What’s on in Sydney in November 2023
There is lots to see and do in Sydney in November and today our comprehensive guide 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 the last November saw seven days of rain, this year things have been a little different, so really… it’s anyone’s guess!
New events and updated content are added to these pages as it becomes available. If you would like to add your event to Sydney Expert, please complete this form.
Major Annual Events In November
- Sydney Open
- Sculpture By the Sea
Festivals, Markets And Community Events
Heart of Surry Hills Festival
There is so much happening at the Heart of Surry Hills festival we have created a whole post on it! The festival highlights the creativity of the Surry Hills community and celebrates with some amazing food and drinks deals and a culminates with two-day festival in Shannon Reserve at the end of November.
Where: Across Surry Hills
When: 1-30 November 2022
PARTY | PROTEST | REMEMBER
A celebration of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the National Black Theatre, PARTY | PROTEST | REMEMBER is a one-day festival celebrating the live music, performance, drag, visual art and film of Blak excellence.
Party with main stage performances by Nadeena Dixo, Elaine Crombie, Nana Miss Koori, Fringe Dwellers
BENNYGOLD, Josie Baker, Mariah Kenny, Ebstar and Eric Avery.
The Protest section of the event will feature a citizen’s assembly led by author Thomas Mayor for community to discuss a First Nations Voice to Parliament and what it means to us all.
And finally Remember, with the screening of Darlene Johnson’s documentary The Redfern Story.
Alongside the amazing performances Warakirri by Indigiearth will be serving up dishes made using native ingredients including damper with native jam and vitalized cream, kangaroo sliders, lemon myrtle squid with finger lime pearls and green ants, bush tomato, pumpkin and fetta quiche and crocodile salad.
On the drinks menu is a dry bar with Sobah, Australia’s first Aboriginal owned and led non-alcoholic craft beer on offer. A coffee cart serving Dhuwa, Australia’s first Aboriginal owned and operated coffee brand and native cocktails by Archie Rose, Atomic beers and Scotchman Hill wine.
Where: Carriageworks
When: 12 November 2022 from 4pm
Cost: Free – but registration required.
More details
Neon Playground by Chinatown Block Party
A festival of art, lights, music, community and food kicks off in true style. Get down to the launch party for an evening of live music and the lighting up of an exciting new temporary artwork.
Where: Chinatown
When: 15 October to 20 November 2022
Cost: Free
Park Sounds
Park Sounds feature brand new events, a musical line-up featuring Australian talent including big-name artists and a program of emerging musicians, plus street food in outdoor locations, bars and restaurants.
Check what’s happening this weekend here.
Where: 5 pm-10 pm
When: 30 Sep – 30 Nov 2022
Cost: Free
Quay Quarter Lanes Market
A new gourmet produce market will bring farm-fresh food to the Sydney CBD when Quay Quarter Lanes Markets launches on Wednesday, November 9, 2022.
The 40-stall market will connect Sydney’s best producers, farmers, bakers, makers, cooks, picklers, roasters, growers and gourmet retailers with city workers and urban dwellers once a month in an activation that will bring the laneways of Quay Quarter, on Loftus Lane, to life.
Where: 8am-2pm
When: Second Wednesday of the month, from November 9
Cost: Free
Blak Markets
Blak Markets in La Perouse is the perfect spot to start your Christmas shopping this year. There will be plenty of entertainment, bush food and coffee to sample, and stalls selling authentic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts, crafts, clothing and accessories.
The market is held on Bare Island, Bidjigal Country within the Kamay-Botany Bay National Park. Entry is $2.50 pp
When: 10am-3pm Sunday 6 November 2022
Where: Bare Island La Perouse
Sydney Vegan Market
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: 9 am-4 pm 20 November 2022
Where: The Entertainment Quarter, Cnr Errol Flynn Blvd & Lang Rd, Moore Park
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
Where: Woodstock Community Centre, 22 Church St, Burwood
When: Sunday 6 Nov 10 am-3 pm
More: More details here
SOUTHEAST Aboriginal Arts Market,
30 independent Aboriginal artists and collectives from the southeast including regional and coastal New South Wales, ACT, Victoria, the Murray–Darling basin catchment and Tasmania. The market will offer over 250 artworks for sale across ceramics, jewellery, weaving, carving, textiles, photography, painting and prints, with 100% of proceeds going directly to the artists.
When: Saturday 19-Sunday 20 November 2022
Where: Carriageworks – 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh
Makers & Shakers Market Christmas Market
The quality two-day market will feature a curated lineup of 120+ handmade stalls including homewares, sustainable fashion + tasty food and drinks. It’s the perfect place to pick up unique gifts and support local creatives.
- 120+ stalls of handmade homewares, food and fashion
- Free parking at the venue (over 500 spots!)
