Trust Sydney to make the shortest month of the year its most exciting. February 2023 is all about romance, art, Sydney WorldPride, outdoor movies and fancy new restaurants. There are also new musicals, exhibitions, concerts and a plethora of fun activities on the horizon. February is also technically the last month of summer so we suggest heading out and taking advantage of the great outdoors. Here are some of the best things happening in Sydney this month.
1. Stay up late for Sydney’s first 24-hour festival
Mopoke is Sydney’s newest arts and culture festival and it’s stocked to the brim with exciting activities. There’s a giant playdough garden, fire performances, an after-dark design fair and so much more. The fun begins on February 4 and doesn’t stop for 24 hours. Even better, it’s completely free to visit.
Read all about it here.
📅 February 4 and February 5
🕒 Event kicks off at 6pm
2. 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.
📅 February 1 – April 26
🕒 Tuesdays–Thursdays: 11am – 8pm
Fridays: 11am – 9pm
Saturdays–Sundays: 10 am – 9 pm
3. Get your fix of gyros at an outdoor festival
A giant Greek summer festival is heading to a waterfront carpark so you can feast on delicious Loukoumades, meaty souvlaki and more traditional food items while taking in all the outdoor summer vibes. The day ends with a dazzling fireworks display synchronised to Greek music. Read all about it here.
📅 February 12
🕒 11.00 am till 9.00 pm
4. Shake it off at Jurassic Lounge
Jurassic Lounge is returning for Sydney WorldPride with a night of music, entertainment and science on the cards. The 2023 edition joins forces with Sydney WorldPride with a number of inclusive events lined up for one and all. Read all about it here.
📅 February 18
🕒 6.30pm – 10pm
5. Walk through a glow-in-the-dark garden
As part of Mopoke, a glow-in-the-dark garden will take over The Mint showcasing local, photo-luminescent plants and flowers as they were on the Gadigal land. Plus expect floral talks and workshops, a floral art exhibition and more. Head here for details.
📅February 4-5
🕒 6pm onwards
6. Watch Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in Concert
Get ready for a night of wizards, witches and magic. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallow Part 1 is set to screen live at the Sydney Opera House with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra performing the soundtrack live. Read more here.
📅 February 2-5
SEE ALSO: Everything Dropping This February On Netflix Australia
7. Do the Time Warp Again at The Rocky Horror Show
The Rocky Horror Show is turning 50 in 2023 and to mark the occasion, it’s hitting the road for a worldwide tour. The Australian tour will kick off global celebrations at the Theatre Royal Sydney in February with more cities and it’s a guaranteed fun time. Read more here.
📅February 14 – April 1
8. Vibe to live music at Cockatoo Island
The dreamy Sunset Sessions are back at Cockatoo Island with intimate live gigs planned every Saturday up until April. Along with outdoor music sessions, guests can enjoy gorgeous views of the harbour, food and refreshments and accommodation services on-site. Read more here.
📅 Every Saturday, until April 1
🕒 5pm to 8pm
9. Dance it out at the ultimate Pride Floral Disco
World-famous floral exhibition Fleurs de Villes is returning to Sydney this February for the global launch of Fleurs de Villes PRIDE. Pop-up installations, flower markets, rainbow displays and a disco dance party are part of the program. Get the details here.
📅 February 17-26
10. Attend an exclusive concert by Phoenix Collective this February
Phoenix Collective is an Australian string quartet consisting of four gifted musicians. They are bringing a series of concerts to Sydney, suitable for all ages. Find the full list of upcoming concerts here.
🎻Phoenix Collective & Tenzin Choegyal (Tibetan Folk)
🎻Phoenix Collective & Tenzin Choegyal (Tibetan Folk) – Central Coast
11. Join an immersive trip through Australia’s natural wonders
Australian Geographic’s dazzling Our Country experience comes to a close in February 2023, so you’re running out of time to see the nation’s landscapes come to life in stunning fashion. Grab your tickets here.
