Ahh January, a time of new beginnings and quickly-shattered resolutions. Spending less time on TikTok and taking up running? That’s all yours to work out. Planning the best things to do in Sydney in January 2026? Fear not, that’s why Secret Sydney is here. With summer in full swing, there’s plenty to do in Australia’s greatest city — and we’ve picked out a taste of the best events and happenings around town, just for you. Everything from outdoor film screenings to musical treats to newly-opened exhibitions is listed here, so go out and grab summer by the horns!
1. Dive into Sydney Festival’s eclectic programme of events
There’s only a handful of days in January you’ll need to kill before Sydney Festival hits town once more, ready to cure any New Year blues. Running from January 8 to 25, the 2026 edition brings a packed programme of theatre, music, dance and art across the city, with Kris Nelson stepping in for his first year as festival director. Find the full program of events here.
2. Step inside a Balloon Wonderland in Sydney
Balloon Story has landed in Sydney, filling Fever Pavilion with a playful maze of more than 400,000 balloons. Expect colourful, larger-than-life installations made from natural latex, interactive moments for kids and grown-ups, and plenty of Instagram-worthy scenes. It’s bright, imaginative and tailor-made for a fun family outing.
3. Enjoy the Sunset Sessions at Cockatoo Island
Sunset Sessions returns to Cockatoo Island this summer, bringing live music and harbour views back to Saturday afternoons. Running from January 10 through to early April, the series takes place on the lawns of Biloela House, with a rotating lineup of emerging and established artists curated by The Music & Booze Co. Tickets start from $38. Grab your tickets here.
4. Watch screenings on the water with the return of Westpac Open Air cinema
That iconic screen is rising from the water once again come January, and the opening few weeks bring an incredible helping of movie magic. Films are screening from January 9 right through to February 24, with Dirty Dancing, 10 Things I Hate About You, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Hamnet and Marty Supreme all in the initial slate of screenings. Here’s your full guide to Westpac Open Air Cinema.
5. Catch a dazzling display of comedy, cabaret, and circus at La Ronde
Step inside The Grand Electric for a night you won’t forget in a hurry, as La Ronde continues to enchant Sydney audiences. A pretty indescribable mix of the raunchy and the elegant, La Ronde can only be described as electrifying; don’t miss your chance to catch it.
6. Join a VR adventure at the Horizon of Khufu exhibition
Ancient Egypt awaits at Horizon of Khufu, which blends cutting-edge reseach from Harvard Egyptologists with hi-tech VR to open a window into the past. It’s open at Olympic Park, and having experienced it for ourselves, we can highly recommend booking a visit!
7. Explore an underground playground at the Art Gallery of NSW
Beneath the Art Gallery of NSW, artist Mike Hewson has transformed the Tank into a surreal, interactive playground. The Key’s Under the Mat blends art and play with climbable structures, splash zones and unexpected communal spaces, all free to explore. Read more about it here.
8. Catch a movie under the stars
The Rocks‘ super charming outdoor cinema needs no introduction. The cinema hosts weekly movie nights at the beautiful cobblestone laneway of Atherden Street. Screenings this January include I Know What You Did Last Summer & The Craft (Jan 14), Mean Girls & Jaw Breaker (Jan 21), and Friday & The Barbershop (Jan 28). Films start at 7.30pm, with tickets released on the Monday of the week before the screening, and you can book them here.
9. Get your cinema fix quick at Flickerfest
Like your cinema short and snappy? Flickerfest is the place for you! Returning to Bondi Beach in January 2026 for its 35th edition, this excellent festival has been showcasing the best in short films ever since beginning in a high school way back in 1991. Today, it’s one of the world’s most important short film festivals, and and excellent way to spend your January evenings. See more here.
10. Experience the magic of a Candlelight Concert
Watch Sydney’s beautiful Candlelight Concerts and get lost in a number of familiar tunes this January, with a whole slate of enchanting concerts we think you’ll love:
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Adele
🕯️Candlelight: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to ABBA
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Coldplay
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Metallica
🕯️Candlelight: Best of Fleetwood Mac
🕯️Candlelight: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
🕯️Candlelight: Hans Zimmer’s Best Works
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to The Beatles
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Arijit Singh
🕯️Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on Strings
🕯️Candlelight: Featuring Mozart, Bach, and Timeless Composers
🕯️Candlelight Jazz & Soul: Amy Winehouse, Aretha Franklin and More
11. Plot the ultimate date night at Sydney Symphony Under the Stars
We’ve already touched on the mighty Sydney Festival, but free open-air concerts put together by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra deserve their own entry. The program will feature a special First Nations orchestral work, followed by music celebrating 50 years of Festival moments. Find it at Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour on January 17, and don’t forget to pack a picnic!
12. Tumble down the rabbit hole at The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party
With the summer holidays in full swing, a trip to this family-friendly circus show might be just the tonic for guests of all ages. The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party has just opened at The Grand Electric, where it’s taking the classic tale of Alice in Wonderland and flipping it upside down via trapeze for good measure. It’s directed by Mike Finch, former Artistic Director of Circus Oz, and the blend of circus and comedy, squeezed into a 60 minute show, make it a real winner.
13. Keep the holiday spirit going with the Hunter Valley spectacular
If the post-Christmas blues are hitting you hard, you don’t have to let go of the holiday festivities just yet. The Hunter Valley Christmas Lights Spectacular will continue to delight visitors until Monday, January 26 complete with three million twinkling lights, rides and innumerable photo ops. Grab your tickets while you still can.
14. Take an epic trip to Machu Picchu
Escape the summer heat and step into Machu Picchu: Journey to the Lost City, an immersive virtual experience that brings the legendary Inca citadel to life. Explore the site’s terraces, temples and ruins while surrounded by the dramatic Andes landscape. The experience runs at Fever Pavilion at Sydney Showground.
15. Enjoy an alfresco movie night with Moonlight Cinema
Moonlight Cinema is one of the most exciting outdoor events of the year and it’s back in town for its summer season right now. Film lovers will find heaps of new releases and old classics in their January lineup. On the list this month are The Parent Trap, Wicked: For Good, Anaconda, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Back to the Future, and many more. Check out their website for more.
16. Step into the DeLorean for Back to the Future: The Musical
Great Scott! Back to the Future: The Musical has landed at the Sydney Lyric Theatre. Experience the iconic story of Marty McFly and Doc Brown until January 25, 2026 with stunning visuals, live music, and all the thrills of time travel. Don’t miss the electrifying show. Get your tickets here.
17. Book high tea around Sydney
Looking for a good excuse to sit down and indulge in some scones and sweet treats? Sydney’s top high tea destinations range from classic hotel dining rooms to hidden local gems. Find the full list here.
18. Drive out to this lavender farm near Sydney
Hunter Lavender Farm has reopened for summer, with rows of purple blooms lighting up the Hunter Valley. Set near Broke, the farm offers a relaxed day trip with lavender walks, scenic views, and extras like gelato, botanical drinks and seasonal experiences. It’s open for a short period only and now is the best time to go. Read more about it here.
19. Escape the city and explore more of NSW
Summer road trips might be the perfect antidote to an overstimulating Christmas season, and we’ve covered a few in-state gems that you can explore across a long, lazy weekend away. Our most recent escape guides focus on historic Goulborn, tranquil coastal town South West Rocks, the magnificent Jervis Bay, and the azure waters of Nambucca Heads. Road trip, anyone?