July in Sydney is very cold indeed but if you’re planning to be a couch potato for the foreseeable future, we have some ideas to help stave off the blues and keep you distracted from the freezing temperatures. Whether it’s treating yourself to tasty treats at a winter market, indulgent experiences, or strapping on those ice skates for a seaside adventure, there’s heaps of fun to be had in Sydney this month. Highlights include the return of the Bastille Festival, a brand new immersive wildlife experience and theatre shows like The Woman in Black. There’s a lot to love this time of the year so don’t miss out. Here are some exciting things to do this July in Sydney.
1. Frenchify your life at the Bastille Festival
One of Sydney’s most popular winter festivals is back this July. The Bastille Festival returns to town from July 11 to 14 and there’s a lot on the cards. For starters, expect a lot of cheese — 10 tons to be precise, and even more wine thanks to their 1.4-kilometre wine-tasting tour around the Harbour. Plus live bands, DJs, street performances, live drawing and fire artists will bring the entertainment as you enjoy the food and festivities. Check out the full program here.
2. Check out this new digital wildlife experience
A brand new immersive experience called Creatures of Australia is making its way to Sydney Olympic Park and it’s set to bring visitors up close to some of the country’s most unique wildlife. Expect cinematic footage and giant close-ups and learn more about endangered species and conservation efforts in this interactive experience. This is the perfect winter school holiday activity for the entire family. Get your tickets.
3. Catch Hamilton at the Sydney Lyric Theatre
Did you hear? Hamilton is returning to Sydney for a strictly limited season this July so don’t throw away your shot if you’ve previously missed out on seeing the multi-award winning musical live. Hamilton will play at the Sydney Lyric Theatre in this one city-only run so don’t miss out. Get your tickets on the musical’s website.
4. Shop at Sydney’s biggest book fair
Bookish folk to the front, please. Sydney’s biggest book sale is coming to town this July across 4 days with over 110,000 books on sale. Plus, expect video games, jigsaw puzzles, CDs, DVDs and a lot more for cheap prices. The book fair will take place from July 18-21 at Knox Grammar School. Find all the details here.
5. 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 July. Tickets are available to tribute shows to Queen, Coldplay, Joe Hisaishi and more.
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Coldplay
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift
🕯️Candlelight: The Best of Bollywood & Tollywood on Strings
🕯️Candlelight Jazz & Soul: Amy Winehouse, Aretha Franklin and More
🕯️Candlelight: Best of Anime
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Queen
🕯️Candlelight Kids: Family Movie Classics
🕯️Candlelight: Best of Timeless Composers
🕯️Candlelight: Magical Movie Soundtracks
🕯️Candlelight: Space Movie Soundtracks
6. Get cosy at the raclette igloo experience
The popular Raclette Igloo experience returns this July with charming igloo-like domes, raclette, delicious mulled wine and fire pits for extra warmth. The winter event will take place at the Broadway Shopping Centre Rooftop from June 29 to July 28. Book a spot here.
7. Head to the Children’s International Film Festival
The Children’s International Film Festival is back just in time for the winter school holidays. The huge celebration of creativity and wonder has taken over Sydney’s Ritz Cinema until Sunday, July 14 with a stacked program of films designed for younger audiences and families. Find more information and book your tickets here.
8. See this dreamy concert in a heritage building
Live at the Great 2024: Midnight in Paris is a concert set in The Great Synagogue, one of Sydney’s most enchanting heritage building. Enjoy the works of music maestros like Debussy, Ravel, Rachmaninoff and Scriabin in this special evening. Get your tickets here.
9. Get tickets for Chicago the Musical
Chicago the Musical is bringing all the razzle dazzle to Sydney this July. Get excited for sensational dance numbers and exceptional performances in this buzzy production that has been the recipient of six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards and a Grammy. Chicago will play in Sydney from June 9 to July 28. Get your tickets here.
10. Watch Christmas movies at this open-air cinema
Manly Open Air Cinema is bringing an outdoor movie experience perfect for winter with Christmas classics like Elf and Home Alone with mulled wine, light displays and food trucks across select dates in July. Get your tickets here.
11. Shop from a one-day-only vintage market
The Round She Goes vintage fashion market is returning to PCYC Marrickville on Saturday, July 20 with 70 stalls filled with accessories, clothes, handmade jewellery and more. Also expect to find treasures from high-end brands including Jean Paul Gaultier, See by Chloé, Alquema, Prada, Christian Dior and Carla Zampatti. Entry is just $4 and you can grab your tickets here.
