The seasons are changing and with that change comes the opportunity to lean into the exciting cultural happenings that'll bring New South Wales to life all year long. With a rotating calendar of incredible exhibits, events and festivals, it’s always a great time to get out and explore this stunning state and all it has to offer.
To help you start mapping out your next New South Wales adventure, we’ve rounded up a bunch of the most exciting events to mark in your diaries. Here are some of the top, unmissable events to catch in 2023.
WICKED The Musical
Theatre lovers, rejoice. The smash-hit Broadway sensation WICKED is invading Sydney's shores exploring what happened in the Land of Oz but from a completely different angle long before Dorothy arrived. Smart, fiery, misunderstood Elphaba born with emerald-green skin has an extraordinary talent and forms an unlikely friendship, that is until the world decides to call one 'good' and one 'wicked'. Full of unbelievable music, costumes, sets and talent, you'll be blown into another dimension from start to finish.
THE DETAILS:
What: WICKED The Musical
When: From August 2023
Where: Sydney Lyric Theatre
FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™
Setting the stage for some of the most talented athletes in football, the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ will see 32 nations compete on a global stage for the whole world to watch in our very own backyard. With continental qualification pathways leading to the penultimate finals series, the Aussies will look to steal the championship on home turf in a ferocious battle of skill and determination. Head over here to learn more about tickets.
THE DETAILS:
What: FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™
When: Thursday, 20 July to Sunday, 20 August
Where: Stadium Australia and Sydney Football Stadium
Sydney Marathon
Always the spectator, never the sportsperson? This event is about to change all that. The Sydney Marathon is a world-renowned event taking place along one of the most scenic running routes globally. All participants are welcome to walk, roll, jog, and run across the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge in one of four great races, including the Sydney Marathon—now an Abbott World Marathon Majors candidate race.
Not up for a full 42km+ marathon just yet? Sign up for the half marathon, the 10km, or the cruisy family run coming in at just 3.5km. It’s worth it for the views alone and is also a great opportunity to raise funds for your chosen charity.
THE DETAILS
What: Sydney Marathon
Where: South Milsons Point
When: 17 September, 2023
Wanderer Festival
When a place is known as The Sapphire Coast, you know that you’re about to witness some pretty stellar scenery. Pambula Beach is around a 5.5-hour drive south of Sydney and is home to the epic Wanderer Festival—a phenomenal musical experience that transcends both genre and demographic. It brings together an extremely diverse arts program that intertwines theatre, comedy, cultural workshops and circus alongside some huge names in music. Everyone is welcome at this joyous weekend celebration of life and nature.
THE DETAILS:
What: Wanderer Festival
When: Friday, 29 September to Sunday, 1 October
Where: Pambula Beach
Repco Bathurst 1000
If you’ve yet to experience the Bathurst 1000 firsthand, this is your year to take in all of its glory. Buckle in and prepare to have all your needs for speed met as celebrations for the 60th anniversary of this iconic race amp up. Witness great rivalries play out in front of you and history made as Camaro takes on Mustang at the Mountain for the first time ever.
Alongside the on-track action, there will be plenty to do, see, and explore in this regional gem. From live music to historic displays, family-friendly entertainment, on-site camping, and mouth-watering eats—there is no better way to fill a weekend.
THE DETAILS
What: Bathurst 1000
Where: Mount Panorama, Bathurst
When: 5–8 October, 2023
SXSW Sydney
One of the biggest events on the international cultural calendar is coming to New South Wales (and Australia) for the very first time this October. SXSW Sydney is a week-long event where the tech and innovation, games, music and screen industries converge with culture for unexpected discoveries. Expect live music and games showcases, massive parties, film and TV premieres, a tech expo, the next generation of innovative thinkers, and a stacked lineup of inspiring speakers and panellists. There’s something for everyone in this celebration of imagination and creativity taking over inner-city areas including Haymarket, Ultimo, Central and Chippendale this spring. Taking place from 15 to 22 October, this mammoth event aligns global creatives together to network and share their most wonderful ideas and imagination. Buy your badge here.
THE DETAILS:
What: SXSW Sydney
When: Sunday, 15 to Sunday, 22 October
Where: ICC Sydney and various locations
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Destination New South Wales and proudly endorsed by Urban List. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make Urban List possible. Click here for more information on our editorial policy.
Image credit: Urban List, Destination New South Wales