The weekend is finally here and we’re back with brand new ideas to help you make the most of it. Highlights include outdoor cinemas, musicals, immersive experiences and colourful exhibitions. If you’re looking to get out and about and take advantage of everything that’s on offer in Sydney, check out our comprehensive weekend guide below.
1. Enjoy your fave street food at the Ramadan Nights market
Lakemba’s hugely popular Ramadan markets are back for another edition from March 21 until April 20. Expect cuisine from Indonesia, Burma, Pakistan, Lebanon, Cocos Islands, Syria and more in this giant global food bazaar. Read all about it here.
2. Catch a screening of Beetlejuice in a cemetery
After a successful movie night at Parramatta Gaol last month, Haus of Horror is back with another spooky screening. This time you can watch Beetlejuice at Camperdown Cemetery in Newtown on Saturday, March 25. At this true immersive experience, guests can also enjoy live music, themed cocktails and food trucks on-site. Grab your tickets here.
3. See the joyful production of Hairspray
The feel-good and fabulous Hairspray the Musical is currently delighting Sydneysiders at the Sydney Lyric Theatre. The heartwarming musical embodies a great message of body positivity and equality while being fun and lighthearted. There’s only two more weeks to go so don’t miss out.
4. Catch a show on Sydney’s iconic floating stage
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour is back for another run from March 24 until April 23. Madama Butterfly will make a dazzling return to Mrs Macquaries Point complete with a stunning harbourside setting, nightly fireworks and food and drink options on-site. Grab your tickets here before they sell out.
5. Visit this recently transformed laneway in the city
A super hidden spot in Rose Bay has had a major makeover and it looks absolutely gorgeous. Expect lush greens, pretty lights, vibrant murals by local artists and cosy coffee shops at Collins Laneway. Find it between Collins Avenue and New South Head Road. Read more about it here.
6. Check out this vibrant new exhibition
The Museum Of Sydney is currently hosting a colourful new exhibition called PlayScapes that features a series of engaging connected experiences for kids and adults alike. The showcase is meant to encourage creativity and problem-solving and it’s completely free to visit.
7. Drive out to the Blue Mountains for an autumn fest
The Blue Mountains are celebrating autumn with a giant festival of food, music, stargazing and so much more. Get on board and enjoy Lebanese feasts, fireside storytelling, masquerade balls and dreamy music sessions. See all the exciting events here.
8. Step inside this immersive art experience
Teleport: enLIGHTenment is an interactive experience that combines elements of art, technology and storytelling. Enjoy captivating visual and audio effects, take memorable photographs against striking backdrops and see the many exciting installations on display.
Grab your tickets here.
9. Catch dreamy sunset music sessions at Cockatoo Island
You can enjoy Cockatoo Island’s famous Sunset Sessions by the harbour throughout March. On Saturday, March 25, listen to Mylee Grace & Big Wheels perform live at the picturesque location of the historic Biloela House at Cockatoo Island. Plus find food and refreshments by Marina Café & Bar including grazing boxes and drinks on-site. Book your tickets here.
10. Do the time warp again at The Rocky Horror Show
Rock and roll classic The Rocky Horror Show is turning 50 this year and to celebrate its touring major Australian cities. The high-energy musical is currently playing at the Sydney Theatre Royal and you can snag your tickets here. If you want your experience to stand out, don’t forget to check out the Thrills and Chills pop-up bar at Pullman Sydney Hyde Park which is serving “The Time Warp” cocktails and “Don’t dream it, bite it” shared canapés until April 2. Learn more here.
11. Head to North Sydney for an outdoor movie sesh
Another beautiful Sydney location is hosting an outdoor cinema with an excellent line-up of movies from fresh blockbusters to old classics and family favourites. This weekend, watch Puss in Boots: The Last Wish on Saturday, March 25 at the North Sydney Opal. Book your tickets here.
12. Get your sparklers out for Blanc de Blanc Encore
Blanc de Blanc’s encore season is an intoxicating blend of fun, flirtation and acrobats. After a spectacular world premiere at the Opera House in 2019, the show is now running at a sparkling new circus and cabaret venue, The Grand Electric in Surry Hills until Sunday, April 23. Grab your tickets here.
13. Discover some Disney magic at The Grounds
To celebrate Disney’s 100th anniversary, The Grounds is doing a nostalgic Disney theme featuring all your favourite Disney characters and references. Find gorgeous laneways lit up by neon lights, pretty archways and sparkly installations through to April.
14. Watch a free outdoor movie in Telopea
Parramatta’s Outdoor Cinema Series is back with a number of family-friendly movies lined up throughout March. This Saturday, March 25 watch Minions: Rise of Gru at Sturt Park, Telopea under the stars. There’s also food trucks and roving entertainment on-site.
15. Go stargazing with an astrophysicist as your guide
If you enjoy learning about the night sky, the stars and everything in between you’ll want to check out this event in the Blue Mountains. With an astrophysicist guiding you, get answers to some of your most sought-after questions on this dreamy guided tour. Grab your tickets here.
16. Solve a murder at Old Government House
The 19th-century Old Government House in Sydney is the scene of a chilling crime and you will need to don your detective’s hat to get to the bottom of the mystery. Grab your tickets here for this thrilling and immersive murder mystery experience.
17. 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
18. Throwback to the 90s with the Unpopular exhibition
‘Unpopular’ is the current cultural offering that has taken over Powerhouse and it’s a must-visit for music lovers. Explore the never-before-seen archive of music mogul Stephen Pavlovic along with behind-the-scenes footage of brands like Nirvana and Beastie Boys. It’s on until June 4, 2023.
19. Discover these lovely sunflower fields in NSW
There’s a small window to enjoy blooming sunflowers in NSW. If you’re looking to get your fill of these bright yellow blooms, head out of town to these sunflower fields for a picturesque adventure.