12. Kick back with a Wizardry High Tea
Magic is definitely in the air this July and Shangri-La Sydney is joining in with an exclusive Wizardry High Tea. The Grand Ballroom at the luxury hotel is getting a magical makeover complete with decor, perfectly brewed teas and potions and a themed menu from July 6-21 on select dates. Get more info and ticket details here.
13. Enjoy mulled wine and French movies at this outdoor cinema
It’s not just food and wine that you enjoy at the Bastille Festival this July. The team behind the beloved event is also bringing back Le Mulled Wine Cinema where visitors can enjoy harbour views, classic French films like Amélie Poulain and La Vie en Rose and drink mulled wine to their heart’s content. Find the full program and ticket details here.
14. Have heaps of fun at the Bondi Festival
The Bondi Festival returns from July 5-21 with a variety of exciting events on offer. There’s a Ferris wheel overlooking the ocean, an ice rink by the beach and options to eat, drink and play along the iconic Bondi Beach. Plus there’s comedy shows, communal dance events and food truck slinging delicious food throughout the event. Get the details here.
15. Enjoy Great Opera Hits at the Opera House
The Sydney Opera House has a number of exciting shows throughout the year but there’s something about seeing the opera live in the famous building. This July, it’s bringing some of the most esteemed performers from Opera Australia for a 90-minute show performing arias from Bizet, Puccini, Rossini, Verdi and more and it’s the perfect event for lovers of classical music. Get your tickets.
16. Get tickets for The Woman in Black
The second-longest play in West End history is making its way to the Theatre Royal Sydney for a strictly limited run from July 30 to August 17. The terrifying story is a chilling play about a recently widowed lawyer who travels to a remote village where he discovers the vengeful ghost of a woman haunting the locals. Get your tickets here.
17. Have fun at the Winterfest in Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour’s annual winter festival is returning with heaps of family fun from July 6 to July 21. Ice skating, fireworks, food trucks, an outdoor cinema and a lot more is on the program. There’s also a special 4-day children’s program with gaming zones, slime workshops and more. Read all about it here.
18. Attend the Australian International Music Festival
The 32nd Australian International Music Festival will take place on July 3 and 4 with choral, wind bands and orchestral groups. Showcasing excellent performances from Australia and around the globe, the event will take place at Sydney’s Opera House and other venues around the city. Head here for details.
19. Fuel your cheese obsession at Mould
Mould is returning to Sydney this July with over 100 varieties of cheeses and over 27 cheese producers. The event will take over Carriageworks on July 26 to 28 and cheese lovers can expect plenty of cheese tastings, drinks and personal interactions across the 2 days. Get your tickets here.
20. Head to Campbelltown for Chill Fest
It’s the season of cosy festivals and one to keep on your radar is taking place in Campbelltown from July 5-9. The family-friendly event features everything from amusement rides to an open-air ice skating rink, food trucks, performances and much more. Find more information here.
21. Get cosy at these winter markets
Sydney’s amazing market offerings don’t stop when the weather outside is slightly frosty. This month, you can shop from the Cannery Markets held at a warehouse-style space or head to Cronulla for a beachside market experience. Check out the full list here.
22. 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 July 19 with snacks and hot drinks afterward. Read all about it here.
23. Drive out for Hunter Valley Gardens’ Snow Time
The Hunter Valley Gardens are hosting a winter activity that’s worth the drive out of town. The annual event features a mega snow play zone, roving entertainment, food and drinks and plenty of fun for the whole family from June 29 to July 28. Get your tickets here.
24. Be spellbound with 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 La Belle Rose—Sydney’s longest-running cabaret show which features cabaret, candle-lit dinner and Parisian entertainment. Grab your tickets before they sell out.
25. Fill your bags at the Blacktown Drive-In Markets
Love your weekend market strolls? Check out the Blacktown Drive-In Markets, located at the Skyline Drive-In, Sydney’s last remaining drive-in theatre. There’s over 200 stalls on-site and you can expect everything from cheap eats and drinks to excellent vintage bargains. Read all about it here.
26. Get tickets for a huge Princess Diana exhibition
The Princess Diana: Accredited Access Exhibition ends soon but tickets are still available for the popular show. Featuring intimate photographs taken by official royal photographs, murals, art installations and more, this is a great way to learn more about the life and influence of Princess Diana. Get your tickets.
27. 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 around Sydney is putting this to the test with a blindfold and a surprise menu for guests.
Make your reservation for Dining in the Dark here.
28. 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.
29. Enjoy a steamy soak at the Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool
It’s the coldest month of the year so if you’re keen to beat the cold, head out of town to the picturesque Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool in NSW. Located in the Kosciuszko National Park, you’ll find two pools at the venue, heated to a consistent 27 degrees all year round. Plan your trip here.
30. 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.