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What’s On in Sydney: Your Ultimate Guide for July & Beyond
Here's what's on in Sydney this month.
The arrival of May means cooler mornings, majestic sunsets and the last swims of the season — it’s the perfect weather for getting out and about. Sydney’s autumn 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 May 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 This Month: Top Picks
Après on The Harbour
Pier Bar has gone full alpine chic with Après on The Harbour, a fire-lit wonderland that’s part ski lodge, part harbourfront hideaway. Think twinkling trees, luxe throws, toasty firepits, and next-level comfort food, all with front-row views of the Harbour Bridge.
Designed for golden hour hangs, spontaneous cocktails and long, cosy catch-ups, pull up a seat under the heaters, wrap yourself in something soft, and dive into a menu made to warm you from the inside out. We’re talking Cheese & Truffle Jaffles, bubbling oven-baked camembert, and the dreamiest wagyu ragu orecchiette. And for dessert? The Biscoff Fondue brings pure fireside theatre — strawberries, pretzels, marshmallows and candlelight? We’re all in.
12pm–11pm, now until the end of August
11 Hickson Rd, Dawes Point
A Dreamy Bottomless Brunch 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 winter, 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.
Bottomless Brunch in the Courtyard, $99 per person
22 The Centre, Forestville
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.
What’s On in Sydney: Wellness
Barangaroo You Wellness Month
Barangaroo is shaking off the winter blues and dialling up the good vibes this August with a month-long wellness festival. Barangaroo You Wellness Month is transforming the harbourside precinct into a health haven, serving up a feel-good lineup of free and ticketed experiences. Think sunrise sauna plunges by the water, barefoot yoga on Country, high-energy bootcamps, and soulful talks from leading wellness experts.
Whether you’re chasing a runner’s high at The Run Club or craving a quiet moment at a Sunday sound bath, there’s something here for every kind of self-care seeker. Midweek wanderers can swing by Pier Pavilion for Thursday Thrive dance sessions or hit pause with Wednesday’s Re:Connect talk series. And don’t miss the 10th Anniversary Picnic at Barangaroo Reserve on 23 August — complete with live music, weaving workshops, and yarning circles to celebrate community and culture. Winter wellness never looked so good.
But that’s not it. To celebrate the opening, Barangaroo is giving away free sauna sessions to newsletter subscribers. So, keep an eye out on your inbox at this Wednesday 23 July — the first 30 subscribers to book will get the chance to soak and sip for free on the first day of opening.
From August 1
What’s On in Sydney: Eat & Drink
Try This Dubai Chocolate Thickshake
The Dubai chocolate craze is making its way through Australia and the latest dessert to be given a pistachio makeover is Ribs & Burgers’ thickshake. Top off your meal with this decadent dessert or swing by for an afternoon pick-me-up.
What can you expect? Lashings of pistachio paste and chocolate sauce topped with generous sprinklings of pistachio crush and crispy kataifi pastry. It’s here for a good time, not a long time so be sure to pop it on your must-eat list.
Locations across Sydney, find your closest here
FREE Vegan Croissants Courtesy of Iconic Vegan Bakery, Black Cockatoo
No road trip to the Blue Mountains? No worries. Black Cockatoo, the cult-fave bakery behind some of the country’s best vegan croissants, is bringing the goods to Sydney for two flaky, buttery mornings only. Teaming up with plant-based butter pioneers Bu Deli and the always-cool Ace Hotel Sydney, this pop-up promises free plant-based croissants with any drink purchase at Good Chemistry café on Thursday 24 and Friday 25 July — hot from the oven and gone in a flash.
The croissants are made using Bu Deli’s seed oil-free butter alternative — crafted from wholefoods like macadamias and coconut — which has earned its stripes with top chefs and pastry pros. Doors open at 8am, but we’d recommend getting in early — because when buttery, flaky free croissants are on the line, you know they won’t last long.
Thursday 24 & Friday 25 July, from 8am until sold out
47 Wentworth Avenue, Sydney
Be One of Few to Dine Inside the Art Gallery of New South Wales
This August, one of Sydney’s most iconic spaces will transform into a table for something truly special. Held inside the Art Gallery of NSW’s striking Naala Badu building, Warakirri is an intimate dining experience that weaves together food, culture and storytelling in celebration of Yolŋu power: the art of Yirrkala — the gallery’s latest major exhibition showcasing the creativity and strength of northeast Arnhem Land.
Created by Ngemba Weilwan woman Sharon Winsor, founder of Indigiearth, the four-hour experience offers a five-course degustation of native ingredients, paired drinks (alcoholic and zero-proof options included), and live cultural performances that honour the traditions and flavours of Country. Tickets are $350pp and include full exhibition access, plus a rare opportunity to engage with First Nations knowledge in a deeply meaningful (and delicious) way. This one’s less of a dinner — and more of a soulful journey through culture and cuisine.
