This weekend is set to be an exciting one and we’re here with ideas to help you make the most of it. This weekend marks the winter solstice but instead of hunkering down, we suggest embracing the cooler weather and enjoying all the excellent markets, musicals and winter festivals around the city. Highlights this week include the Good Food and Wine Show, Luna Park’s Sonic Neon and a huge Princess Diana exhibition. Here are all the best things to do in Sydney this long weekend.
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Top activities
Are you looking for something memorable to do? From immersive events to theatre productions and more, here are some of the most exciting events happening in Sydney this week.
1. Head to the Good Food and Wine Show
Sydney foodies are in for a treat this weekend with the return of the Good Food and Wine Show. Taking place over June 21, 22 and 23, the mega event will feature everything from live cooking demonstrations, masterclasses, 350 stellar exhibitors, and more. Guests chefs include celebrated chef Donna Hay, ex-Masterchef contestant Khan Ong and Nagi Maehashi from the popular RecipeTin Eats. It’s all happening at the ICC over the next few days; get your tickets here.
2. Get razzle dazzled by Chicago the Musical
Chicago has brought the ol’ razzle dazzle to Sydney with a star-studded cast and a fabulous score that includes All That Jazz, Cell Block Tango and Roxie. The longest-running show now playing on Broadway has taken over the Capitol Theatre and tickets are now on sale. and It would be a crime to miss one of Broadway’s most fun and fabulous productions. Grab your tickets here.
3. Watch a spooky screening of The Ring in a haunted gaol
Haus of Horror is back with another spooky screening and this time it will be held inside a cell block at the historic Old Darlinghurst Gaol. Expect live music, food stalls, photo booths and a fully stocked bar. The screening will take place on June 22 on 5pm and 7.15pm. Get your tickets here.
4. Enjoy the return of Limbo
Limbo has taken over the Grand Electric in Surry Hills with a circus, cabaret, acrobatics and live music. Featuring world-class circus performers, the show has performed in countries around the world and promises a visual feast. Get your tickets here.
5. Check out Luna Park’s groovy Sonic Neon event
Sonic Neon is a multisensory event that has taken over Luna Park and it’s the ideal school holiday activity with kids. This immersive rave experience comes with lights, sound and eight-themed rooms. The fun and interactive event opens this weekend, get your tickets.
6. Get tickets for Death of a Salesman
The critically acclaimed production of Death of a Salesman leaves Sydney this Sunday but there are still some tickets available this weekend. The moving play has captivated audiences around the world and features some of Australia’s finest performers. Get your tickets here.
7. Have a drink at Maho Magic Bar
This exciting event blends magic with delicious Japanese-inspired cocktails and it’s the perfect weekend activity. The neon-drenched Maho Magic Bar has popped up in Darling Harbour for a limited time only with master magicians taking centrestage in an intimate setting. Get your tickets here.
8. Get tickets for the La Belle Rose Cabaret
Step back in time to 19th-century Paris and enjoy a night of entertainment and a romantic candlelit dinner while being serenaded by dancers and singers who will bring the glitz and glamour of Paris to Sydney this Saturday at the Magician’s Cabaret. It’s the perfect escape to the heart of the city after a long week. Get your tickets.
9. Check out Luna Park’s Dream Circus
Luna Park’s immersive experience called the Dream Circus comes with fascinating projections, holograms and surround sounds that will whisk you away to another dimension. The world-first attraction is now open, book your tickets here.
10. Grab breakfast with koalas
WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo’s popular Breakfast with the Koalas event is the cutest way to kickstart your day. Guests can look forward to a guided highlights tour of the zoo followed by a delicious breakfast surrounded by cute animals. Find more details and book your spot here.
11. Go on a whale-watching adventure
Whale-watching season is here. May to November are the best months to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures in the wild. Head here to find the best whale-watching spots around Sydney this weekend.
12. Attend a Turkish mosaic lamp workshop
Want to do something fun and creative this weekend? Join the experts at Art Masterclass and learn the art of making traditional Turkish mosaic lamps. During the workshop, guests will also be treated to delicious Turkish tea, a selection of delectable treats, and homemade Turkish shortbread. Learn more and grab your tickets.
13. Enjoy an elegant high tea
Get your pinkies up for some of the best high tea offerings around Sydney featuring delicious sweet and savoury bites and an array of teas and other drinks. Check out some of our favourites around town here.
14. Enjoy an evening of champagne and magic
A Magical Soirée, by Bruce Glen combines fantastic stories with fascinating magic tricks to leave audiences in awe and wonder inside a heritage building. Grab your tickets. here
Best exhibitions
An array of exciting exhibitions have made it to Sydney making it prime time to go art gallery hopping in the city. From a foray into ancient Egypt to a glimpse into elusive artist Banksy’s most renowned works, here are all the exhibitions to attend this weekend.
15. See an exclusive Princess Diana exhibition
The Princess Diana Accredited Access Exhibition in now open in Ultimo. Learn more about the People’s Princess through exclusive photographs taken by official royal photographers. Plus see murals, bespoke art installations and more in this immersive experience. Get your tickets here.
16. See the works of Alphonse Mucha at the AGNSW
Alphonse Mucha’s art nouveau masterpieces are currently being displayed at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Featuring over 200 stellar works including paintings, illustrations, posters, jewellery, photographs, sculpture and more, the exhibition pays tribute to one of the most celebrated names of the 19th-century art world. Buy your tickets here.
17. Dive into the Valerie Taylor: An Underwater Life exhibition
Explore the rich world underwater with Australian marine pioneer Valerie Taylor. Visitors can expect to see Valerie and Ron Taylor’s cameras and underwater housings, dive suits, movie posters from over 40 years of working in Hollywood and much more until August 31. Get the details here.
Local markets
Do you prefer whiling away your day at a market browsing for local goods and fresh flowers? Here are some of the best weekend markets in Sydney you should check out.
18. Fill your bags at Paddington Markets
A longstanding local favourite, the Paddington Markets feature over 150 excellent stalls across fashion, candles, jewellery and more. Also on offer are handmade chocolates, fresh flowers, baked goods and more. The market is held every Saturday at Oxford Street in Paddington from 10am to 4pm. Find more info here.
19. Shop from the Markets at Glebe
The long-standing Markets at Glebe run every Saturday from 10am to 4pm at Glebe Public School. You can get your hands on everything from homewares, beauty, craft and more at this local gem. Head here for more info.
Weekend getaways and day trips
2o. Go on a snowy adventure near Sydney
June has already brought with it some of the coldest days of the year so why not head out and embrace the season. NSW offers plenty of snowy adventures at ski resorts, mountain towns and more. Find the full list of snowy places near Sydney here.
21. Plan a quick escape to Mittagong
Mittagong is located a short 1.5-hour drive from Sydney and promises an idyllic weekend retreat with boutique shops, cosy cafes, sandstone cottages and plenty of old-world charm to boot. Read all about it here.