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 Andy Lee's $3 dimmies, disco yum cha, ice skating on Darling Harbour, a fuss-free taco takeover, a huge thrifty fashion market, a self-guided wine trail around Manly, a pop-up waterfront gallery, and so much more. 

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

Taco Takeover At Caravin

Shop 2/9 Ward Avenue, Potts Point | Wednesday 9–Saturday 19 July

Image credit: Tacos Tacos Tacos | Instagram

Laneway eatery Tacos Tacos Tacos has crashed the kitchen at Caravin for a one-off, two-week taco takeover. Swapping baguettes for tortillas, the taco-slinging legends are transforming the French restaurant into a full-blown fiesta, dishing out street-style tacos alongside icy margaritas, crisp beers and natural wines. There are no reservations, just walk on in. 

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.

Sydney Bastille Festival

Circular Quay and surrounds, Sydney CBD | Thursday 17–Sunday 20 July

Image credit: Bastille Festival | Supplied

Sydney’s Bastille Festival is back, bringing four days of French food, wine and frivolity to Circular Quay. Expect more than 120 pop-up eateries serving melty raclette, stuffed crepes, escargot, oysters, macarons and more, over 18 bars pouring French champagne, mulled wine, spiced cider, beers and cocktails, a 1.4-kilometre Bastille Wine Walk through eight French wine regions, free live performances, French films overlooking Sydney Harbour, cabaret shows and DJ parties.

Entry is free with some ticketed events—come hungry, thirsty and ready to party like you’re in Paris. View more details online.

Round She Goes Market

PCYC Marrickville, 531 Illawarra Rd, Marrickville | Saturday 19 July, 10am–3pm

Image credit: Round She Goes | Instagram

A huge pre-loved fashion market is heading to Marrickville. Round She Goes boasts over 70 stalls selling women’s second-hand designer, vintage, and handmade goodies that savvy shoppers will adore. There’ll also be coffee and sweet treats to fuel your spending spree. Entry is $5—you can purchase at the door by cash or card, or pre-purchase online to skip the queue. 

Dimmies & Tinnies Pop-Up

The Norfolk Hotel, 305 Cleveland Street, Redfern | Saturday 19 July, from 12pm 

Image credit: Dimmies & Tinnies | Supplied

Radio and TV Presenter Andy Lee and NYC hospo duo Eddy Buckingham and Chef Paul Donnelly (behind Chinese Tuxedo and Tyger) are hosting a Dimmies & Tinnies East Coast Tour, and their first pop-up is at The Norfolk Hotel in Redfern. 

For just $3 a pop, grab dimmies in two flavour combos: spicy pork with spring onion and cabbage or chicken and sweetcorn with a kick of kombu, alongside $7 ice-cold tinnies (Reschs Pilsners). Entry is free and first in best dressed. Book online. 

You might also like

• The Best Spots For A Weekend Brunch In Sydney
• ​The Best Things To Do In Sydney In July
• The Best Restaurants In Sydney Right Now

Urban Wine Walk

Various locations in Manly | Saturday 19 July, 12pm–4pm 

Image credit: Urban Wine Walk | Instagram

Wind your way through Manly’s bustling laneways on a self-guided wine trail with Urban Wine Walk. Select your starting point, make use of your $10 complimentary food voucher, and get sippin’ on incredible vino from Australian and New Zealand winemakers like Craggy Range at Felons Brewing Co., Main & Cherry at Garfish and Scarborough Wine Co. at The Cumberland. 

Tickets are $82 and include three complimentary wine tastings per venue, a $25 voucher for a wine order (six-pack minimum), and a tasting glass to take home. Book online.

Nocturne

Pier Pavilion, 3 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo | Every Thursday–Saturday, 6pm–8.30pm, until Saturday 19 July 

Image credit: Nocturne | Cassandra Hannagan

Nocturne is livening up Barangaroo’s waterfront Pier Pavilion during winter with free live music under the stars every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night until 19 July. A range of genres and instrumentalists are on the bill, including Trio Histoire, Continuum Sax, Alma Moodie Quartet and The Song Company. 

Make a night of it by ordering drinks and charcuterie from the Pavilion’s servery, or dive into a bigger meal at one of the nearby Barangaroo restaurants like sashimi-sensation Zushi, fire-powered restaurant Woodcut or Italian gem a’Mare. Find out more about Nocturne online.

