The weekend is nearly here and we’re back with ideas to help you make the most of it. Highlights include a new immersive event at Luna Park called Sonic Neon, a mega Banksy exhibition, musicals like the Rocky Horror Show and more. Here are the best things to do in Sydney this weekend.
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Top activities
Are you looking for something memorable to do? From immersive events to comedy festivals and more, here are some of the most exciting events happening in Sydney this week.
1. Laugh it out at the Sydney Comedy Festival
The 2024 edition of the Sydney Comedy Festival is set to take over stages around the city from April 22 to May 19. Expect a stacked list of local and international comedy acts and events like the Comedy Festival Gala and an exclusive kids and family day at the popular event. Head here for details.
2. Check out Luna Park’s groovy Sonic Neon event
Sonic Neon is a brand new event taking 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.
3. Enjoy an Alice in Wonderland-themed high tea
Shangri-la Sydney is hosting an Alice in Wonderland high tea with a Tweedledee and Tweedledum’s popcorn cart, hot canapes, sandwiches and plenty of Instagrammable elements. The high tea will take place on April 26 from 12pm to 2pm and 3pm to 5pm and on April 27 and 28 from 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm. Book your spot here.
4. Have a drink at Maho Magic Bar
An exciting new event has come to town and it blends magic with delicious Japanese-inspired cocktails. 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.
5. 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.
6. Drive out to the Blue Mountains for a new light festival
For an after-dark adventure, drive out to the Blue Mountains for a new and immersive light festival called Nocturnal. Enjoy light displays and holograms and sink your teeth into delicious treats at the family-friendly event until May 11. Read more about it here.
7. Sign up for an adorable painting with puppies class
Paws n Paintz is hosting painting classes this weekend where you can embrace your inner artist and play with adorable puppies for extra motivation. The sessions will take place in Rosebery on April 26, 27 and 28. Get more information here.
8. Have heaps of Kung Fu fun at Darling Square
The school holidays are here and there’s a bunch of fun things to do. One event that is sure to delight the little ones is taking place in Darling Square and it’s perfect for Kung Fu fans. Expect photo ops, kung fu classes, themed treats and more until April 28. Find more info here.
9. Attend the Biennale of Sydney
The Biennale of Sydney is showcasing excellent art across six Sydney locations including the heritage-listed White Bay Power Station until June 10. Australia’s largest contemporary event explores the theme Ten Thousand Suns in its 24th year, showcasing groundbreaking art from Australia and around the world. Get more details here.
10. 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 in the heart of the city after a long week. Get your tickets.
11. Catch & Juliet at the Sydney Lyric Theatre
The joyful and tongue-in-cheek, & Juliet is delighting theatregoers at the Sydney Lyric Theatre until June 2. The poptastic show reimagines the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet turning Shakespeare’s tragedy into a fun-filled girl-power show. Get your tickets here.
12. Throwback to the 70s with Grease the Musical
An exciting, all-new production of Grease has opened at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre for a strictly limited season so you’ll want to get it fast. Featuring classics like You’re The One That I Want, Greased Lightnin’ and Grease is the Word, the musical will play in Sydney until June 1. Get your tickets here.
13. Get tickets for the Rocky Horror Show
Get ready to do the time warp again because the Rocky Horror Show is playing in Sydney for a limited time only. The iconic musical which has been delighting fans around the world for over 50 years is playing at the Theatre Royal Sydney until May 12 only; don’t miss out. Get your tickets here.
14. Get frisky at Blanc de Blanc
Blanc de Blanc is playing at the Grand Electric and serving up some boozy fun complete with sultry performances, aerial acrobats, lots of dancing and more. Tickets are available throughout April, head here to grab yours.
15. 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.
16. 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.
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
Top 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.
18. Check out the new Art of Banksy exhibition
The Art of Banksy exhibition wraps up its Sydney edition on May 19. Get a closer look at the mysterious and fascinating works of the elusive artist in this limited-edition exhibition. Over 160 artworks will be on display across four main sections and there’s even an infinity room featuring an infinite display of mirrors. Get your tickets.
