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Subscribe What’s On in Sydney: Your Ultimate Guide for September & Beyond
Here's what's on in Sydney this month.
Sydney’s forthcoming spring event calendar is just as swish as the weather with plenty to see, do and eat. From markets and street parties to world-class exhibitions, this September is set to be a busy one. Read on for our edit of what’s on in Sydney this month…
What’s On in Sydney: Just Announced
Spend an Evening with Yotam Ottolenghi
You’d be hard-pressed to find a millennial home without at least one Ottolenghi cookbook gracing the shelves. But this author, chef and restaraunteur’s reputation is well-deserved. If you’re as big fans as we are, don’t miss this rare opportunity to watch Ottolenghi cook live on stage as he regales you with culinary adventures and chats kitchen secrets and favourite dishes. A Chrissie present for your favourite foodie, perhaps?
Thursday 19th February
Tickets from $129, available here
State Theatre, Sydney
What’s On in Sydney This Month: Top Picks
Soft Forest: A Free, Immersive Performance
Enter the enchanting world of Soft Forest, an interactive performance for little ones (and the young at heart) that brings nature’s fragility and beauty to life, exploring the importance of conservation. At its heart is Fauna, a 4-metre-tall illuminated puppet born from mycelium, who speaks for the trees and invites curious young minds to explore the wonders of the natural world, guiding them to protect it. A message many of us adults could use reminding of, too. Accompanied by a mesmerising soundscape and glowing fireflies, this free event is best suited for children aged 4–12. Presented by Erth Visual & Physical Inc.
Thursdays–Saturdays, September 4–20, running three sessions nightly: 5:30pm, 6:30pm & 7:30pm.
Paddington Reservoir, Oatley Road and Oxford Street
The Summer I Turned Pretty Viewing Parties
It’s Team Conrad versus Team Jeremiah — and Sydney is here for it. The Summer I Turned Pretty has captured hearts (and group chats) around the world, and fans are gearing up for the season finale with themed watch parties popping up across the city. Whether you’re in it for the love triangle or the nostalgia-soaked soundtrack, grab your besties and head to one of these venues: The Golden Sheaf, Oran Park Hotel, Tea Gardens Hotel, Hillside Hotel, The Chippo Hotel, Gregory Hills Hotel, and Camden Valley Inn. Spots are limited, so book quickly to avoid missing the drama.
Wednesday 17th September
Pearls & Plates
Drive just 90 minutes out of Sydney and you’ll come across NSW’s only pearl farm. This October, they’re inviting guests to Broken Bay Pearl Farm (and a nearby secret lunch location) to indulge in a six-course feast, curated by Chef Guy Jeffreys. Guests will also be treated to a live pearl harvest and riverside performances whilst they indulge in fine wines, cocktails and champagne. Just the way we like to celebrate Spring!
Book tickets here
Saturday 25th October & Sunday 26th October
Take a Spin on One of Sydney’s Electric Picnic Boats
Soak up some spring sun on your very own environmentally friendly picnic boat — no boat licence needed! Set sail from The Spit in Mosman with up to seven friends (pups included), load up a picnic and take in the sparkling Sydney harbour views. Sounds like the perfect spring day out if you ask us!
Prices start from $149
D’Albora Marina, Mosman
Darling Square’s Moon Festival is Back for Another Year!
Fast becoming an annual calendar highlight for Sydneysiders, Darling Square’s Moon Festival is back again with glowing lantern installations, lion dancing, live entertainment and fun food and drink offerings.
The festival, rooted in custom, is one of Asia’s most celebrated holidays and provides a forum for people to gather and honour the harvest season.
Highlights of Darling Square’s two-week festival include XOPP by Golden Century’s mooncake collection, 15cenchi’s salted egg mochi moon cheesecake, Gelato Messina’s mooncake special gelato and banquet meals.
Hundreds of lanterns will set the scene whilst guests that spend over $30 or more at Darling Square retailers on weekdays will receive a free light-up lantern. Mooncake clay-making workshops, scavenger hunts and lion dances are also on the cards. Catch the full program here.
