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Subscribe What’s On This Weekend in Sydney: Our Sydney Editor’s Top Picks
No plans? Here's what's on in Sydney this weekend...
Spring has sprung and it’s all ocean swims and bare feet from here on out!
Stuck for plans? Catch our top picks of what to do in Sydney this weekend below.
What’s On This Weekend
Med Beats & Mezze Brings Summer Vibes to Woolloomooloo’s Finger Wharf
Akti is turning up the heat at Baraki Bar with the launch of Med Beats & Mezze. Running every Friday through Sunday this summer-long series is all about Mediterranean-inspired DJ sets and share-style plates. Expect sunshine sessions by the water, mezze plates of moussaka croquettes, kingfish crudo and saganaki with smoked lemon, plus free-flowing happy hour specials. With walk-ins only and prime harbourside views, Baraki Bar is set to be Sydney’s go-to summer spot.
6 Cowper Street Wharf, Woolloomooloo
Treat Yourself at ButterBoy’s Pitt Street Pop-Up
Sydney’s cult cookie brand, ButterBoy, is bringing its sweet creations to Westfield Sydney, starting this long weekend. The two week pop-up will feature all the usual suspects ( think signature 6-packs, cookie tins and the viral Cookie Milk), plus two exclusive flavours made just for the city; matcha and white chocolate and blueberry and lemon. To sweeten the deal, every purchase comes with a ButterBoy Scratchie with a 1in 6 chance to win prizes ranging from free treats to limited-edition merch.
Monday 6th October to Sunday 19th October
Level 2 Pitt Street Entrance, Westfield Sydney
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
Sunset Sessions at Q Station
With some of the best harbour views in Sydney, you won’t find a more scenic backdrop for Saturday drinks. Sunset Sessions at Q Station are back for spring and summer with a limited number of dates available from now until March 2026. Pack your picnic rug, pre-order a hamper and kickback, whilst local artists serenade you with tunes.
1 North Head Scenic Drive, Manly
Find the Golden Bite
Renowned chef Luke Mangan is taking notes from Willy Wonka with his latest dessert. Serving up a decadent twist of nostalgia, the Golden Chocolate Bar is handcrafted with rich chocolate mousse. The twist? Ten golden bars contain a salted caramel centre which unlocks a share of $50,000 worth of prizes. Ranging from luxury food and drink experiences to a 4-day cruise, each prize is designed to make your golden find unforgettable. Find them across three venues: Luke’s Kitchen (Kimpton Margot Sydney), Luke’s Bistro & Bar (Qantas Domestic Terminal), and Luc-San (Potts Point).
Participation is available from now until October 30th
Discover more details here
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
Back by Popular Demand: Continental Deli’s Hit Bake Sale Has Scored a Weekly Slot
If you missed the Paisano & Daughters inaugural bake sale, fear not. In a spot of glorious news, you can now pick up one of Australia’s best pastry chefs, Lauren Eldridge’s wonderful creations, every Saturday. Expect Lauren’s famous honeycomb, a swathe of sweet treats (including rhubarb jam slice, passionfruit melting moments and maratozzi buns) as well as loaves of bread and savoury delights. We smell a golden, toasty new Saturday ritual.
Every Saturday, 9am to 11am
212 Australia Street, Newtown
Brooklyn Boy Bagels Brings a New York–Style Brunch to Bondi
Brooklyn Boy Bagels is returning to its Bondi roots with a New York deli–inspired brunch takeover at The Corner House. Running every Friday to Sunday from 7am–12pm, the menu goes far beyond bagels, serving up wood-fired challah French toast, shakshuka pizza, New Orleans–style cornbread and sausage, plus stacked bagel boards and BBB’s signature Reubens and lox creations. It’s an authentic taste of NYC brunch culture, reimagined with Bondi flair, and the perfect way to kickstart a sun-soaked weekend.
Gilded Gaze
Sydney Harbour has a new star attraction. Ancient Feelings by British artist Thomas J Price is a towering, three metre high bronze sculpture of a woman’s head. Gazing out across the water, the figure stands proudly on Tallawoladah Lawn. This is the first in a year-long public art series designed to spark conversation and reflection. Be sure to pay it a visit for a moment of culture between coffee runs and harbour strolls.
The sculpture is on display from September 26th 2025 – April 2026 at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Tallawoladah Lawn, Circular Quay
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
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
Haven’t found your perfect weekend plans yet? Check out the best new restaurant openings in Sydney, or our monthly guide to read about everything else that’s happening this month in Sydney.
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