There’s always something going on in the Harbour City even in the shortest month of the year. February 2024 is all about romance, art, outdoor movies and festive celebrations. And if you want to get out of town, there are plenty of incredible places to explore too. This is also the final month of summer so we suggest heading out and taking advantage of the balmy weather while you still can. Here is everything you can eat, drink and do in Sydney this month.
1. Check out the Sydney Lunar Festival
In celebration of the Year of the Dragon, Sydney’s streets are about to host a series of spectacular shows, delicious feasts and traditional activities. The opening street party will take place on Saturday, February 10 in Haymarket with lion dances, live performances, food and more. Find out everything that’s happening around town in celebration of Lunar New Year here.
2. Explore the Art of Banksy
The long-awaited Banksy exhibition has opened its doors at Sydney Town Hall giving art lovers the unique opportunity to explore over 160 of the artists’ excellent works up close. The exhibition features pieces sourced from over 40 collectors worldwide. It won’t stick around for long so get your tickets before they sell out.
3. Get comfy with the Mov’in outdoor bed cinema
It’s the season of outdoor movies and a brand new one to have on your radar is taking place on a makeshift beach in Barangaroo featuring 280 tons of white sand and 150 queen-size beds. Guests can also enjoy the movie without any disruptions courtesy of noise-cancelling headphones with food and drinks served bedside. Get more info here.
4. Shake it off at Taylor Swift’s Eras concert
Taylor Swift’s massive Eras Tour kicks off in Sydney and Melbourne this February and while some fans may have missed out on tickets, there’s more fun to be had including themed brunches, dance parties and more. And if you managed to get tickets, start brushing up on your lyrics and check out all the songs the singer will be performing Down Under.
5. Get cultured at the Kandinsky exhibition
It’s the summer of art in Sydney with a number of world-renowned artists presenting their works in the Harbour City. Among them is acclaimed Russian painter, Wassily Kandinsky best known for his vibrant, abstract artworks. See some of his most famous works at the Art Gallery of New South Wales until March 2024. Get your tickets.
6. Watch Blade Runner in concert
Ridley Scott’s multi-Academy Award-nominated cult classic, Blade Runner (2007 Final Cut) is set to screen live at the ICC Sydney Theatre with the Replicant Ensemble performing the soundtrack live on Saturday, February 3 at 7pm. Get more information here.
7. Head to the Greek Festival of Sydney
A huge Greek festival is heading to Darling Harbour with delicious Loukoumades, meaty souvlaki and more traditional food items alongside live entertainment, face painting, crafts workshops and more. Read all about it here.
8. Vibe to live music at Cockatoo Island
The dreamy Sunset Sessions are back at Cockatoo Island with intimate live gigs planned every Saturday until February 24. Along with outdoor music sessions, guests can enjoy gorgeous views of the harbour, food and refreshments and accommodation services on-site. Read more here.
9. Experience movie magic with this concert series
The Willoughby Symphony Orchestra is set to host an evening with a world-famous secret agent at The Concourse Concert Hall – and his name is Bond, James Bond. The first of their series of concerts for the year, guests can celebrate the iconic films from the 1960s through to the present day on February 3 and 4. Get your tickets.
10. Try Dining in the Dark for Valentine’s Day
Looking for something unique to do this Valentine’s Day? 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. Book your tickets.
11. Celebrate Lunar New Year in Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour is hosting a huge Lunar New Year extravaganza from February 10-25. Enjoy dragon boat races, jet pack water shows, lion dancing, traditional tea ceremonies and a lot of delicious food. Get more info here.
12. Catch a horror movie screening at Cockatoo Island
Head to Cockatoo Island and enjoy a special horror-themed movie marathon of the 1984 classic A Nightmare on Elm St. The screenings will take place on February 16 and 17 against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour with live music, a themed photo booth, food and drinks and many immersive elements. Get more info here.
13. Attend the huge Louis Bourgeois exhibition
French-American artist Louise Bourgeois’s most famous works are currently on display at the Art Gallery of New South Wales including the iconic spider sculpture “Maman.” Plus, see over 120 exciting works from her incredible repertoire that feature mechanised sculptures, mirrored pieces and more. Catch it in Sydney until April 2024.
14. Laugh out Proud at Enmore Theatre
Queer comedy’s finest will take to the stage at Mardi Gras’ Laugh Out Proud event which returns after successful sold-out shows over the last four years. The event will take place on February 23 at Enmore Theatre. Get your tickets.
16. Enjoy live m Twilight at Taronga
A visit to Taronga Zoo is going to get even more memorable this February with performances by the Australian Rock Collective and The Cat Empire. You’ll also be able to catch folk heroes The Waifs and indie rock band Ball Park Music before the month is out, with the promise of even more to come in March. Find more information here.