$350pp
Saturday, August 2
Book tickets now via the Art Gallery website
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
Swap Your Confession for a Free Bowl of Pasta
Got a saucy secret? This July, Mutti is teaming up with Sydney’s cult-fave pasta pros Fabbrica for a deliciously cheeky two-day pop-up where your tomato obsession might just score you a free bowl of pasta.
The Mutti x Fabbrica Pasta Confessional will take over Fabbrica Pasta Shop on King Street for two days only, serving up steamy bowls of Napoletana casarecce to warm your mid-week mood.
Here’s the twist: to get your hands on the goods, you’ll need to step inside the bright red confessional booth and spill your most passionate pasta or tomato confession. Think Mutti tattoos, Polpa tower centrepieces, or an inability to leave a bowl unscraped — we won’t judge.
The first 15 people in line each hour will be treated to an exclusive dine-in experience inside Fabbrica. Miss out? No stress — takeaway bowls and limited-edition Mutti x Fabbrica pasta kits will be available to recreate the experience at home.
July 22–23, 11AM–4.30PM
Fabbrica Pasta Shop, 161 King Street, Sydney
P&V’s Rare Wine by the Glass Series
P&V Paddington is cracking open the good stuff — and you don’t need a wine list or allocation to get a taste. From June 27 the cult-favourite bottle shop and laneway wine bar L’Avant Cave is hosting a month-long series of rare, small-batch and near-impossible-to-find wines poured by the glass.
Sip on pours from cult producers like Barolo’s Rinaldi and Cappellano, Jura’s Ganevat and Overnoy, and Aussie icons Sami-Odi and Wendouree — no full bottle commitment required. Wines rotate weekly, and there’ll be in-store tastings and appearances from winemakers throughout the month.
Pull up a stool, order a snack, and settle in cthis is as close as you’ll get to drinking like a sommelier without leaving the neighbourhood.
27 June – 3 August
268 Oxford St, Paddington
OREO’s Tiny Drive-Thru is Popping Up in Pitt Street Mall (And It’s Giving Out Free Frozen Treats)
Big news in a teeny-tiny format: to celebrate the launch of their new Mini Bites, OREO is rolling into Sydney with the world’s smallest drive-thru. For one day only, Pitt Street Mall will transform into a miniature snack-lover’s playground, complete with pocket-sized cars, tiny speed bumps, and a pint-sized pick-up window. The best part? 5,000 free cups of OREO Mini Bites will be handed out — cool, creamy and coated in that iconic cookie crumb.
Can’t make it? You can still snag the snackable treats at 7-Eleven, Ampol and other petrol & convenience stores nationwide.
Saturday 2nd August, 11am – 7pm
Zephyr Sky Bar Takes on Winter With a Decadent Cocktail Pop-Up
Who says rooftop bars are reserved for summer? Soak up harbour views at Zephyr Sky Bar this Winter and you’ll also be able to enjoy a curated menu of Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky cocktails that will warm you to your core. Sip away as you revel in the last light and plush velvet interiors. There’s a little something for everyone on the menu from the Earl Grey-infused The Highlander cocktail to the fruit-forwad The Blushfire cocktail. Date night sorted!
View details plus the full menu here
Until Monday 11th August
Level 12, 161 Sussex Street, Sydney
Book in for the Ultimate $39 CBD Lunch Special
In welcome winter news, there’s a new lunch special in town that’s too good to pass up. Sleek award-winning cocktail bar, Jackalberry, has got you sorted for a cosy spot, two courses and a drink to sip whilst you’re at it. If you’re after something hearty, opt for the charred lamb or creamy bucatini carbonara. For those after something lighter, the menu is packed with options from teriyaki salmon to build-your-own salads. As for dessert, how does a warm sticky date pudding sound?
$39 (includes two courses and a drink)
Available 11am to 3pm daily, make a booking here
161 Sussex Street, Sydney
Try Italian Street Kitchen’s Limited Edition Matcha Tiramisu
Could it be possible that our favourite dessert just got better? Italian Street Kitchen has brought two of life’s greatest joys — matcha and tiramisu — together and we thank them for that from the bottom of our hearts. Envisage layers of matcha-infused zabaglione, white chocolate mascarpone, and delicate savoiardi. Or better yet…taste it for yourself. Find more details here.
Bella Vista, Neutral Bay, Parramatta & Penrith
Soak Up Luxe Hour at Catalina
Catalina is inviting you to soak up the best part of the day with seafood antipasto platters and a selection of light and bright cocktails. With one of the best waterfront views in Sydney, we can’t think of anywhere we’d rather be come golden hour. For $80 per person, you can enjoy a Catalina Martini, Rossini or spritz, served from the trolley, as well as signature bites ranging from mud crab crumpets, tuna crudo and tempura prawns. A new tradition? We think so!
