With Easter, food markets, exhibitions and two long weekends on our radar, April is set to be an exciting month. Highlights include an extensive photography exhibition featuring the stellar works of Steve McCurry, the return of the Royal Easter Show, an underwater disco party, new restaurant openings and heaps more. There’s also autumn colours to explore and pick-your-own-sunflower events for outdoorsy folks. From new restaurants to theatre shows and more, here’s your definitive guide to all the cool events happening in Sydney this April.
1. Grab tickets for this giant Steve McCurry exhibition
Steve McCurry is an established contemporary photographer whose work has won numerous accolades over the years. Photography lovers will now get a chance to witness his work up close through the ICONS exhibition. This exhibition is a tribute to McCurry’s career and showcases a collection of over 100 images that you can experience while listening to audio descriptions from 42 selected exhibitors who will narrate the stories behind these stellar photos.
Tickets are expected to sell out fast, grab yours here.
2. Have fun at the Royal Easter Show
One of Australia’s biggest festivals, the Sydney Royal Easter Show returns to the Sydney Olympic Park from April 6-17. From mouth-watering treats to adorable furry animals and fun rides, this event has something for everyone. Don’t miss out and grab your tickets here.
3. Eat your heart out at the Ramadan Nights market
The hugely popular Ramadan markets are currently running at Lakemba until April 20. Expect cuisine from Indonesia, Burma, Pakistan, Lebanon, Cocos Islands, Syria and more in this giant global food bazaar. Camel burgers, biryani, delicious jalebi and knahfeh are just some of the many sublime dishes on offer.
4. Let your hair down at an underwater silent disco
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is bringing back its underwater silent disco for one night only so you can enjoy a boogie underwater alongside tropical fish, marine turtles and sharks. Expect floor-to-ceiling exhibits and a DJ on deck bringing everything from the latest hits to old-school favourites. Grab your tickets here.
5. Fill your bags at this lovely Easter market
The Ultimate Easter Market is coming to the Entertainment Quarter on April 8 and 9. Expect everything from incredible gifts to kids’ toys, a global gourmet food fair, art, craft, homewares and much more. There will also be a number of fun Easter-themed activations so take the little ones along.
6. Dress up for Handa Opera’s Madama Butterfly
It’s that time of the year again. Handa Opera is back with a sparkling production and this time it’s one Sydney’s all too familiar with. Madama Butterfly will make a dazzling return to the iconic floating stage with Sydney’s skyline in the background, food and drink options on-site and rousing fireworks displays. Don’t miss out, snag your tickets here before they sell out.
SEE ALSO: 9 Thrilling Theatre Shows To See In Sydney This April
7. Go on an upside down adventure
Instagram favourite the ‘House Down Under‘ has returned to Sydney, this time at the Rouse Hill Centre. In case you missed a chance to enjoy this topsy-turvy house last year, the immersive experience flips a house on its head so you can walk on ceilings and dance on the walls to your heart’s content. Grab your tickets here.
8. Watch Fantastic Mr Fox on stage
Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr. Fox is coming to the Roslyn Packer Theatre from April 19-30 for a limited run. The beloved children’s tale follows the story of Mr. Fox who lives underground beside a tree with his wife and four children who outsmart three dim-witted farmers named Boggis, Bunce and Bean. Snag your tickets here.
9. Solve a murder at the Old Government House
Solving a murder mystery is always a fun time, especially with close friends and family. In this immersive murder mystery experience, 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 for this thrilling experience here.
10. Check out the newly reopened Markets at Glebe
In case you missed it, Glebe Markets have reopened under the guidance of a new tenant, Organic Food Markets, who will continue to run the popular markets every Saturday. The business is now called ‘Markets at Glebe Public School‘ and will feature everything from second-hand clothes, food trucks, homewares, beauty and more.
11. Thrill your senses with Teleport: enLIGHTenment
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.
12. Drive out of town for an autumn glamping experience
If you’re craving a break from city life, the Mayfield Garden Autumn Festival is back complete with a luxe glamping experience. 65 hectares of garden space will be open for visitors including Australia’s largest English Box Hedge Maze, the Mayfield Amphitheatre and the Mayfield Lake. The gardens are open until the Anzac Day weekend. Head here for details.
SEE ALSO: 9 Picture-Perfect Towns Less Than 2 Hours From Sydney
13. Roam among dinosaurs at the Hunter Valley Gardens
The Hunter Valley Gardens are hosting a super fun day out this April with their exciting Mega Creatures and Mega Creatures Night Safari event. See your favourite prehistoric creatures up close and go on a nighttime safari with special lighting displays throughout the month of 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.
