With Easter, food markets, exhibitions, and a long weekend on our radar, April is set to be an exciting month. Highlights include the Sydney Royal Easter Show, Life Chronicles immersive VR exhibition, and Scenic World’s Nocturnal light festival. There is also autumn foliage to discover, new musicals, and exciting foodie events to try. Here’s your definitive guide to all the fun events happening in Sydney this April.
1. Head to Scenic World’s light festival
A fabulous light festival will take over the Blue Mountains from April 3 to May 11 with plenty of after-hours adventures planned for all ages. See dazzling light displays and holograms, eat delicious treats, ride the world’s steepest railway, and a lot more. Find more details here.
2. Dress Up for Guys and Dolls
Handa Opera is back, this year with a stunning new production of Guys and Dolls. Head to Mrs Macquarie’s Point and enjoy an evening of entertainment, lovely city skyline views, and rousing fireworks every night. The show will play until April 20. Get more information here.
3. Have fun at the Royal Easter Show
One of Australia’s biggest festivals, the Sydney Royal Easter Show, will return to the Sydney Olympic Park from April 11 to 22. From mouth-watering treats to adorable furry animals and fun rides, this event has something for everyone. Find out all the highlights here.
4. Laugh out loud at the Sydney Comedy Festival
The Sydney Comedy Festival returns from April 21 to May 18 with a stacked program. Expect fresh comedy acts, local comedy superstars, international acts, and a lot more. Find the full line-up and get your tickets here.
5. Take an immersive VR journey through Earth’s history at Life Chronicles
Now open at the Fever Pavilion at Sydney Showground, Life Chronicles is a head-spinning but highly enjoyable rip through 3.5 billion years of Earth’s history and its organisms. Pop on your VR headset and take a ride through the evolutionary phases of our planet, encountering everything from single-celled organisms to dinosaurs to reptiles. It’s entertaining and educational in equal measure, so book a visit here to enjoy it!
6. Shop at the new and improved Hay St Market
Hay St Market is now open seven days a week, paying homage to the historic Paddy’s Markets site. The market spans 3,000+ square meters, with over 48 stalls and more than 25 international cuisines to explore, offering a mix of street food, retail shops, two bars, and much more. Find out more here.
7. See Hans Zimmer in concert
Hans Zimmer, the renowned composer behind some of Hollywood’s most iconic film scores, will be performing in Australia. The concert will feature music from blockbusters like Pirates of the Caribbean, Interstellar, The Dark Knight, The Lion King, and more. See him live in Sydney at the Qudos Bank Arena on Saturday, April 26.
8. Catch Cao Fei: My City is Yours (曹斐: 欢迎登陆) at AGNSW
The Art Gallery of New South Wales is currently presenting the first major solo exhibition in Australia by acclaimed Chinese contemporary artist Cao Fei. Cao Fei: My City is Yours (曹斐: 欢迎登陆) is a Sydney-exclusive exhibition that delves into China’s rapid urban, technological, and social changes from the Y2K era to today. The exhibition closes this April, so don’t miss it. Book your tickets here.
9. Go on a guided tour of Sydney Observatory
Take a guided tour of the Sydney Observatory, perched atop the highest natural point in Sydney Cove. Learn more about its history, discover classic and contemporary telescopes, and enjoy panoramic views of Sydney Harbour. Tours run from Wednesday to Saturday. Book your spot here.
10. Don’t miss out on Les Misérables
To mark its 40th anniversary, Les Misérables, the world’s longest-running musical, is going on a special arena tour, including performances in Australia. Experience this iconic production live at the ICC Theatre in Sydney from April 30, 2025.
11. Get transported to the magical world of Snow White
The Grounds of Alexandria’s latest installation is a must-visit for Disney lovers. This whimsical pop-up, inspired by Snow White, offers a stroll through an enchanted forest, complete with charming wooden huts and themed food and drinks. Please note, the laneway installations are now reserved only for diners. Book a spot here.
12. Catch a tribute to Peter Kingston
The State Library of NSW is presenting a moving tribute to Sydney artist Peter Kingston. The exhibition showcases his distinctive landscape paintings, focusing on the sights and architectural landmarks of the Sydney Harbour. Discover more about the exhibition here.