Saturday 27th September to Saturday 11th October
Darling Square
Sydney’s Most Scenic Pool is Back, Just in Time for Spring!
After a 16-month closure for essential upgrades, this harbour-side pool is back just in time for spring. A refurbished pool deck, perfect for some springtime sun, is just one of the upgrades you can expect to notice. And yes, Oh Boy Cafe will be back shortly, too, with plenty of new delights to enjoy by the pool. Pack plenty of sunscreen and make a day of it!
1C Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney
South Eveleigh’s Month-Long Live Well Festival
One of our favourite precincts, South Eveleigh, is kicking off spring with a host of free and budget-friendly health and wellness activities. We’re talking pilates, wellness checks and plenty more. See below for the highlights:
- Fitness Fridays: Every Friday in September, Body Fit Redfern will be serving up free community pilates classes between 12:30pm and 1:15pm. This midday class is suitable for all fitness levels so be sure to give it a crack! Book your spot here.
- Fine Line Tattoos: Finelines Bondi will be popping up throughout the month with 40-minute fine line tattoo sessions from a curated flash sheet themed around wellness. Book a spot here. $175 per tattoo.
- Happy Hoops Hula Hoop Fitness: A fun new way to work out! Give it a try with a free class, run by Fembot Juju. Catch all the details here.
- Bonsai and Brews: Sip on a BrewDog brew whilst learning the fundamentals on bonsai. $50 per person. Book here.
- Pickleball Pop-Up: Always wanted to try Pickleball? Now is your chance! Head down to Innovation Plaza between 8am and 6pm, Monday 15th to Saturday 20th, and get involved.
South Eveleigh
Experience Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Right Here in Sydney
After an Australian debut in Brisbane and a tour around the globe, it is finally Sydney’s chance to experience this iconic immersive exhibition. Visitors will be able to experience 34 of Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes with Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition. You’ll be able to view these masterfully recreated pieces at eye level, where details often missed will be revealed. You’ll also be able to glean plenty of background on the pieces via informative signage and audio guides, illuminating how these pieces have shaped art, fashion, film and design to this day.
From $24, tickets available here
Fever Pavilion, Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park
Bondi Beach NYE Returns After a Decade With Fireworks, Family Fun + Big Surprises
For the first time in over a decade, New Year’s Eve is returning to Bondi Beach. Fuzzy, the team behind Harbourlife, Field Day and Listen Out Presents, has secured the license to bring an all-new celebration to Sydney’s most iconic shoreline on December 31. Promising a world-class party with a distinctly Bondi feel, the over-18s ticketed event will run alongside a free, family-friendly celebration featuring food trucks, roaming entertainment and 9 pm fireworks. With limited capacity and major announcements still to come, this one is tipped to redefine how Sydney rings in the new year. Sign up at fuzzy.com.au.
Bondi Beach
A Dreamy Bottomless Brunch (& Stay) at Charlotte Forestville
Charlotte has always had a way with atmosphere — that perfect blend of warmth, charm, and ritual. With the unveiling of their most sophisticated outpost yet in Forestville, that signature magic reaches a new level of refinement. Bathed in natural light and anchored by a 17-metre Italian travertine bar, the space hums with quiet luxury, where soft curves and Mediterranean tones invite you to sip slowly, savour deeply, and stay awhile.
The seasonal menu is thoughtful and beautifully executed, but the crown jewel is the saj — a traditional Middle Eastern flatbread, handmade to order and served with a rotating selection of savoury accompaniments. It’s a little slice of culinary theatre.
This spring, the Forestville courtyard transforms into a bottomless brunch haven — a celebration of generous hospitality, culture, and connection, reimagined through Charlotte’s signature lens. For the month of July, enjoy 90 minutes of free-flowing cocktails like espresso martinis and margaritas across three booking sessions, with a four-person minimum. Dishes include shared plates of saj and dips, squid ink king prawn spaghetti, steak frites, and a fall-apart lamb shank. Trust us — this is one brunch worth clearing your calendar for.
