There are only two months left before we say goodbye to 2022. Good news is that there’s still heaps left to be done and Sydney is only shining brighter ahead of the festive season. November in Sydney means street parties, art exhibitions, inventive dining experiences and the beginnings of Christmas festivities. Whether you’re a foodie, art lover or music buff, this is the perfect month to be out and about in Sydney. Get in the spirit of the season with all the brilliant events and experiences the city has to offer. Here are some of the best things happening in Sydney this month.
1. Enjoy the last of Sculpture by the Sea
After two years of cancellations, Sydney’s iconic ‘Sculpture by the Sea’ exhibition will make a triumphant return this October. See over 100 artworks across Bondi to Tamarama from October 21 – November 7.
2. Eat to your heart’s content at the Surry Hills food festival
‘The Heart of Surry Hills’ is an amalgamation of a community art project, walking tours, live music and lots of good food. Some of Surry Hills’ finest dining institutions will come together for this November-long event.
3. See the magical Cinderella musical
The long-awaited Tony Award-winning Broadway production of ‘Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella’ has officially opened at the Sydney Lyric Theatre.
4. Soak up the sun at The Strand Rooftop
The Strand Hotel has opened a new rooftop bar and hotel just in time for rooftop bar season. The 99-year-old institution is serving up a menu with Parisian flair and ]views over William Street in Darlinghurst.
5. Catch Atilla at the Sydney Opera House
The iconic revenge opera, ‘Attila’, is taking center stage at Sydney Opera House for four unmissable performances. This 19th-century classic tells a story of love and conquest based loosely on the history of Attila, King of the Huns. Enjoy drama and breathtaking music and see two live horses lend their acting chops to the exciting performance! Attila is historically rich and rarely performed on stage, which is exactly why it’s our must-see production of the season. Book your tickets for Opera Australia’s Attila here.
6. Wind down with a traditional tea ceremony
Drink a variety of exotic teas and learn all about them at this intricate and tailored tea ceremony by Altitude Teas.
7. Have a ball at Chaos Lab
Chaos Lab is a brand new event that combines creativity, imagination and colour. Grab your tickets here.
8. Fill your bags at the Sydney Vegan Market
The Sydney Vegan Market will be back on November 20 for a day of vegan treats, yoga, music and more. Find more info here.
9. Dine at the Harbour Bridge pop-up restaurant
Celebrity chef Luke Mangan is serving up a culinary experience for the books. Luke’s Table at the Pylon Lookout launches this November with a three-course menu and drinks list and stunning views over the harbour from Pylon Lookout.
10. Get immersed in a neon playground in Chinatown
A neon exhibition called ‘Neon Playground’ has taken over Chinatown and will be on until November 20 with art, light, food and music lined up.
SEE ALSO: 9 Picture-Perfect Towns That Are Less Than 2 Hours From Sydney
11. Shop at a new gourmet produce market
Cambridge Markets is back with a new offering, this time bang in the middle of the CBD. Get your hands on fresh food, vegetables, meats, pasta, cakes and a whole lot more on November 10.
12-20. Be dazzled by a Candlelight Concert
Watch Sydney’s beautiful Candlelight concerts and get lost in a number of familiar tunes this November. Grab tickets to tribute shows to Hans Zimmer, Adele and more. There’s also a special Halloween edition to get into the spirit of the season.
🕯️Candlelight Open-Air: Best of Hans Zimmer at The Calyx
🕯️Candlelight: Best of Joe Hisaishi
🕯️Candlelight: Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake & More ft. Ballet at The Concourse
🕯️Candlelight: A Tribute to Jay Chou
🕯️Candlelight Open-Air: Film Scores at The Calyx
🕯️Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen at The SMC
🕯️Candlelight: Chopin’s Best Works
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Adele at St. Stephens Church
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Jay Chou at The Concourse
21. Lend your support to this Aboriginal arts market
Carriageworks is hosting the Southeast Aboriginal Arts Market with over 250 artworks on display including ceramics, jewellery, weaving, carving, textiles, photography, painting and prints. 100% of the proceeds will go to the artists.