📅 Closes February 5
🕒 10am and 11am
12. Cool down with free yoga sessions at the Royal Botanic Garden
Nespresso and Virgin Active are hosting free harbourside yoga classes in Sydney with quite the backdrop to boot. Plus you can get your hands on free iced coffees too. Read all about it here.
13. Dine at this new restaurant with its own beach
St Siandra will be serving spritzes on tap and Mediterranean cuisine when it opens its doors this February. Overlooking the turquoise blue waters of the Spit, it comes with a private bar and deck and also boasts its own white-sand beach. Book a spot here.
SEE ALSO: 12 Excellent Restaurants That Opened In Sydney In 2022
14. Watch The Presets take over Club 77
The Presets are playing an intimate gig at Sydney’s iconic nightclub Club 77 thanks to Smirnoff Seltzer. Part of a series of live gigs, the event plan to breathe fresh life into the local music scene.
📅 February 2
15. Get Happier at Ed Sheeran’s Sydney concert
Gig goers are spoilt for choice in February. British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran is bringing his ‘+ – = ÷ x Tour (pronounced the Mathematics tour) to Sydney and tickets are still up for grabs. Don’t miss out!
📅 February 24-25
16. Grab tickets for the giant Mardi Gras Party
Taking place after the iconic Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, the Mardi Gras Party will host over 10,000 party-goers for the biggest and longest-running LGBTQIA+ dance party in the Southern Hemisphere. Get more info here.
📅 February 25
17. Get nostalgic with the Cruel Intentions musical
Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical is returning for an encore season at Parramatta’s Riverside Theatres In this ’90s throwback, you’ll enter the manipulative world of Manhattan and sing along to the best tunes of the decade. Read more here.
📅 February 2-12
18. Get lost in music at Twilight at Taronga
Sidestepping all lion jokes, a visit to Taronga Zoo is going to get even more memorable this February, with The Living End kicking off a new season of concerts on February 10. You’ll be able to catch Bjorn Again, The Church, and (if you were lucky enough to get tickets) Xavier Rudd before the month is out, with the promise of even more to come in March.
19. Be dazzled by Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat
Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is making its way to Sydney’s Capitol Theatre after a successful run in Melbourne this February. The show has been performed in over 80 countries worldwide including sell-out seasons at the London Palladium. Read more about it here.
📅 February 2-12
20. Amp up the party vibes with Vengaboys
If you’re a 90s kid and enjoy live gigs, there’s no better place to be than Sydney. Adding to the list of nostalgic gigs is Venga Boys who are celebrating their 25th anniversary with an Australian tour. If you like to party, head here for more details.
📅 February 16
21. Shake a tail feather at this boozy, brilliant cabaret
Still kicking yourself for missing Blanc de Blanc at the Sydney Opera House in 2019? Well fret no more, because the smash-hit cabaret is back on Sydney’s shores with a two-month run at the Grand Electric in the books. The glitz and glamour of 20s Paris comes alive here, and dressing to impress is highly encouraged!
📅Running until March 4
22. 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 Everything Everywhere All At Once on February 5, Titanic’s 25th-anniversary screening on February 10 and A Man Called Otto on February 16. Find the full program and ticket details here.
📅 Running until February 21
23. Head to the streets for the Mardi Gras parade
The Mardi Gras parade is finally returning in 2023 to its original home of Oxford Street. The return of the Mardi Gras Parade coincides with Sydney World Pride, set to take place from February 17–March 5.
📅 February 25
24. Experience the magic of a Candlelight Concert in February
Sydney’s beautiful Candlelight concerts are perfect for a dreamy Valentine’s Day evening. Revisit the music of Coldplay, Radiohead and Taylor Swift in a dreamy candlelit setting.
🕯️Get tickets for Candlelight: Tribute to Coldplay at the Grand Lodge
🕯️Check out Candlelight: Best of Hans Zimmer at The Eveleigh by The Grounds
🕯️Make your way to Candlelight: A Tribute to Jay Chou
🕯️Attend Candlelight: Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake & More ft. Ballet at The Concourse
🕯️Dance to Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift at the SMC
🕯️Get lost in Candlelight: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at The Grand Lodge, SMC
🕯️Grab tickets for Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen at The Concourse
🕯️Hum along to Candlelight: A Tribute to Radiohead on Strings at The Concourse
🕯️Cbeck out Candlelight: A Tribute to JJ Lin
SEE ALSO: 17 Cultural Offerings Taking Place This Summer In Sydney
25. 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. Grab your tickets before they sell out.
