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 huge events mean prices in hotels are reasonable and attractions are not as busy in the next few months.
Average Temperatures: 24-16°C (61-75°F)
While each year varies the last November saw seven days of rain.
New events and updated content are added to these pages as it becomes available.
Major Annual Events
Most major events for November 2021 are tentatively planning to go ahead although some may still be delivered. Please check for specific advice before making any plans.
- Sydney Open – A mix of self guided on online/virtual this year.
- Sydney Film Festial
- Newtown Festival – cancelled for this year
Sydney Film Festival
The SFF has the honour of being the first major event to run in Sydney after Lockdown reopening. From 3-14 November Sydneysiders will be able to head back to the cinema for the 68th annual festival, better late than ever as they say. The Festival will present 233 films from 69 countries, bringing together hundreds of international and local stories. There are 111 feature films, including prize-winners from prestigious festivals around the world; 50 documentaries tackling crucial contemporary issues from established and upcoming documentarians; and 72 shorts.
Pitt Street Mall will host a giant double-sided screen where you can catch short films for free. There is also a virtual program.
Where: Multiple venues – The State Theatre, Event Cinemas George Street, Dendy Cinemas Newtown, Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace Cremorne, Ritz Cinema Randwick, and Casula Powerhouse. Plus new to SFF in 2021: Palace Central Broadway, Palace Chauvel Cinema Paddington and Palace Norton Street Leichhardt.
When: 3-14 November
Neighbourhood Earth
“Neighbourhood Earth is an award-winning, multi-sensory, immersive space experience, combining cutting edge technology with the latest in science, to tell the story of space exploration like never before! You will be transported away into space through a multi-sensory cinematic environment. Travel across the solar system and come face-to-face with Mars sunsets, Venus lightning storms and the surface of Jupiter. Museum-quality models, spacecraft, tools, and astronaut suits will showcase the facts, stories and achievements behind space exploration and its future.”
Where: Hall 7 of the ICC, Sydney.
When: Mon 22 Nov – Thu 23 Dec 2021
Exhibitions
David Aitken: New Era
This exhibition featuring the work of American artist Doug Aitken includes installations, objects, photographs, and vast immersive multi-screen environments. The exhibition, the first of his work in the southern hemisphere is part of the 2021-2022 Sydney International Art Series.
While you are here pop up to the rooftop cafe for a drink with a view.
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art
When: Friday 2 October to Sunday 28 February 2021
Cost: Free
More: Check the official website
Powerhouse Muesum
The powerhouse museum will celebrate our coming out of lockdown with five new exhibitions. The star of the show will be Eucalyptusdom, a collection that will celebrate our relationship with Australia’s much-loved gum tree. With 400 objects from the Powerhouse Collection alongside 17 newly commissioned works that feature design, architecture, film, applied arts and performance.
- Robert Rosen: Glitterati, the largest survey of the work of one of Australia’s foremost fashion and social photographers, will traverse Rosen’s expansive back catalogue documenting four decades of glittering parties, concerts, fashion events and nightclubs across Australia, London and Europe.
- Electric Keys will survey the journey of electric keyboards and the instrument’s contribution to music, presenting mechanical instruments dating from the 17th Century alongside the Museum’s recently-acquired collection of mid-20th century models and a collection of significant synthesisers.
- Graphic Identities will present work by eight celebrated 20th century designers including Gordon Andrews, Douglas Annand and Frances Burke, charting pivotal moments in the history of Australian design and exploring the role of visual communication in shaping Australia’s cultural identity.
- Clay Dynasty will chart 50 years of studio ceramic practice in Australia with over 400 works from 160 Australian artists. The exhibition will be the first to open in the Museum’s reimagined Turbine Hall.
- Lisa Havilah, Powerhouse Chief Executive said: “The Powerhouse is thrilled to be able to welcome visitors back to the museum. To celebrate this moment, we will be unveiling five new exhibitions, the first step in the vision for a reimagined Powerhouse.”
