorporating students from diverse backgrounds and communities from the length and breadth of the state. The Schools Spectacular is a world-class arena production and one of the largest annual events of its calibre anywhere in Australia, and arguably the world. From its ability to produce national and international stars, to its role in promoting inclusiveness and reconciliation, the Schools Spectacular has no peer.

When: TBC
Where: Qudos Bank Arena
Cost: from $58.50

Markets

Woodstock Artisans Christmas Market

Make your way to Woodstock Community Centre for the fourth annual Woodstock Market. Just 10 minutes walk from Burwood Station the market will host over 70 high-quality stalls perfect for unique gifts, making your Christmas shopping a little easier. At the same time, you know your dollars are going directly to the creators

When: TBC
Where: Woodstock Community Centre, 22 Church St, Burwood
More: More details here

See our full list of Christmas Markets for dozens more events.

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: TBC
Where: Woodstock Community Centre
More: More details here

Musical Theatre, Opera & Drama

Live Music Performances and Dance

Comedy

Feel The Magic: Magic Men Live

Get ready to experience the ultimate night out with Australia’s rated #1 male revue show! Magic Men’s “FEEL THE MAGIC” features the hottest hunks bringing the heat to town with their sizzling performances.

When: Every Saturday 6pm – 9:30pm
Where: Home Nightclub Cockle Bay Wharf
Cost: $50, tickets here

Museums & Galleries / Art and Exhibitions

Kandinsky

Drawing on the rich holdings of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York, this comprehensive exhibition showcases the life and work of one of the most significant and best-loved European modernists, Vasily Kandinsky.

When: 4 November 2023 – 10 March 2024
Where: Art Gallery of New South Wales South Building Lower level 2
Cost: $35 adult, $88 family (2 adults + up to 3 children) | $16 youth (12–17 years) | Free for children under 12 yrs.

Head On Photo Festival 2023

Discover the work of emerging and established photographers at this years Head On Photo Festival. The festival includes over 110 exhibitions, 700 artists, and a variety of talks and events. Spread across galleries and venues across the city. Check the website for the list of events.

When: Dates TBC
Where: Bondi Pavilion and Beach Promenade and in galleries across Sydney
Cost: Some events are free – many of the talks cost $15

Louise Bourgeois

Experience the strange beauty and emotional power of Louise Bourgeois’s art, in the largest exhibition of her work ever seen in Australia.

When: 25 November 2023 – 28 April 2024
Where: Art Gallery of New South Wales South Building Lower level 2
Cost: $35 adult, $88 family (2 adults + up to 3 children) | $16 youth (12–17 years) | Free for children under 12

Events for Foodies

The Big Bake Off

If your viewing history includes the likes of Sugar Rush and Cake Wars, we have the perfect activity for you this month. No experience is necessary to join one of these themed baking sessions, where you will compete for the champion title.  

 Included is a glass of bubbly on arrival, tips from our chef and some take-home baked items.

When: 5 November-31 January 2024 – Thursday to Saturday
Where: Devon Cafe – 36 Blue Street North Sydney
Cost: $55-60 (over 18 years only)
Book early to avoid disappointment

PATRÓN El Cielo Events

In celebration of the upcoming summer season and the launch of the world’s first quadruple-distilled prestige tequila, PATRÓN EL CIELO, PATRÓN has partnered with some of Sydney’s most exclusive Mexican bars and restaurants. They are offering 10,000 luxurious Umai Heritage caviar bumps (valued at $32 each) with every PATRÓN EL CIELO cocktail from a special limited-edition menu.

The menu includes three enticing cocktails:

• PATRÓN EL CIELO Signature Serve ($35) – A serving of the smooth and naturally sweet PATRÓN EL CIELO tequila over ice, garnished with an orange wheel for a hint of citrus.
• PATRÓN Y PASSION ($38) – Inspired by passion fruit ceviche from Taqiza, featuring PATRÓN EL CIELO, passionfruit, vanilla, mint, and a pinch of salt.
• PATRÓN TROPICAL SPRITZ ($35) – A light and refreshing cocktail, perfect for warmer days, made with PATRÓN EL CIELO, Aperol, pineapple, basil, and topped with prosecco.