17. Shake a tail feather at this boozy, brilliant cabaret
Still kicking yourself for missing Blanc de Blanc last year? Well fret no more, because the smash-hit cabaret is back on Sydney’s shores at the Grand Electric Theatre. The glitz and glamour of 20s Paris comes alive here, and dressing to impress is highly encouraged! Book your tickets.
18. Catch screenings on the water with Westpac Open Air cinema
That iconic screen is rising from the water once again before it wraps up its 2023 season. The program includes Oscar-nominated Oppenheimer on February 3, Amelie on February 14 and Australia-shot Force of Nature on February 16. Find the full program and ticket details here.
19. Dress up for the Fabulous Sissy Ball
The Southern Hemisphere’s biggest vogue ball is set to light up the stage again as part of Mardi Gras on Saturday, February 24. The who’s who of Australia’s ballroom landscape will make an appearance with a diverse range of performances on the menu. Head here for tickets.
20. Experience the magic of a Candlelight Concert
Sydney’s beautiful Candlelight concerts are perfect for a dreamy Valentine’s Day evening. Revisit the music of Hans Zimmer, Joe Hisaishi and more in a romantic candlelit setting.
🕯️Candlelight: Best of Joe Hisaishi
🕯️Candlelight: Hans Zimmer’s Best Works at SMC
🕯️Candlelight Valentine’s: Timeless Love Songs
🕯️Candlelight: Best Spy Film’s Soundtracks
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Ludovico Einaudi at SMC
21. Get ready for the Elvis musical
Elvis: A Musical Revolution celebrates the extraordinary life of the King of Rock n Roll, Elvis Presley. Enjoy Presley’s celebrated musical repertoire with 40 iconic songs including Jailhouse Rock, Hound Dog, Heartbreak Hotel and more in this brand-new production. Tickets are on sale now, get them here.
22. Enjoy dinner and a show at The Magician’s Cabaret
The Magician’s Cabaret is super popular for its extravagant shows and excellent dinners that promise to transport you to 19th-century Paris. There’s no other show in Sydney quite like La Belle Rose—Sydney’s longest-running cabaret show. Grab your tickets before they sell out.
23. Step back in time with Live at the Great
The stunning Great Synagogue will come to life for Live at the Great 2024. Celebrating Vienna’s Golden Age, guests masterpieces by Mahler, Zemlinsky, Korngold, Strauss and Sulzer on February 27 and 29. Book your tickets.
24. Step back in time with Gatsby at the Opera House
Gatsby at The Green Light is a cabaret variety show that has taken over the Sydney Opera House for the summer. Inspired by Fitzgerald’s classic, the show promises a memorable evening with burlesque, dance, and circus performances and a glittering bar stage. It’s on until February 25; book your tickets here.
25. Book your tickets for the Mardi Gras Film Festival
Queer Screen 31st Mardi Gras Film Festival is bringing a series of movies to spotlight the LGBTQIA+ experience including comedies, documentaries, dramas and more. The event will take place from February 15 to 29. Get more information and tickets here.
26. Have a cheeky night out with Magic Men Australia
Magic Men are Australia’s best male dancers and their shows serve up a heart-racing and sweat-inducing spectacle. From the performers in their eye-catching costumes to the waiters, who will be serving you a glass of sparkling on arrival, this is one live show that is not for the prudish. Grab your tickets here.
27. Tackle this new multi-day walk near Sydney
The 27-km Tomaree Coastal Walk in Port Stephens would take around 2 to 3 days to complete but the entire stretch is filled with hidden beaches, glittering sea views and towering sand dunes and it’s the perfect activity to undertake this summer. Read all about it here.
28. Enjoy free live music at Riverside Gardens
Riverside Theatre in Parramatta is hosting a free live music event with a vibey pop-up bar throughout the summer. Celebrate and support the best of Western Sydney in this vibrant event until February 24. Check out the full program here.
29. Culture up with Art After Hours at AGNSW
In case you didn’t know, the Art Gallery of New South Wales stays open late every Wednesday until 10pm. You can also get a free shuttle bus every 20 minutes from 7pm to 10pm from the art gallery to public transport at Town Hall, Wynyard and Martin Place. Check out what’s on at the AGNSW here.
30. Discover the world’s oldest caves
The Jenolan Caves are estimated to be around 340 million years old making them the oldest known open cave system in the world. Eleven show caves are open for all and feature caverns, narrow passages, fossils and enormous chambers. Read all about this incredible natural wonder here.
31. See the Alpha Centaurid meteor shower
A micro meteor shower is set to peak on February 8 and only skygazers in the Southern Hemisphere will be able to enjoy it. The Alpha Centaurid meteor shower can treat viewers to about 6 to 10 meteors per hour without the need for equipment. Get more details here.
