Things To Do

What’s On This Weekend In Sydney

14th Jan 2026
Written by:
Lizzie Scorer
Contributor | Urban List, Sydney, NSW
Eloise Luke
Contributor | Urban List
Ilaria Sanzari
Contributor | Urban List, Sydney, NSW
  • ace hotel sydney sunday arvos - the best things to do this weekend in sydney

Vine-covered bikes, Upside Down–taken landmarks and an earth-shattering Vecna display emerging from the Harbour—Stranger Things is taking over the city ahead of the season 5 release.

Looking for the best things to do in Sydney/Eora this weekend? There's never a shortage of exciting activities in Sydney to keep your calendar full. 

Whether you want to scratch that clothes-shopping itch, settle in with a spritz, look for free foodie feed, check out cool art or groove to DJ beats—we reckon you'll find something here to keep you occupied. 

Here's what's on this weekend in Sydney. 

Free New York–Style Bagels At Brookyln Boy Bagels

19 Carrington Road, Marrickville and Shop 1/80 Reservoir Street, Surry Hills | Thursday 15 January, from 7am 

brooklyn boy bagels free bagels Image credit: Brooklyn Boy Bagels | Instagram

Free bagels are on the cards this Thursday at New York-Style bagel joint, Brooklyn Boy Bagels. The crew are slinging 100 freshly-baked bad boys on the house at each of their two locations in Marrickville and Surry Hills—a whopping 200 total. 

There’s plain, blueberry, everything seasoning and sesame available—aka Brooklyn Boy’s greatest hits. The shops open at 7am, get there early to score the goods.

Read more online

Sydney Festival

Various Locations | Thursday 8–Sunday 25 January 

sydney festivalImage credit: Sydney Festival | Website

Sydney Festival is back for 2026, marking its 50th city-wide takeover of art, theatre, music, dance and more. Under new Festival Director Kris Nelson, the program blends storytelling, spectacle and intergenerational collaboration.

Expect live music under the stars at Tumbalong Park with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra on 17 January, world-class talent from Ireland at Carriageworks with WAKE on 14-25 January, boundary-pushing shows like Lacrima at Roslyn Packer Theatre on 22-25 January, and a whole lot more unique acts, installations and family-friendly activities. 

Book online

300 Free Pizzas From L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele

50 Pitt Street, Sydney CBD | Monday 12–Saturday 17 January

l'antica pizzeria da michele free pizzaImage credit: L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele | Instagram

Colossal pizza empire L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele is dishing out 300 free takeaway pizzas to the first 50 guests in line each morning from Monday 12 January until Saturday 17 January aka World Pizza Day.

For those waiting in line, San Pellegrino will be providing complimentary refreshments and Illy is offering Italian coffee cream. 

And as a huge bonus, one lucky pizza fiend will win free pizza for the rest of the year from Da Michele Sydney—there goes your 2026 resolution to eat better, oh well. 

Recognised for its heritage-listed Neapolitan pizza-making, the OG Naples pizzeria has over 150 years under its belt. Since recently opening down under on Sydney’s popular Pitt Street, the crowds have been non-stop, so we suggest getting there early. 

Read more online

Meet The Brewer At The Squires Landing

The Squires Landing, Northern end of the Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay West, The Rocks | Saturday 17 January, 12pm–2pm

meet the brewer at squires landingImage credit: The Squires Landing | Supplied

Sydney Harbour brewery, The Squires Landing, is hosting a Meet The Brewer session this Saturday with tastings of limited-edition brews and matched canapes made from local produce with views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. 

You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the waterfront brewery and the inside scoop on the convict-turned-pioneer brewer James Squire, as well as brewing techniques with Head Brewer Jack Fox. Tickets are $49 per person. 

Book online

Rhythm And Brunch

Bungalow 8, King Street Wharf, Darling Harbour, 3 Lime Street, Sydney CBD | Saturdays from 1pm, until 28 February

rhythm and brunch Image credit: Bungalow 8 | Onecut Studios 

Bottomless brunch is always a good idea on the weekend, and Bungalow 8 are turning things up a notch with Rhythm & Brunch

The crew are pairing two hours of free-flowing cocktails, wine and beer with a share-style platter, insane harbour views and DJs spinning R&B classics for some serious sing-a-longs. 

