Welcome to the final month of winter. August is brimming with vibrant outdoor adventures and plenty of fun activities that will tempt you to leave the comfort of your home. Settle in for a jam-packed month of festivals, immersive pop-ups, exhibitions, and more. Highlights include big-ticket musicals like MJ, Back to the Future, and more. Plus, boost your serotonin with the lovely Cherry Blossom Festival and get your fill of cosy winter treats at one of Sydney’s many excellent winter markets. Here are some exciting things to do this August in Sydney.
1. Explore the stunning Cherry Blossom Festival
Western Sydney’s popular Cherry Blossom Festival returns this August for nine days of pretty pink flowers, a Japanese Food Village, live entertainment, workshops, and a delightful cherry blossom trail. There’s also sake, mocktails, and a number of cherry blossom-themed dishes to devour. The festival will take place at the Auburn Botanic Gardens from Saturday, August 16, to Sunday, August 24.
Read more about the Cherry Blossom Festival.
2. Take a scenic trip on the Kiama Picnic Train
Planning a quick winter escape? The Kiama Picnic Train is back this August, winding through the Royal National Park and along the sparkling coastline of the Pacific Ocean before pulling into Kiama, where you can enjoy seaside markets, browse local shops, and more. July tickets are now on sale, get yours here.
3. Step aboard the Titanic
More than a century after the RMS Titanic sank, its story still grips the world, and now, one of the most powerful exhibitions about that night has landed in Sydney. Titanic. The Human Story brings real objects from the infamous night, untold accounts, and haunting moments that are sure to fascinate at the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct. Grab your tickets here.
4. Enjoy movie magic with Willoughby Symphony Orchestra
Whether you’re a film fanatic, crazy about classical music, or just love an excuse to get dressed up, A Night at the Oscars with Willoughby Symphony Orchestra is not an event you won’t want to miss. On August 16-17 at The Concourse Concert Hall, Dr Nicholas Milton AM and one of Germany’s finest violinists, Rosa Donata Milton, will accompany the orchestra in performing movie classics from the silver screen. You’ll be treated to renditions from Schindler’s List, Forrest Gump, Angels and Demons, Spiderman, and many more. So dig out your best red carpet-worthy attire and prepare to have your photo taken by the Oscars statue, before attending Willoughby Symphony Orchestra’s biggest night of the year. Book your tickets now.
5. Catch a side-splitting theatre show at The Book of Mormon
The Book of Mormon has been going down an absolute treat with Secret Sydneysiders. Haven’t seen it yet? Showing now at the Capitol Theatre, The Book of Mormon takes you on an adventure, far, far away from Salt Lake City, with a mismatched pair of missionaries. Tickets to this award-winning show are selling fast, so secure yours and prepare to cry tears of laughter at the most outrageous musical comedy you’ve ever seen.
6. Head to the purrrfect Cat Lovers Festival
The Sydney Cat Lovers Festival is coming to town on August 23 and 24, and it’s a slice of heaven for cat-mad folk. Expect talks, demonstrations, and over 200 rare and popular breeds of cats at the venue. There’s also an exclusive Pat-A-Cat Zone if you’re keen on some feline therapy. The event will take place at the Sydney Showground across two days in August.
7. Discover a secret wildflower reserve
The Muogamarra Nature Reserve transforms into an actual floral wonderland filled with striking native wildflowers, including waratahs, pink boronias, old-man banksias, native orchids, and much more as winter ends and spring begins. The reserve is located just north of Sydney, and it’s only open for six weeks every year for guided and self-guided tours. Get ticket details and more info here.
8. Feel the beat at MJ the Musical
MJ the Musical has officially made its big Australian debut at the Sydney Lyric Theatre. Set around Michael Jackson’s iconic 1992 Dangerous World Tour, this Tony Award-winning production dives into the music, moves, and moments that defined the King of Pop. It’s only here for a limited run, and only in Sydney. The show is playing for a limited time only, exclusively in Sydney. Get your tickets here.
