What's On

What’s On In Sydney This Week, This Month And Beyond

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Contributor | Urban List, Sydney, NSW
whats on in sydney in september 2025

2025 is serving a massive lineup of events and activities in Sydney/Eora to keep your calendar absolutely loaded.

Expect a jam-packed September in Sydney with heaps of food-filled experiences, unique events, theatre shows, and a banging roster of entertainment.

Here are Urban List's picks for the best things to do in Sydney this week, the rest of September and further into 2025.

Never miss a new opening or upcoming event in Sydney again—get us in your inbox here.

September Food Events And Markets

Messina Eats: Olympic Meats

Messina HQ carpark, 1 Rich Street, Marrickville | Friday 5 and Saturday 6 September, 12pm ‘til late

messina eats olympic meats 2025 sydneyImage credit: Gelato Messina | Website 

Possibly one of the best foodie collaborations of the year—Gelato Messina has joined forces with Olympic Meats to whip up a two-day Greek feast in the Messina HQ carpark on Friday 5 and Saturday 6 September from 12pm ‘til late or sold out.

There’ll be Olympic’s golden spanakopita (using an OG recipe circa 1961) for just $7 a piece, $25 Aussie-style lamb ‘yeeros’, $16 watermelon and halloumi salad, $14 honey-soaked loukoumades topped with Messina’s honey gelato, and other tasty treats. No bookings needed, just rock up.

Father’s Day 2025

Various Locations | Sunday 7 September

Image credit: Crown Sydney | Website

Father’s Day has sprung up on us this year. But don’t fret, if you haven’t made any plans, we’ve sorted a list of Sydney’s best things to do this Father’s Day, including activities, events and more ways to celebrate. From fancy seafood feasts to footy games and everything in between, there’s a pick in there that every dad will enjoy. And, if you still need to secure a present, check out our Father’s Day 2025 Gift Guide.

Matt Stone X Chiswick: Spring Produce Dinner

Chiswick, 65 Ocean Street, Woollahra | Thursday 11 September, 6.30pm

spring produce dinner matt stone x chiswickImage credit: Matt Stone X Chiswick | Supplied

Celebrated chef Matt Stone (of Ciao Mate!, You Beauty and Eltham Hotel fame) is joining forces with Matt Moran and Chiswick’s Head Chef Samuel Rozsnyoi for a one-off Spring Produce Dinner

Exploring sustainable, produce-led cooking, the menu utilises hyper-seasonal ingredients and flavours from Chiswick’s own garden. Standouts include the Spring spring roll with squid, asparagus and spring onion, Stone’s spin on Chiswick’s signature lamb rib, served with lavender honey and coriander salsa, and a green ant lemon tart with crème fraîche for dessert. Tickets are $140pp. Book online.

Breakfast Point Spring Festival

Village Green, Breakfast Point | Sunday 7 September

For gourmet food, artisan goodies, chic homewares, fashion fits, unique accessories, arts, crafts and eco products, Breakfast Point Spring Festival is the market to hit. Spreading across the Breakfast Point Village Green in Sydney’s west, the Spring market will also feature live entertainment, community performances and family-friendly activities.

Free Snapchat X ButterBoy Cookie Blind-Box 

Pitt Street Mall, Sydney CBD | Sunday 7 September, from 10am ‘til sold out

snapchat x butterboy cookie blind box free sydney events 2025Image credit: Snapchat X ButterBoy | Supplied

Snapchat is teaming up with the cookie masters at ButterBoy and cookbook author/Snap Star Jasmin Weston for a free, one-off, blind-box cookie drop at Pitt Street Mall on Sunday 7 September. 

Inspired by new Snapchat-commissioned research showing 94% of Gen Z use food to show care and more than a third saying they enjoy casual catch-ups over big milestones, the collab celebrates the joy of sharing small moments.

There are four limited-edition, Snap-worthy flavours, including matcha and white chocolate, fairy bread, chilli choc, and marshmallow crunch. To snag one, simply show the Snapchat app on your phone. Cookies will be available from 10am, until sold out.

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Mangan’s Golden Chocolate Bar

Various Luke Mangan & Co. venues | Until late October 2025

mangan's golden chocolate bar sydneyImage credit: Mangan's Golden Chocolate Bar | Trent van der Jagt

Inspired by the magic of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, celebrity chef Luke Mangan has created a limited-edition dessert experience, offering the chance to win $50,000 worth of prizes. Order one of his handcrafted, gold-dusted, mousse-filled chocolate bars and crack it open; if salted caramel comes oozing out, you’re one of just ten golden ticket winners.

