Things are — quite literally — heating up in Sydney right now, and as is befitting of our more hospitable weather, there’s plenty to see and do this weekend. Highlights include the highly anticipated Coldplay concerts, a giant Magritte exhibition, an incredible VR journey to Ancient Egypt experience, and more. Here are all the best things to do in Sydney this weekend.
1. Check out the free summer events at The Rocks
The Rocks has launched a fabulous and free activities program for summer that includes everything from free movies under the stars to run clubs and more. Weekend activities include free Yoga Under the Bridge, The Rocks’ open-air markets and a breezy picnic by the water.
2. Get a head start on your Christmas shopping (or pick up something for yourself) at this huge design market
The Finders Keepers Sydney Design Market returns to Carriageworks this weekend for its final edition of 2024. From You can explore artisan wares and food and drink offerings by over 160 independent Australian makers at this three-day market, making it the perfect spot to pick up a thoughtful gift (for yourself or someone else) this festive season. Get all the info here.
3. Take a dip in this free harbourside pool
Pier One has unveiled a harbourside swimming pool — and entry is free. If you’re looking to make a splash with your next poolside party, book your spot and head to the Dawes Point hotel to enjoy refreshing drinks, delicious bites, and stunning waterfront views. If overcrowded beaches and public pools aren’t your thing, consider yourself in luck — this intimate floating oasis, which is conveniently perched on the hotel’s private pontoon, accommodates a maximum of 25 people at any one time. Find out more here
4. Head to this huge Magritte exhibition
René Magritte created some of the most renowned pieces in the 20th-century surrealist movement, revealing the hidden beauty and intrigue in ordinary objects and settings. Magritte will feature more than 100 remarkable works in Australia’s first-ever retrospective of the groundbreaking Belgian artist. Find out more here.
5. Head to the Hunter Valley’s Christmas Lights Spectacular
The countdown to Christmas has begun! Get into the festive spirit at the Hunter Valley Gardens’ Christmas Lights Spectacular, Australia’s largest light display featuring over 4 million lights. As well as illuminated displays like 10-metre-tall Christmas trees, a 5-metre-tall teddy bear seat and more, the festival also features rides and a range of eats. Find out more here.
6. Have an ext-roar-dinary time at Dinos Alive
The Dinos Alive exhibit promises a roaring good time for all. Explore life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, and engaging displays and learn more about the age of dinosaurs in this interactive experience. The exhibition also includes a VR experience that will transport you to a time when these magnificent creatures roamed the earth. Get your tickets here.
7. Dress to impress for Six the Musical
Six the Musical is back at Theatre Royal Sydney after its successful run two years ago. This vibrant show, crafted by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, presents the tale of Henry VIII’s six wives through an exciting pop concert format. Tickets are now available; grab yours here.
8. Explore Sydney’s jacaranda trail
Jacaranda season has arrived and colourful pops of lilac can now be seen throughout the city. From the beautiful canopies at Kirribilli to the purple blooms of the Royal Botanic Gardens, the best spots to see jacaranda in Sydney this season can be found here.
9. Graze your way through this new night hawker market
The Inner West has just scored a huge new permanent hawker-style night market. Spicetown has taken over Norton Street’s old Leichhardt Hotel with a huge selection of international eats on offer, as well as a vibey rooftop bar. Find out more here.
10. Get tickets for Horizon of Khufu
An incredible VR experience in Sydney promises to transport guests to Ancient Egypt. Through the immersive Horizon of Khufu experience, guests can put on a VR headset and discover the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Sphinx, and more up close. Get your tickets here.
11. Step into the vibrant Lite-Brite: Worlds of Wonder
An immersive new experience has landed in Sydney and it promises the perfect family-friendly adventure this weekend. Go through a cinematic journey and traverse the age of dinosaurs, a futuristic sci-fi world, go deep beneath the oceans, and a lot more at Lite-Brite. If your interest is piqued, get your tickets soon.
12. Explore a rainforest without leaving the CBD
Alchemy of a Rainforest is an interactive new offering by the Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney. Walk through canopies of dense rainforest, listen to soothing birdsong, discover giant sculptures, and see one of the largest living green walls in the Southern Hemisphere in this splendid new exhibition.
13. Get fancy at the Champagne Jacquart Bar
The Champagne Jacquart Bar is a chic high-tea pop-up in Sydney and makes for the perfect weekend activity if you’re looking to spend some quality time with friends and family. With delicious sweet and savoury finger food, fine champagne, and a wonderful atmosphere, the high tea offers a touch of elegance in the heart of the city. Get your tickets.
14. Check out Luna Park’s groovy Sonic Neon event
Sonic Neon is a multisensory event that has taken over The Crystal Palace at Luna Park. This immersive rave experience comes with lights, sound and eight-themed rooms. The fun and interactive event opens this weekend, get your tickets.
15. Take a stroll through 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.
16. 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.
17. Catch Hamilton at the Sydney Lyric Theatre
Hamilton is playing in Sydney for a strictly limited season and you can catch it at the Sydney Lyric Theatre until the end of this year. Set to a score that combines hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway the Olivier and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical is a revolutionary story that you can’t afford to miss. Get your tickets here.
18. 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.
19. 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.
20. Go on a whale-watching adventure
Whale-watching season is well and truly underway — but it’s nearly over for another year, with May to November known as 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.
21. Stop by the Manly open-air markets
The Manly Markets are held every Saturday and Sunday on the Corso and Sydney Road in Manly from 9am to 5pm. Spend the day strolling around the markets and get your hands on quality artisan products, handcrafted jewellery, vintage clothing, art and much more. Get more details here.
22. 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.
23. Spend the weekend exploring Newtown
From its colourful street art and quirky boutiques to the endless cafes, bars, and live music venues, there’s something for everyone in the eclectic neighbourhood of Newtown. Take a stroll down King Street, discover hidden gems, find the best vintage stores and more with our comprehensive guide to Newtown.
24. Go on a vintage steam train ride
With school holidays around the corner, now is the perfect time to plan a family getaway. One of our favourite nostalgic activities is hopping on a steam train and exploring the countryside. There are plenty of excellent heritage train rides that depart from or around Sydney. Take your pick from this list.