Coriolanus

The Neilson Nutshell, Pier 2/3 13a Hickson Road, Dawes Point | Until Saturday 19 July

Image credit: Bell Shakespeare | Brett Boardman

Drawing parallels between the political structures of ancient Rome and contemporary global politics, Bell Shakespeare's production of Coriolanus hits a Sydney stage for the first time in thirty years. And the time couldn't be more ripe for an intimate, immersive staging of this oft-overlooked piece from Shakespeare's canon.

Artistic Director Peter Evans says, "It is not just a political play, it is a reflection on the complexities of power, human nature, and societal structures. At its core, the play also unfolds a family drama, as Shakespeare weaves a story not only about a city in crisis, but about the influence of family dynamics within that world.” Tickets are available online from $50.

One Playground Wellness Weekend

429 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills | Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July, from 7.15am

Image credit: One Playground | Supplied

One Playground is hosting a rejuvenating two-day Wellness Weekend full of zen energy. Set in the serene Surry Hills Urban Oasis sanctuary, there’ll be inner flow and breathwork workshops, contrast therapy sessions, a curated wellness market with brands like Inca Organics, Monday Haircare, and Elidi Swim, plus complimentary mini consults with health experts. Book ticketed events and view more details online. 

FRMEFEST 2025 

Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh | Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July, 9am–6pm 

Presented with Canon Australia, FRMEFEST is a massive creative event that’s rolling out over two days at Carriageworks, celebrating the art of visual storytellers, photographers, videographers and other creatives. There’ll be over 20 global industry speakers, more than 30 hands-on workshops, over 11 interactive content creation zones, $25,000 worth of prizes, sponsor exhibitions and a marketplace with exclusive discounts on products from Camera House. Tickets start at $179 per day or $299 for two days, with spots filling up fast. Book online. 

Christmas In July Festival

The Rocks, Sydney CBD | Friday 11 July–Sunday 20 July

Image credit: Christmas In July Festival | Supplied

Sydney's Christmas in July festival will transform the historic laneways of The Rocks into a winter wonderland, complete with wooden chalets, fairy lights, and a forest of 40 real pine trees alongside Snow Lane.

Rug up, grab a hot-spiced mulled wine, and stroll down the cobbled pathway with artificial snow falling as you take in the towering nutcrackers and light installations overhead. Like the sound of this? Check out our picks for more Christmas in July offerings in Sydney. 

Truffle Brunch

Nomad Sydney, 16 Foster Street, Surry Hills | Sundays until 20 July

Image credit: NOMAD Sydney | Instagram

Surry Hills icon Nomad has brought 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.

Darling Harbour Ice Skating

Palm Grove Forecourt, Darling Harbour, Sydney CBD | Until Sunday 20 July

Image credit: Darling Harbour | Instagram

Whether you are looking for a fun date idea or weekend outing with the kids, the Darling Harbour Ice Rink has something for both experienced skaters and newbies alike. With harbourside views, this open-air rink is available for 45-minute sessions, with plenty of penguin skating aids to keep little kids (and badly balanced adults) upright. Prices start at $15 for children and $28 for adults, with penguin hire just $10. Book online.

Rising Tides

House Bar, Barangaroo House, Level G/35 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo | Until Sunday 20 July

Image credit: Rising Tides | Supplied

A pop-up waterfront gallery has sprung up at Barangaroo House showcasing contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander works. Curated in partnership with ART ARK, the art at Rising Tides is ethically sourced and up for auction, with proceeds going to the Awesome Black Foundation’s Voices Rising Fund, supporting Indigenous creatives. Entry is free, and guests can bid or donate via QR codes at the venue or online. 

Bondi Festival

Bondi Beach, Bondi | Until Sunday 20 July

Image credit: Bondi Festival

Bondi Festival returns with more magic than ever. This year, the wintertime arts and cultural shindig sees a stacked lineup of live music, ice-skating at a pop-up rink, 360-degree views from the infamous Bondi Vista Ferris Wheel, a comedy gala starring Will Gibb and Alia Lievore at Bondi Pavilion’s Theatre, a festival-first Blue Sky Market for foodies at Bondi Park, and so much more. Read more about all the free and ticketed events online. 