$80 per person
Monday to Friday, 4pm to 7pm
New South Head Road, Rose Bay
What’s On in Sydney: Play
Canadian Club x Peking Duk Are Bringing the Party to the Slopes
Winter fashion just got a whole lot louder (and cooler). Back by very popular demand, Canadian Club and electronic hitmakers Peking Duk have teamed up again to drop what might just be this season’s most iconic piece of partywear: the Bad Windbreaker.
And to celebrate the launch? They’re throwing a free après ski party in Thredbo’s Alpine Bar later this month, complete with a live DJ set from Peking Duk themselves. Expect fire pits, ski-chic chaos and plenty of bad sweaters.
Canadian Club’s full ‘Bad Sweater’ collection will also be making a limited return, so whether you’re rocking the new windbreaker or revisiting the OG bomber, this is your excuse to layer up, turn up, and après all day.
Saturday, July 26, 6PM–7.30PM
Thredbo Alpine Bar, Kosciuszko National Park NSW
Chin Chin’s Iconic Cooking Class Returns
If your idea of the perfect Sunday includes dumplings, chilli relishes and a Feed Me feast, you’ll want to reserve a spot at Cooking with Cooper, Chin Chin Sydney’s cult-favourite cooking class that’s back for one day only this winter.
On Sunday 27 July, executive chef Benjamin Cooper is inviting guests behind the pass for a hands-on culinary workshop designed to teach you how to host a dinner party — Chin Chin-style. That means big flavours, bold techniques, and the inside scoop on how to recreate a few of the venue’s most iconic dishes from scratch.
After the class, you’ll sit down for a full Feed Me lunch, served Chin Chin-style: generous, vibrant and guaranteed to ruin you for ordinary entertaining forever. Don’t wait on this one — seats always book out fast.
$145pp
Sunday 27 July, from 12pm
69 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills
What’s On: Pop-Ups & Events
Winter Wonderland in the Sky at Lady Banks Rooftop
Swap your scarf for a flute of champagne and head sky-high this season — Lady Banks Rooftop is bringing serious winter magic to Bankstown with its Winter Wonderland activation, running every Friday to Sunday until 31 August.
Perched above Southwest Sydney, this rooftop destination transforms into a cosy alpine retreat with private igloo lounges, crackling fire pits, twinkling fairy lights, and a live DJ spinning mellow house beats to keep the good vibes rolling. Whether you’re on a romantic date, out with mates, or planning a group celebration, there’s something here to warm every heart — and belly.
The real showstopper? The rooftop igloos. Couples can indulge in a $100pp shared menu featuring the likes of Spanner Crab Brioche, Burrata with heirloom beetroot, and a comforting Apple and Rhubarb Crumble — with Moët or Whispering Angel Rosé on ice, naturally. Groups of four to ten can settle in with a $50pp feast of Three Cheese Arancini, French Onion Flatbread, and Prosciutto di Parma, served with a towering 1.5L magnum of bubbles.
Don’t miss Magic Hour from 4–6pm daily — think $15 alpine-inspired cocktails, $10 mulled wine, and plenty of cosy nibbles. Or lean into long lunch vibes with Bottomless Banks on weekends: 90 minutes of drinks and share plates with a Mediterranean twist.
Plus, mark your calendars for special themed weekends like Après Ski (19–22 June), Bastille Festival (11–13 July), and Christmas in July (26 July). With so much happening high above the city lights, Lady Banks Rooftop is this winter’s must-visit playground.
Fridays to Sundays, until 31 August
Lady Banks Rooftop, Bankstown
Christmas in July at The Rocks
This winter, The Rocks will transform into a European-style festive village as the Christmas in July Festival returns from July 11 to 20. Expect fairy-lit laneways, towering nutcrackers, and the scent of melted cheese wafting through the air.
The highlight is Snow Lane — a dreamy trail lined with real pine trees and fluttering snow machines, creating a picture-perfect winter wonderland. Over 20 pop-up eateries will serve cold-weather classics like bubbling raclette, gooey fondue, Austrian schnitzels, and sugar-dusted waffles. Warm up with spicy mulled wine or decadent hot chocolate topped with toasted marshmallows.
Live music, festive editions of The Rocks Jazz Sessions on Thursday nights, and artisan markets offering handmade ceramics, woolly winter wear, and gourmet treats round out the experience.
Opens July 11
The Rocks, Sydney
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–4pm, the last Sunday of every month May-September
The Apollo, 44 Macleay St, Potts Point
Art-Inspired High Tea at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
Blurring the lines between fine art and fine dining, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is celebrating the 2025 Archibald Prize with a stunningly reimagined High Tea experience.