- Low-cost creative workshops to join
- Stunning harbour views to enjoy tasty food and drinks
Where: White Bay Cruise Terminal, 2041 James Craig Rd, Rozelle
When: 19 & 20 November 10 am-4 pm
Cost: Adults $5, kids: $2, family ticket (2 adults, 2 kids): $12
More details here
Musicals And Theatre
Comedy, Music and Dance
Nights at the Museum
Enjoy live music and a drink at the pop-up bar as Sydney’s favourite FREE after hours culture fix is back! Explore our incredible galleries and exhibitions and be inspired by our natural history and cultural collections.
Where: Museum-wide
When: Every Wednesday at 5pm – 9pm
Cost: Free. More info on the official site.
Theatre and Performance
Cinderella
A fairytale favourite, this Tony Award® winning Broadway musical features some of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s best-known songs including
The Australian cast features Shubshri Kandiah as Ella (Cinderella), Ainsley Melham as the charming Prince Topher; Silvie Paladino as the Fairy Godmother, Marie; and icons Tina Bursill as Madame, Ella’s stepmother; and Todd McKenney as Sebastian, Prince Topher’s Lord Chancellor.
Check out a YouTube clip of the Sydney cast performing
Where: Lyric Theatre
When: Tues-Sat 7.30 pm, Wed 1 pm, Sat 2 pm, Sun 1 pm & 6 pm (Performance times vary weekly) Until 29 Jan
Cost: From $70 but most $135 and up. (Transaction fees apply)
Book at Ticketmaster.com.au
Somewhere South
Did you know English Novelist D. H. Lawrence came to Australia in 1922? On the centenary of his visit, Somewhere South by Geoffrey Sykes, sheds light on the time he spent in Sydney and the south coast town of Thirroul.
During his time in Australia, he wrote the book Kangaroo, and this play draws from that work and also records his experience of the ocean, bush and mountains of the south coast.
Where: Chippen Street Theatre
When: November 3-12, 7.30 pm nightly plus matinee Sunday 6 Nov, 3 pm
Cost: $42, Conc $32, Senior $35, Youth $25, Family (4) $110, Group (4) $120 incl booking fee
Book at TryBooking
The Wharf Revue: Looking for Albanese
It’s a new dawn, a new day, and a new captain at the helm of the ship of state. And what a state we’re in! Inflation, rising interest rates, conflict in Ukraine, climate disaster, culture wars, COVID-19-20-21-22-23, and a looming World War Three… Could things get any worse? Absolutely! Neighbours have finished!
But there is a light on the horizon: The Wharf Revue is back! Inspired by the new national spirit of optimism that lasted for a week, the team are as keen as mustard to once again tackle the big-picture issues. The Wharf Revue: Looking for Albanese will open at Sydney’s Seymour Centre on 12 November after a Canberra season from 24 October to 5 November, before touring nationally in 2023.
Where: Seymour Centre
When: 12 November – 11 December 2022 – Tues 6:30, Wed-Sat 8:00pm, matinees Wed 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 5pm
Cost: Adults from $75, Seniors from $70, Concessions from $65, Under 30 $50
Book: seymourcentre.com or (02) 9061 5344
Sydney Symphony Orchestra
With four fabulous performances to choose from this month, there is no better time to see the Sydney Symphony is action. If you are visiting Sydney, it’s a great chance to experience the newly renovated concert hall.
- Compassion (4 – 5 November) will unite Australian singer-songwriter Lior’s energising vocal range and acclaimed composer Nigel Westlake’s orchestral writings, performed by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. In this performance, Lior will pour his passion into a range of songs from his award-winning career.
- James Ehnes’s performs Beethoven (9 – 12 November) will be a mesmerising and masterly interpretation of Beethoven’s monumental Violin Concerto, led by Sydney Symphony Orchestra Chief Conductor, Simone Young.
- Beethoven’s Violin Sonatas with James Ehnes (20 November) will be an intimate recital with pianist Andrew Armstrong, exploring three of Beethoven’s most treasured violin sonatas.
Fidelio (25 – 26 November) will be presented as an opera-in-concert led by Chief Conductor Simone Young, collaborating with an exceptional international cast. In these performances, Beethoven’s only opera will be reimagined by award-winning First Nations author Tyson Yunkaporta who has written new texts to draw us deeper into the composer’s compelling landscape of memory, hope and human aspiration.
Where: Sydney Opera House Concert Hall
When: November 2022
Cost: From $22
Book here
Kara Zmatiq – Drag Circus Caberet
Australia’s darling of drag, Kara Zmatiq (pronounced Charismatic) – as seen on Australia’s Got Talent – welcomes lovers of fun and fine food to a Drag-Circus-Cabaret extravaganza featuring some of the world’s finest circus and dance acts including Tyler Heath (award-winning circus artist and former Cirque du Soleil aerialist) and his rising fellow star aerialist and circus performer Alex Doyle, in this immersive dinner & cabaret show at Club York.
