Summer has arrived, and happily, there is no shortage of things to do in Sydney this weekend. Whether your perfect weekend is spent browsing the local markets, diving into an epic new immersive experience, or getting out into nature and exploring the best Sydney has to offer, we’ve got you covered. Highlights this weekend include the immersive Last Stronghold experience, the Sunset Sessions at Cockatoo Island, and Moonlight Cinema. Here are the most fun things to do in Sydney this weekend, spanning the city from Bondi to Parramatta and everywhere in between.
Lose yourself in the tragedy of Madama Butterfly
From $79
Sydney Opera House’s sails are calling with Puccini’s heart-wrenching Madama Butterfly. Witness Cio-Cio-San’s soaring “Un bel di” dreams shatter against Pinkerton’s callous chase in Moffat Oxenbould’s timeless production. The opera bucket-lister running daily, featuring a real onstage moat, sliding shoji screens concealing secrets and sumptuous kimono-inspired costumes amid candlelit serenity. Book your show now
Cool off in harbour paradise at Marrinawi Cove
From $0
Sydney’s best weekend swim is the tucked-away Marrinawi Cove, a 700sqm sheltered paradise where sculpted sandstone and native flora frame sparkling Sydney Harbour waters. This urban oasis at Barangaroo’s northern tip delivered safe city swimming with shark netting, safety rails, signage and a rise off shower—no lifeguards needed thanks to constant Barangaroo Ranger patrols. More info here.
Join an epic medieval adventure at VR experience The Last Stronghold
From $39.60
There’s more than a hint of Assassin’s Creed about The Last Stronghold, given the sweeping medieval setting, feel of immersion (achieved through VR in this case), and encounters with historical figures. The year is 1304, the setting is Carcassonne in southern France, and you’ll be tasked with navigating a city on the edge of revolt, sword in hand, as you explore locations recreated from painstaking archaeological research. Thrilling stuff, and tickets can be found here.
Channel your inner diva at Barbra: The Greatest Star
From $55
Sydney’s theatre scene is serving Streisand realness on a platter with Barbra: The Greatest Star, a 75-minute love letter to the EGOT queen herself, running now through 14th February at Potts Point. Bask in the soaring Funny Girl belts, brassy Hello Dolly! anthems and fresh spins on Bab’s classics. Book your show here!
Get messy without the stress at Kaboo Studio
From $65
Kaboo Studio at Bondi Junction brings Sydney’s messiest 1-hour thrill: splash paint under ponchos and googles to craft your own 16″x 20″ canvas masterpiece—yours to take home in a custom no-drip box (you can even customise cushions, tees and mugs). With all ages welcome, just cover up and aim wild with your neon bullets. Book your slot today!
Enjoy live music sessions at Cockatoo Island
Catch the ferry to Cockatoo Island and make an evening of it with live music by the harbour. Sunset Sessions has returned to the lawns near Biloela House with a rotating line-up of Australian artists throughout summer. Gigs run on Saturday afternoons and evenings from January 10 to April 4. Find more information here.
Grab tickets to Moonlight Cinema
From $27.50-$52.50
The beloved Moonlight Cinema is back at Centennial Parklands’ Belvedere Amphitheatre with a new season running until April 5, 2026. Marking its 30th summer this year, the cinema is letting audiences vote on part of this season’s film line-up, with a number of old, new and festive films already on the cards. Find more information here.
For something offbeat, grab your tickets to Alcotraz Sydney — a one-of-a-kind, prison-themed cocktail bar where you’ll slip into a jumpsuit, sneak past the guards, and enjoy four expertly crafted cocktails inside a fully immersive prison setting. Grab your tickets here.
See Pretty Woman live on stage
Pretty Woman: The Musical is now playing at Sydney’s Theatre Royal, delivering a glossy take on the love story. A chance meeting between a Hollywood sex worker and a wealthy businessman sparks an arrangement that slowly turns into something more. Samantha Jade makes her stage debut in this feel-good spectacle. Get your tickets here.
