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 Christmas in July Festival at The Rocks,the immersive Titanic exhibition and theatre shows like MJ the Musical. 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 17 to 20, and there’s a lot on the cards. Expect four days of French-inspired fun with mulled wine and lots of cheese. Plus live bands, movies, 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. Cosy up for Christmas in July
Christmas in July is finally returning to The Rocks for the first time since 2019, and it promises to be a dazzling affair. The historic precinct will transform into a winter wonderland, complete with snow flurries, mulled wine, live jazz, and glowing lights winding through the cobblestone streets. Find all the information here.
3. Laugh out loud with the Book of Mormon
The Book of Mormon is now playing at the Capitol Theatre. From the creators of South Park, this outrageous, award-winning musical delivers sharp satire, big laughs, and catchy music. Tickets are selling fast, so don’t miss out. Get your tickets here.
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 17-20 at Knox Grammar School. Find all the details here.
5. Feel the beat at MJ the Musical
MJ the Musical has officially made its big Australian debut at the Sydney Lyric Theatre. Set around Michael Jackson’s iconic 1992 Dangerous World Tour, this Tony Award-winning production dives into the music, moves, and moments that defined the King of Pop. It’s only here for a limited run, and only in Sydney. The show is playing for a limited time only, exclusively in Sydney. Get your tickets here.
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. Step aboard the Titanic
More than a century after the RMS Titanic sank, its story still grips the world, and now, one of the most powerful exhibitions about that night has landed in Sydney. Titanic. The Human Story brings real objects from the infamous night, untold accounts, and haunting moments that are sure to fascinate to the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct. Grab your tickets here.
8. Enjoy Christmas movies by the fire
It’s not just food and wine that you enjoy at Christmas in July. The team behind the beloved event is also bringing a brand new firepit cinema, where visitors can enjoy Christmas classics like Elf, Home Alone and more, and drink mulled wine to their heart’s content. Find the full program and ticket details here.
9. Take a scenic trip on the Kiama Picnic Train
Planning a quick winter escape? The Kiama Picnic Train is back this July, winding through the Royal National Park, and along the sparkling coastline of the Pacific Ocean, before pulling into Kiama, where you can enjoy seaside markets, browse local shops and more. July tickets are now on sale, get yours here.
10. 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 Metallica
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to ABBA
🕯️Candlelight: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
🕯️Candlelight: 90s Unplugged
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Adele
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to The Beatles
🕯️Candlelight: Hans Zimmer’s Best Works
🕯️Candlelight: Best of Fleetwood Mac
🕯️Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Pink Floyd
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift
🕯️Candlelight: Coldplay vs. Imagine Dragons
🕯️Candlelight: The World of Joe Hisaishi
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to The Weeknd
🕯️Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on Strings
🕯️Candlelight: A Tribute to Ed Sheeran
🕯️Candlelight: Featuring Mozart, Bach, and Timeless Composers
11. Enjoy Jazz Sessions in The Rocks
The Rocks is serving up the perfect mid-week reset with its popular open-air jazz sessions until Thursday, September 29. Stop by and settle in for a dreamy night of music courtesy of talented local musicians, and enjoy the vibrant nighttime vibe. The nights are getting colder, but this one’s worth rugging up for. Read more about the free event here.
12. Jump into Bubble Planet
This winter, you can step inside a colourful world made entirely out of bubbles at Sydney’s latest immersive experience. The fun and colourful Bubble Planet is set to delight visitors both young and old with 10 vibrant rooms, filled with balloons, LED lights, and many other interactive elements. The colourful event will take over Sydney Olympic Park and you can get your tickets here.
13. Enjoy a night of mischief at Cats the musical
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats is back in Sydney, celebrating its 40th anniversary with a return season at the Theatre Royal. This record-breaking musical has captivated audiences worldwide, with unforgettable songs and dance set in the iconic moonlit junkyard. The show runs until September 6; get your tickets here.
14. Step into the Upside Down at Stranger Things
Step into the world of Stranger Things this June at Luna Park. Explore the secrets of Hawkins Lab in a thrilling adventure, then celebrate your escape from the Upside Down at an 80s-themed precinct, while enjoying tasty bites, creative cocktails, and much more. Tickets are on sale now.
15. Browse a one-day-only vintage market
The Round She Goes vintage fashion market is returning to PCYC Marrickville on Saturday, July 19 with 60 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 $5, and you can grab your tickets here.
16. Skate under the stars at 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, karaoke, and a lot more fun is on the program. There’s also a special 4-day program called the Alpine Activity Zone with puzzles, winter craft workshops, and more, perfect for kids. Read all about it here.
17. 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 20, with a stacked program of films designed for younger audiences and families. Find more information and book your tickets here.
18. Have heaps of fun at Bondi Festival
The Bondi Festival returns from July 4-20 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 you can look forward to comedy shows, communal dance events, and food trucks slinging delicious food throughout the event. Get the details here.
19. 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.
20. Attend the Australian International Music Festival
The 33rd Australian International Music Festival will take place on July 8 and 9 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.
21. 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 4-8. 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.
22. 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.
23. 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 18 followed by conversations over snacks and hot drinks. Read all about it here.
24. 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 until July 27. Get your tickets here.
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. Over 200 stalls are set up at the markets and visitors can expect everything from cheap eats and drinks to excellent vintage bargains. Read all about it here.
26. 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.
27. 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.
28. 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.
29. Enjoy this intimate magic show
The Gentleman Magician, 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.