22. Get boujee at a French-Inspired dinner and show
The Opera House is currently hosting ‘L’Hôtel’ — an immersive dinner that combines cabaret, fashion and circus for a truly one-of-a-kind dining experience. Grab your tickets here.
23. Prepare to be spooked by this vampire thriller
Love all things related to vampires? Check out ‘Let The Right One In’, a dark, bone-chilling mystery currently playing at the Eternity Playhouse.
24. Try 24 margarita flavours at Ritapalooza
El Camino Cantina is currently hosting its slushie margarita festival with 24 limited-edition flavours on the menu. Get your fill of these colourful margaritas until November 27.
25. Enjoy a musical adaptation of Ferdinand the Bull
Current concertmaster of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and former lead of the World Orchestra for Peace Andrew Haveron joins Australian classical pianist Simon Tedeschi for the musical adaptation of Ferdinand the Bull with complimentary cake to go with the concert.
26. Go hunting for spirits with a ghostly garden tour
Have you ever been to the Royal Botanic Garden after hours? Now’s your chance. At their Ghostly Garden tour, you’ll find creepy grottos and dark ponds along with stories from the past. Grab your tickets here.
27. Enjoy the Darling Harbour fireworks
Enjoy glittering fireworks every Saturday in November along Cockle Bay Wharf, Harbourside Shopping Centre, King Street Wharf and Barangaroo.
28. Check out the new and improved Bondi Pavillion
The Pav is back and it’s looking better than ever before. It’s recently reopened with new dining spaces, murals and an art gallery.
29. Don’t miss the electric Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Enter a world of glamour, glitz and extravagance with Moulin Rouge! The Musical. On at the Capitol Theatre, this is one of the most awaited musical offerings of the year.
30. Beat the heat at this waterpark and dinosaur lagoon
It’s getting warmer with each passing day, make the most of this sunny weather at Raging Waters — NSW’s largest waterpark with rides, slides and its very own dinosaur lagoon.
SEE ALSO: 21 Of The Best Things To Do In Sydney If You Only Have 48 Hours
31. Check out this huge shark exhibition
If sharks intrigue you, the Australian Museum’s latest exhibition is one you’ll want to check out. Attend free talks by shark experts, photography workshops and more.
32. Cosy up at a free outdoor cinema
Not only is the Laneway Cinema completely free but it also comes with bean bags, fairy lights and no requirement for prior bookings. Just show up to The Rocks on Wednesday and enjoy a movie under the stars.
33. Go on a glass bottom boat tour
See turtles, tropical sharks, sawfish and much more at close quarters thanks to Sea Life Sydney Aquarium’s glass bottom boat tours this November.
34. Enjoy dinner and a show at The Magician’s Cabaret
The Magician’s Cabaret is super popular for its extravagant shows and excellent dinners. There’s no other show in Sydney quite like The Underground Burlesque Experience or La Belle Rose—Sydney’s longest-running cabaret show.
35. Amplify your taste buds at the Italian edition of Dining in the Dark
Dining in the Dark is back with an Italian edition and it’s an experience like no other. Get tickets here.
36. Revisit the 90s with the Unpopular exhibition
‘Unpopular’ is the latest offering by Powerhouse and it’s a must-visit for music lovers. The exhibition spotlights the never-before-seen archive of music mogul Stephen Pavlovic with behind-the-scenes footage of brands like Nirvana and Beastie Boys.
37. Explore the Blue Mountains with an astrophysicist
Walking through the Blue Mountains never gets old. On this guided tour, you’ll be accompanied by an astrophysicist who will answer all your questions. Get all the details plus tickets here.
