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.
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 16 to 19, 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.
Cosy up for Christmas in July
Christmas in July is finally returning to The Rocks from July 10th to July 19th, 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.
Harry Potter: The Exhibition is inviting fans to relive iconic moments from the films and the wider wizarding universe through immersive galleries, original props and costumes. Visitors can brew potions, test their Quidditch skills, pot a Mandrake, conjure a Patronus and come face to face with magical beasts, while exploring detailed spaces inspired by Hagrid’s Hut and the Great Hall.
Step aboard Sydney’s only submarine immersive escape experience and face a legendary Kraken in this steampunk underwater adventure. Running throughout July, this 60-minute escape room puts you inside a failing vessel as Captain Nemo’s mission spirals into chaos. Work together to solve puzzles and repair malfunctioning machinery before time runs out. The tension builds as the creature closes in, turning every moment into a race for survival. Perfect for groups looking for a cinematic, high-intensity challenge.
Get lost in Paris with Anastasia Live
Step into a world of romance, mystery and adventure with the hit Broadway musical Anastasia, now playing at the Sydney Lyric Theatre until July 19th. Follow Anya’s unforgettable journey from Imperial Russia to 1920s Paris in this dazzling production filled with stunning music, heart and spectacle.
Enjoy Christmas movies by the fire this season
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.
Step aboard Sydney’s only submarine immersive escape experience and face a legendary Kraken in this steampunk underwater adventure. Running throughout July, this 60-minute escape room puts you inside a failing vessel as Captain Nemo’s mission spirals into chaos. Work together to solve puzzles and repair malfunctioning machinery before time runs out. The tension builds as the creature closes in, turning every moment into a race for survival. Perfect for groups looking for a cinematic, high-intensity challenge.
Step inside HOKA’s first-ever Australian flagship in Sydney
HOKA has officially opened the doors to its first Australian flagship store on Pitt Street in Sydney, celebrating the milestone with a week of special events and giveaways running until July 4.
Early visitors can enjoy a few extra perks, with the first 50 customers through the doors receiving a limited-edition gift pack. There’s also the chance to win a $600 HOKA shopping voucher, with one lucky shopper taking home the major prize. Plus, anyone who purchases a new pair of shoes during launch week will receive a complimentary set of custom shoe charms inspired by the brand’s signature designs.
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.
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 Coldplay, Joe Hisaishi and more.
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Metallica
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to ABBA
🕯️Candlelight: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Adele
🕯️Candlelight: Best of Fleetwood Mac
🕯️Candlelight: Featuring Mozart, Bach, and Timeless Composers
Enjoy Jazz Sessions in The Rocks
The Rocks is serving up the perfect mid-week reset with its popular open-air jazz sessions until Tuesday, September 29. Stop by and settle in between 6pm to 8:30pm 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.
Relive the summer of love with Hair
Celebrate the spirit of the 1960s with Hair, the iconic tribal-rock musical packed with unforgettable songs including “Aquarius” and “Let The Sunshine In”. This high-energy production brings a timeless message of freedom, youth and social change to the Theatre Royal Sydney for a limited season between 6th June to 11th July.
Glide Into Winter at Darling Harbour Ice Rink
Lace up and hit the ice at Darling Harbour’s open-air rink at Palm Grove Forecourt, running daily through 19th July. Perfect for families, friends, and first-time skaters, it’s a festive winter experience filled with twinkling lights, food, and fun under the city sky.
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 10th, with a stacked program of films designed for younger audiences and families. Find more information and book your tickets here.
Have heaps of fun at Bondi Festival
The Bondi Festival returns from July 3rd to 19th July with a variety of exciting events on offer. There’s a 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.
Attend the Australian International Music Festival
The 33rd Australian International Music Festival will take place on July 7th to July 8th 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.
Head on down 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 3rd-19th. 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.
Running throughout July, Banksy Limitless is an immersive exhibition in Sydney’s The Rocks that brings the artist’s bold, provocative work to life on a large scale. Step inside a multi-sensory journey through hundreds of artworks exploring themes of society, politics, and culture. This exhibition is an encounter with one of the world’s most influential street artists. Perfect for all ages, it offers a powerful and thought-provoking indoor experience for winter.
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 27th. Get your tickets here.
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 every Sunday, 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.
Playing Fridays and Saturdays throughout July, Late Night Vice is Sydney’s most notorious late-night cabaret experience. Created by the team behind BLANC DE BLANC ENCORE, it invites you into a no-phones world of seductive spectacle, bold performance, and theatrical chaos. Expect cocktails, high-energy cabaret, and jaw-dropping talent in an atmosphere charged with glamour and mischief. Dress to impress and prepare for a night that pushes entertainment to the edge.
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.
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.
