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 June long weekend with jaw-dropping light shows and fiery treats at Vivid Sydney, live jazz at a new sarnie spot in Wunderlich Lane, a golden-hour après-surf hangout, a fiesta-style pub takeover, roasting free marshmallows at a Winter fire pit garden, and an unmissable Celine Dion-ified Titanic musical.
Here are Urban List's picks of the best things to do in Sydney this weekend.
S’WICH Opening Weekend
Wunderlich Lane, 2 Baptist Street, Redfern | Friday 6–Sunday 8 June
Image credit: S’WICH | Supplied
Bondi’s elite sandwich spot, S’WICH, is opening a second outpost in Redfern’s Wunderlich Lane, and it’s celebrating with a banging weekend agenda. Founders and mates Jay Fink and Jordan Abram are teaming up with Gelato Messina and A.P. Bakery to give away free gelato scoops and single-origin Madagascan choc chip cookies to the first 50 customers daily, from Friday through Sunday. There’s also limited-edition merch up for grabs and a live jazz quartet takeover on Saturday 7 June.
S'WICH adds Wunderlich-exclusives to its sarnie menu too: the Spring Chicken on A.P’s fenugreek-sesame sourdough, the roast wagyu-packed Le Boof, and a crunchy salad bowl dubbed Core Crunch.
The sleek, 40-seat space-age diner brings the vibes with retro booths, bar seating, a laneway al fresco area, and a house-made playlist on a restored '70s hi-fi system. Head there for lunch, sips and snacks or dinner daily from 11am to 9pm, from Friday 6 June.
Après-Surf
RAFI URBNSURF, 15 Hill Road, Homebush | Saturday 7 June, 2pm–5.30pm
Image credit: RAFI URBNSURF | Supplied
Sydney’s coolest social events coordinator, Maple Social Club, is swapping snow for surf at RAFI; the stunning restaurant that sits alongside Sydney Olympic Park’s huge man-made wave park and surfing hotspot, URBNSURF.
Après-Surf combines happy hour snacks, spritzes, and socialising with 80 lucky guests transported to and from Central Station. Tickets are free—to get on the guest list, RSVP online.
Huge Moves
The International, 25 Martin Place, Sydney CBD | Saturday 7 June, 2.30pm–5.30pm
Image credit: Huge Moves | Supplied
A huge wine party is brewing across all three levels of CBD hangout, The International. Back for its tenth edition, Huge Moves hosts a cellar door tasting experience curated by Joel Amos of DRNKS, spotlighting over 40 local and international winemakers, including Giorgio De Maria Fun Wines, Harkham Wines, Lo-Fi Wines, and heaps more.
Redfern’s Italian-leaning eatery Attenzione! Food & Wine will be serving up snacky bites at The Wine Bar, while The Grill offers a quick-fire two-course lunch with two glasses of paired wine as an optional add-on for $95pp.
Buzzing DJ sets by Veda and Adi Toohey will bring the tunes from 2.30pm to 5.30pm, followed by a rooftop afterparty at Panorama Bar featuring DJ Levins and Captain Franco from 6pm. Tickets are $55pp + booking fee. Book online.
Oz Feline Fair And CATstravaganza
International Convention Centre Sydney, 14 Darling Drive, Sydney CBD | Saturday 7–Sunday 8 June, 9am–4.30pm
Image credit: Oz Feline Fair | Supplied
Calling all cat lovers, Sydney’s hosting a two-day Oz Feline Fair and CATstravaganza at the International Convention Centre—the last stop of its six-city Australian tour. More than 130 cats are competing for prizes like Best in Breed and Best in Show, judged by five international pros, including world-renowned cat aficionado, founder of Loving Cats Worldwide, and TikTok viral sensation, Steven Meserve.
There’ll also be a Vendor Village with stalls slinging accessories, toys, treats and cat-themed merchandise, interactive exhibits and special skateboarding from Sir Dobby the House Elf Cat. Book tickets online from $38 for adults, $30 for concessions and $25 for children (5-15 years).
The Neighbourhood Mix
The Waratah, 308–310 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst | Sunday 8 June, from 4pm
Image credit: The Waratah | Tom Opie
Darlo’s beloved boozer, The Waratah, is hosting a new monthly Sunday takeover series in collaboration with Sydney’s major hospitality icons. The Neighbourhood Mix kicks off on Sunday 8 June in The Tah's public bar with a one-night-only fiesta from award-winning Mexican joint and bar El Primo Sanchez, supported by Patrón Tequila.
Expect Latino-style live music, tropical margaritas, carbonated mandarin palomas and Acapulco slushies from world-class bartenders Eduardo Conde and Omar Alvarez, and a Mexican-Australian mashup menu starring baja fish tacos, drippy mushroom quesadillas, and a spin on The Tah’s famous Sunday Roast with Pibil-style pork shoulder and hasselback taters. It’s free entry and walk-ins only.
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Kamasi Washington
Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh | Sunday 8 June, 6pm
Critically acclaimed saxophonist, arranger and composer Kamasi Washington is bringing his unique mix of R&B, jazz and orchestral influences to Vivid Sydney. A pioneer of the jazz renaissance, Washington is a founding member of West Coast Get Down, a collective at the forefront of bringing jazz to younger audiences and into the contemporary consciousness.
With a slew of awards and nominations to his name, this multi-instrumental experience will defy expectations of traditional jazz - from a famous Metallica cover to a Kendrick Lamar collaboration, expect to have your idea of jazz redefined. Tickets are available online.
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 returns for its 15th magical year of light shows, immersive art, live music, food and ideas, with the theme of dream, all kicking off this weekend. 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)—all completely free to attend.
Major highlights include feasts at the Vivid Fire Kitchen, concerts by Japanese Breakfast, thought-provoking panels featuring cooking queen Martha Stewart, curated dining experiences by Nigella Lawson, a Stranger Things experience at Luna Park and a four-metre-long Starscape Tunnel taking over The Goods Line with over 700 stars. Find out more here.
Sydney Film Festival
Various Locations | Until Sunday 15 June
Image credit: Sydney Film Festival | Supplied
Sydney Film Festival spotlights 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.
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.
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 | Monday 19 May—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.
The Spare Room
Belvoir St Theatre, 25 Belvoir Street, Surry Hills | Saturday 7 June–Sunday 13 July
A stunning adaptation of Helen Garner's award-winning novel sees Judy Davis return to the stage for the first time in almost fifteen years. This moving story about Helen, who opens her spare room to Nicola as she undergoes cancer treatment, is best enjoyed with your besties by your side as it serves up humour and heart in equal measure.
Director Eamon Flack reminds audiences, "The Spare Room looks like a story about dying, but it's really about what we live for: each other." Tickets are available online from $56.
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.
Pleasure Hour
Pleasure Club, 6 Wilson Street, Newtown | Wednesdays–Sundays, 5pm–7pm
Image credit: Pleasure Club | Ethan Smart
Newtown basement cocktail bar Pleasure Club is pleasing the people with a banging happy hour starring $2 Sydney rock oysters, $6 gildas, and $12 Grey Goose martinis, plus live entertainment every Wednesday to Sunday from 6pm.
There’s also $12 prawn cocktail sliders dressed in rosé sauce and an elevated sausage sanga for $21, which goes down a treat with $6 beers, $9 mocktails, $10 glasses of wine.
Try the $15 signature 'Floating in Space' cocktail, blending Grey Goose vodka, Aperol, rosé, strawberry, lychee, white chocolate, and ginger. Check out the full Pleasure Hour menu and book 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.
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.
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Main image credit: The Waratah | Instagram
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