SEE ALSO: The Secret Sydney Guide To Jervis Bay
38. Attend an exhibition celebrating the life of Carla Zampatti
The Carla Zampatti retrospective exhibition has been in the works for a long time. Showcasing the life and works of one of Australia’s most celebrated designers, the exhibition is now set to open on November 24.
39. Sing along at a new Broadway diner
A new American-style diner is coming to town complete with singing waitstaff, neon lights and a funky backdrop. Plus there’s classic burgers, shakes and fries to round out the experience.
40. Tackle an immersive murder mystery experience
Elizabeth Bay House is the scene of a crime and you and your team need to come together to try and solve the mystery. The task at hand requires you to put on your detective hats and put two and two together in this unique and fun experience. Get all the details plus ticket info here.
41. Watch a movie under the stars with Moonlight Cinema
Moonlight Cinema is one of the most exciting summertime offerings and it’s coming back this month. Program details are yet to be confirmed but keep your eyes on their website for more.
SEE ALSO: 12 Delightful Places To Have High Tea In Sydney
42-47. See jacarandas in bloom
Jacaranda season is here and these are the best spots to see these lovely blooms.
💜 The Royal Botanic Gardens and the City
💜 Kirribilli
💜 University of Sydney
💜 Oxford Street and Glenmore Road
💜 Camden
💜 Grafton
48. Watch 20,000 plants on display at the Royal Botanic Garden
The Royal Botanic Garden is hosting a massive exhibition called ‘Love Your Nature’ with over 20,000 plants on display. It’s on until November 30.
49. Experience luxury and magic at this charming event
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.
SEE ALSO: 10 Super Cool Things To Do In Sydney For Just Under $10
50. Explore Newtown with these 12 things to do
Newtown is where all the cool people go. Filled with art, coffee, music and shopping, this Sydney neighbourhood stands out for its unique vibe. Check out this guide on all the fun things to do in this vibrant part of Sydney.
51. Fill your bags with goodies at the Makers and Shakers market
Makers and Shakers is returning to the White Bay Cruise Terminal this November for a special Christmas edition. Shop from 100 vendors across homewares, fashion, food and more.
52. Go stargazing at the Sydney Observatory
Powerhouse has announced a new monthly program presented right under the stars at Sydney Observatory. This November expect stargazing, music and food on the cards.
53. Grab dumplings for 80 cents
Chef Chen Dumplings is a recently opened Chinese restaurant and they’re slinging 80-cent dumplings for an indefinite time in celebration.
54. Get lost in the ‘I Loved You’ exhibition
‘I Loved You’ is the White Rabbit Gallery’s new exhibition and it’s a must-visit if you consider yourself somewhat of a romantic. It’s on now until November 2022.
55. Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Opera House
The 50th-anniversary celebrations of the Opera House are currently underway with a number of renowned contemporary music artists will taking center stage from November 10-19.
56. Dig into loaded jaffles and fritters at Flyover Fritterie
Flyover Fritterie is a cosy Redfern spot serving delicious Indian street food with a twist. Enjoy chai, creamy stew with dal, mushroom momos and more hearty dishes in this colourful eatery.
57. Drink and dance at Sydney Streets
Sydney Streets is back and taking over one town with live music, eats and more. On the agenda for November is Glebe Point Road (November 5) and Potts Point on November 12.
58. Get free dance lessons at Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour is hosting free dance sessions every second Friday. Watch dancers battling it out, impromptu dance sessions and DJs mixing tunes until November 25. More info here.
59. Catch everything dropping on Netflix
Bit of a homebody and have no qualms about it? Netflix is here for you and it’s bringing the goods this November. You can look forward to The Crown, season 5, 1899, Enola Holmes 2, Dead to Me season 3 and so much more.
60. Pack a picnic and head to the secret Bible Garden
The Bible Garden is a perfectly hidden spot in Palm Beach. The quiet, contemplative spot is surrounded with beautiful views and is the perfect spot away from the city.