Christmas In July At The Polish Club

182 Liverpool Road, Ashfield | Sunday 20 July

Image credit: The Polish Club | Facebook

The Polish Club Ashfield is running a community–based Christmas In July market, filled with food, live entertainment, and handmade crafts. Expect an abundance of traditional Polish treats, including decadent pierogi dumplings stuffed with white cheese or meat, kielbasa (Polish sausages), and giant jam-filled paczki doughnuts, to be washed down with a mulled wine or cider. 

The market will be hosting a variety of entertainment to keep the whole fam busy—catch a dance from the Polish Folkloric Dance Ensemble, or the Ceroc and Modern Jive Company. Need a bit more excitement? The live sabre fighting will definitely keep you on your toes. 

Burwood Winter Markets

Burwood Park | Sunday 20 July, 9am–3pm

This July, Burwood Park is putting on a wintry show for the Inner West community—celebrating great food, boutique shopping, and all our favourite winter goodies. Burwood Winter Markets are all about celebrating local goods and community, making this the perfect day out for residents and visitors alike.

Christmas In July At Three Blue Ducks

1/85 Dunning Avenue, The Cannery, Rosebery | Sunday 20 July

Image credit: Three Blue Ducks | Supplied

Three Blue Ducks in Rosebery is plating up festive faves for one day only, with a special Christmas in July menu from 12pm to 3pm. For just $79pp, expect smoked trout blinis, roast turkey with all the trimmings, glazed ham and bacon-wrapped sausages. For dessert, it doesn’t get better than traditional Christmas pud, with mulled wine and cider to sip. Don’t miss out, book here. 

The Loco Markets 

South Eveleigh | Thursdays–Sundays until 27 July

Image credit: South Eveleigh | Instagram

South Eveleigh’s Loco Markets are a rotating schedule of themed markets every Thursday to Sunday in July. Expect bold, block-coloured market stalls, a lineup of handmade goods, design-led retail, food and drink pop-ups, family-friendly activities, live entertainment, blacksmithing demos, coin press workshops, and heritage walking tours ($20+ booking fee).

Each week will be a different experience, including design and sustainability (3–6 July), NAIDOC Week (10–13 July) and Christmas in July (17–20 and 24–27 July). Find out more online.

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 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.

Disco Yum Cha

North Bondi Fish, 120 Ramsgate Avenue, North Bondi | Every Saturday and Sunday until 3 August, 11am–3pm

Image credit: North Bondi Fish | Alana Dimou

Your usual weekend bottomless lunch just got a huge upgrade at North Bondi Fish, with a Yum-Cha-style set menu, cocktails and disco DJs from 12pm, taking over the beachfront powerhouse every Saturday and Sunday ‘til August. Seafood is still the main event, so expect plenty of scallop wontons, prawn dumplings and salt and sichuan pepper squid, plus special strawberry matcha cocktails and mandarin margaritas. 

Two food menus are available: a small set for $65pp or large set for $89pp (with optional add-ons), alongside two drinks packages: bottomless beer and wine for $30pp, or the addition of cocktail jugs for $60pp (with extra yum cha cocktails available). Book online.

The Play That Goes Wrong

Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney | Until Sunday 3 August

The longest-running comedy in the West End is about to go completely wrong on a whole new stage. An Olivier and Tony-award award-winning bundle of bungles combines mystery and mayhem in a classic whodunnit that sees accident-prone actors perform a production that's more Murphy's Law than murder mystery.

Having kept audiences in stitches across West End and Broadway stages for over a decade, now it's Sydney's turn to experience the chaos of this Monty Python meets Sherlock Holmes show. Tickets are available online.

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.

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.

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 C0untry 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.

In the gallery's historic World War II fuel tanks you can visit Yalu, an illuminated, large-scale work by a collective of Yirrkala artists and digital producers which is free to visit and runs until 20 July, sharing the colours and sounds of Yirrkala with representations of fires, storms, and waterways.

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. 

Now, fill your calendar with

• ​Sydney's Best Bottomless Brunches Right Now
• The Best Rooftop Bars In Sydney
• The Best Waterfront Restaurants In Sydney

Main image credit: Dimmies & Tinnies | Supplied

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.

Editor's note: Urban List editors independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. Urban List has affiliate partnerships, and if you purchase something through the links in this article, we will earn a commission from those partners. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.