What’s on in Sydney in November
There’s plenty on in Sydney this November, from big-ticket festivals to smaller events you might not have heard about. This guide covers the lot, so you can plan ahead.
November sits at the tail end of spring, and it’s one of the best months for weather all year. It’s also jacaranda season, when the purple blooms line streets across many Sydney suburbs.
With Sydney Open, Sculpture by the Sea wrapping up and the Boat Show all on, there’s plenty happening, but November still misses the huge crowds and peak prices that summer brings.
Average Temperatures: 24-16°C (75-61°F)
Last November ran warmer than usual, with a top of 34.4°C on the 26th and 42mm of rain across the month.
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Major Events in Sydney in November
Sydney Open
Now in its 22nd year, Sydney Open gives you rare access to some of the city’s most interesting buildings. This one-day event lets you explore historic landmarks, new architecture and spaces that are usually closed to the public.
Follow a self-guided route or join expert talks about the buildings that have shaped Sydney. Good for architecture fans, photographers and anyone curious about how the city has changed.
When: Sunday 1 November 2026, 10am-3.30pm (last entry)
Where: Various locations across Sydney
Cost: Sydney Open City Pass required, price not yet released. Bookings: sydneyopen.com.au
Sculpture By the Sea – Continues until 2 November. The cliffs between Bondi and Tamarama Beaches play host to up to 100 sculptures making this breathtaking walk even more stunning.
Powerhouse Parramatta opening
Western Sydney’s first state cultural institution opens on the Parramatta River with five major exhibitions, including The Mall, a look at the history and cultural impact of the shopping centre, developed with architecture firm OMA/AMO.
When: Opens Saturday 7 November 2026
Where: Parramatta River foreshore, Parramatta
Cost: Free entry to the museum and most exhibitions
Sydney International On-Water Boat Show
Darling Harbour turns into a festival of boats and marine gear for four days. Expect over 200 vessels on a purpose-built marina in Cockle Bay, plus exhibits and dining across Palm Grove and Tumbalong Park.
When: 13-16 November 2026
Times: 10am-7pm (Thu-Sat), 10am-6pm (Sun)
Where: Darling Harbour More info: sydneyboatshow.com.au
The first Tuesday in November sees the city’s restaurant and bars hosting Melbourne Cup Lunches. Book early if you plan to attend.
Festivals and Community Events
Nepal Festival
Nepal Festival brings Sydney’s Nepalese community together at Tumbalong Park for a full day of live music, traditional dance, authentic food and cultural exhibitions, and this year carries extra weight for the community following recent flooding in Nepal.
The program includes interactive family activities and cultural performances throughout the day, with the organisers describing it as a celebration of identity, diversity and community connection as much as a cultural showcase.
When: Saturday 7 November 2026
Where: Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour
Cost: Free
Philippine Christmas Festival (Pasko)
The Philippine Christmas Festival, known as Pasko, closes out Darling Harbour’s Culture Alive season and marks the start of the Philippines’ Christmas celebrations, famously the longest in the world. Hosted by the Philippine Community Council of NSW, it’s the biggest Filipino Christmas event in the state, filling Tumbalong Park with two days of live entertainment, parades, food and cultural performance.
Expect authentic Filipino dishes including lechon, adobo, halo-halo and ube ice cream, alongside exhibitions, competitions, games and family activities running continuously across the weekend. The festival sits alongside Darling Harbour’s other Culture Alive events this spring, including the Thai Grand Festival and Nepal Festival, all free and all held at Tumbalong Park.
When: 21–22 November 2026
Where: Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour l Tickets: Free.
Markets and Fairs
Randwick Eco Living Festival
Sydney’s longest running free environmental festival turns 21 this year, with a full day of stalls, live music and talks at Broadarrow Reserve. This year’s theme is cost of living, with practical tips on saving money and cutting waste. More than 15,000 people attended last year.
When: Sunday 1 November 2026, 10am–3pm
Where: Broadarrow Reserve, Maroubra
Cost: Free entry
Carss Park Spring Market
A brand new Cambridge Markets event on the Georges River, with stalls under shady trees at Carss Bush Park. Expect fashion, homewares, jewellery, plants and gourmet food, plus live music and kids’ activities by the water.
When: Sunday 1 November 2026, 10am–4pm
Where: Carss Bush Park, Carss Park
Affordable Art Fair
More than 75 galleries from Australia and overseas will bring thousands of original works to Carriageworks, from paintings and prints to photography and sculpture, all priced between $100 and $10,000.
Expect live painting demonstrations, a Children’s Art Studio and the crowd-favourite Art ATM. Last year saw ovr 5.5 million in art sales!