19. 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.
20. Explore this neon-lit exhibition at the White Rabbit Gallery
A Blueprint for Ruins explores the dangers of rapid urbanisation and the subsequent loss of humanity. It features empty spaces like apartment blocks, a neon-drenched nightclub and more where people should’ve been giving visitors a glimpse into a not-so-distant future. Read all about it here and catch it at the White Rabbit Gallery until May 12.
21. Check out the Love Your Nature exhibition
Love Your Nature is a vibrant exhibition featuring over 20,000 plants and one of the largest living green walls in the Southern Hemisphere. The exhibition is open daily from 10am to 4pm. Get more info here.
22. Head to this thought-provoking free exhibition
Barbara McGrady: Australia Has a Black History showcases 30 years of Indigenous history from the lens of award-winning Gomeroi/Gamilaraay photojournalist Barbara McGrady. The exhibition dives into several historical events including the Black Lives Matter protests. It’s on until June 10. Get more information here.
23. Attend a fascinating Louise Bourgeois exhibition
Louise Bourgeois: Has the Day Invaded the Night or Has the Night Invaded the Day? at the Art Gallery of NSW marks the largest showcase of the French-American artist’s works ever exhibited in Australia. See the iconic nine-metre-high metal spider ‘Maman’ alongside 120 diverse artworks and sculptures by the acclaimed artist until April 28. Find more information here.
24. Learn more about ancient Egypt in this exclusive exhibition
Once you’ve had your fill of contemporary art, head to the Australian Museum for a huge Egyptian exhibition that will whisk you away to ancient Egypt. Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs is still on display with 181 priceless artifacts and treasures until May 18. Get ticket information and read more about it here.
25. 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.
26. 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.
27. Head to the Ryde Wharf Market
This fresh produce, hot food and artisan market is held every second and fourth Sunday of the month, from 9am – 2pm. Shop from over 70+ stalls at Anderson Park in Meadowbank on the Parramatta River. More info here.
28. Fill your bags at Kirribili Markets
One of Sydney’s oldest and most beloved markets at Kirribilli is held on the first and second Sunday and the fourth Saturday of the month. Find everything from fashion, accessories, gourmet foods and homewares at this local favourite with the Harbour Bridge in the background. Head here for details.
29. Shop at Manly Markets
Find excellent arts and crafts, handcrafted jewellery and quality artisan products at the lovely Manly Markets just a stone’s throw from the world-famous Manly Beach. The weekly markets are held every Saturday and Sunday on Sydney Road in Manly. Get more information here.
30. Head to the bustling Paddy’s Market
You’ll find the eclectic Paddy’s Market in the heart of the busy Haymarket and shoppers will be spoilt for choice here. Snag anything from souvenirs to clothes, food, accessories and more, at cheap costs at this local favourite. Head here for details.
Weekend getaways and day trips
The weekend presents the perfect opportunity to take a break from city life and enjoy the great outdoors. Here are some adventures to have on your radar.
31. Drive out to this lovely autumn garden
A 2-hour drive from Sydney will bring you to the picturesque Nooroo Garden which is already bursting with autumn colour. The picture-perfect space is perfect for a weekend picnic or a cosy catch up and you can also get your hands on hot chocolate, teas and homemade snacks. Find opening hours and more information here.
32. Check out this bookshop trail in the Blue Mountains
Did you know the Blue Mountains has its own bookshop trail? The charming trail includes 11 bookshops and runs across 7 picturesque villages making it the perfect weekend idea for book lovers. Read all about it and find the map for the trail here.
33. Go stargazing on a white sand beach
Drive down to Jervis Bay for a night of stargazing adventures. On these intimate tours, you can spot everything from the Milky Way to shooting stars and even elusive deep-space objects. And if you’re lucky, you could even catch bioluminescence on the beach. Read more about the experience here.
34. Go on a leaf-peeping adventure around Sydney
Sydney and NSW put on a stunning show during autumn. From quaint parks to sprawling gardens, parks and more, there are plenty of places to get your fill of autumn leaves this season. See the full list here.