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Subscribe Paddo Comes Alive: A Vibrant Week of Art, Music & Culture Returns to Paddington
A precinct-wide celebration of art, live music, history and culture across Paddington.
In partnership with PADDO(collective), we’re exploring the week-long program bringing art, music and after-dark energy to this iconic inner-city precinct.
Paddington is set to pulse with creative energy as PADDO(collective)’s Live Music + Art Week returns from 28th January to 8th February 2026. Now in its third year, the precinct-wide initiative champions culture, creativity and connection, with an expanded program that further cements Paddington’s reputation as one of Sydney’s leading cultural precincts.
Over twelve days, the village transforms into a walkable cultural playground, bringing together beloved venues, emerging artists, musicians, DJs and historians. With many events free and walk-ins encouraged, the week invites locals and visitors to explore Paddington at their own pace — discovering new talent, revisiting favourite haunts and soaking up the suburb’s creative spirit.
Set against terraced streets, heritage shopfronts and leafy corners, the precinct sings with atmosphere. Here’s what’s lighting up Paddington this season.
Art & Openings
The program opens at Saint Cloche with The Birds Who Drank the Sun by Joshua Searle, showing from 28th January to 8th February 2026, a contemplative exhibition exploring memory, inheritance and cultural reclamation through painting and sculpture. With fusion-style guitar by Mike R and sunset drinks, the gallery sets the tone for the week ahead.
For those drawn to stories beneath the surface, Paddington Uncovered: Sin, Scandal & Secrets offers an immersive historical walking tour led by historian Max Burns-McRuvie. From elusive cat burglars to sly-grog dens and Victorian scandals, the tour winds through laneways and heritage terraces before ending with a complimentary drink. Running on 1st February, the experience is ticketed at $32 per person — and trust us, it’s well worth securing a spot for.
Live Sessions Filling the Streets
Across the precinct, the week moves to a lively beat. At Tequila Mockingbird, the beloved Street Sessions return on February 5th from 5pm, with live music from Manning, $15 margaritas, $12 tacos and that relaxed, sunlit Paddington buzz.
Midweek finds its rhythm at Paddo Inn, where Tune Inn Wednesday brings acoustic sets from 5pm, creating an easy early-evening glow. On reWINEd Thursdays, the mood shifts to nostalgic classics — Prince, Whitney, INXS and Fleetwood Mac — matched with a glass in hand.
On Sunday 8th February, The Paddington hosts mellow Afternoon Sessions, offering an effortless way to glide toward evening with live local music from 3pm to 6pm.
Disco, Vinyl & Late-Night Grooves
Friday, February 6th is one for the night owls. Kick things off at Wine Library’s DISCOTHÈQUE, where DJ Ben Howes takes over from 9pm with a mix of 70s disco and 80s boogie. Spritzes, late-night snacks and a dance-ready crowd await.
Alternatively, on the same night just down the road, The London turns up the tempo from 6pm with KLEVA VINYL — a high-energy takeover from turntablist DJ Klevaone, known for his soulful selections and razor-sharp scratch work.
A Week That Celebrates Paddington
PADDO(collective)’s Live Music & Art Week puts the suburb’s creative spirit in the spotlight. Across the program, the precinct becomes a meeting point for music, art and community, celebrating the venues and creatives who shape Paddington’s cultural heartbeat.
From sunset openings and disco nights to acoustic sessions and walking tours, each event adds colour and connection. For locals and visitors alike, it’s an invitation to rediscover Paddington at its most expressive.
Explore the full program and event details at paddocollective.com, proudly supported by Woollahrah Municipal Council and NSW Government.
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