Things to do

What to do in Sydney this January

Take a dip in the city centre, catch short films under the stars and experience an exhibition that’s out of this world. Here are 9 events to savour.

Fill your summer with art at Sydney Festival

Explore more than 130 free and ticketed events and find your Sydney side. Swing high at a free circus show at Darling Harbour, get hands-on with visual art activities in the Colour Maze and discover your new favourite artist in the incredible program of live music and performance.

Saturday 4 January to Sunday 26 January

Yabun means 'music to a beat'
Yabun means 'music to a beat'

Honour the survival of the world’s oldest living cultures

Celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures at Yabun Festival. Head to Victoria Park on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people for live music, bustling market stalls, panel discussions, children’s activities and cultural performances.

Sunday 26 January

Power on to Blak Powerhouse

Kick on from Yabun to Blak Powerhouse, a night of music, dance, art and markets by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and businesses. This free, all-ages event will be headlined by ARIA award-winning singer-songwriters Dan Sultan and Budjerah.

Sunday 26 January

See the best new short films at Flickerfest

This Academy Award qualifying short film competition rolls out the red carpet at Bondi Beach this summer. See the best Australian, international and documentary short films, handpicked from more than 3,400 entries.

Friday 17 to Sunday 26 January

Shop fresh flavours at Kings Cross Market

Fill up on seasonal produce and gourmet foods at the weekly markets at Fitzroy Gardens. Soak up the market vibes over brunch and browse the wares of local designers and artisans.

Saturdays 11, 18 and 25 January

Light up the school holidays

Step into Superliminal, an immersive installation at the Australian National Maritime Museum. A performer will guide you and the kids through interactive spaces to discover nature’s awesome creatures and beauty.

Wednesday to Sunday throughout January

Go swimming at Barangaroo

Skip the beach and take a dip in the calm waters of Marrinawi Cove. Soak in the views of the Sydney skyline to the sounds of free live music performances every weekend this summer.

Every weekend throughout January and February

Admire the best snaps of the stars

Stand in awe of the universe at the Southern Sky Astrophotography exhibition at Sydney Observatory.

Thursdays and Saturdays throughout January

Celebrate the Year of the Snake at Sydney Lunar Festival
Celebrate the Year of the Snake at Sydney Lunar Festival

Kick off the Lunar New Year

Get ready to celebrate the Year of the Snake. Our 12 zodiac animal lanterns light up George Street and a family of snakes will greet you at Dixon Street Mall. The party starts when Sydney Lunar Streets takes over the laneways of Haymarket with lion dances, markets, DJs and more.

Wednesday 29 January to Sunday 16 February

Want more? Find everything happening in Sydney this month