When you visit select venues like Santa Catarina, Carbón, Londres 126, Bar Lucia, Taqiza, or Calita, and order one of these PATRÓN EL CIELO cocktails, you’ll receive a complimentary serving of prestigious Umai Heritage caviar to enhance your enjoyment. It’s the perfect way to welcome summer in style!

When: from 7 November
Where: Circulaw Quay, Bondi and Potts Point

Thanksgiving Downunder

Are you an American who longs for a traditional Thanksgiving meal or just someone who has always wondered what roast turkey with all the trimmings is all about? Well, you are in luck, this year three leading American-inspired venues in Sydney have come together to give us Thanksgiving to Sydney this November.

NOLA Smokehouse and Bar, underground cocktail bar The Swinging Cat and the recently opened Nashville-inspired whiskey and country music bar, Jolene’s will all be offering Thanksgiving treats

On Thanksgiving, Thursday 23th November, NOLA Smokehouse and Bar will be hosting an exclusive Thanksgiving Feast Set Menu, featuring all the American classics. With Mac ‘n’ Cheese, Deviled Eggs and Pumpkin Pie up for grabs, bookings are essential. Oh and did we mention it will be the only restaurant in Sydney where you will be able to enjoy an actual roast Thanksgiving Turkey?

Jolene’s will offer a Thanksgiving Turkey Dog topped with Cranberry Slaw and Stuffing Crumb or a classic American dessert like Southern-Style Pecan Pie.

The Swinging Cat is cooking up Thanksgiving Leftovers jaffles stuffed with turkey, brie and cranberry jam and will serve a Thanksgiving drinks menu taking inspiration from holiday favourites including ‘Peach Kiss’ and Banana-Split inspired ‘Let’s Split.’ 

When: Throughout November
Where: Nola Smokehouse, Swinging Cat and Jolene

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: Friday, 10 November 2023
Where: Meet in front of Fred Kelly Place, just back off Great North Road Five Dock
Tickets: $50 per person (includes one coffee and 4 tastings, Book here

Sports and Outdoor Events

UA Combine

UA COMBINE is a one-day, first-of-its-kind 1-day fitness competition that combines  8 tests, challenging Agility, Stamina, Vertical, Power, Endurance, Strength, speed, and Cognition.into one athleticism test.

When: Saturday 4th November 10am-8pm
Where: Carriageworks, Sydney
Cost: $75–100 More details here

SportsPlus – A New Wave of Social Entertainment

Introducing SportsPlus, a groundbreaking experience in Australia that seamlessly blends thrilling social sports simulator encounters with delectable food and drinks, all within a vibrant atmosphere.

SportsPlus is tailored to appeal to individuals or groups seeking a fantastic time. The best part? Everyone is invited, and upon arrival, you’ll have the exciting choice to play Cricket, Baseball, Tennis, or Lacrosse.

The flexibility is yours – play one, two, three, or all four! Even more thrilling, you can swap sports at any time during your session. If you decide to engage in multiple sports, your scores carry over, allowing you to challenge friends for the highest score across the entire spectrum. It’s an invitation to a dynamic world of sports and socialising where the fun never stops

When: Opening 26 November
Where: Level 1 of Canterbury League Club
More details 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.

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 including:

• Sunset session in Woy Woy
• Comedy Gala in Gosford
• Bouddi Coastal Run in Killcare
• Avoca Lagoon Kayaking Eco tour
• Surfside Sounds at North Entrance

The star of the show Light up the Lake on Saturday 4 November, will feature fireworks, food stalls, and plenty of great live music, so grab a picnic blanket and join in the fun.

When: 3-12 November 2023
Where: Memorial Park The Entrance
Cost: Free, check the festival program

New Dog Old Tricks

The display challenges the artists to reconsider and consider how we perceive things. Imagine a dog as a key to other physical and emotional worlds when thinking about dogs.

When: 18 November 2023 – 4 February 2024
Where: Ngununggula, 1 Art Gallery Lane, Bowral
More: Check the event site

Plan ahead

• 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?
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