Sitchu Tip: Elevate your Forestville outing with a stay at the Charlotte Hotel. Light-filled by day and moody by night, this boutique Airbnb mirrors the brunch’s quiet luxury — from the king-sized bed to the stylish living space. Upstairs from the cafe, and steps from shops and scenic trails, it’s the perfect base to wander, sip, and return to soft lighting, modern comforts, and cosy elegance for a wholly indulgent escape.
Stay and Dine on Us: Book a minimum of two nights at Charlotte Hotel and receive a complimentary meal for two at Charlotte Cafe or in-room dining. The meal comes from the current restaurant menu.
Offer redeemable on stays during September and October 2025. Send code SITCHU to your host to activate. Book Charlotte Hotel here.
Bottomless Brunch in the Courtyard, $99 per person
22 The Centre, Forestville
Australian Native Food Festival
Explore the heritage and flavour of native ingredients with a weekend of market stalls, cooking demos and guest appearances. Helmed by Sharon Winsor, the founder behind iconic brand Indigiearth, and Weilwan culinary expert, the festival will explore the rich history of storytelling through food. Entry to the event is free but if you’re keen on catching a particular chef in action, you can secure tickets here.
Free, register here
Saturday 27th September to Sunday 28th September
Carriageworks
Sydney Nights Go Wild: Taronga After Dark
This October, Sydney Harbour sparkles with a new kind of magic at Taronga After Dark, where wildlife, cocktails, live music, and cinema collide under the stars. Arrive by ferry just as the sun dips, sip cocktails at the Archie Rose Sunset Bar overlooking the African Savannah, and wander lantern-lit trails to discover mystical Mermaid Shows, Sunset Seal Presentations, and the immersive Wildlife Cinema. Cosy up by the firepit with street food and desserts, or for thrill-seekers, tackle the illuminated Wild Ropes Adventure with the city skyline as your backdrop.
With live acoustic music and unforgettable experiences at every turn, Taronga After Dark transforms the Zoo into a starlit playground — perfect for friends, couples, or anyone seeking a wild night out.
From 3rd to 12th October, 5:30pm to 9pm each night
Tickets: Adults $41, Children 4–15 $36, under 4 free
Purchase tickets here
Moon Festival at Sydney Observatory
Head to Sydney Observatory for a unique program celebrating the traditional Chinese Moon Festival this October. Kicking off from 5pm, there will be food, parades and even some hands on workshops. The festival, that originated as way to offer gratitude to ancestors at harvest time, Sydney Observatory’s iteration will be celebrating Asian Australian artists, traditions and cuisine. Visitors will be able to enjoy classic Vietnamese dishes from Mumma Le’s Vietnamese Food Truck, lions dances by Qing Fong Dragon and Lion Dance Team and tunes from DJ Small FRY. More details here.
Thursday 2nd October, from 5pm
Sydney Observatory
Sculptures by the Sea Returns
Every year, as the temps start to rise and the swimmers come out of hibernation, Sydney gets a little extra sparkle courtesy of Sculpture by the Sea. Returning to the iconic Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk from 17 October, this larger-than-life outdoor exhibition transforms the cliffs into an open-air gallery, with jaw-dropping views and impressive installations in every direction.
Celebrating artists from 20 countries, this free-to-the-public art trail draws more than 450,000 visitors annually and has rightfully earned its rep as the unofficial kick-off to Sydney’s summer. Expect bold, brilliant and bizarre sculptures perched along the coast, each competing with the ocean for your attention. It’s sunshine, surf and surrealism, all wrapped up in one very photogenic stroll.
Starts 17th October
Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk
Wander Through This Immersive Light Show
From Friday 5 September to Monday 6 October, the heritage-clad Bella Vista Farm will glow with an immersive sound-and-light extravaganza that is set to whisk you straight back to the 1700s. At Echoes, wander along a convict‑reimagined trail, drift through fluorescent flower fields, and soak up stories from the Dharug sky‑watchers to early settlers Elizabeth and John Macarthur — all brought to life with lasers, mood‑setting soundscapes and interactive zones.