Each lucky winner scores a scratch card to reveal their prize—think luxe four-day cruises, indulgent three-course dinners, or a once-in-a-lifetime superyacht feast on Sydney Harbour for you and your mates, hosted by Luke himself. 

The offer is available exclusively at Luke’s Kitchen at Kimpton Margot Hotel, Luc-San in Potts Point, and Luke’s Bistro & Bar at Sydney’s Domestic Qantas Terminal until late October or until all ten golden tickets are redeemed. Book online before all the prizes are gone.

Meet The Brewer At The Squire’s Landing

The Squire’s Landing, Circular Quay, The Rocks | Saturday 13 September, 12pm–2pm

the squires landing meet the brewer sydney 2025Image credit: The Squire’s Landing | Supplied

James Squire’s flagship waterfront brewery, The Squire’s Landing, is hosting a behind-the-scenes glimpse into beer mastery on Saturday 13 September. For $49pp enjoy beer tastings with canapes, meet Head Brewer Jack Fox and learn about the fascinating history of James Squire, brewing techniques and upcoming releases—all in eyeshot of the stunning Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Book online.

Eco Living Festival

Broadarrow Reserve, Maroubra | Sunday 14 September, 10am–4pm

Lover of all things green? The Eco Living Festival is a sustainable pop-up market in Maroubra offering the chance to shop from over 100 eco-conscious stallholders. There’ll be locally made products, recycled vintage, green tech innovations, plant-based and low-waste food options, environmental education groups, and more.

Scandals And The City

Tqm., 6 Heeley Street, Paddington | Tuesday 16 and Tuesday 23 September, 6.30pm

tqm. scandals and the city sydney august 2025Image credit: tqm. | Supplied

True crime lovers should book into Scandals And The Citytqm.’s spicy spill sesh starring Mexican eats and saucy secrets from Sydney’s past, with shocking details revealed by Historian Max Burns-McRuvie.

The experience includes a three-course set menu for $65pp with a house wine or beer to start, followed by a zesty roasted pumpkin and feta salad, Venezuelan braised beef tacos and grilled chicken served with boiled arepa, guascaca and criolla salad. With only 30 seats available per event, it's best to get in quick and book online.

The Big Design Market

Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh | Friday 19–Sunday 21 September

the big design market whats on in sydney this month august 2025Image credit: The Big Design Market | Website

The Big Design Market returns to Carriageworks, transforming the space into a huge market event with over 200 exhibitors offering stylish homewares, delicate ceramics, art prints, Australian fashion, handmade jewellery, and fun stationery.

There’ll also be food and drink stalls from favourites like Brooklyn Boy Bagels, UGO Burrata Bar, Petersons Wines, Yulli’s Brews, Maya Sunny Honey, THICC Cookies, Billy Van Creamy and heaps more. Tickets are $8 for adults and free for children under 12. Check out more info online.

Watsons Bay Spring Market

Robertsons Reserve, Watsons Bay | Sunday 21 September, 9am–3pm

watsons bay spring market sydney 2025Image credit: Cambridge Markets | Website

This huge mixed market event by the sea is not one to miss. Watsons Bay Spring Market is taking over Robertsons Reserve near the ferry stop, boasting countless stalls slinging food, drinks, handmade products, fashion, jewellery, home decor and more. This will be its eighth year running, and likely its biggest year yet. Find out more here.

Australian Native Food Festival

Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh | Saturday 27–Sunday 28 September

australian native food festival sydneyImage credit: Australian Native Food Festival | Supplied

A two-day Australian Native Food Festival is taking over Carriageworks this September. Presented by Indigiearth founder and Ngemba Weilwan woman Sharon Winsor, the festival rounds up leading Indigenous businesses, chefs and creatives to celebrate First Nations culture, food, art, music and storytelling. 

There’ll be more than 18 market stalls, a pop-up cafe, bushfood masterclasses, live performances, panel discussions and cooking demonstrations by the chef-owner of Melbourne’s Attica Ben Shewry; chef, author and TV presenter Kylie Kwong; and native grains expert Kerrie Saunders. The event is free to attend—register online.