Catch a beachside flick at Mov’in Bed Cinema
From $34
Mov’in Bed is returning to Barangaroo, turning Harbour Park into a temporary beach. The pop-up cinema features 150 queen and king beds where you can settle in to watch new releases and classic favourites. This December, enjoy Christmas favourites like Love Actually, Die Hard, Elf and more. Get your tickets here.
Jump for joy at Bubble Planet
From $46.90
Bubble Planet is a colourful event featuring 10 interactive rooms filled with balloons, lights, colourful displays, VR experiences, and more. It’s open at Sydney Olympic Park, and will delight both young and old alike – tickets are on sale here.
Check out this fun new exhibition at the AGNSW
Free
At the Art Gallery of NSW, artist Mike Hewson has transformed The Tank into something between a playground and a surreal art installation. His new exhibition, The Key’s Under the Mat, reveals a maze of interactive works, including steam rooms, saunas, running water, and even a recording studio — all open to explore. Find all the details here.
Catch Sunset Variations at dusk
Sunset Variations is a sunset concert series that has taken over the Observatory lawn this summer. Expect live music across jazz, soul and experimental sounds, paired with food, wine and gorgeous city views as the sun goes down. Performances roll out weekly until late February, with tickets priced at $10 and free entry for kids under 12. Book your tickets here.
Discover the Sydney Writers’ Festival at the State Library
The year-round program of Sydney Writers’ Festival events is already underway at the State Library, bringing more than 70 talks, workshops and readings to the venue. The lineup includes speakers such as Bob Brown, Hannah Kent and Michelle de Kretser and more. The event will take place until September 18, 2026 and promises to be the go-to spot for book lovers in the city. Find all the events at the library here.
Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences and Candlelight are bringing the magic of Middle-earth to Sydney with Candlelight: The Lord of the Rings — a classical music concert. Listen to a string quartet perform iconic scores from the trilogy, surrounded by thousands of candles. The first few concerts have already sold out, with the next spot available in March. If you know someone who’s a LOTR fan, this would make a great Christmas present! Grab your tickets.
Journey to Ancient Egypt at Horizon of Khufu
From $39.60
This fascinating VR experience promises to transport visitors to Ancient Egypt. Thanks to cutting-edge technology, you can step back in time and relive the reign of King Khufu, see giant pyramids up close, and learn more about the golden age of Egypt. The interactive experience will be held at the Sydney Olympic Park throughout October. Get your tickets.
Explore the Sydney Harbour National Park
One of the most visited national parks in NSW is right here in the heart of Sydney, and it’s the perfect weekend adventure. The Sydney Harbour National Park protects the islands and foreshore around the harbour and offers hidden beaches, lookouts, swimming spots, and more. It’s also home to Sydney’s latest 3km walking trail which is perfect for history buffs. Read all about it here.
Check out an immersive VR adventure
From $55
This award-winning, fully immersive virtual reality experience is more than just a game; it’s a cinematic journey, a puzzle challenge, and a teamwork masterclass all rolled into one. Whether you’re time-travelling to Ancient Egypt, battling as a team of Zombies, or getting sucked into a retro arcade game, Virtual Room delivers next-level entertainment with mind-blowing visuals and interactive storytelling. Book your tickets now and choose from one of the five thrilling adventures.
Catch a movie under the stars at Sunset Cinema
Sunset Cinema is back at Bondi’s Dolphin Court from November 13 to December 20 with a mix of new titles, family favourites and a few Christmas staples. Guests can bring their own food or pick up drinks, snacks and seating on site. Book your tickets here.
Catch a flick at this stunning outdoor cinema
Westpac OpenAir Cinema is back at Mrs Macquaries Point from January 9 to February 24. The long-running summer series screens a mix of classics and new releases, with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge as the backdrop. Sessions run across 47 nights, with tickets available now. Get them here.