When: Thursday 5 – Sunday 8 November 2026
Where: Carriageworks, Eveleigh
Tickets: affordableartfair.com/fairs/sydney/
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: 14 Nov. 4pm – 9pm, 15-16 Nov. 10am-5pm
Where: Carriageworks, Eveleigh
Entry: $8-12 (cheaper online) daily (Kids under 13 free)
Musical Theatre, Opera & Drama
Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical
This world premiere musical tells the story behind Whispering Jack, the best-selling Australian album of all time, timed to mark its 40th anniversary.
Michael Paynter plays John Farnham, with Bonnie Anderson and Ben Hall as Gaynor and Glenn Wheatley. Directed by Sydney Theatre Company’s Mitchell Butel.
When: From Sunday 15 November 2026 (season runs to 3 January 2027)
Where: Roslyn Packer Theatre
Tickets: sydneytheatre.com.au
Strong Is the New Pretty
World premiere from Suzie Miller, the playwright behind Prima Facie and RBG: Of Many, One, telling the story of how the AFLW went from a 2010 report recommendation to a national league by 2017.
Directed by Sarah Giles, with an eight-strong cast including Amber McMahon, Tara Morice and Contessa Treffone.
When: 22 October – 5 December 2026
Where: Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House
Cost: From $49 (Under 30) to $129
Six the Musical
The international hit reimagines the six wives of Henry VIII as a pop-concert girl group, remixing 500 years of history into a sharp, funny 80-minute show.
Returns to Sydney after strong West End and Broadway runs.
When: 9 October – 22 November 2026
Where: Theatre Royal Sydney
Tickets: theatreroyalsydney.com
A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical
The story of how a kid from Brooklyn became a rock icon, told through Neil Diamond’s own catalogue of hits, including Cracklin’ Rosie, Sweet Caroline and Forever in Blue Jeans.
Broadway’s Will Swenson leads the cast as Neil Diamond, following his acclaimed performance in the US production.
When: Previews from Saturday 14 November 2026
Where: Sydney Lyric Theatre
Tickets: theneildiamondmusical.com.au
Macbeth (Bell Shakespeare)
Bell Shakespeare’s acclaimed 2023 production of Macbeth returns to Sydney at the end of its national tour.
Set in a moody 1920s, séance inspired world, it stars Anthony Taufa as Macbeth and Matilda Ridgway as Lady Macbeth, directed by Peter Evans.
When: 18 November – 6 December 2026
Where: Sydney Opera House
Cost: Season package pricing: adult premium $110, A reserve $82. Concession $90/$72. Under 18 and under 35 from $40.
The Gospel According to Paul: The Second Coming
Jonathan Biggins, co-creator of The Wharf Revue, returns to his acclaimed impression of former PM Paul Keating in this solo comedy.
The show covers Keating’s political career and personal passions, along with fresh material on his more recent public moments. Contains strong language.
When: 6 November – 20 December 2026, 90 minutes, no interval
Where: Wharf 1 Theatre, Wharf 4/5 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay
Cost: $49-$206
Silver Tongue
Hayes Theatre Co stages the world premiere of Silver Tongue, a new Australian musical that reimagines Treasure Island as a sea shanty infused pirate story.
Billie Palin leads as the title character, a swaggering pirate queen, opposite Natalie Abbott as Jim, a young person chasing a map and a myth. Directed by Richard Carroll with an original score by Alec Steedman.
When: 13 November – 12 December 2026
Where: Hayes Theatre Co, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point
Cost: Previews from $74. In season: adult from $79, concession from $69, under 35 from $60
Music and Dance
Courtney Barnett
The ARIA Award-winning singer-songwriter returns to the Concert Hall for her first performance there since 2018. The show celebrates her new album, Creature of Habit, written during time spent in the California desert and at her home studio.
Expect her trademark wit and sharp guitar work, backed by a set that draws on her full catalogue, from Avant Gardener through to Pedestrian at Best.
When: Friday 6 November 2026, 8:30pm
Where: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Cost: From $59.90 + booking fee
Dirty Dancing in Concert
A live-to-film concert experience where a full band and vocalists perform the movie’s soundtrack live, in sync with a screening of the digitally remastered film.
The night continues with an after-party where the crowd can keep dancing to the soundtrack. Part of a major world tour, timed around the film’s soundtrack anniversary.
When: Saturday 28 November 2026
Where: Darling Harbour Theatre, ICC Sydney
Tickets: Ticketek
FORMA
A new open-air concert series at Tumbalong Park from Finely Tuned, marking their 20th year putting on live music in Australia. Alongside the shows, expect food and bar stalls set up in the park through the season. Season highlights in November include:
- Friday 27 November: Kool & The Gang and Sister Sledge ft. Sledgendary
- Saturday 28 November: Anjunadeep Open Air Sydney (18+)
- Sunday 29 November: Lime Cordiale and Pacific Avenue, with support from Great Gable, Pamela and Lola Scott
A free family event also runs on Thursday 26 November.
