The Best Things To Do In Sydney This Weekend

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. 

This weekend looks much sunnier than last week, with heaps of events to get around like the TCS Sydney Marathon, thrifty markets, hilarious theatre shows, jaw-dropping exhibitions, and unmissable food events finishing up at the end of August. 

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

Man’s Best Friend: Album Release Party

Bondi Records | Friday 29 August

Image credit: Bondi Records | Instagram

We’ve been waiting for this one—Sabrina Carpenter’s new album, Man’s Best Friend, hits the shelves (and Spotify playlists) on Friday, and Bondi Records is stepping up for the occasion. As one of Sydney’s best record stores, we trust their judgement, and they’ll be hosting the album release party of the year. Sabrina's latest hit single, Manchild, topped the charts when it dropped in June, so we have no doubt the rest of the album is bound to be on repeat. Doors open at 4.30pm, and it’ll be first in best dressed—so what are you waiting for? Keep an eye on their socials for more updates.

TCS Sydney Marathon 2025

Sydney CBD | Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 August

Image credit: TCS Sydney Marathon 2025 | Website

The TCS Sydney Marathon 2025 is expecting 35,000 runners this Sunday 31 August, not to mention the thousands participating in the 10km version or the 5km Mini Marathon on Saturday 30 August. We've collated all the info about how the race will affect the city, including public transport options, road closure details, official viewing zones and where to celebrate after. Check out our Sydney Marathon 2025 guide here.

Soft Centre Festival

Multiple locations | Thursday 28 August to Sunday 31 August

Image credit: Soft Centre | Supplied

Soft Centre is Sydney's ultimate festival pioneering experimental art, sound, and new media—and it's returning this weekend to span four days, five venues and six unique activations. Soft Centre will be popping up all over Sydney, with locations in White Bay Power Station, Chauvel Cinema, St. Barnabas Church and Brand X. Expect a lineup of over 60 local and international artists, celebrating live music, performance art, expanded cinema, discourse and large-scale installation. Check out more details online. 

Astrology Hour At Aster

Aster, Level 32, InterContinental Sydney, 117 Macquarie Street, Sydney CBD | Every Thursday in August, from 5.30pm–7pm

Image credit: Aster | Steven Woodburn

Sitting 32 levels above the city in the luxe InterContinental Sydney hotel, Aster Rooftop Bar is putting on an astrology-themed spread every Thursday in August. Byron Bay-based astrologer Grace Tebble will provide personalised tableside readings, and there’ll be element-inspired food and cocktail pairings with a glass of bubbly on arrival—all for $120pp. 

The menu includes a light, Air cocktail infused with Roku Gin, pine, jasmine, rose and sparkline wine; a Water cocktail mixing Belvedere Vodka, pomegranate, kaffir lime, blood orange, cucumber and lemon balm; a fiery chargrilled Angus beef yakitori complemented by kimchi mayo and crispy onion; and an earthy potato and cheese croquette paired with eggplant purée and crispy leaves. Book online.

Mon Cherie

Gitano, 53 Cross Street Double Bay | Friday 29 August, from 7pm 

A sophisticated, monthly dining and live music experience is headed to Double Bay with talented names on the bill. Kicking off this Friday 29 August, Mexican restaurant Gitano is hosting a special $109pp bottomless dinner with a live performance by emerging R&B star, singer-songwriter Mike Champion. Tuck into food from 7pm before the D-floor turns it on at 10pm. You can also book general admission tickets from $30 + booking fee. Book online.

Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition 

Fever Pavilion, Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park | From Friday 29 August

Image credit: Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition | Supplied

Explore Renaissance Rome without leaving Sydney at Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition, open from Friday 29 August at Fever Pavilion in Sydney Showground. The immersive 60-90 minute experience brings to life 34 of Michelangelo’s frescoes, including The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgment, in true-to-size, high-definition reproductions. 

Whether you’ve seen the originals or not, the exhibition provides a rare chance to walk through one of history’s greatest masterpieces from a never-before-seen perspective, letting visitors admire every brushstroke up close without the busy Vatican crowds around. Sign up for the waitlist to book tickets online.

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Sydney’s Biggest Bottomless Brunch

Various Locations | Saturday 30 August, 11am–1pm

Image credit: Solotel | Supplied

Aiming to smash a world record, 15 of Sydney’s favourite venues are joining forces with ST-GERMAIN to host Sydney’s Biggest Bottomless Brunch. The city-wide event is taking over North Bondi Fish, Rekōdo, Chiswick, Opera Bar, Oxford House and more with a bespoke $95pp brunch menu starring bottomless ST-GERMAIN cocktails, including a Hugo Spritz, a spicy Stealth Margarita and a refreshing White Linen cocktail with Bombay Sapphire, ST-GERMAIN, cucumber and lime. 