Sessions kick off every 15 minutes from 6:15 pm each night, and most folks spend around an hour soaking it all in. Tickets are a breezy $17.50 for adults, $12.50 for kids (ages 3–17), with free entry for little ones under 2, and a family bundle at $49. Hungry after your stroll through the illuminated past? Street‑food style trucks are on-site, dishing up tasty treats to keep you fuelled.
From 5th September to 6th October
Get your tickets here
Be Transported to the Streets of New Orleans at The Jazz Room
If you’ve ever dreamt of slipping away into the smoky speakeasies of the 1920s, this is your chance to experience the charm of New Orleans, right here in Sydney’s Inner West. Happening at the opulent, heritage‑listed Art Deco belle Albert Palais in Leichhardt, The Jazz Room has already dazzled crowds across Europe, the UK and the US — and now it’s bringing the soul to our fair city.
Expect sultry sax, brassy beats and velvet vocals as local jazz maestros riff through timeless favourites. And yes, true to jazz form, there’s plenty of spontaneous improvisation cooking throughout the show.
This toe‑tapping journey runs on selected Friday nights from early September through December, with two showtimes each evening — one at 6:30 pm and another at 8:30 pm . Tickets kick off from around A$49, making it an affordable slice of swing for date nights, catch‑ups or solo adventures with a cocktail in hand.
Until 5th December
Book your tickets here
Sydney Fringe Festival
Sydney’s most independent arts festival is back, taking over the city this September with boundary-pushing theatre, comedy, music, visual arts and more. From bold premieres to hidden gems in unexpected spaces, Sydney Fringe Festival champions creativity in all its glorious, genre-bending forms.
Expect laneway takeovers, immersive pop-ups, and late-night energy across the Inner West and beyond. With a jam-packed program dropping soon, now’s the time to clear your calendar and lean into the weird, the wonderful, and the wildly original.
1st to 30th September September
Various Locations across Sydney
Checkout the full event guide here
Sydney Contemporary Art Fair
Sydney Contemporary is back at Carriageworks, taking over the Eveleigh precinct this September. This year’s fair is set to be one of the best with 114 galleries and over 500 artists from across Australia, Aotearoa, Hong Kong, LA, and London, showcasing everything from bold gallery presentations to kinetic installations and live performances. It’s the kind of four‑day art marathon where you’ll sip, stroll and soak up creativity from dawn till dusk.
New this year: ‘Photo Sydney’, a dedicated photography sector spotlighting outstanding photographers. And don’t sleep on the curated programs — Installation Contemporary, Performance Contemporary, Talks, and even a Kid Contemporary with workshops that work for all ages. Expect provocative panels, sculptural spectacle, and encore-worthy after-dark events.
From 11th September to 14th September
245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh
Gin & Jazz at The Apollo
Monthly Sunday Sessions are back at The Apollo kicking off this week with live jazz and pink martinis to accompany the Potts Point mainstay’s iconic Greek menu.
The popular Gin & Jazz is returning for five sessions across five months from May to September starting this weekend with smooth grooves delivered within the intimate dining lounge. Whether you’re settling in for a regular feast or keen to try out the exclusive Gin & Jazz menu (available only on the day for $95pp), gather the group and kick back with the soothing sounds of the sax. Now that’s a Sunday well spent.
12pm to pm, the last Sunday of every month May to September
The Apollo, 44 Macleay St, Potts Point
Enjoy Soulful Sounds at Jazz Sessions in The Rocks
Jazz Sessions in The Rocks is back and bigger than ever, with an extended season running from now until the end of September. In what may just be the best after-work activity of the season, The Rocks Square will be filled with the captivating sounds of Australian jazz every Thursday night.
Enjoy a curated lineup of jazz’s finest in an intimate, al fresco experience set against the backdrop of some of Sydney’s most historic laneways. Signature cocktails from Hickson House Distilling Co. are also on offer, so you can sip on a Gin Jazz & Tonic, The Fizz’gerald or Swinging Negroni as you soak up the evening’s atmosphere. Or score a cocktail and two Thai dishes from Snake Bark for just $25.
Good food, good drinks and good (free) music? Count us in.
