The last four weeks of spring see the city enjoying 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 at 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.
Contents
Major Annual Events
Most major events for 2020 have been postponed or will be delivered virtually. Please check for specific advice before making any plans.
- Sydney Open – going virtual this year.
- National NAIDOC Week 2020 – 8-15 November
- The Colour Run – Cancelled
- Newtown Festival – At home this year.
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 & Sunday 14-15 November 14, 2020
Where: Tallowolladah Lawn, The Rocks
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: 15 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 15 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: 15 Nov 10am-3pm
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.
Where: Mosman Square, Spit Junction, 573 Military Road, Mosman
When: 7 Nov and 5 Dec
More: More details here
Newtown Festival
The Newtown Festival is the major fundraiser for the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre. The festival celebrates Newtown’s uniqueness, vibrancy and accepting community; it bills itself as “A festival By the People, For the People.”
This year due to Covid they are instead asking supporters to host a backyard party.
Where: Your place
When: 8 November
More: Check the official website
You might also like to check out some of the murals in Newtown while you are there
Exhibitions
Arthur Streeton at the Art Gallery of NSW
Australian impressionist artist Arthur Streeton spent decades painting the Australian landscape from his 1880s until the late 1930s.
Over 150 of his works from public and private collections will be displayed together for the first time. Tickets are on sale now.
Where: Art Gallery of NSW
When: 7 Nov 2020 – 14 Feb 2021
Cost: $22 adult
More: Check the official website
Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes 2020
The country’s national favourite art exhibition is coming to its final months with weekend sessions booking out quickly. If you have not made it yet now is the time to book your tickets.
Where: Art Gallery of NSW
When: 26 Sep 2020 – 10 Jan 2021
Cost: $22 adult
More: Check the official website
Van Gogh Alive
Coming to its final weeks Van Gogh Alive, the multi-sensory experience has been a huge hit in Sydney.
Where: Royal Hall of Industries, 1 Driver Ave, Moore Park
When: Closing 20 December, limited sessions available.
Cost: From $35 for adults
More: Check the official website
Lindy Lee: Moon in a Dew Drop
Seventy pieces from influential Australian Chinese artist Lindy Lee who hails from Brisbane are currently on display at the MCA Sydney. The works which range from a 500kg solid bronze statue to works
“Lee draws on her Australian and Chinese heritage to develop works that engage with the history of art, cultural authenticity, personal identity and the cosmos. Key influences are the philosophies of Daoism and Ch’an (Zen) Buddhism, which explore the connections between humanity and nature.”
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
Maton: Australia’s Guitar
Music lover’s need no introduction to Maton, the guitar company founded in 1946 by Australian Jazz musician Bill May.
This ehibition at the Powerhouse in Ultimo features over 130 guitars, including the one used by the Easybeat’s Harry Vanda to write Aussie classic, Friday on My Mind.
Where: Powerhouse Museum
When: now till 31 January
Cost: Tickets are free but must be booked online
Sydney Open
This year we won’t be visiting any of Sydney’s buildings but we will have access to online talks, self-guided walking apps
Where: Access the talks and online content here
When: 3-4 Nov.
Foodie Events
Cinderella at the Grounds
One of the most photogenic and instafamous dining spots in the city, the Grounds at Alexandria has a Cinderlla themed event to celebrate the 70th birthday of the film.
With food inspired by the film in a picture perfect settings with plenty of great photo opportunities including stunning floral displays and even a pumpkin shaped carriage
Where: 7a/2 Huntley St, Alexandria
When: 7am to 5pm to January 3
More: Check the website
Theatre and Music
Pippen
PIPPIN tells the story of a young man at a crossroads in his life. Does he follow in the
footsteps of his father, one of the most powerful men in the land? Or does he strike out on
his own, to find his own ‘corner of the sky’?
The Sydney cast features Ainsley Melham as Pippin, Gabrielle McClinton as Leading Player, Kerri-Anne Kennerley as Pippin’s saucy grandmother Berthe, and Simon Burke as Pippin’s demanding father Charles.
Where: Lyric Theatre
When: 24 November to 16 January 2021
Cost: From $69.90 (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: 9 am-4:30 pm, 2 Aug.
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
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