There’s always something going on in the Harbour City even in the shortest month of the year. February 2025 is all about romance, art, outdoor movies, and festive celebrations. Highlights include the immersive Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru exhibition, MJ the Musical, outdoor cinemas and plenty of outdoor adventures. This is also the final month of summer so we suggest heading out and taking advantage of the sunny weather while you still can. Here is everything you can eat, drink, and do in Sydney this month.
1. Celebrate the Lunar New Year
In celebration of the Year of the Dragon, Sydney’s streets are about to host a variety of spectacular shows, delicious feasts, and traditional activities. The opening street party of the Sydney Lunar Festival will kick off on January 29 in Haymarket with lion dances, live performances, food, and more. Find out everything that’s happening here. Plus, Darling Harbour is hosting a huge extravaganza from January 29 – February 9. Enjoy dragon boat races, jet pack water shows, lion dancing, traditional tea ceremonies and a lot of delicious food. Get more info here.
2. Book a Bridgerton-themed concert
Sydney’s popular Candlelight Concerts will host exclusive Bridgerton-themed soirees that promise to transport you to the Regency era. St Stephen’s Uniting Church will be lit up with thousands of candles for this dreamy event. Visitors can expect classic tunes and modern pop numbers. Tickets are selling out fast, book yours here.
3. Vibe to live music at Cockatoo Island
The dreamy Sunset Sessions are back at Cockatoo Island with intimate live gigs planned every Saturday until April 5. Along with outdoor music sessions, guests can enjoy gorgeous views of the harbour, food and refreshments, and accommodation services on-site. Read more here.
4. 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!
5. Moonwalk your way to the MJ Musical
MJ the Musical is set to make its Australian premiere at the Sydney Lyric Theatre this February. Inspired by Michael Jackson’s iconic 1992 Dangerous World Tour, this Tony Award-winning jukebox musical will play for a limited time only exclusively in Sydney. Get your tickets here.
6. Shop at the Watsons Bay Summer Market
The huge Watsons Bay Summer Market will return on Sunday, February 9 from 10am to 4pm at Robertson Reserve. Shop for quality goods including fashion, art, craft, jewellery, photography, homewares, and more at this 15-stall market. Get more information here.
7. Get transported to Paris at The Grounds
The Grounds of Alexandria is back with a delightful new activation just in time for Valentine’s Day. Dubbed Claris the Mouse, the immersive pop-up boasts twinkling lights, pink and red roses, themed desserts, and even a mini Eiffel Tower. Be sure to book in advance if you’re planning to visit. Read more here.
8. Head to the Greek Festival of Sydney
A huge Greek festival is heading to Darling Harbour on February 22 and 23 with delicious Loukoumades, meaty souvlaki, and more traditional food items alongside live entertainment, face painting, crafts workshops, and more. Find more information here.
9. Attend the surreal Magritte exhibition
René Magritte produced some of the most iconic artworks of the 20th-century surrealist movement, unveiling the mystery and poetry in everyday objects and scenes. The exhibition Magritte is on at the Art Gallery of New South Wales and features over 100 exemplary artworks in what is, remarkably, the first-ever Magritte retrospective in Australia. Book your tickets here.
10. Enjoy the Sunset Sessions at Q Station
Head to the Glasshouse, Q Station Manly, and enjoy a laid-back summer afternoon with live music, refreshing drinks, tasty food, and beautiful sunset views over Sydney Harbour. February sessions are now available, book here.
11. 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.
12. Get comfy with the Mov’in outdoor bed cinema
It’s the season of outdoor movies and one to have on your radar takes 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.
13. Enjoy live music with Twilight at Taronga
A visit to Taronga Zoo is going to be even more memorable this February with performances by Middle Kids and Emma Memma. You’ll also be able to catch Spiderbait and DMA’s before the month is out, with the promise of even more to come in March. Find more information here.
14. 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 2025 season. The program includes the Oscar-nominated A Complete Unknown, mega-hit Wicked, and classics like Crazy, Stupid, Love, and Notting Hill. Find the full program and ticket details here.
15. 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.
16. 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: Tribute to Joe Hisaishi
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Joe Hisaishi
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Coldplay
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift
🕯️Candlelight: Hans Zimmer’s Best Works
🕯️Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen
🕯️Candlelight: Hans Zimmer’s Best Works & More
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Phil Collins
17. Book a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner
Looking for a last-minute Valentine’s Day plan? Sydney is full of amazing romantic restaurants perfect for a memorable evening. From intimate fine dining venues to waterside spots and cozy hidden gems, make your celebrations extra special with our list of top spots to dine on Valentine’s Day.
18. 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.
19. Witness the action at UFC 312 live
The Octagon is making its return to Sydney this summer, with UFC 312 scheduled at Qudos Bank Arena on Sunday, February 9. Tickets are now available, get yours here.
20. Step into the haunting world of Wuthering Heights
Emma Rice’s acclaimed production of Wuthering Heights has arrived in Sydney for an exclusive, limited season. Inspired by Emily Brontë’s classic novel, this production features a live band and will be playing at the Roslyn Packer Theatre until February 15. Get your tickets here.
21. 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.
22. Grab a drink at Door Knock
Door Knock, one of Sydney’s favourite hidden bars, has undergone a stylish transformation into a French-inspired neighborhood bar with an underground speakeasy vibe. The space now boasts a distinct French ambience with mirrors, marble tables, leather seating, dimly lit lampshades, and a seasonal menu of Mediterranean and North African-inspired dishes. Make a booking here.
23. 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.
24. 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 Devil Wears Prada, 10 Things I Hate About You, and The Notebook among others. Check out their website for more.
25. Shop from the Sydney Vegan Market
The Sydney Vegan Market will host local community-based events in February. The Chatswood pop-up will be held on Sunday, February 16 at Chatswood Mall and if you’re happy to drive out of town for a weekend getaway, the Blue Mountains pop-up will take place on Sunday, February 9 in Springwood. Get more information here.
26. 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.
27. 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.
28. 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.
29. 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 are heaps of lovely titles for Valentine’s Day. Read more here
30. 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.
31. 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.
32. 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.