Aria Snack Bar

Aria Restaurant Sydney, 1 Macquarie Street, Sydney CBD | Daily

aria snack bar sydneyImage credit: Aria Restaurant Sydney | Supplied

Sydney Harbour’s refined waterfront restaurant, Aria, has introduced a bougie-on-a-budget bar menu perfect for late-night dining. Highlights include a $26 Wagyu smash burger with Section 28 cheese and beer onions, $12 tuna tartare with white soy and chives, $28 Siberian caviar served with pressed potato and egg yolk jam, an $18 ice cream sundae drizzled with sherry caramel and pecan, plus a $45 cheese platter with four premium Australian cheeses and seasonal pairings. Walk-ins are welcome any time, or book online daily from 8pm. 

Aprés On The Harbour

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

apres on the harbour whats on in sydney this month august 2025Image credit: Pier Bar | Website

A floating 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 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.

Nothing Set: Bombies Dinner Club

Level 1/29 Moore Road, Freshwater | Thursdays, from 7pm

nothing set: bombies dinner clubImage credit: Bombies | Supplied

A groovy weekly dinner club has landed on the Northern Beaches at '70s-style rooftop bar and live music venue Bombies above the Harbord Hotel in Freshwater. Every Thursday night, dive into a changing mystery set menu for just $45pp, matched with low-intervention vino by Doom Juice and live tunes courtesy of boogie-fied improv group Beat Mystique. And as a huge bonus: the first six tables to book in each week will score themselves a bottle of Doom Juice. To find out what’s on the menu, you’ll have to book in.

Recovery Sundays

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

baptist street rec club recovery sundays sydneyImage 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.

Cheese Making Class With Bottomless Bubbles

Shop 2a, 791–795 Botany Road, Rosebery | Various dates in September and October

cheese making class with bottomless bubbles sydney this weekend Image credit: Omnom Cheese Making | Facebook

A hands-on cheese-making class is a perfect way to spend a not-so-sunny day in Sydney. Part of RedBalloon’s Best Of Guaranteed experiences, you’ll learn how to make burrata and bocconcini from scratch with expert instructors, all while enjoying bottomless bubbles. And the best part is: you’ll take home almost one kilo of handmade cheese. Tickets are $109 per person. Book online.

Château Tanunda X Luna Lu Dining Dome

Luna Lu, Bays 4 and 5, 7–27 Circular Quay West, Campbells Cove, The Rocks | Until October

chateau tanunda x luna lu dining dome sydneyImage credit: Château Tanunda X Luna Lu | Supplied

Barossa Valley’s Château Tanunda has brought its cellar door to Luna Lu with a luxe dining dome experience. From the comfort of a cosy indoor dome, guests will enjoy a 4-course degustation paired with spectacular views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and Château Tanunda’s award-winning wines from their Old Vine Expressions range. 

The menu includes Sydney rock oysters, a trio tartare, sesame prawn toast, and the golden Luna Duck salad, paired with Premium Cuvee to start, a choice of red or white for the second and third courses, finishing with a Barossa signature: sparkling shiraz. 

Four sessions are available per day through lunch and dinner services until October, and tickets start at $180pp or $250pp with wine. Book online.

Suntory Bar 

Whisky Thief, Prefecture 48, 230 Sussex Street, Sydney CBD | Until Saturday 8 November

suntory bar takeover at prefecture 48 whisky thief whats on in sydney this month august 2025Image credit: Suntory Bar | Jiwon Kim 

Premium Japanese beverage house Suntory takes 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. 

There’s also premium whisky flights available and a strong roster of Suntory’s RTDs, such as Minus 196, Jim Beam & Cola and Canadian Club, plus The Premium Malt’s Beer. Book online.

September Art, Culture And Exhibitions

Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition 

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

michelangelo's sistine chapel: the exhibition in sydneyImage 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.

Sydney Fringe Festival

Various locations | 1 September—30 September

sydney fringe festival 2025Image credit: Sydney Fringe Festival | Website

NSW's largest independent arts festival, Sydney Fringe Festival, is popping up for the month of September, featuring a diverse lineup of theatre, comedy, circus and over 400 more amazing acts across 70 venues. The festival aims to bring locally made works to the Sydney stage, alongside the annual Touring Hub showcasing global talent. Check out their full program on their website.

Drag Bingo At Taphouse

Taphouse Sydney, 122 Flinders Street, Darlinghurst | Wednesday 3 and 17 September, 7.30pm

drag bingo at taphouse sydneyImage credit: Drag Bingo at Taphouse | The M1 Group

Taphouse is remixing bingo with a side of sass and sparkle every first and third Wednesday of the month. Drag Bingo is a free event that boasts six rounds of bingo, plus heaps of prizes up for grabs like free booze and $50 bar tabs, ending in a dazzling drag show. 