Grab your mates, a booth or balcony seat and settle in from 1pm. Tickets cost $99 per person. 

Book online

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Tennis On The Terrace

Woollahra Hotel, 116 Queen Street, Woollahra | Until Sunday 1 February 

tennis on the terrace woollahra Image credit: Woollahra Hotel | Supplied

The Happy Slam is back, and although Melbourne is the official Australian Open base, Sydney is serving up epic live and loud screenings of the matches. 

Woollahra Hotel is delving right into the AO energy with its Tennis on the Terrace pop-up. The games are being blown up on the big screen on The Terrace with limited-edition AO food specials to match, curated by Bistro Moncur Head Chef Tom Deadman. Think chicken finger sandos and baguettes loaded with roasted pork belly, chargrilled steak or tiger prawns. 

Toast to the winners with $15 frozen Tommy’s margs, $40 Balter mega jugs or $99 bottles of bougie Piper-Heidsieck Champagne.

Book online

Free GEL-NIMBUS 28 At ASICS Shoe Swap

Centennial Park | Saturday 17 January

a person running with asics sneakers on
Image credit: ASICS | Supplied

ASICS is taking over Centennial Park, one of Sydney’s most ritualised running loops, for a glorified shoe swap like no other. On Saturday 17 January, the brand’s free Comfort Swap invites 250 runners to trade in their tired, overworked shoes (any brand, any condition) for a fresh pair of GEL-NIMBUS™ 28s. 

To be considered for a spot, participants must enter a ballot at this link, with registrations open Monday 13 January, and 250 winning recipients being drawn and notified on Wednesday 15 January.

Sunday Arvos 

Ace Hotel Sydney, via 53 Foy Lane, Sydney CBD | Sunday 18 January, 3pm–7pm

An image taken of the four chefs involved with Ace Hotel Sydney's Sunday Arvos, including the new pizza oven they will be using.Image credit: Ace Hotel Sydney | Website 

Sunday Arvos is Ace Hotel’s new chef series, and this month they have Isobel Whelan-Little and Ellie Bouhadana onboard for a pizza takeover on the brand-new Gozney Dome XL Gen 2 pizza oven.

There'll also be tunes all arvo thanks to DJs Levins and Charlie Chux. RSVP for free and come to find out which slice is calling your name. 

RsvP online

Spritz Month

Various Locations | Tuesday 6–Saturday 31 January

spritz month this weekend in sydneyImage credit: Tanica | Instagram 

Sydney summer runs on spritzes, so this January, Applejack Hospitality is spotlighting local Aussie legends with a tight trio: a pink-hued Tanica Native Plum Spritz, a citrus-charged Brookie’s Sundrift Orange Spritz, and the zesty Unico Zelo Limoncello Spritz. 

Sip them across SoCal, The Butler, Taphouse, Bopp & Tone, Forrester’s, RAFI North Sydney, RAFI URBNSURF, Opera Bar and The Botanist from 6 to 31 January. 

Read online

Club 77 January Lineup

77 William Street, Darlinghurst | Thursdays–Sundays 

club 77 sydneyImage credit: Club 77 | Max McDonald

Roll into the new year with Club 77’s stacked summer lineup. The January program locks in a full-spectrum month of club music on Thursdays to Sundays every week. 

Thursdays are for long-form local sets like Lex Barlin on 8 January, while Fridays are fueled by high-energy takeovers like Chuleo Club on 9 January featuring Zalina, Kilimi, Nay Nay, Maz and Sandro on the decks. 

Saturdays stay resident-led with standouts Mazzacles and Disruptive Pattern Material on 10 January, and Sundays round things out with Control featuring Bloody Mary, Estée Louder and La Figa on 11 January. 

Book online

Macquarie Ice Rink

Corner of Herring Road and Waterloo Road, North Ryde | From Saturday 20 December

macquarie ice rink sydneyImage credit: Macquarie Ice Rink | Supplied 

With the heat dialled all the way up, Macquarie Ice Rink’s re-opening couldn’t have come at a better time. An inner-city institution since 1981, the Olympic-sized rink spent most of 2025 undergoing a multi-million-dollar glow-up—and now it’s officially back. Expect a pristine new ice surface, slick tech upgrades and modern amenities. 