Held in the luxurious Velvet Room, the table blooms with garden-inspired creations—from pistachio opera cake and blueberry choux to an indulgent artisan cart offering smoked salmon, charcuterie, and freshly baked baguettes.
Weekends, 1pm to 3pm, from May 10 to August 17
Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, 61-101 Phillip Street, Sydney
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.
From June 6
Tickets on sale May 8, book here
What’s On in Sydney: Arts & Culture
Just Spotted: Bridgerton Star Nicola Coughlan Living Her Best Life at Capella Sydney
Irish star Nicola Coughlan — yes, the Bridgerton and Derry Girls queen herself — recently headed down under where she enjoyed a chic stay at one of Sydney’s best luxury hotels. During her time in Sydney, she stayed at Capella Sydney which she says “felt like staying in a gorgeous art gallery”, per an Instagram dump of her Aussie travels.
On her Syd agenda? An obligatory Bondi to Bronte stroll, a pit stop at Mimi’s for dinner, and a drive by of the infamous MAFS apartments at Skye Sydney (because even major celebs are as hooked on Aussie reality drama as we are).
Sydney Ranked 6th Most Liveable City in the World
Sun-soaked and soul-stirring, Sydney has once again proven it’s more than just a pretty face — officially named the 6th most liveable city in the world in the 2025 Global Liveability Index by the Economist Intelligence Unit.
With world-class scores across healthcare, education, infrastructure and culture, Sydney effortlessly blends coastal charm with cosmopolitan energy. From harbourfront dining and iconic beaches to thriving arts festivals and buzzing neighbourhoods, it’s a city that delivers on both lifestyle and liveability.
Sure, every city has its growing pains — but Sydney’s global ranking is a powerful reminder of what makes it one of the most desirable places to call home. Whether it’s morning swims at Bronte, sunsets on the harbour, or catching a play in the heart of the CBD, we’re living in one of the world’s finest.
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, April 3rd until September 25th
The Rocks Square
Take an Emotional Journey Through the Titanic’s True Stories
Docking in Sydney next month, Titanic. The Human Story takes visitors on a captivating journey through the life and legacy of the Titanic. Featuring more than 200 objects and personal artefacts from both passengers and crew members, the exhibition retells the very human side of the ship’s famous sinking more than a century ago.
After a notable tour across America and the UK, and a visit to Brisbane last year, Sydneysiders can soon travel back in time through photographs, handwritten letters, wayward keepsakes and other personal belongings that tell countless stories about the live (and fates) of those on board the “unsinkable” ship.
Tickets are available for pre-purchase from April 9, with the waitlist open now.
Starts May 30th, tickets from $39
Walsh Bay Arts Precinct Pier 2/3, 13A Hickson Road, Dawes Point
What’s On in Sydney: Outdoor Adventure
Visit Sydney Zoo’s Cute New Fury Friends: Quokkas
If you’ve been eager to snap a selfie with these adorable furry marsupials, now is your time! Three smiley quokkas have officially made their way east, landing at Sydney Zoo for the first time ever this month.
Native to Rottnest Island in Western Australia, quokkas have been far out of reach for most Australians. But in good news for all on the east coast, Sydney Zoo has welcomed three quokkas (one male and two females) to NSW for the first time ever. You can catch these notoriously joyful furry friends at Sydney Zoo in Eastern Creek—a perfect excuse for a day out.
Tickets from $20
Sydney Zoo, 700 Great Western Highway, Eastern Creek
What’s On: New Openings
Sweat It Out at Decathlon’s New CBD Fitness Studio
Global sports retailer Decathlon has just opened its first Australian fitness studio—and it’s making movement more accessible than ever. Nestled within the brand’s shiny new 550 sqm Wynyard store, the studio is hosting a month-long lineup of budget-friendly fitness classes, from $15 yoga and mat Pilates sessions to free Lagree Microformer workouts.
The main event? Puppy Pilates. Yep, you read that right. On Saturday 17th May, join one of two adorably chaotic classes for just $25, with all proceeds going to the RSPCA. Spots are limited and on sale via Eventbrite — don’t snooze.
Level 2, 327-329 George St, Sydney
Give Pickle-Ball a Crack at This Newly-Opened Club
Like most Sydneysiders, we’re obsessed with Pickle Ball so when we heard The Jar was opening a dedicated club WITH a bar, we knew the next team bonding activity would be a winner. There are a range of options available if you’d like to get out on the court. The social programs, ranging from Ladies Night to Pickle & Prosecco are all about fun whilst open-play sessions for all abilities will satiate the competitive.
Level 1/100 Bulwara Road, Pyrmont
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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