26. Experience the multisensory Frida Kahlo exhibition
Sydney Festival might be over but one of its most successful events – Frida Kahlo: Life of an Icon is continuing its run at The Cutaway, Barangaroo this February. Expect dazzling holography and immersive 360-degree projections. Plus there’s live Mexican music performances and VR technology.
📅 Until March 7
27. 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.
28. Roll into the weekend with a 24-hour movie marathon
Cinephiles can look forward to the first-ever 24-hour outdoor cinema experience in Sydney with a selection of award-winning films and documentaries including Midnight in Paris, Lost in Translation and Studio Ghibli films. Read more here.
📅 February 4-5
29. Take a trip to the 90s with this exhibition
‘Unpopular’ is the current cultural offering that has taken over 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.
📅Until June 4, 2023
30. Get lost in Van Gogh’s art
The incredible Van Gogh exhibition has been extended by popular demand and you can catch it at the Entertainment Quarter. This time around, it includes a sunflower infinity room, Van Gogh’s bedroom and Van Gogh’s Café Terrace.
📅 Until February 26
31. 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.
32. Enjoy a romantic Paint & Sip session
Drive out of town to the picturesque Camden Valley Inn, just an hour south of Sydney for an outdoor Paint & Sip session. The Valentine’s Day edition includes a 3-hour guided painting session and a cocktail on arrival. Book your tickets here.
📅 February 14
🕒 6pm to 9pm
33. Enjoy 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 Julia Roberts starrer Notting Hill on February 12 and The Notebook on February 14 among others. Check out their website for more.
34. Check out the Sydney Vegan Market’s Pride edition
The Sydney Vegan Market returns this February for an exclusive Pride edition. Expect over 70 stalls, live LGBTIQ+ artists taking the main stage, LBGTIQ+ fashion parade, free yoga and strength classes, live music and the kids space with $5 faceprinting for all.
📅 February 19
🕒 9am to 4pm
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.
SEE ALSO: The Secret Sydney Guide To The Blue Mountains
36. Shop at a beachside summer market
The Watsons Bay Market is returning to the harbourside suburb of Watsons Bay. The 120-stall market will bring together the best Sydney retailers and food in one spot for a whole day of summer shopping and dining.
📅 February 5
🕒 10am to 4pm
37. Live the bohemian life at Opera Australia’s La Bohème (Jan 12-March 11)
Puccini’s classic opera has landed at the Opera House. Get transported to 1930s Berlin with the classic Parisian tale. It’s a new interpretation of the immortal tale, but one thing that won’t change is the powerhouse performances of Mimi, Rodolfo, Musetta, and Marcello. The run kicked off in January, with performances up until March.
38. 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.
39. 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.
📅 Every Friday in February
🕒 4pm-11pm
40. Check out the Golden Century’s new outpost
Golden Century is back but not quite how we know it. Golden Century BBQ is the latest addition to the Golden Century Group and it’s a casual Cantonese BBQ concept. Read all about it here.
41. Don’t miss the Carla Zampatti retrospective
Love fashion? Head down to the Powerhouse for an exclusive retrospective exhibition on the life and works of Carla Zampatti. Get a glimpse into Zampatti’s private and professional life and see some of her signature designs on display. Read more about it here.
📅 On until March 31
42. Plan a French-inspired Valentine’s Day
Looking to do something special for V-Day? French Rosé brand Maison Mirabeau, has joined hands with Fig and Bloom Florists to create a lovely bouquet of pink roses which includes a 700ml bottle of Maison Mirabeau Dry Rosé Gin and a specially branded wine glass. You can purchase it on the Fig & Bloom website.