Hot tip: while you’re there, take advantage of $16 pork chops and $6 Hawke’s beers for Hawke Chop Wednesdays.

Sydney Contemporary

Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh | Thursday 11–Sunday 14 September

sydney contemporary art market whats on in sydney this month august 2025Image credit: Sydney Contemporary | Wes Nel 

One of Australasia’s largest art fairs, Sydney Contemporary, unites over 500 local, Indigenous, and international artists, displaying diverse contemporary works available for purchase across four days at Carriageworks.

The showcase offers attendees the chance to view and buy modern art, explore interactive installations, watch live panel discussions with industry leaders, and check out the new Photo Sydney sector spotlighting amazing photographic work—all included in the $35 pre-booked or $40 full-price ticket. There’s also multi-passes, a special VIP session and late night entry on offer. Book online.

The Rugby Championship: Wallabies Vs Argentina 

Allianz Stadium, Driver Avenue, Moore Park | Saturday 13 September

Watch the Wallabies go head-to-head with Argentina in the highly anticipated Rugby Championship at Allianz Stadium. Don your green and gold and cheer on Australia live as they battle it out for victory against one of their biggest competitors. Grab tickets from $29.90 for juniors (4–16 years), $39.90 for concession and $49.90 for adults, plus booking fees. Book online.

Sydney Writers’ Festival Program

State Library of New South Wales, 1 Shakespeare Place, Sydney CBD | From Thursday 18 September

sydney writers festival program state library of new south wales sydneyImage credit: State Library of NSW | Jacquie Manning

Racking up over 101,000 attendees earlier this year, the Sydney Writers’ Festival is launching a year-round program of exciting literary events in addition to its popular annual festival. The first program drop features four live talks at the State Library of NSW, including 2025 Stella Prize winner and Theory & Practice author Michelle de Krester in conversation with Malcolm Knox on Thursday 18 September, romance writers Melanie Saward and Saman Shad discussing cultural identity and love from perspectives hardly seen on the page on Thursday 25 September, best-selling author Hannah Kent on her debut memoir Always Home, Always Homesick about growing up alone in Iceland on Thursday 2 October, and environmentalist and former politician Bob Brown on his new book Defiance on Friday 10 October. Tickets start at $35, book online.

AusFitness Expo

ICC Sydney, 14 Darling Drive, Sydney CBD | Friday 19–Sunday 21 September

ausfitness expo sydney 2025Image credit: AusFitness Expo | Website

Australia’s biggest fitness celebration is back this September, boasting three huge days of health and wellness inspo. The AusFitness Expo is taking over the ICC with an 80-metre, two-lap, ninja-inspired obstacle course called the YOHKA Sprint Series, plus access to eight live competitions, including the Oceania Powerlifting Championships, CrossFit EXPO Games, ICN Muscle & Model Show and The Asylum strongman competitions. 

There’ll also be fitness product stalls, fun challenges with giveaways and special athlete and influencer appearances. Tickets start at $20 for adults and are free for accompanied children under 12. Book online.

Harry Potter Trivia

Penny’s Hotel, Shop 1a/15 Bayswater Road, Potts Point | Wednesday 24 September, 7.30pm

If you think you know the most about the wizarding world of Harry Potter, test your magic with Harry Potter Trivia at Penny’s Hotel in Potts Point. There are $200 worth of prizes up for grabs for the most knowledgeable potterheads, plus a range of food and drink specials like two pizzas for $30 and $15 Margaritas, Espresso Martinis, Aperol Spritzes, Negronis and Cosmos from 7pm ‘til 10pm. Book online. 

Moon Festival

Sydney Observatory, 1003 Upper Fort Street, Millers Point | Tuesday 30 September–Thursday 2 October

moon festival at sydney observatoryImage credit: Powerhouse Museum | Supplied

Sydney Observatory is gearing up for a huge Moon Festival, originating from the ancient Chinese celebration of gratitude offerings and feasting at harvest time, determined by the brightest and roundest full moon in the lunar calendar.

