Things to do

What to do in Sydney this August

Challenge yourself with dangerous ideas, boundary-pushing music and the world’s biggest fun run. Here are 10 events happening across the city this month.

A performer in colorful costume with golden wings stands elevated in front of a crowd during an outdoor event. Renata Filippi

Get a glimpse of Australian Life

Take a journey through scenes of connection, resilience and play at this year’s Australian Life photography exhibition. See the 28 finalists from this year's competition, on display at Custom House Square. Pop inside Customs House to see the world through the lens of a child at the Little Sydney Lives exhibition.

2 to 25 August

Explore Juanita Nielsen Community Centre and gym

Enjoy a day of fitness, fun and food at the free open day at Juanita Nielsen Community Centre in Woolloomooloo. Meet the friendly team and enjoy a barbecue lunch while the kids have fun with the reptile zoo, face painting, games and more.

Saturday 10 August

Get curious this National Science Week

Share your interest in science, technology and innovation with talks, workshops and hands-on activities this National Science Week. Explore fresh food with all your senses at Sydney City Farm. Enjoy a native bee musical performance or try your hand at robotics and light projections in the makerspace at Darling Square Library. Learn about the night sky, seaweeds as medicines and more at the Indigenous Science Experience at Redfern Community Centre.

10 to 18 August

Experience groundbreaking new music at Phoenix Central Park

Enter the ballot for free tickets to see boundary-pushing live music at this intimate performance space. August performances include Bekah Amani’s intimate afro soul to the electronic and choral sounds of Laurence Pike.

Various dates throughout August

Walk, jog, run – or cheer from the sidelines – at City2Surf

Experience the energy and the excitement of City2Surf. The world’s biggest fun run tracks its famous 14km course from Hyde Park to Bondi Beach. Cheer on the runners, spot the contenders for best dressed and celebrate post-race with a boogie at the beach.

Sunday 11 August

Learn how to fix it before you throw it

Join the ABC’s Craig Reucassel from My Zero Waste Life at the Festival of Repair. Learn how to repair clothing, home appliances, furniture and more with talks, demos, hands-on workshops and panel sessions.

13 to 18 August

Celebrate the Moon Festival

Experience the rich cultural heritage of the Moon Festival at Ron Williams Community Centre with a dim sum morning tea, moon cake tasting and Chinese singing and dancing.

Wednesday 21 August

Come face to face with some dangerous new ideas

Challenge your thinking at the Festival of Dangerous Ideas. Join 87 speakers and artists coming together for talks, performances and events to challenge the way you examine the world.

24 to 25 August

Wear it purple with your own laser cut jewellery

Teens are invited to Darling Square Library makerspace to create their own laser cut jewellery at this Wear It Purple Day workshop. Express yourself with hues of grape, lavender and mauve and celebrate young people of diverse sexualities and genders.

Thursday 29 August

Visit the art exhibition The Country Cries for Truth

See this powerful and personal exhibition by distinguished Bundjalung artist Dr Bronwyn Bancroft. The artworks celebrate family and connection to Country through techniques of painting and patterning onto family photographs and colonial historical images.

Every day until June 2025

Want more? See everything happening this month.

Published 26 July 2024, updated 30 July 2024