They also have a disco session every Friday and Saturday night from 8.30pm to 10.30pm. Including skate hire, all session tickets are $32 for adults, $29 for students, $28 for children under 16 years and $12 for children under 5 years with a paying adult. 

Read online

Pickleball At South Eveleigh

Innovation Plaza, Eveleigh | Daily until Sunday 1 February, 7.30am–7.30pm

pickleball south eveleighImage credit: South Eveleigh | Website

Pickleball is popping up at South Eveleigh this summer. From 6 January to 1 February, Innovation Plaza transforms into a social, high-energy pickleball hub. Jump into beginner-friendly, instructor-led 45-minute lessons on Wednesdays and Saturdays for $10pp, or swing by for free-play sessions daily between 7.30am to 7.30pm. Whether you’re learning the ropes or rallying with friends, it’s a great way to spend your weekend in Sydney. 

Book online

The Grifter Brewing Co. Happy Hour

1/391–397 Enmore Road, Marrickville | Wednesdays–Fridays, 4pm–6pm 

the grifter brewing co happy hour sydney this weekendImage credit: The Grifter Brewing Co. | Instagram

Dialling up the summer vibes, The Grifter Brewing Co. has rolled out a sunny happy hour to celebrate the expansion of their solar power setup. The Marrickville legends are slinging $7 cold schooners and $10 chilled wines at their tasting bar from Wednesday to Friday between 4pm and 6pm.

Book online

Artificer Coffee x Andrew Boy Charlton Summer Residency

1c Mrs Macquaries Road, The Domain | Daily, 6.30am–1pm

A three-month summer kiosk has rolled into Sydney’s Andrew Boy Charlton Pool, bringing together coffee, books and croissants from the legends at Artificer Coffee, Between Lines and Lune Croissanterie. Open daily from Monday 8 December, swing by to unwind with a cold brew and harbourside views. 

Mode Mischief Pop-Up

17 Oxford Street, Paddington | 10am–6pm daily and 10am–7pm on Thursdays

mode mischief sydney pop-upImage credit: Mode Mischief | Instagram

Spotted on Hailey Bieber and Emma Chamberlain, design-led label Mode Mischief has officially landed in Sydney for summer, stationed at a beautiful boutique on Paddington’s bustling Oxford Street. Open from Tuesday, 9 December, Hotel Mode is an immersive concept pop-up where you can shop the full range, score early access to upcoming drops and get your hands on exclusive Hotel Mode merch. 

Hawke’s Brewing: Operation Sickie 

8–12 Sydney Street, Marrickville | Until Monday 2 March

hawke's brewing: operation sickie
Image credit: Hawke's Brewing | Instagram

The sneaky legends at Hawke’s Brewing are granting work-waggers 49% off the bill if they can successfully chuck a sickie—one of the greatest Australian pastimes. 

Rock up on Friday 23 January, Tuesday 27 January or Monday 2 March after pulling a sick day from work and show your host the proof to score this awesomely cheeky deal. 

Book online

Arms Length Bar’s Weekend Specials

7 Kellett Street, Potts Point | Friday–Sunday, 12pm until late

A mid shot of a lady sitting outdoors at Arms Length Bar eating oysters while the fairy lights on the tree behind her shine.Image credit: Arms Length Bar | Instagram

Arms Length is bringing special after special, including their Sunday $2 Oysters and discounted Lo Fi wines to amplify those end-of-week afternoons. Seated outdoors among fairy-light wrapped branches, share as many freshly shucked oysters as your heart desires while your wallet stays happy. 

The bar is also hosting DJ nights every Friday and Saturday from 6pm until late, where you can sip on happy hour drinks from 4pm and get up to groove soon after. This spot gets busy, so keep an eye on their What's On page and book yourself a spot this weekend. 

Book online

China Heights Exhibitions

Level 3, 16/28 Foster Street, Surry Hills | Wednesday–Saturdays, 12pm–5pm

Wide shot of the interior of China Heights Gallery, showcasing artworks spaced out along white, plain walls in a contemporary style. Image credit: China Heights Gallery | Website

China Heights is a contemporary and independent art gallery set on bringing fresh creativity to the streets of Sydney. With a rotating exhibition program constantly in progress, you can enter for free to admire and be inspired by the newest artworks displayed.

