The Best Things To Do In Sydney This Weekend

There's never a shortage of fun things to do in Sydney/Eora, and this weekend is no exception, with heaps of exciting events to stack your calendar with.

Pack your weekend with jaw-dropping light shows and fiery treats at Vivid Sydney, seasonal produce and craft markets, free chicken from Pappa Flocks, a light-filled street party on Foy Lane, roasting free marshmallows at a Winter fire pit garden, and a Mallgrab takeover at Carriageworks. 

Here are Urban List's picks of the best things to do in Sydney this weekend.

Foy Lane Lights Up For Vivid

Ace Hotel, 47-53 Wentworth Ave, Sydney CBD | Saturday 14 June, 5–11pm
 

After-Dark By Asahi

Cirq, Crown Sydney, Level 26/1 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo | Evenings Until Sunday 15 June

Image Credit: Asahi After Dark | Supplied

Asahi is taking over CIRQ at Crown Sydney until 15 June, with DJs spinning vinyl from Wednesday to Sunday.

Spend your evening enjoying panoramic harbour views from one of the best rooftop bars in Sydney—or stop by Wednesday–Friday for their 4pm–6pm happy hour: think $15 cocktails, $10 house wines and $7 crispy Asahi Super Dry on tap. Book here.

Makers And Shakers Market

White Bay Cruise Terminal, 2041 James Craig Rd, Rozelle | Saturday 14–Sunday 15 June, 10am–4pm

Image Credit: Makers and Shakers Market | Supplied

One of Sydney's best markets, the Makers and Shakers Market, is back this weekend at the White Bay Cruise Terminal in Rozelle. With 130 stalls of exclusively Australian-made products, this is the perfect spot for a Sunday morning potter. Expect a curated line-up of crafty bits, slow fashion, handmade jewellery and gourmet food and drinks. 

We recommend stopping by the Shadow Baking stall to taste their viral sweet treats—or get a little more hands-on and try out one of the market’s creative workshops, with sessions running for both beginners and more experienced crafters. Keep any restless little ones occupied with the free kids zone, so you can browse in peace. Tickets are $5, with kids entering for free—book online to secure your spot.

Free Flock Boxes

Pappa Flock, 276 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville | Saturday 14 June

Image Credit: Pappa Flock | Supplied

Pappa Flock knows there’s nothing tastier than fried chicken—to celebrate the launch of their Marrickville venue, they are giving away a voucher for a Flock Box to everyone in the queue by 12pm, this Saturday 14 June. The freebie entitles you to three of their classic or spicy chicken tendies, seasoned chips and generously buttered toast—complete with a cup of their signature sauce and your drink of choice.

Redeemable at any of their locations across Sydney, and valid for a year, this offer is too good to pass up—get in early, and be hungry.

Carriageworks Winter Seasonal Market

Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh | Saturday 14 June, 8am–1pm

Image Credit: Carriageworks | Instagram

With Carriageworks Farmers Market securing a spot as one of our favourites in Sydney, their seasonal winter market is sure to impress. Featuring more than 60 stallholders, and hosting fresh winter produce, artisan baked goods, handmade preserves, cheese, and meats—you can expect the whole charcuterie. 

Stop by from 10am for a free live program hosted by Corinne Parkes from delicious., featuring a foodie talk as well as a cooking demonstration spotlighting sustainability and everyday kitchen skills. 

Entry is free, with the market running from 8am to 1pm, Saturday 14 June.

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Winter Firepit Garden

World Square, 644 George Street, Sydney CBD | Until Saturday 14 June

Image Credit: Winter Firepit Garden | Supplied

World Square is transforming into a free, snow-dusted winter escape featuring firepit tables, a hot chocolate and mulled wine chalet bar, and more than 35,000 free marshmallows for roasting under twinkling fairy lights, right in the heart of the city.

You can cosy up by the fire with QR code ordering from World Square restaurants and retailers like Double Chin Eats, Grill'd and Gami Chicken and Beer, and enjoy the wintery vibes complete with a snow cannon and alpine-inspired decor. Keep the night going with live entertainment 4.30pm–7.30pm on Thursdays and Friday, and 1.30pm–7pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Entry is free, but there are only 10 firepit tables up for grabs, so get in early to experience the ultimate free winter hangout.