Where: Club York Sydney
When: 11 November 2022
Cost: Adults Dinner & Show $120 | Show only $65 (plus booking free)
Book here
Chalkface
When a long-standing teacher and a recruit fresh out of university cross tracks in the staff room, there is bound to be some differences. In this hilarious new black comedy starring Catherine McClements and Stephanie Somerville, you will get a look at what happens in the staff room with the kids are not around.
Where: Riverside Theatre Parramatta
When: 11 November 2022
Cost: Adults Dinner & Show $120 | Show only $65 (plus booking free)
Book here
Cinema
Jewish International Film Festival
Presenting a jam-packed program of over 50 of the best new Jewish-themed films from all across the world, the 2022 Jewish International Film Festival presents a blockbuster line-up of must-see headliners, literary deep-dives, extraordinary true stories and laugh-out-loud comedies.
Where: Roseville and Randwick
When: 7 December
More: Learn more at www.jiff.com.au.
Art and Exhibitions
Head On Photo Festival 2022
Now in its 13th year the Head On Photo Festival features the work of over 500 photographers at 100-plus venues. The key sites for this free, month-long festival include Bondi Beach and Paddington Reservoir Gardens.
This year, the works, exhibitions and conversations explore important global issues – the effects of COVID-19, global conflict, refugees, feminism, motherhood, pop culture, the environment, youth homelessness and gentrification.
Where: Multiple locations including Paddington, Bondi, Ashfield, Surry Hills & the CBD
When: 4 November to 4 December
Cost: Free
More: Check the official website
Primavera 2022: Young Australian Artists
Primavera is the MCA’s annual exhibition of emerging artists living and working in Australia, aged 35 years and under. Now in its 31st edition, Primavera continues to be a significant platform for early career Australian artists and curators to present exciting new work.
While you are here, pop up to the rooftop cafe for a drink with a view.
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Level 1 South Gallery
When: Friday 4 November 2022 – 12 February 2023
Cost: Free
More: Check the official website
Powerhouse Museum – Zampatti Powerhouse
One for the fashion lovers – the first internationally exclusive retrospective of Carla Zampatti AC, OMRI (1938–2021) presenting the life and work of this Italian-born designer, beloved as an Australian fashion icon.
“The breadth of her extraordinary private, professional and public life will be rendered in exquisite detail, anchored by Zampatti’s signature designs and brought to life with first-person reflections on the designer’s clients, family, staff and friends.”
This exhibition will comprise 100 designs created over 5 decades that are on load from more than 50 lenders from her 1965 until her most recent work.
Where: Powerhouse Museum
When: From 24 November 2022 – into 2023
Cost: Free, no registration required
Unpopular
Unpopular features over 200 objects from Stephen ‘Pav’ Pavlovic extensive archive, alongside stories and oral histories from the community of artists he worked with, bringing visitors backstage and behind the scenes of this era of live music.
Pavlovic began his career promoting shows, music tours and festivals at 19, making his name bringing ground-breaking international musicians to Australia, including the first and only Australian tour for Nirvana, one of the most influential bands in music history.
In 1995 Pavlovic launched the hugely significant Summersault festival across five Australian cities, shaping an era-defining bill that included Beastie Boys, Sonic Youth, Beck, Foo Fighters, Pavement, Rancid, Jawbreaker, Bikini Kill and The Amps.
Where: Powerhouse Museum
When: Until 4 June 2023
Cost: Free, no registration required
Once you are done, go support the great eateries in Darling Square
Sharks
Go back in time and meet the ancient ancestors of today’s sharks, see an 8m long whale shark and learn all about these magnificent creatures via interactive displays and plenty of hands on objects from the collection.
To accompany the blockbuster exhibition, the Australian Museum is hosting a series of program events including talks, workshops and activities for visitors to further engage with the history, science, cultural connections, and the future of sharks.
When: Saturday 25 September 2022 – Tuesday 31 January 2023
Where: Australian Museum, 1 William St, Darlinghurst
Cost: $17.50-$76
2022 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year
This exhibition features 100 photographs by 74 artists, highlighting the skills and timing of wildlife photography. Taken in remote locations, often in harsh weather and difficult conditions these images will blow you away.
Where: Australian Museum – William St Sydney
When: Now showing
Cost: Free
SubTerrains Bankstown Biennale 2022 – Sanctuary and Sovereignty
A First Nations-led artistic exploration of the rich stories embedded in the Bankstown landscape.
SubTerrains proudly features the work of 12 contemporary creatives, most of whom are local western Sydney First Nations artists, and the work of over two dozen additional artists through the artistic collectives Juxta, and Kantanka Creative.
