Sydney events guide
Sydney knows how to put on a show. Here is a taste of the range of events and festivals in Sydney.
Check out a video of Sydney festivals>
Sydney Harbour Island Hopping
Discover the unique natural and cultural heritage of Sydney’s harbor islands. Each weekend board the island hopping ferry at circular quay for a day of exploring. Watch out for a program of special one-off island celebrations.
Vivacity – When wonderful Sydney comes out to play – December-February
Between December and February, Sydney comes alive with Vivacity, a spectacular calendar of festivals, sporting events, shows, concerts, outdoor activities and fun. It all kicks off with the world famous New Years Eve fireworks display on Sydney Harbour and ends with the biggest celebration of Chinese New Year outside Asia. When this Harbour City wants to celebrate, there is no better place on earth to be.
Sydney Festival 2010 - January
Sydney’s annual mega-event is a celebration of music, dance and theatre, featuring the world’s hottest and most innovative acts. Don’t miss Festival First Night, which transforms Sydney’s laneways, streets and parklands into one big party.
St George Open Air Cinema - Summer
Experience Sydney at its al-fresco best by taking in a movie by Sydney Harbour with the Sydney Opera House as a backdrop. A selection of gourmet treats, fine wine and Sydney’s silky summer evening air complete this feast of film.
Medibank International Sydney - January
The biggest names in world tennis take to the court at Sydney Olympic Park in this exciting tournament.
Australia Day – January 26
Sydney remembers the arrival of the First Fleet with a spirited program that celebrates Australia’s past and present. Head to Darling Harbour or Hyde Park to join the festivities or find a spot on the harbour and watch the Tall Ships, tugs, ferries, barges and vessels pass by in the official Australia Day Parade.
Chinese New Year Festival - February
Say goodbye to the Ox and hello to the Tiger in true Sydney style with parades, markets, food, dragon boats, fireworks and plenty of noise. It’s the biggest Chinese New Year outside Asia.
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival – February-March
This month-long festival of film, theatre, visual and performing arts climaxes in a huge street parade on 1 March with more than 140 floats and thousands of musicians and dancers in spectacular costumes.
Vivid Sydney May-June
Experience vivid Sydney and see the city transformed into a living canvas of music and light with the Opera House as its focal point. A huge new contemporary music festival Luminous will be curated by world renowned talents. A showcase and focal point for Sydney’s creativity, Vivid Sydney will also host forums and conferences.
Biennale of Sydney - International Festival of contemporary art 12 May -1 August 2010
The Biennale of Sydney is Australia's largest and most exciting international visual arts event.
It is held in Sydney's leading museums and galleries and is renowned for showcasing the freshest and most innovative contemporary art from Australia and around the world. During the exhibition, a program of tours, talks, film screenings and special events are held across the city, and most events are free.
Creative Sydney – May/June
Creative Sydney is a festival of ideas, centered around a series of public events that celebrate the wealth and diversity of Sydney's creative talent. Running for three weeks at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Circular Quay, Creative Sydney offers both a provocative discussion program and a wealth of showcases from the city's emerging creative talents.
Sydney Harbour Island Hopping
Discover the unique natural and cultural heritage of Sydney’s harbor islands. Each weekend board the island hopping ferry at circular quay for a day of exploring. Watch out for a program of special one-off island celebrations.
Vivacity – When wonderful Sydney comes out to play – December-February
Between December and February, Sydney comes alive with Vivacity, a spectacular calendar of festivals, sporting events, shows, concerts, outdoor activities and fun. It all kicks off with the world famous New Years Eve fireworks display on Sydney Harbour and ends with the biggest celebration of Chinese New Year outside Asia. When this Harbour City wants to celebrate, there is no better place on earth to be.
Sydney Festival 2010 - January
Sydney’s annual mega-event is a celebration of music, dance and theatre, featuring the world’s hottest and most innovative acts. Don’t miss Festival First Night, which transforms Sydney’s laneways, streets and parklands into one big party.
St George Open Air Cinema - Summer
Experience Sydney at its al-fresco best by taking in a movie by Sydney Harbour with the Sydney Opera House as a backdrop. A selection of gourmet treats, fine wine and Sydney’s silky summer evening air complete this feast of film.
Medibank International Sydney - January
The biggest names in world tennis take to the court at Sydney Olympic Park in this exciting tournament.
Australia Day – January 26
Sydney remembers the arrival of the First Fleet with a spirited program that celebrates Australia’s past and present. Head to Darling Harbour or Hyde Park to join the festivities or find a spot on the harbour and watch the Tall Ships, tugs, ferries, barges and vessels pass by in the official Australia Day Parade.
Chinese New Year Festival - February
Say goodbye to the Ox and hello to the Tiger in true Sydney style with parades, markets, food, dragon boats, fireworks and plenty of noise. It’s the biggest Chinese New Year outside Asia.
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival – February-March
This month-long festival of film, theatre, visual and performing arts climaxes in a huge street parade on 1 March with more than 140 floats and thousands of musicians and dancers in spectacular costumes.
Vivid Sydney May-June
Experience vivid Sydney and see the city transformed into a living canvas of music and light with the Opera House as its focal point. A huge new contemporary music festival Luminous will be curated by world renowned talents. A showcase and focal point for Sydney’s creativity, Vivid Sydney will also host forums and conferences.
Biennale of Sydney - International Festival of contemporary art 12 May -1 August 2010
The Biennale of Sydney is Australia's largest and most exciting international visual arts event.
It is held in Sydney's leading museums and galleries and is renowned for showcasing the freshest and most innovative contemporary art from Australia and around the world. During the exhibition, a program of tours, talks, film screenings and special events are held across the city, and most events are free.
Creative Sydney – May/June
Creative Sydney is a festival of ideas, centered around a series of public events that celebrate the wealth and diversity of Sydney's creative talent. Running for three weeks at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Circular Quay, Creative Sydney offers both a provocative discussion program and a wealth of showcases from the city's emerging creative talents.
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