When: 26-29 November 2026
Where: Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour
Tickets and more details: via formapresents.com.au
Anjunadeep Open Air
Electronic label Anjunadeep returns to Australia with an open-air festival at Tumbalong Park, running from golden hour into the night. Presented by Finely Tuned as part of their 20th anniversary year, this is set to be the biggest Australian edition of the event yet, with a lineup still to be announced.
When: Saturday 28 November 2026
Where: Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour
Tickets: On sale from 4pm AEST Wednesday 15 July
Film festivals and Events
See the full list of Sydney’s outdoor cinemas for more great movie fun
Stargazer Cinema at Barangaroo
Experience First Nations storytelling under the stars at Barangaroo’s Walumil Lawn, with Sydney Harbour as your backdrop. Curated by Winda Film Festival, this free outdoor cinema series celebrates Indigenous filmmakers from Australia and around the world, with directors in attendance to introduce their films.
When: Thursdays until 20 November, Doors open 6pm, films start 7pm
Where: Walumil Lawn, Barangaroo Reserve
Cost: Free l More info: barangaroo.com/whats-on/events/stargazer-cinema
Museums & Galleries / Art and Exhibitions
Philippe Parreno: 5 Moons
French artist Philippe Parreno takes over multiple floors of the MCA with a shifting, sensory exhibition of sound, light and movement, inspired by the moon’s five lunar cycles.
It’s the first major Australian showing of his work, part of the Sydney International Art Series. Expect the exhibition to change from visit to visit, rather than staying fixed.
When: 21 November 2026 – 26 April 2027
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Australia
Cost: Check mca.com.au for ticketing details
Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year
Celebrating 20 years of environmental photography, this exhibition showcases 120 stunning images documenting Australia’s changing natural world.
For the first time, past winners are displayed alongside this year’s finalists, creating a powerful visual timeline of ecological transformation across Australia and the Pacific.
When: TBC
Where: Australian Museum l Cost: Free
Ocean Photographer of the Year
Ocean Photographer of the Year comes to the Australian National Maritime Museum as a world premiere exhibition, showing the finalist images from a global competition that drew more than 15,000 entries.
It’s presented by Oceanographic Magazine and Blancpain, and this year the awards have a Sydney connection: local photographer Gergo Rugli won the Adventure category for an image of dolphins riding a wave alongside surfers, with a second image of his taking third place in the Human Connection category, showing a swimmer at a wave-battered ocean pool. Ten Australian or Australian-based photographers made the finalist list overall.
When: Opens Wednesday 19 November 2026
Where: Australian National Maritime Museum
Head On Photo Festival
Head On Photo Festival returns for its 16th year with exhibitions and events across Bondi and Paddington. The Festival opens on 7 November with the Head On Photo Awards announcements (prize pool $80,000), plus the inaugural $5,000 Mayor of Waverley’s Prize.
Check the website for the programme and list of events.
When: Until 12 November 2025
Where: National Centre for Creative Learning, MCA l Cost: Free
Sports and Outdoor Events
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. & George St. Dawes Point Park, under the Bridge.
Tickets: Free, more Info here
NSW Regional Events
Superposition – Blue Mountains
A new four day arts and music festival spread across the Blue Mountains train line, from Penrith to Katoomba, Blackheath, Mt Victoria, Medlow Bath and Wentworth Falls.
Built over three years in consultation with Dharug and Gundungurra communities, the program mixes exhibitions, new commissions, live music and participatory works, including a Haiku Hands headlined block party.
When: 26–29 November 2026
Where: Across the Greater Blue Mountains and Penrith, along the Blue Mountains train line
Cost: Single ticket and festival pass options. Blue Mountains and Western Sydney postcodes get 10% off single tickets. Check superpositionfestival.com for prices
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: TBC
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. 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: TBC
Where: Memorial Park The Entrance
Cost: Free, check the festival program
Horizontal Festival
This curated weekend of wine, food and live music takes over Centennial Vineyards in the Southern Highlands over the October long weekend.
Expect cellar-door tastings, live-fire cooking, garden parties and long lunches set against the vineyard backdrop, plus a chef workshop series featuring names like Francis Mallmann, Mindy Woods and Matt Moran.
When: October long weekend 2026
Where: Centennial Vineyards, Bowral
Cost: General Admission and Platinum Pass options, details at horizontalfestival.com.au
Man on Fire: Visions of Nebuchadnezzar
Arthur Boyd’s iconic Nebuchadnezzar series meets a major new commission by contemporary artist Shaun Gladwell at Bundanon’s Art Museum. The exhibition pairs Boyd’s 1960s paintings, exploring themes of power, ego and exile, with Gladwell’s new film, performance and photography work shot along the Shoalhaven River.
When: On now until 11 October 2026
Where: Bundanon Art Museum, 170 Riversdale Rd, Illaroo NSW
Cost: Details at bundanon.com.au
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