Every Thursday from 6pm to 8:30pm, 3rd April 3rd until 25th September
The Rocks Square
Pop Into This Immersive Bubble Fantasy Landing in Sydney
Get ready to step out of the ordinary and into a dreamy, kaleidoscopic world — Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience is landing at Sydney Olympic Park on June 6, and it’s set to be one of the most joy-sparking events of the season. Already a global phenomenon, this interactive wonderland has delighted millions in cities like London, Milan, and LA, and now it’s Sydney’s turn to dive into the magic.
Hosted at the Paddington Pavilion, the experience spans more than 10 fantastical rooms, each more surreal and Insta-worthy than the last. From a giant bubble bath ball pit to an immersive underwater LED room, an endless infinity chamber to a virtual reality journey through a dreamy metaverse — this isn’t your average art show. Expect bubbles, colour, play, and a serious dose of nostalgia, all wrapped into one epic sensory escape.
Whether you’re going with mates, a date, or the little ones in tow, Bubble Planet is the ultimate mood-booster and memory-maker.
Until November 2025
Tickets on sale May 8, book here
What’s On in Sydney: Eat & Drink
Suntory Bar at Prefecture 48
Get ready: Suntory Bar is landing in Sydney, and it’s bringing serious Japanese flair to Prefecture 48, the ultimate CBD precinct celebrating food, drink and culture. Kicking off on Friday 8 August, this two-level pop-up offers a refined, yet playful drinking experience inspired by ‘nomikai’ — Japan’s art of post-work socialising.
Sip over curated cocktails made with Toki whisky, Roku gin, Haku vodka and more, paired with inventive dishes created in collaboration with distinguished Japanese chef Tetsuya Wakuda.
Nestled inside heritage-listed Prefecture 48, this is where traditional craft meets local sophistication — perfect for whisky lovers, curious drinkers or anyone chasing a memorable evening. Walk-ins are welcome, or book a spot for one of their limited-time, chef-collab activations.
Tuesday to Thursday, 5pm to 11pm & Friday to Saturday, 5pm to 12am
8th August to 8th November
Prefecture 48, 230 Sussex Street
Shake Things Up at Blu Bar on 36
Looking for a mid-week plan that’s a little more elevated (literally)? Head 36 floors up to Blu Bar at the Shangri-La Sydney for their luxe cocktail-making classes, where Sydney’s most iconic skyline becomes your backdrop. Held weekly, these intimate masterclasses are the perfect mix of hands-on fun and five-star flair.
Each session includes a glass of bubbles on arrival, two expertly crafted cocktails you’ll learn to shake and stir yourself, plus a generous charcuterie and cheese board to share. Whether you’re planning a birthday date night or just a memorable catch-up with mates, it’s a chic twist on the usual drinks routine — $105 per person and worth every drop.
Or, if you’re just after the view and a stellar drink, Blu Bar also welcomes walk-ins for bar service, no reservation needed.
176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks
What’s On in Sydney: Outdoor Adventure
The Ultimate Winter Sleepover At Roar and Snore at Taronga Zoo
For a night at the zoo unlike any other, Taronga Zoo’s Roar and Snore is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Perched high above Sydney Harbour, this all-inclusive overnight adventure invites guests to stay in safari-style tents with uninterrupted views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Kick things off with a welcome drink before enjoying a delicious buffet dinner, followed by a guided night safari where you’ll meet some of the zoo’s most iconic residents after dark. The tents come with all the creature comforts — think electric blankets, comfy beds, and a front-row seat to the zoo’s nocturnal soundtrack.
In the morning, wake to the roar of lions before heading off on behind-the-scenes tours and up-close animal encounters, all before the crowds arrive.
This is glamping, Taronga-style — wild, wonderful and completely unforgettable.
Looking for more fun things to do in Sydney? We have plenty to keep you entertained. From Sydney’s best new degustation menus and best bottomless brunches to the best Mexican restaurants in town and where to go for a dreamy Sydney staycation, here’s all you need for a weekend in the city.
Our Sitchu editors work hard to deliver you the best products, events and venues that we hope you will love, each one is selected independently. Sitchu may receive an affiliate commission when you follow some links.
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