The Best Things To Do In Sydney This Weekend

We made it, Sydney—the weekend is nigh. Whether you’re a film buff, environmentalist, animal lover or margarita aficionado, there's something on for you this weekend. 

Catch a cult classic horror movie at a cemetery, find a new favourite gin at an oceanside festival, or adopt a four-legged friend (or just show yours off).

These are the best things to do in Sydney this weekend.

Saturday 25 March

Graveyard Nights: Beetlejuice

Camperdown Cemetery | From 6pm 

Catch the cult classic film Beetlejuice playing in a fittingly spooky location. Hosted by Haus of Horror, this multi-sensory event will include cemetery tours, food and drink pop-ups, and even a photo op with Beetlejuice himself. You can BYO booze, food, picnic rugs, lawn chairs and blankets—seating is on a first-come, first-served basis so head in early to secure a spot and soak up the spine-chilling atmosphere before the film kicks off at 8pm. General admission is $39, or you can opt for a $59 ticket which includes a comfy bean bag in prime location and popcorn on arrival. Grab your ticket here.

It’s A Gin Thing

Harbord Diggers, Freshwater | From 12pm 

There’s no denying that Sydney is a city of gin lovers, so it comes as good news that Harbord Diggers has announced the return of their popular It’s a Gin Thing festival. The event will take over the outdoor Ocean Terrace, so you can enjoy the views while sampling some of the best Australian and international gins on offer. There’ll be 25 gins showcased including samples from India, Sweden and America, from vendors like Love Delhi Gin, Manly Spirits Co and Finders Distillery as well as event partner Strangelove, who’ll make sure you have the perfect mixer. Tickets are $40 (and include eight gin samples and two Sydney Rock oysters), grab yours here. 

Earth Hour Candlelit Dinners

Alma, Avalon and St Alma, Freshwater | From 4pm

Each year, millions of people switch off their lights and power for Earth Hour as a symbolic gesture of solidarity to show they care about our planet and its future. It's Earth Hour's 17th anniversary this year, and you can celebrate with a stunning (and environmentally-conscious) candlelit dinner at the Alma Groups' venues: Alma Avalon, and St Alma Freshwater. With the dining rooms and kitchens powering down as much as possible, the event will feature acoustic performances, cocktail specials and, of course, a mouthwatering sustainable menu. Diners will be treated to dishes such as fresh Sydney rock oyster aquachile paired with a seaweed salad, scallop crudo with a zingy citric emulsion or the NSW catch of the day adobo sarandeado with spinach. Bookings are essential—click here to book for Alma, and here to secure a spot at St Alma.

Sunset Sessions

Cockatoo Island | Saturdays, 5pm–8pm Till 1 April

Stunning historic site Cockatoo Island is hosting a weekly live music series on its gorgeous elevated Biloela Lawn, providing the vibes for some stunning summer and autumn sunsets. The picnic-style gigs welcome Aussie musicians from a wide range of genres and include First Nations and LGBTQIA+ talent—you can see the weekly lineup here. Grazing boxes can be pre-ordered with ticket purchases, and the bar will be serving drinks and snacks. Learn more and book tickets for $35pp here.

Sunday 26 March

Double Bay Dog Day 

The Golden Sheaf, Double Bay | 12pm–4pm

Pound Paws is teaming up with The Golden Sheaf and a selection of NSW dog rescue groups to bring you the cutest paw-ty in the Eastern Suburbs, raising awareness of the importance of adopting, not shopping, when it comes to finding our pets. Whether you’re looking for a new best friend or want to show yours off, this event will bring live entertainment, pet market stalls, educational talks and even a rescue dog adoption parade to the leafy oasis space. If that’s not enough, The Sheaf is putting on an adorable dog-themed menu, serving up pawtinis and pup-sicles. Anyone who registers and attends the event also automatically goes in the draw to win an epic prize: a luxury stay at The Langham Sydney for two guests and their fur baby—you can register for the free event here. 

Coogee Bay Hotel Big Birthday Bash

Coogee Bay Hotel | Sunday 26 March, from 12pm

Publicans have been pouring brews and dishing up countertop classics in various forms at the Coogee Bay Hotel for a mind-boggling 150 years. To commemorate this landmark anniversary, the beachside watering hole is hosting events throughout the year that reflect on the venue’s history, its contemporary vibe, and plans for the future. But first, birthday cake—everyone is invited to the hotel’s birthday bash in the garden on Sunday 26 March to enjoy live entertainment, snack specials, family activities, and birthday cake. Be sure to peep at the installation of historic hotel photography and trinkets at the main entrance via Coogee Bay Road before you settle in for the day-to-night shenanigans. Check out the full lineup of birthday celebrations and specials here.

All Weekend

Shona Joy Warehouse Sale

Dunning Avenue, Rosebery | 7am–7pm Friday, 9am–5pm Saturday and Sunday

Don’t miss this warehouse sale hosted by one of Sydney’s most iconic brands. Known for neutral tones that capture modern Australian culture with a touch of bohemian glamour, you’ll be able to grab Shona Joy pieces at up to 80% off at this sale. Here you’ll find garments from past-season collections, one-off samples and archive pieces from sizes 6 to 16. It’s free to head along, and you can register your attendance here.

Ramadan Nights Lakemba

Lakemba | Till 20 April

The most spectacular night markets in Sydney are back for another season to celebrate the most sacred time of the Islamic calendar. This month-long cultural event boasts a vibrant, global food bazaar with over 70 food stalls and street food vendors operating from dusk through to 3 am nightly. If you’re overwhelmed by choice, you can opt for a guided cultural tasting tour to experience the markets like a local. The markets are massively popular (last year it attracted a total of 1.2 million visitors), so plan your visit thoughtfully and make use of the free shuttle buses. Learn more about Ramadan Nights here.

Marg Fest

Opera Bar | Thursday 23–Sunday 26 March

Sip Sydney's fave cocktail with unbeatable harbour views at the iconic Opera Bar's Marg Fest. Tickets are just $45, and include three picks from the menu (which includes a margarita soft serve, guava and spicy frozen margaritas, and Tommy's margaritas), DJ tunes, a glitter squad, and roving entertainment. There'll be Mexican-inspired food specials to pair with your margarita picks, too, including fish tacos and pulled pork quesadillas Check out the entertainment lineup and grab your tickets here.

Moonlight Cinema

Belvedere Amphitheatre, Centennial Park | Till 26 March

Pack the picnic rug for a night under the stars catching your fave flicks, or a new release, for the final weekend of Moonlight Cinema for 2023. The dog-friendly event will wrap up its season with new action-comedy Cocaine Bear on Friday, and Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves on Sunday. You can BYO all your food and drinks (booze included), or pick up some snacks from the pop-ups on site. Book tickets from $22 here.

Need more ideas for your weekend?

• Make a booking at Sydney's best restaurants
• Get some sun on one of Sydney's best coastal walks
• Grab your mates and hit up one of Sydney's best bottomless brunches 
• Get inspired and plan your next road trip with our Local Escapes section

Image credit: The Golden Sheaf, Haus of Horror, Alma, Cockatoo Island, Coogee Bay Hotel, City of Canterbury Bankstown, Opera Bar,