Winter in Sydney might not bring snow-covered streets, but there are still plenty of ways to embrace the season without leaving the city. From cosy seasonal experiences to winter festivals, the Harbour City is finding new ways to make the cooler months something to look forward to. Now, Hay St Market is joining in with the launch of Winterfest, a month-long celebration that will transform the bustling market into a cosy winter destination throughout July and into early August. Visitors can expect a changing lineup of entertainment, festive pop-ups, seasonal events and hearty food, with more to discover as the festival unfolds. Here’s what to expect at Winterfest this July.
Winterfest brings a month of seasonal fun to Hay St
Winterfest will bring together a rotating program of experiences that will roll out across Hay St Market over the course of the month. A crowd-pleasing highlight is the pop-up ice skating rink, which gives visitors a change to hit the ice in the middle of the CBD with affordable 45-minute sessions running across several days in July. At regular intervals, indoor snowfall will also transform the market into a winter wonderland, complete with glittering lights, music and a festive atmosphere that feels a world away from a typical winter down under.
On selected evenings, the market will host Jazz by Candlelight, pairing live music with cosy surroundings for a relaxed night out, while Hay Hay It’s Thursday launches as the market’s new weekly night offering with a one-off Off Campus Party featuring DJs, themed performers, happy hour drinks and $5 food specials.
A dedicated winter menu inspired by comforting cold-weather favourites from around the world is also on the cards. Expect indulgent dishes such as bubbling raclette, truffle gnocchi and slow-roasted porchetta alongside sweet treats and warming drinks, including mulled wine.
Key features
- When: July 1 to August 2, 2026
- Where: Hay St Market, Hay Street, Sydney
- Entry: Free, with some activities requiring a paid ticket
- Ice skating: Running from 9 to 19 July, tickets $10 per person
- Jazz by Candlelight: Taking place on 25 July and 1 August from 6pm to 9pm
Find more information and book ice skating tickets on the official Hay St website.