9. Attend free jazz nights in The Rocks
The Rocks will host free jazz nights under twinkling lights every week in August. Head down to Sydney’s oldest neighbourhood and enjoy jazz music with gin cocktails and more on Thursday evenings from 6pm to 9pm. Find more information here.
10. 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 August. Tickets are available for tribute shows to Queen, Coldplay, Joe Hisaishi, and more.
🕯️Candlelight: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to ABBA
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Metallica
🕯️Candlelight: 90s Unplugged
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Adele
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Coldplay
🕯️Candlelight: Best of Fleetwood Mac
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to The Beatles
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Phil Collins
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Arijit Singh
🕯️Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift
🕯️Candlelight: The World of Joe Hisaishi
🕯️Candlelight: Best of 80’s
🕯️Candlelight: Coldplay vs. Imagine Dragons
🕯️Candlelight: Hans Zimmer’s Best Works & More
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Queen & The Beatles
🕯️Candlelight: Featuring Mozart, Bach, and Timeless Composers
🕯️Candlelight Jazz & Soul: Amy Winehouse, Aretha Franklin and More
11. Enjoy a night of mischief at Cats the musical
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats is back in Sydney, celebrating its 40th anniversary with a return season at the Theatre Royal. This record-breaking musical has captivated audiences worldwide, with unforgettable songs and dance set in the iconic moonlit junkyard. The show runs until September 6; get your tickets here.
12. Book a Neon Paint and Sip class
Prefer staying indoors this winter? Check out this luminous experience in Sydney that blends neon lights and fluorescent paints for a fun-filled, artsy experience that is ideal for all ages. Adults can also go with a drink in hand to make it extra fun. Book your tickets here.
13. Experience Dining in the Dark
Ever wondered what it’s like to dine in complete darkness? If science is to be believed, it can elevate your dining experience to a whole other level of deliciousness. A sensational new experience called Dining in the Dark is putting this to the test with a blindfold and a surprise menu for guests.
Make your reservation for Dining in the Dark edition here.
14. Pencil in a visit to Horizon of Khufu
If you’ve not checked out this fascinating VR trip to Ancient Egypt yet, February is the time to go. More than a million people worldwide have witnessed pyramids rise and pharaohs reign, and we suggest it’s high time you joined them on this virtual voyage. Tickets can be found here.
15. Go whale watching around Sydney
The whales are back, and you can get a look at these majestic creatures right here at home. From Palm Beach to Manly, check out the best spots to see whales in and around Sydney here.
16. Check out the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition
The popular Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition has returned to the Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour. Showcasing the incredible works of some of the finest wildlife photographers from around the world, the mega exhibition that comes straight from London’s Natural History Museum will be held until November 10, 2024. Book your tickets here.
17. Go on a ghostly candlelit tour of Old Government House
Love getting spooked? The Old Government House in Parramatta is hosting ghostly night tours every month throughout winter, and it’s guaranteed to give you the creeps. This month, the tour takes place on August 16 with snacks and hot drinks afterward. Read all about it here.
18. Hit the road for a dreamy winter getaway
Make the most of the last month of winter by heading out of town. NSW has plenty to offer in terms of winter getaways, right from cosy retreats to snowy adventures, quaint villages, and more. Check out some of our favourites here.
19. Attend the vibrant Ferragosto Street Festival
Sydney’s huge Italian street festival returns this August with the best of Italian food, culture, and entertainment on offer. The one-day event will transform the Great North Road in Five Dock into a colourful party with more than 200 retailers, food and merchandise stalls, dances, activities, and more. Find more info here.
20. Book an all-day Lord of the Rings marathon
Hayden Orpheum is hosting a Lord of the Rings screening this August. The extended editions of all three Oscar-winning movies – The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King will be screened on Saturday, August 24. Get your tickets here.
21. 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.