Vivid Sydney 2025

Various locations in Sydney | Until Saturday 14 June

Image credit: Vivid Sydney | Supplied

Vivid Sydney is closing out its 15th year this Saturday 14 June. As per usual, vibrant light installations will cover iconic locations around the city, including Circular Quay, Sydney Opera House, Barangaroo, and beyond, with the return of Martin Place (whose last Vivid stint was 2018), and all completely free to attend. 

Tickets are still available for Vivid Sydney at Carriageworks this weekend, with Arabic techno artist Moktar popping up at Bay 17 on Saturday 14 June. A few doors down, household name Mallgrab will be lighting up Bays 22–24, Friday 13–Saturday 14 June, for an epic send-off to the festival of lights. Book Moktar here and Mallgrab here.

Sydney Film Festival

Various Locations | Until Sunday 15 June

Image credit: Sydney Film Festival | Supplied

Sydney Film Festival is closing out its final weekend with a massive lineup of cinema across all genres created by both up-and-coming and big directors, with $60,000 awarded to the most cutting-edge flick. 

Catch Ari Aster’s (Hereditary, Midsommar) Western drama, Eddington, starring Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone and Austin Butler; James Sweeney’s queer bromance comedy, Twinless, which he stars in with Dylan O’Brien; and Rebecca Zlotowski’s French murder mystery, Vie Privée, starring Jodie Foster, showing at iconic cinemas around Sydney such as the State Theatre, Ritz Cinemas Randwick, Dendy Cinemas Newtown, and Hayden Orpheum in Cremorne.

Grab singular film tickets from $26 for adults, $22 for concessions, and $20 for youth (17 and under), or buy a flexible multi-film pass from $90 online.

Fear Island

Cockatoo Island/Wareamah, Sydney Harbour | Friday 13–Sunday 15 June

Get into the spooky spirit of Friday the 13th as the historic Cockatoo Island/Wareamah transforms into Fear Island. The immersive pulse-raising playground features two haunted tunnels of terror with live actors lurking around, creepy soundscapes and visual effects, spine-tingling food truck delights, a Thriller dance tutorial, and an eerie outdoor cinema on Friday from 7pm. 

Running across the weekend, you can grab tickets to different jump-scare level sessions from $25 for children under 13 and $40 for adults. Book online.

Hendrick’s Gin Curious Garden High Tea

Lobby Lounge, Hyatt Regency Sydney, 61 Sussex Street, Sydney CBD | Every Saturday until 22 June

Image Credit: Hendrick’s Gin | Supplied

If you're looking for an elegant way to spend your Saturdays, Hendrick’s Gin has teamed with The Hyatt Regency for a delightful high tea experience in the hotel's Lobby Lounge. The menu includes a selection of sweet and savoury treats that have been crafted by the Hyatt Regency's chef, along with two signature Hendrick’s Gin cocktails and a curated selection of artisan teas by The Rabbit Hole. Bookings are priced at $55 for children (aged 6–18) and $95 for adults. Book online.

NOMAD Truffle Brunch

NOMAD Sydney, 16 Foster Street, Surry Hills | Sundays, 15 June–20 July

Surry Hills icon NOMAD is bringing back its annual Truffle Brunch on Sundays. Expect an earthy a la carte adventure dedicated to the fine delicacy, with tasty dishes crafted by head chef Lakhan Bhounsle, including a three-cheese manoosh, ham hock hash brown, cauliflower cacio e pepe with wood-roasted mushroom, Jersey milk chocolate magnums, and cinnamon buns with a miso caramel glaze—all injected with Western Australian truffle. Book online.

Titanique The Musical

The Grand Electric, 199 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills | Until Sunday 22 June

Image credit: Titanique The Musical | Facebook

Hop onboard the weird and wonderful Titanique train—or should we say, boat. It turns the Oscar award-winning film, Titanic, and Jack and Rose’s love story, into a campy comedy-musical starring 17 hilariously timed Celine Dion hits, including My Heart Will Go On, I Drove All Night and All By Myself—you can probably guess when that last one plays. 

Luckily, the season has been extended until the end of June. Book boat-side tiquets online from $69 per person, $130 in the ‘splash zone’ or $145 at a Captain’s table. 

Four Pillars Martini Collective

Various Locations | Until Sunday 22 June

Image Credit: Four Pillars | Supplied

The Four Pillars Martini Collective is back, a testament to luxe pre-dinner sips and nibbles made accessible by Sydney’s hottest bars and restaurants. Through May and June, ten venues will be plating up a specialty pre-dinner snack, paired with a miniature version of the beloved Four Pillars olive-leaf gin martini.