13. Embark on an adventure to Machu Picchu
Sydney is now the host of an extraordinary journey that will transport you to one of the most awe-inspiring destinations in the world: Peru. The Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru exhibition is open at the Australian Museum. This one-of-a-kind experience will take you deep into the heart of ancient Peru, showcasing centuries of history, breathtaking artefacts, and the stunning beauty of civilisations lost to time.
14. Get nostalgic for the Annie musical
Based on the beloved Harold Gray comic strip Little Orphan Annie, the musical Annie has captivated audiences since its debut on Broadway in 1977. Now, it’s coming to the Capitol Theatre in Sydney before heading to Melbourne’s Princess Theatre in July. Secure your tickets here.
15. Experience the magic of a Candlelight Concert
Attend one of Sydney’s beautiful Candlelight concerts and get lost in a number of familiar tunes this March. Tickets are available for tribute shows to Queen, Coldplay, Joe Hisaishi, and more.
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Coldplay
🕯️Candlelight: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Metallica
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Joe Hisaishi
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift
🕯️Candlelight: Rings and Dragons
🕯️Candlelight: Best of Fleetwood Mac
🕯️Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen
🕯️Candlelight: Hans Zimmer’s Best Works
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to The Beatles
🕯️Candlelight Jazz & Soul: Amy Winehouse, Aretha Franklin and More
🕯️Candlelight: The Best of Britpop ft Oasis, Blur & More
🕯️Candlelight: Best of Magical Movie Soundtracks
🕯️Candlelight: Featuring Mozart, Bach, and Timeless Composers
16. Get your tickets for MJ the musical
MJ the Musical has made its big Australian premiere at the Sydney Lyric Theatre this February. Inspired by Jackson’s legendary 1992 Dangerous World Tour, this Tony Award-winning jukebox musical takes audiences on an unforgettable journey through the King of Pop’s career. The show is playing for a limited time only exclusively in Sydney. Get your tickets here.
17. Shop at the Heart of Randwick Night Market
Cambridge Markets are bringing a 50-stall night market to town this April with a wide range of food, live music, and local shopping on offer. The Heart of Randwick night market will also feature drop-in art making, artist workshops, and performance workshops. It will be held on April 11 from 3pm to 9pm. Find more information here.
18. Drive out of town for an autumn glamping experience
If you’re craving a break from city life, Mayfield Garden’s luxe glamping experience is the perfect way to spoil yourself. Stay overnight in a cosy glamping tent and enjoy 65 hectares of garden space, including Australia’s largest English Box Hedge Maze, the Mayfield Amphitheatre, and the Mayfield Lake. Book a stay here.
19. Roam among dinosaurs at the Hunter Valley Gardens
The Hunter Valley Gardens will host their exciting Mega Creatures and Mega Creatures Night Safari event from April 5 to May 4. See your favourite prehistoric creatures up close and go on a nighttime safari with special lighting displays throughout April. You can also get a taste of all the gardens’ popular rides like the Carousel, Swing Chair, and Giant Ferris Wheel. Book your tickets here.
20. Attend the Matildas vs Korea Republic match
The CommBank Matildas will face off against AFC Women’s Asian Cup silver medallists, Korea Republic, this April. The matches will take place at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium on Friday, April 4, and McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on Monday, April 7. Get your tickets here.
21. Catch a production of Hadestown
The award-winning Broadway sensation Hadestown is now playing at Theatre Royal Sydney. Created by singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell and visionary director Rachel Chavkin, this acclaimed musical offers a bold reimagining of the ancient Greek legend of Orpheus and Eurydice. Get your tickets here.
22. Plan a road trip to Berry
The Easter long weekend is coming, so we suggest making the most of it and planning a short trip out of town. One country town that won’t disappoint any time of the year is Berry in the Shoalhaven region, with a burgeoning food scene, historic buildings, and lovely cafes.
23. Get spooked at a Ghostly Garden Tour
Embark on a spooky ghost tour through the Royal Botanic Garden this April. Hear creepy stories on this 90-minute tour where you will be taken around the garden after hours and hear more about its past. Get more info and ticket details here.
24. Try Dining in the Dark
Looking for something unique to do this April? Try Dining in the Dark, the unique foodie experience where guests can enjoy a secret 3-course menu complete with dessert, blindfolded. Three menu options are available, namely meat, seafood, and vegetarian.
Make your reservation for Dining in the Dark at Capriccio Osteria or
Snag a table at Beast&Co.
25. Enjoy this intimate magic show
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.