The hefty brunch spread involves avo and smoked feta on Shadow Baking focaccia, mini prawn crumpets, a shakshuka tartlet with lamb merguez and soft egg, a Shadow Baking custard danish and coconut yoghurt with watermelon, strawberry and elderflower syrup for dessert. 

There’ll be live music, DJs and special touches at each venue, plus one lucky brunch-goer will score a trip to Paris for two with flights and accommodation paid for. Book online.

Mega Market

Prince Alfred Square, Parramatta | Saturday 30 August, 10am–4pm

A Mega Market is coming to Parramatta this Saturday, featuring a massive amount and range of stalls, including hot food, fresh produce, arts and crafts, homewares, decor, jewellery, fashion, gifts, kids toys, and so much more. There’ll also be a mega raffle with heaps of amazing prizes, vouchers and experiences up for grabs. 

Lune X Four Pillars Breakfast Negroni

All Lune Croissanterie venues | Until Sunday 31 August

Image credit: Lune X Four Pillars | Pete Dillon

Launching a sequel to the showstopping Croissant Gin, Lune and Four Pillars Gin have joined forces once again to create the next sought-after special. The Breakfast Negroni is a limited-edition pastry that you’ll have to sprint into Lune’s Sydney CBD and Rosebery stores for.

Made with Lune’s signature twice-baked croissant, piped almond frangipane, Negroni syrup, Four Pillars orange marmalade, honey cream kisses and meringue shards, this $15 beauty is bound to fly off the counter—and it's only available until the end of August, aka this weekend. 

Frost & Feast

Village Green, Darling Quarter, 1–11 Harbour Street, Sydney CBD | Until Sunday 31 August

Image credit: Darling Quarter | Website

Darling Quarter has transformed into a magical winter wonderland with cosy pop-up domes offering an exclusive Frost & Feast dining experience. For a booking fee of $30pp, groups of four to eight score a welcome drink from the Frost Bar before diving into a $69pp three-course feast of their choosing. Pick between Braza Churrascaria’s Brazilian BBQ, Ichuome’s Japanese plates, donburi from Dopa By Devon, or enjoy high tea by Kurtosh on weekends for just $30pp. Book online.

Second Life Markets

Carriageworks, The Blacksmiths Workshop, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh | Sunday 31 August, 9.30am–4pm

Image credit: Second Life Markets | Facebook

Basically Depop in real life, Second Life Markets is all about pre-loved fashion, vintage accessories, designer pieces and new wardrobe staples. The thrifty Carriageworks pop-up will set up over 120 sellers, slinging second-hand goodies across all different styles and sizes.

There’ll also be local DJs on the tunes, plus food trucks and drink stalls for when you work up an appetite shopping. Tickets are free entry after 4.30pm or $15 for VIP early entry at 9.30am. Book online.

Derrel's X Sarah Todd X Young Henrys

Derrel’s and The Lady Hampshire, 89–91 Parramatta Road, Camperdown | Until Sunday 31 August

Image credit: Derrel’s | Declan Blackhall

Famed chef, restaurateur and MasterChef legend Sarah Todd has taken over the kitchen at Camperdown’s kitschy-cool Indian joint, Derrel’s, for a month-long street food pop-up ending this weekend. 

Try the IPA Bhatti Da Murgha (mustard-spiced charred chicken with roomali roti and hop glaze), Dahi Bhalla Papdi Chaat on a banana leaf drizzled with ghost chilli, and the salty-sweet peanut butter lassi with Parle-G biscuits. Book a table online.

Aprés On The Harbour

Pier Bar, 11 Hickson Road, Dawes Point | Daily, 12pm–9pm

Image credit: Pier Bar | Website

A floating winter wonderland has taken over Pier Bar on Sydney Harbour, complete with crackling firepits, sparkling lights, chic cocktails and cosy outdoor cabanas overlooking the water. The winter menu is filled with warming favourites like a cheesy potato bake and truffle jaffle, steak frites, oven-baked camembert, and a candle-lit Biscoff fondue served with pretzels, toasted marshmallows and fresh strawberries to dip. 

A half cabana fits 4 guests with $150 minimum spend, a full cabana fits 8 with a $300 minimum spend and the entire cabana area fits up to 14 with a $600 minimum spend. Aprés On The Harbour is open daily from 12pm to 9pm. Book online.