Where: Powerhouse Museum
When: now till 31 January
Cost: Tickets are free but must be booked online
Once you are done go support the great eateries in Darling Square
Carriageworks
Carriageworks is set to reopen on Wednesday 3 November 2021, with award-winning Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay artist Dennis Golding’s exhibition The Future is Here. Three more follow close behind so get out the diary and plan your visit.
Dennis Golding: The Future is here
Curated by Kyra Kum-Sing, The Future is Here is a collaboration between Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay artist Dennis Golding and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from Alexandria Park Community School. The exhibition features colourful capes that were created during a Solid Ground workshop in 2020. Students from Kindergarten to Year 12 designed their capes with iconography informed by their lived experiences and cultural identity. From 3 November 2021 – 28 November 2021
Dean Cross: Icarus My Son
“Icarus, my Son is a semi-autobiographical exhibition, presented by Carriageworks in partnership with Goulburn Regional Art Gallery, that takes inspiration from the ancient Greek tragedy of Icarus and Daedalus and examines themes universal to the experience of those in rural and remote communities who seek to expand their horizons. Featuring new video, sculptural and installation works by Cross, Icarus, my Son investigates ideas of home, ambition, cataclysm and loss.” Carriageworks From 17 November 2021 – 30 January 2022
Cherine Fahd: Ecdysis
“Ecdysis is a scientific term describing the process by which reptiles shed their skin to allow for new growth. Cherine Fahd’s video installation brings together forty-four monumental video portraits of women of different ages and walks of life, engaged in an act of struggle and surrender with the artist. Luminously projected in a darkened space, the shedding of skin suggested by these portraits raises tensions between control and release, bringing us to the precipice of transformation. Each subject’s performance tells a different story spanning resistance and acceptance, tenderness and strength, authority and vulnerability.” From: 17 November 2021 – 30 January 2022
When: Carriageworks reopens 3 November
Where: 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh
Matisse: Life & Spirit
Featuring over 100 works completed across six decades this collection from the Centre Pompidou, Paris opens on November 20 and will run through until March 2022
Tickets are on sale now.
Where: Art Gallery of NSW
When: 20 November 2021 – 13 March 2022
More: Check the official website
Find more things to do in Sydney this month
Markets, Fairs and Community Festivals
Blak Markets
Blak Markets at The Rocks for NAIDOC Celebration is the perfect spot to start your Christmas shopping this year.
When: 10am-5pm Saturday 13 November 14, 2021 – Bookings required
Where: La Perouse
Sydney Vegan Market
November is World Vegan Month so no better time to check out the Sydney Vegan Market at EQ Moore Park.
More than 90 stalls offering all plant-based, cruelty-free & vegan goods meaning you don’t need to worry about checking labels and ingredients!
When: 20 November 2020- 9am-4pm
Where: The Entertainment Quarter, Cnr Errol Flynn Blvd & Lang Rd, Moore Park
Woodstock Artisans Christmas Market
Make your way to Woodstock Community Centre on Sunday 07 November for the third annual Woodstock Market. Just 10 minutes walk from Burwood Station the market will host more than 60 high-quality stalls perfect for unique gifts, making your Christmas shopping a little bit easier. At the same time, you know your dollars are going directly to the creators
Where: Woodstock Community Centre, 22 Church St, Burwood
When: 7 Nov 10am-3pm (tentatively planned to go ahead in 2021)
More: More details here
Mosman Twilight Christmas Market
Christmas shopping, an evening stroll, dinner at the food stalls, all perfectly good reasons for visiting the Mosman Christmas Market. These are set to go ahead next month but November dates have been cancelled.
Where: Mosman Square, Spit Junction, 573 Military Road, Mosman
When: 4 Dec, 9 Dec.
More: More details here
Theatre and Music
Hamilton
Hamilton will return this month however if you don’t have tickets already you might need to have luck on your side to score any.
Where: Lyric Theatre
When: On sale now through to the end of February.
Cost: From $70 but most $135 and up. (Transaction fees apply)
Book at Ticketmaster.com.au
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.
Where: Wentworth Street Blackheath Village, Blue Mountains.
When: Cancelled for 2021
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