Bar Julius is serving charred focaccia with macadamia and rosemary cream, and green olive crumb; Bopp + Tone has tomato tartar with pecorino and brioche; and NOUR is whipping up anchovy toast with tomato ezme and toasted pita. Check out the full list of participating venues and booking links here. 

MJ The Musical 

Sydney Lyric Theatre, 55 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont | Until Sunday 22 June

Image credit: Sydney Lyric Theatre | Website

Legendary king of pop, Michael Jackson, is brought back to life in the four-time Tony Award-winning MJ The Musical. After mesmerising audiences on Broadway, the musical finally arrives at Sydney Lyric Theatre, where MJ’s moves and vocals are flawlessly captured by theatre star Roman Banks in an incredible depiction of the 1992 Dangerous World tour on and off-stage. 

Packed with hits like Thriller, Smooth Criminal and Billie Jean—plus plenty of moonwalking and hehes—the musical feels like attending an actual Michael Jackson concert. With tickets starting from $70, you just can’t beat it. Book online here.

Skank Sinatra

Qtopia Sydney, 301 Forbes Street, Darlinghurst | Saturday 14–Sunday 22 June

Twice-crowned Best Cabaret at Adelaide Fringe and nominated for Best Musical Theatre and Cabaret at Sydney Fringe, Skank Sinatra's five-star show brings big-band glamour to headline Pride Fest 2025. Taking audiences on a 'round the world trip without ever leaving the building, expect high glamour, out-of-this-world vocals, wit and wonder.

Of the piece, performer Jens Radda says, "This show is where it all collides—My South African roots, my Danish heritage, my drag queen identity—woven into one glamorous global persona." Just don't forget to pick your jaw up off the floor before you leave. Tickets are available online from $45.

Grumpy Donuts Night Shift

379B Princes Highway, St Peters | Fridays and Saturdays, 5pm–9pm

Image credit: Grumpy Donuts | Supplied

Ever wanted to build your own doughnut? Well, now you can at Grumpy Donuts' St Peters venue. Every Friday and Saturday from 5pm to 9pm, you can grab a Night Shift DIY donut fix from $8.50. Pick between vanilla, chocolate, cinnamon, caramel, strawberry and maple donut flavours, then add one of 30 different fillings and two toppings with extras from 50 cents. 

Fillings include Nutella, peanut butter, berry jam, passionfruit curd, and marshmallow fluff, with toppings like crushed waffle cones, fresh fruits, white choc drizzles, brownie bites, cookie pieces, a cereal of the week, soft serve, and premium bacon—don’t knock it ‘til you try it.

L'HÔTEL

Foundry Theatre, 55 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont | Until Sunday 27 July

Image credit: L'Hôtel | Supplied

Following sold-out seasons at Adelaide Cabaret Festival and Sydney Opera House, L'Hôtel opens its decadent doors once more, seducing Sydney/Eora in for another cheeky peek at the old-world elegance within. A combination of burlesque, aerials and cabaret, this intoxicating production serves a smorgasbord of hidden desires.

Fully immerse yourself in the exquisite Parisian fantasy with the VIP experience, including dedicated table service, a cheese board with fine French selections, delicate eclairs and, of course, French champagne. Tickets are available online from $69.90.

Cerith Wyn Evans....In Light Of The Visible

Level 3, Museum Of Contemporary Art, 140 George Street, The Rocks | Friday 6 June–Sunday 19 October

Image credit: Museum of Contemporary Art | Website 

Welsh contemporary artist and sculptor Cerith Wyn Evans presents his first ever exhibition in Australia, Cerith Wyn Evans….in light of the visible at the Museum of Contemporary Art. His towering neon light installations create an immersive environment of light and sound, inviting guests to discover the exhibition as if they are wandering through a garden. 

Major works include Sydney Drift (2025), hanging sculptural forms inspired by Sydney Harbour; F=O=U=N=T=A=I=N (2020), a three-metre-tall white neon wall audiences can walk through; and Composition for 37 Flutes (2018), 37 glass pipes breathing sound into the gallery. Book tickets online from $20 for adults and $16 for concessions. 

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Main image credit: Carriageworks | Instagram

Urban List Best Of: has our highest stamp of approval—curated lists of the very best recommendations for you to eat, do, see, buy or book, carefully chosen by our Editors.

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