Don’t panic but we are mere weeks away from welcoming in 2023—and to be honest, we’re stoked about it. Not that 2022 hasn’t been a breath of fresh air, but when you see the absolutely stacked lineup of events hitting Sydney in the new year, you’ll be booking in that annual leave, firing up the group chat and coordinating your social cals, stat.
From historic sporting events to WorldPride and epic festivals, these are the awesome events you need to add to your 2023 hit list.
Sydney WorldPride 2023
Let’s kick this list off with a bang—and a big statement—Sydney WorldPride is pretty much the event of 2023. Taking over Sydney’s streets from 17 February to 5 March—and held in conjunction with Mardi Gras—organisers reckon it’s the biggest event to take place in the city since the 2000 Olympics. The festival will celebrate and elevate LGBTQIA+ voices and performers with over 300 epic events. Be sure to pencil in the opening concert, Live and Proud on 24 February, which will see the likes of Kylie Minogue, Charli XCX and Jessica Mauboy take to the stage, or WorldPride’s Domain Dance Party taking place on 26 February which will be headlined by Kelly Rowland of Destiny’s Child.
Thrifty Newcastle 500
Rev your engines because for the first time since 2019, the Newcastle 500 is back. Running from 10 to 12 March 2023, witness some of the world’s biggest speedsters tear up the streets of Newcastle. The 2.6km circuit, with 14 goosebump-inducing turns is known to be bumpy and challenging so cue Tokyo Drift vibes. The Supercars Championship opener will see the anticipated debut of the new Gen3 era of racing between the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang—read: game-changing stuff. Opt for grandstand seats or get amongst the action with general admission tickets, trust us you won’t be disappointed by the waterside race.
FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
Soccer fanatic or not, you’ll absolutely want to snag yourself a ticket to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. Kicking off 20 July (running until 20 August) and taking place across Australia and New Zealand, it’s Sydney that will see the Matildas kick off their campaign for the cup against Ireland at the newly revamped Sydney Football Stadium. With 32 of the world’s best teams competing, Sydney will host matches for Australia, England, France, Germany, Denmark, Columbia, Jamaica, and Korea Republic. Amongst the action on the football pitch there will be live music, fan zones, food and drink pop ups and ALL the good vibes. Don your green and gold and get ready to cheer on some of the most badass women in sport.
TINA The Musical
Dig out your leather jacket, throw on some sparkles and practise your best Nutbush baby because TINA The Tine Turner Musical is calling your name. Debuting 4 May and running until 17 September 2023 at the Theatre Royal Sydney, the musical chronicles the untold story of rock’n’roll queen Tina Turner, who defied the bounds of her age, gender and race, to become an icon. Created in association with Turner herself, Tina Turner The Musical has already bagged 37 award nominations around the world, so you know it’s the goods. Featuring classic tunes like ‘Simply The Best’, ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It’ and ‘Proud Mary’, you’re guaranteed to be dancing in your seat.
Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash
If you’re looking for one of the most unique festivals around, you can’t beat the Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash. Whether you fly or road-trip to Broken Hill, this epic two-day festival is located off the grid in the middle of rolling red plains (it’s also where Mad Max 2 was filmed). Taking place from 17 to 19 August 2023, pitch a tent, hook up your caravan, bring the Esky and watch some epic acts take to the stage while you stomp the red dirt. The stacked lineup includes Icehouse, Pete Murray, The Waifs, Thirsty Merc and loads more. The all-ages outback music festival is also dog-friendly so the whole crew can come along, plus the sunsets here are legit some of the best you’ll ever see.
SXSW 2023
World-renowned futurist conference and festival, SXSW 2023, is heading to Sydney from 15 to 22 October 2023. This is the first time the uber-popular conference is being held outside of the US since it was launched in Texas in 1987—so yeah, it’s kind of a big deal. Over seven days and seven nights, 1,000 events will unfold across Sydney, celebrating tech, innovation, gaming, music, screen and culture. You’ll get the chance to attend pop-up events, screenings, workshops and performances that will challenge the way you think while being inspired by a line-up of speakers, panels and presentations at the core SXSW Sydney Conference. Previous event line-ups from across the globe include the likes of Taika Waititi, Jordan Peele, Donald Glover, Kendrick Lamar and Barack Obama—so you know Sydney's lineup will serve up some heavy headliners.
Sydney and regional New South Wales are both jam-packed with incredible and unmissable events. A feast for the eyes and ears, be sure to check out what’s on offer here.
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: Sourced from WorldPride Instagram