43. Attend the inaugural exhibition at The Tank
Argentine-Peruvian sculptor Adrián Villar Rojas’ The End of Imagination is the opening exhibition for the giant 2,200 square metre underground gallery, which has been repurposed from a former WWII fuel tank. Read more about it here.
📅 February 1-28
44. 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.
45. 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.
📅 Every Wednesday
🕒 7.30pm
46. Get loud at the Red Hot Chili Peppers concert
Another one to add to your growing list. Seriously you might as well say goodbye to your money right now. The Red Hot Chili Peppers are making a massive return to Australia and you can still snag some tickets.
📅 February 2
47. Make a beeline for Parramatta for a luminous light display
Parramatta Park is also celebrating Sydney WorldPride with a rainbow display of colours to represent all facets of the LGBTQUIA+ community. The sprawling outdoor amphitheater in the heart of Parramatta Park is where it will all happen for one hour only.
📅 February 5
🕒 8pm-9pm
48. Celebrate WorldPride with a ‘Pride Icons’ brunch
Another Pride event to have on your radar is Nour’s brunch-style menu for one day only, hosted by drag queens Hollywould as Naomi Campbell and Fairah Nuff as Kylie Minogue. Dress to impress and enjoy a day of music, booze and food. Get more info here.
📅 February 19
49. 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.
50. Watch the Super Bowl at Watson’s
Enjoy the Super Bowl live on a mega screen in Watson’s courtyard. There’ll be loaded hot dogs and Budweiser beer combos along with tons of fried chicken to keep your energy levels up throughout the game. Get more details here.
📅 February 13
51. Grab tickets for Tony Award-nominated Choir Boy
Choir Boy, by the Academy Award-winning writer of Moonlight, Tarell Alvin McCraney, is set to open at Riverside Theatre, Parramatta in association with Sydney WorldPride. Grab your tickets here.
📅 February 14- March 11
52. Watch Bon Iver perform live
Indie heavyweights Bon Iver are also making a long-awaited return to Sydney with an upcoming show at Aware Super Theatre. The band is set to play in all major Australian cities including Hobart, Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Adelaide. Read more here.
📅 February 17
53. Explore this quirky exhibition at the MCA
Korean sculptor and installation artist Do Ho Suh is currently showcasing his large-scale sculptures and architectural installations in Sydney. See a number of striking art pieces that you can walk through, around and within at this unique exhibition.
📅 Open until February 26
54. Sing along to Hairspray the Musical
Welcome to the sixties with Hairspray the Musical. Director Jack O’Brien (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) and Choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots), lead the original Broadway creative team in this fun and endearing production. Read all about it here.
55. Dig into stacked Valentine’s Day platters at Saké
At Saké The Rocks, Manly and Double Bay, enjoy a multi-course set menu, 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.
📅 Open until February 26
56. Take a dip in one of Sydney’s best beaches
It’s the last month of summer, hit the beach for a lovely swim, a refreshing dip, and a cool day by the water. Check out some of our favourites in Sydney.
57. Celebrate all things Disney at the Grounds
The Grounds of Alexandria is celebrating 100 years of Disney magic with a special theme for kids and kidults alike. The super Instagrammable display includes gorgeous laneways lit up by neon lights, pretty archways and sparkly installations. Read all about it here.
📅 Open until late April
58. Have a happy Galentine’s Day at Untied
Spending Valentine’s Day with your besties can be just as special. Head to rooftop bar Untied and enjoy 2 hours of bottomless fruity frosés for just $59pp. Head here to make a booking.
📅 February 14
59. Get your Italian food fix at this new brunch spot
La Bottega is a sunny new restaurant that has popped up in the heart of Leichhardt and it’s serving up some seriously delicious Italian food. Read all about it here.
SEE ALSO: 12 Outstanding Cafes To Check Out In Parramatta
60. Sketch a male model IRL at Forrester’s
Looking to do something fun and different for Valentine’s Day? Get your girls together for a one-hour nude life drawing class with two hours of bottomless Prosecco and a selection of canapés. Book your tickets here.
📅 February 14