14. Be spellbound with 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. Grab your tickets before they sell out.
15. Pick your own sunflowers at this flower farm
The Bloom Barn, a family-owned and operated flower farm in Central Coast is hosting an exclusive pick-your-own-sunflower event this April. There’s also fire pits on-site along with complimentary marshmallows and face painting. The Bloom Barn is located on the Central Coast just 30 minutes north of Hornsby and 1 hour south of Newcastle. You can grab your tickets here.
16-20. Experience the magic of a Candlelight Concert
Attend Sydney’s beautiful Candlelight concerts and get lost in a number of familiar tunes this April. Grab tickets to tribute shows to Hans Zimmer, Coldplay, Taylor Swift and more.
🕯️Check out Candlelight: Tribute to Coldplay at the SMC
🕯️Get your tickets for Candlelight: Hans Zimmer’s Best Works at SMC
🕯️Enjoy Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen at The Concourse
🕯️Shake it off at Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift at the SMC
🕯️Get lost in Candlelight: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at The Grand Lodge, SMC
Find more dazzling Candlelight Concerts here.
21. 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 and witness the beauty of the world heritage site after dark. Get all the details plus tickets here.
22. Get tipsy at Maybe Sammy’s cocktail festival
Maybe Sammy is bringing a snazzy cocktail event to town from April 12-19 and some of the most well-known bars from around the world are set to participate including Sips from Barcelona and Jigger & Pony from Singapore. The inaugural Maybe Cocktail Festival will also feature industry masterclasses and panel discussions. Find the full list of participating bars here.
23. Party all day and all night with S.A.S.H
S.A.S.H is hosting two killer events this April — S.A.S.H Sundays: Party by Day and Night and S.A.S.H 13th Birthday Easter Long Weekend Party. Block out the dates and let your hair down to an incredible line-up of artists at these two exciting parties.
24. Enter the haunted Parramatta Gaol for a movie night
If you missed out on Haus of Horror’s previous screenings, they’re back this April and they’re pulling all the stops for their final show of the season. Enjoy a special screening of the original slasher film Scream on Saturday, April 15 and enjoy live music along with a range of food and drink options on-site. Grab your tickets here.
25. Grab a treat at this new heritage cafe
A cosy new cafe called Havenstone has opened in the heart of Parramatta and it’s bringing a slice of history to the busy suburb. Set in the historic Female Factory, which operated from 1821 to 1847, the heritage spot is open seven days a week and spearheaded by head chef, Anthony Doueihi. See their menu offerings here.
SEE ALSO: 20 Super Instagrammable Cafés You Need To Visit In Sydney
26. Step inside Darkfield’s spooky shipping containers
Darkfield is bringing two of its acclaimed 360-degree sensory experiences to Sydney and they’re not for the faint of heart. Taking place in dark shipping containers, Flight will make its NSW premiere and Séance makes its long-awaited return since its huge debut in 2017. Read more about this immersive experience here.
27. Head to the Sydney Observatory for stargazing, bites and booze
Powerhouse has announced a new monthly program presented right under the stars. Get fresh perspectives from leading astronomers while enjoying music, food and drinks from leading NSW producers. This month, observe a partial Solar Eclipse on Thursday, April 20 at the Sydney Observatory.
28. Check out this colourful exhibition
A vibrant and interactive exhibition has taken over the Museum Of Sydney. Titled Playscapes, the exhibit features a series of engaging experiences and activities that are meant to draw out your creativity. Perfect for both kids and adults, the exhibition is completely free to visit until June 4, 2023.
29. Have a ball at 360 Allstars
Expect BMX, basketball, breakdancing, acrobatics, drumming and more in the super exciting 360 Allstars from April 11-14. Boasting an excellent cast of world champion and world record-holding artists and athletes, this production is a thrilling blend of art and dance inspired by street culture. Head here for tickets.
30. Go on a free heritage tour with the Fullerton Hotel
Keen to learn more about Sydney’s rich past? Add Fullerton Hotel’s heritage tour to your list. It’s a fun and totally free activity which takes place at the Sydney General Post Office, a building that was built in 1866. After you’ve learnt all about the history and culture of the former GPO, make a beeline to The Fullerton for their Afternoon Easter Tea and binge on hot cross buns, carrot tarts and smoked egg sandwiches over the Easter weekend. Find more information here.