There's also a catalogue of artworks available for purchase to anyone wanting to bring a piece of the gallery home. Whether it's a creative interest or a search for quality home decor, this gallery should be the next stop on your list.

Read online

Henley's Rock Revival Saturdays

9 Lime Street, Sydney CBD | Every Saturday, 9pm–late

Henley's is cranking the volume all the way up every Saturday with Rock Revival—a weekly live music event that's all about band culture and loud guitars. From 9pm until late, it's a non-stop lineup of punk, rock, indie and high-volt party bands taking on the stage. 

Keeping the energy (and spirits) high, you’ll find pizza by the slice loaded with combos like truffle mushroom and fior di latte, smoked chorizo and chilli, and Philly cheesesteak, alongside cold beers on tap and a crowd that knows how to party.

Book Online

The Island: Summer Season

Departure: Man O'War Steps, Farm Cove Street, Sydney CBD | Every Saturday

boat party on sydney harbour
Image credit: The Island | Instagram

The Island’s Summer Season is in full swing, with five-hour parties from 3pm until sunset every Saturday. Expect next-level DJs, cocktails and unbeatable harbour views at Sydney’s favourite floating bar. Guests can level up with VIP Banquette booths, Rooftop access or table packages, while water taxi transfers run every 20 minutes from Man O’War Steps from 2:50pm, making it the easiest way to get to the action. 

Book Online

Dine-Out With Uber Eats

Various Locations | Ongoing

dine out with ubereats island radio table with food and drinks
Image credit: Island Radio | Instagram

With eating out getting pricier by the month, plenty of Sydneysiders are rethinking their restaurant habits. But while the splurge might be shrinking, the love of a shared meal isn’t going anywhere. That’s where Dine Out with Uber Eats comes in—a new initiative helping diners stretch their budget a little further.

The best part? These offers are available any day and time the restaurant’s open (aka no happy-hour restrictions or weekday fine print) so you can plan your next dinner, date or catch-up on your own terms.

Live Music Lineup At Elliott's

79 Elliott Street, Balmain | Every weekend

elliot's live music this weekend in sydney
Image credit: Elliott's | Instagram

Since their recent opening in Balmain, Elliott's have been curating a live music program that takes full advantage of the Inner West's recently relaxed music laws—and things are getting loud this weekend. The courtyard hosts a rotating lineup of vinyl DJs and live soul, funk, and blues sets every weekend, curated by Jordan McDonald (NITE-RITE Entertainment).

On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 5pm, expect groovy DJ sets—think rare beats, funk cuts and soulful classics to get the courtyard buzzing. The vibes will be staying high across the whole weekend, wrapping up your week on a high note. 

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Mary's Weekend Brunch & Bottomless

Victoria Cross, Tenancy T16/155–189 Miller Street, North Sydney | Every Saturday And Sunday

mary's bottomless and brunch menu person cuts into a stack of pancakes with butter and bacon alongside a full table of breakfast treats
Image credit: Mary's | Supplied

Mary's VX has launched an epic brunch and bottomless menu for an ideal weekend feed. Co-founder Jake Smyth reckons this is one "worth crossing town on the Metro for"—sky-high pancake stacks, brekkie burgers, unlimited spicy pickle margaritas (don't knock them until you've tried them) and bottomless filter coffee to keep the old man going. The bottomless menu comes in at a pretty $55 per person, or you can keep things breezy and order à la carte.

Book online

Bennelong In 45 Minutes

Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney CBD | Daily

bennelong in 45 minutes three bar snacks displayed alongside a signature cocktail
Image credit: Bennelong | Supplied

There's certainly no fast-track to a luxury lifestyle, but Bennelong is doing its best—this $50pp experience speed-runs sophistication in a 45-minute session, offering three refined bar snacks and a signature cocktail. Ideal for those needing a quick pre-theatre snack or just short of time, the dishes are drawn from Bennelong's pre-existing menu—Maremma duck pithivier with black garlic; Wagyu bresaola panisse, brown butter aioli; Chestnut, truffle and shiitake arancini; and much more. Head in from 5.30pm onwards, and you can experience the best seat in the harbour for a palatable price.

Book online

Main image credit: Ace Hotel Sydney | Instagram

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