Almost 100 years ago Aboriginal Elder Joe Anderson (also known as ‘King Burraga’) was filmed near Salt Pan Creek, Bankstown, declaring a petition to the King of England, calling for equal rights and justice for Indigenous Australians. First Nations people are still echoing the same calls to action.
Where: Bankstown Arts Centre – 5 Olympic Parade Bankstown
When: 8 October until 26 November
Cost: Free
More info: https://www.cbcity.nsw.gov.au/arts-centre
Waranara Tours
Expand your understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures on this unique tour of objects from the Australian Museum’s exhibitions, led by a First Nations guide.
Where: LG, Patricia McDonald Education Rooms
When: Saturday 20 May 2023 at 10.30am – 1pm & 2pm – 4.30pm
Tickets: $100 Members, $125 non-Members$100 Members, $125 non-Members. For more details, check their website.
Talks
Food and Drink Events
The Big Bake Off
If your viewing history includes the like 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 Nov to 31 Jan 2023 – Thurs-Sat – multiple sessions each day
Where: Devon Cafe – 36 Blue Street North Sydney
Cost: $55-60 (over 18 years only)
Bookings: Book early to avoid disappointment
Tasty Trivia
Think you know a bit about food? Put yourself to the test at Tasty Trivia. Tasty Trivia is Sydney’s only food & drink trivia quiz. Over 90 minutes, join in unique interactive fun and perhaps win a Golden Fork (or wooden spoon) for your efforts. Both first and last place are presented with $100 venue vouchers, plus there are individual bar vouchers awarded throughout the event.
Currently offered at
- Vera’s Cocktail Bar, Terminus Hotel Pyrmont on Mondays
- NSW Sports Bar, the Harbour View Hotel The Rocks on Tuesday 15 & 29 Nov
- Queens St Lounge, the Woollahra Hotel on Wednesday 2,16 & 30 Nov.
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 24th 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
Broadway Diner
If you have ever experienced a night at Ellen’s Diner in NYC or enjoyed the hit series Glee, this will be right up your alley.
Well, at Broadway Diner, your table becomes a stage and the wait staff brings high energy singing and dancing to bring your night to life.
Leave the diet at home because the epic burgers, loaded fries and thick freak shakes (of both the alcoholic and non-alcoholic variety) will be impossible to resist. There is also a great range of cocktails and mocktails.
When: From 24 November
Where: Broadway Diner, 1 Bay St, Glebe
Sports and outdoors
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: 9:30am, every Sundays (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
Wings Over Illawarra Airshow & Carnival
Wings Over Illawarra is Australia’s biggest annual air show just over an hour south of Sydney. It is the only major air show experience within easy reach of both Sydney and Canberra.
The wide variety of events includes a ground display and flying demonstrations of the historic military, modern and aeronautical aircraft, vintage car and motorcycle exhibits, family entertainment areas with carnival games, food trucks and market stands, and other technology and aerospace-oriented events.
Where: Airport Road Albion Park Rail
When: 12-13 November
Cost: from $60 for a day pass or $95 for a weekend
More info: https://wingsoverillawarra.com.au/
Aqua Rugby Festival
Join the fun with three action-packed days of rugby played on a 30m floating pontoon in Manly Cove. The Aqua Rugby Festival will see current and former stars show their skills.
You can watch from the shore for free or join one of the ticketed yacht events that will line the pitch.
There will be DJs, food trucks and plenty of activations on the beach.
Where: Manly Cove
When: 10-12 November
Cost: Free
More info: visit www.aquarugby.com
Sydney Super Cup
Everton and Celtic take on Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers over a 3-match series.
- Celtic F.C. v Sydney FC – Thu 17 Nov – Allianz Stadium, Moore Park
- Celtic FC v Everton FC – Sun 20 Nov – Accor Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park
- Everton FC v Western Sydney – Wed 23 Nov – CommBank Stadium, Parramatta,
When: 17, 20, 23 November
Cost: From $59-109 for adults and $39-59 for kids
More info: Visit the website here
UA COMBINE
UA COMBINE is a one-day, first-of-its-kind competition that combines multiple training disciplines into one athleticism test.
When: Saturday 4th November 2023 at 10:00 AM-8:00 PM
Where: Carriageworks, Sydney
Cost: 75–100 AUD
More details here
Regional Events
Let’s Fish Lake Mac
Fishing fans of all ages are invited to head to Lake Macquarie this month for the region’s famous fishing competition, Let’s Fish Lake Mac, with a prize pool of $32,000.
All entrants in this year’s family-friendly catch and release fishing event will go in the draw to win a share of the prize pool.
When: 12-13 November
More info: Visit Let’s Fish Lake Mac
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:
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
