Sydney Festival is set to return this summer from January 4 to 26 for a grand celebration of its 49th year. The nearly month-long event will showcase art and storytelling across theatre, opera, cabaret, music, and more with over 130 performances and events including 50 free events. This year, the highlights include an intriguing true crime drama set at the docks of Darlinghurst Courthouse, a buzzy live concert at Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden, and Sydney Town Hall reimagined as a Wild West pioneer town. Here’s everything you can look forward to at Sydney Festival 2025.
Sydney Festival 2025
As with previous editions, Sydneysiders are encouraged to head out and explore the city like never before. From transforming Town Hall into an artificial beach filled with 26 tonnes of sand to a stunning Frida Kahlo exhibition, the festival has consistently delivered and 2025 looks poised to do the same. With a stacked roster of local artists alongside renowned international acts, the event promises an enriching and thought-provoking experience for festivalgoers.
Program Highlights
The Sydney Festival’s 130+ events will include 22 world premieres, 24 Australian exclusives, and over 12 nights of free music, spanning around 43 venues in the city altogether. The diverse line-up promises something for everyone with plenty of family-friendly events, adults-only entertainment, and a First Nations program. Some events to bookmark in your calendar include:
A Model Murder
Darlinghurst Courthouse will be the venue for a gripping reenactment of a sensational 20th-century murder trial based on one of Sydney’s most scandalous events. The true crime story of Shirley Beiger, a model who shot her unfaithful boyfriend in front of one of Sydney’s most glamourous nightclubs comes to life in this immersive play. Book your tickets here.
Dark Noon
This ambitious theatrical production from Danish company Fix+Foxy takes center stage at Sydney Town Hall, reimagining the tumultuous history of the American West with a bold and immersive approach. A pioneer town comes to life as an exceptional cast of South African actors present a fresh take on the American frontier through an outsider’s lens. Tickets are on sale now, get them here.
Cendrillon
Opera Australia presents French director Laurent Pelly’s captivating interpretation of Cinderella at the Sydney Opera House. The production makes its Australian debut after acclaimed performances at New York’s Metropolitan Opera and London’s Royal Opera House with Emily Edmonds as Cinderella. Grab your tickets here.
As You Like It
In an Australian exclusive, Canadian First Nations cultural provocateur Cliff Cardinal will present As You Like It or The Land Acknowledgement at the Sydney Opera House. This show candidly explores the realities of the reconciliation process between Indigenous communities and colonial settlers in Canada. Book tickets here.
Symphony Under The Stars
Western Sydney’s ever-popular free music concert Symphony Under the Stars returns on January 18 to Parramatta Park. Egyptian-Australian oud virtuoso Joseph Tawadros AM will present a selection of his most exquisite works. The evening will also feature the Sydney Symphony Orchestra showcasing one of Tchaikovsky’s most popular symphonies with a firework display to end the night.
Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden
In what is sure to be one of the most popular events this year, Sydney Festival will take over Wendy Whiteley’s beloved garden for an evening of open-air music with performances by William Barton and Véronique Serret, NoSax NoClar, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs’ VOX and Chamber Singers, and Joseph and James Tawadros. Get your tickets.
What We Leave Behind
Throughout the festival, attendees are encouraged to share messages of hope for our shared tomorrow. These messages will then be incorporated into a unique installation on Tallawoladah Lawn, created in partnership with the art and architecture collective Cave Urban.
Vigil: Truths
This event will be held on January 25 at Barangaroo Reserve. This year’s ceremony highlights the importance of being heard, exchanging knowledge, and showcasing First Nations perspectives on the future.
Find the full program for Sydney Festival 2025 on the official website.
Key Details
Dates: Sydney Festival 2025 runs from January 4 to 26
Price: Free and ticketed events; tickets are on sale now with early bird tickets priced at $49 available for A Reserve seats and General Admission across all ticketed shows.
Where: Various locations around Sydney