Bubble Planet

Paddington Pavilion, Sydney Olympic Park | Until Sunday 31 August

Image credit: Bubble Planet | Supplied

A massive, multi-sensory bubble playground has sprung up at Sydney Olympic Park featuring ten wow-factor rooms, including huge ball pits, Yayoi-Kusama-inspired infinity rooms, immersive virtual reality experiences, and heaps of bubble-themed photo ops. The Bubble Planet experience caters to all ages, with tickets starting at $26.90 for children (3-12 years), $33.90 for adults, and are free for children under 2. Book online.

Wentworth Point Winter Market

Wentworth Point | Sunday 31 August, 9am–3pm

A wintry waterfront market is hitting Wentworth Point this August, complete with international gourmet food offerings, unique stalls from creative makers, fun kids rides, a puppet show, and live performances from local talent. The festival-style event offers everything from organic produce to artisan goods and handmade gifts, with something that everyone will love. 

Recovery Sundays

Baptist Street Rec. Club, Corner of Cleveland and Baptist Street, Redfern | Every Sunday

Image credit: Baptist Street Rec. Club | Supplied

Wanna end the weekend right? Redfern’s Baptist Street Rec. Club is slinging complimentary spring rolls all day for Recovery Sundays alongside $7 beers and $8 house wines. From 2pm, you can also grab $15 Margaritas and Palomas, plus $10 Bloody Marias and West Coast Coolers ‘til 10pm. There'll be DJs spinning groovy tunes, board games to rally around and a mouthwatering menu on the lineup, too. Book online.

Yolŋu Power: The Art Of Yirrkala

Art Gallery of NSW, Art Gallery Road, Sydney CBD | Until Monday 6 October

Image credit: AGNSW | Supplied

Celebrating eight decades of works from the communities of Yirrkala, in north-east Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, Yolŋu power: the art of Yirrkala shares the community, culture and Country of the Yolŋu people through their eyes and over 300 works including video, sculpture, bark paintings, digital installations and prints. 

The exhibition is a collaboration with the Aboriginal-owned Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Centre, which was launched during the ‘70s as an act of Yolŋu self-determination in the midst of the land rights movement.

Adult tickets to Yolŋu power: the art of Yirrkala are $25, kids under 12 are free, and you can nab two-for-one tickets between 5pm and 10pm on Wednesday nights.

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

Level 3, Museum Of Contemporary Art, 140 George Street, The Rocks | Until 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. 

Suntory Bar 

Whisky Thief, Prefecture 48, 230 Sussex Street, Sydney CBD | Friday 8 August–Saturday 8 November

Image credit: Suntory Bar | Jiwon Kim 

Premium Japanese beverage house Suntory is taking over Prefecture 48’s Whisky Thief for a three-month-long stint of Tokyo-level cocktails and elevated malts, alongside exclusive snacks by legendary chef Tetsuya Wakuda—marking the first chance to taste Tetsuya’s cooking since the closure of his eponymous Sydney CBD restaurant in July 2024.

Try a botanical Roku G&T, an ‘80s-style Japanese Slipper starring Suntory’s Midori melon liqueur, and the hero serve: a refreshing Hakushu Highball, made with crisp Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve whisky from the highest distillery in the world, paired with soda and fresh mint. Book online.

The Book of Mormon

Capitol Theatre, 13 Campbell Street, Haymarket | Tuesday 15 July–Sunday 30 November

Image credit: Capitol Theatre | Website 

Labelled “the best musical of this century” by the New York Times, the Tony, Olivier and Grammy award-winning musical-comedy, The Book Of Mormon, has returned to Sydney at the Capitol Theatre. 

If you’re not familiar with the plot of this smash-hit, it follows two young mismatched Mormon missionaries as they aim to spread the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to a remote village in Uganda, which quickly unfolds with hilarious improvisations and satirical sing-a-longs. Tickets start at $99, plus a booking fee. Book online.

RELICS: A New World Rises 

Australian Museum, 1 William Street, Darlinghurst | Saturday 16 August, 2025—Tuesday 27 January, 2026

Image credit: Australian Museum | Website

Created by LEGO® Masters winners Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler, RELICS: A New World Rises is an immersive exhibition at the Australian Museum showcasing 14 mini LEGO® worlds inside vintage objects. Think lively LEGO® towns inside an antique piano, and newsroom scenes in old TVs. 

Running until 27 January 2026, the exhibition also has an interactive build area, custom scavenger hunts and audio guides. Tickets are $29 for adults, $25 for concessions, $19 for children aged 4-15, and free for children aged 0-3 and Australian Museum members. Book online.

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Main image credit: Sydney Marathon 2023 | Lydon Marceau

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