32. Enjoy a romantic open-air movie screening
Drive out of town to the picturesque Camden Valley Inn, just an hour south of Sydney for an open-air movie for Valentine’s Day. The special event includes popcorn and butler service while you enjoy a screening of Crazy, Stupid, Love under the stars. Book your tickets here.
33. Plan a movie night under the stars
Moonlight Cinema is one of the most exciting outdoor events of the year. Their February lineup is all about romance. Watch screenings of The Notebook, 10 Things I Hate About You and Sydney-shot rom-com Anyone But You among others. Check out their website for more.
34. Shop from the Sydney Vegan Market
The Sydney Vegan Market returns on February 18 with over 100 stalls, entertainment, free yoga and strength classes, live music and an exclusive kids tent. Entry is free and the event will take place at The Entertainment Quarter from 9am to 4pm. Get more information here.
35. 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.
36. Shop at a beachside summer market
The Watsons Bay Market is returning to the harbourside suburb of Watsons Bay on February 4. The 150-stall market will bring together the best Sydney retailers and food in one spot for a whole day of shopping and dining across homewares, art, photography and more. Get more information here.
37. Plan Valentine’s Day at W Sydney
Plan a special night out at W Sydney with a five-course dessert degustation that includes spice rum ice creams, cocktails, cakes and more. Also on-site is Btwn Restaurant which will be dishing out special meals exclusively for Valentine’s Day. Book a spot here.
38. Catch the Australia vs South Africa Women’s ODI
The Aussie women’s cricket team goes head-to-head with South Africa on February 7 and 10 at North Sydney Oval. Get your tickets here.
39. Take a cruise around Sydney Harbour
There’s no better way to enjoy the sights and sounds of Sydney than through a cruise on the harbour. Luckily there are heaps to choose from with music, lunch and views on offer. Read all about them here.
40. Head to the Chinatown Night Market
The Chinatown Night Market is back with food stalls and lanterns lined across Haymarket. Enjoy your favourite Asian street eats in the buzzy suburb of Haymarket this February.
41. Learn the art of making Turkish mosaic lamps
Want to stay in and beat the heat? Art Masterclass is conducting Turkish mosaic lamp workshops here in Sydney. Participants will receive all the necessary materials and instructions in the Turkish mosaic lamp workshops so all you need to do is show up and get crafty. Get your tickets here.
42. Watch a free movie at Laneway Cinema
It’s true, we love a free movie in Sydney. Even better if it’s out in the open. The Rocks’ Laneway Cinema is hosting a bunch of movies on Atherden St complete with cosy bean bags and comfy deck chairs. Find the full February program here.
43. Enjoy outdoor movie screenings at Sunset Cinema
The Sunset Cinema has returned with an excellent line-up of movies from fresh blockbusters to old classics and family favourites. And there’s heaps of lovely titles for Valentine’s Day. Read more here
44. Get spooked by a Ghostly Garden Tour
The Royal Botanic Garden is back with its chilling garden tours after hours. The spooky storytelling event will take you through the garden’s dark ponds and eerie corners as you learn more about the garden’s historic past. Dates are available throughout February; book a spot here.
45. Go on a private couple’s skywalk
Take your love to new heights at Sydney Tower Eye’s Skywalk sessions this Valentine’s Day. Taking lovebirds 268 metres above the city, the 45-minute tour features a bird’s eye view of Sydney’s icons including Sydney Harbour, Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Hyde Park.
46. Let your hair down at the Bondi Beach Party
Another major Mardi Gras event that’s making a comeback in 2024 is the buzzy Bondi Beach Party where 15,000 people will make their way to Sydney’s iconic beach for a massive summer beach party. The event will take place on February 24, book your tickets here.
47. Check out Western Sydney’s Lanterns and Lights event
Head to Macquarie Mall in Liverpool for a taste of Asia with stalls from across Korea, Vietnam, The Philippines, Malaysia, Laos, Thailand, Japan, China, Indonesia and Nepal along with live performances. The event will take place from February 16 to 18. Get the details here.
48. Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Saké
Enjoy intimate, multi-course set menus at Saké The Rocks, Manly and Double Bay, featuring new dishes created exclusively for Valentine’s Day. Fresh seafood and traditional Japanese dishes will be served with a signature Saké twist. Read more about it here.
49. Have a happy Galentine’s Day at Forrester’s
Spending Valentine’s Day with your besties can be just as special. Head to Forrester’s in Surry Hills and enjoy a nude life drawing class and bottomless drinks and snacks for $85 per person. Book a spot here.
50. Be mesmerised by an 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.