Kicking off on Tuesday 30 September, visual artist Truc Troung is hosting three days of lantern-making workshops—tickets range from free to $25. Then, a closing party wraps it all up on Thursday 2 October from 5pm to 9pm with a lantern parade, lion and dragon dances by Qing Fong Dragon and Lion Dance Team, live beats from DJ Small FRY, and delicious street food from Mumma Le’s Vietnamese Kitchen. Check out the full program 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 are $25, kids under 12 are free, and you can nab two-for-one tickets between 5pm and 10pm on Wednesday nights. Book online.

The Neighbour At The Gate

NAS Galleries, National Art School, 156 Forbes Street, Darlinghurst | Until Saturday 18 October

nas galleries the neighbour at the gate exhibition sydney 2025Image credit: …that awaits at the end of life | Jacky Cheng

The Neighbour at the Gate is a major exhibition at the NAS Galleries exploring connections between First Nations and Asian Australian communities through powerful installations, films, and performances curated by Clothilde Bullen OAM (Wardandi Noongar and Badimaya Yamatji), with Michael Do and Zali Morgan (Whadjuk Balladong and Wilman Noongar).

Highlights include Yawuru-based Malaysian-Chinese artist Jacky Cheng’s all-encompassing paifang (Chinese gate monument) installation, a bingo night-inspired installation by Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay artist Dennis Golding, and a moving image and sound work by Iranian-Australian artist Elham Eshraghian-Haakansson—all interrogating themes of national identity, migration, and cultural resilience. The exhibition is free to attend anytime between 11am to 5pm Monday–Saturday, from 11 July until 18 October.

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

Level 3, Museum Of Contemporary Art, 140 George Street, The Rocks | Until Sunday 19 October

Cerith wyn evans....in light of the visible at MCA sydneyImage 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 taking inspiration from Sydney Harbour/Warrane, F=O=U=N=T=A=I=N (2020), a three-metre-tall white neon wall which audiences can walk through, and Composition for 37 Flutes (2018), where 37 glass pipes breathe sound into the gallery. Book tickets online from $20 for adults and $16 for concessions. 

RELICS: A New World Rises 

Australian Museum, 1 William Street, Darlinghurst | Until Tuesday 27 January, 2026

relics a new world rises sydney australian museum lego masters exhibitionImage 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.

Pup Yeah!

QT Hotels & Resorts | Ongoing

pup yeah! QT hotels sydney dog-friendly staysImage credit: QT Hotels & Resorts | Supplied

QT Hotels & Resorts is pampering pooches across Australia and New Zealand with dog-friendly stays. Pup Yeah! boasts pet-appointed rooms, luxe orthopedic memory foam CUB beds, St Argo’s hand-baked treats stocked up in the mini bar, dog-friendly room service with dishes like steak tartare and bacon ice cream, plus a bunch of designer grooming products from smith&burton to truly spoil your furry best friend. 

To top it all off, each QT destination has a Strut Your Pup digital map, offering guides on the best local walks, parks, pup-friendly cafes and photo ops. Book a well-deserved stay for you and your pooch online.

September Music, Theatre And Film Events

Duelling Pianos

The Oxford Hotel, 195 Victoria Road, Drummoyne | Saturday 27 September, 8.30pm

duelling pianos sydney 2025Image credit: Duelling Pianos | Supplied

Watch two pianos battle it out in a high-energy showdown at The Oxford Hotel in Drummoyne. Duelling Pianos is a free event featuring guilty-pleasure throwbacks and sing-a-long favourites, played on piano by music masters. No booking needed, just head on in and find a table or standing space. You can also grab a hearty pub feed beforehand at the upstairs Bistro. View more info online. 

Tender Comrade

White Rabbit Gallery, 30 Balfour Street, Chippendale | Until Sunday 16 November


Image credit: White Rabbit Gallery | Supplied

Until 1997, homosexuality was classified as a crime in China under the offence of 'hooliganism'. Despite no longer being considered a crime, the societal hangover and cultural pressures on LGBTQ+ individuals and communities persist. These communities call themselves tongzhi (同志) meaning 'comrade' or 'common will'.

Curated by David Williams, this month White Rabbit welcomes the opening of an exhibition that celebrates the resilience of Chinese queer communities. Leaning into the works that celebrate their powerful camaraderie, this exhibition allows its audience to immerse themselves in the tenderness that has bolstered Chinese queer communities to defy erasure. Find out more online.

The Book of Mormon

Capitol Theatre, 13 Campbell Street, Haymarket | Until Sunday 30 November

the book of mormon sydney capitol theatre 2025Image 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, is returning 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.

What's Coming Up In Sydney And Beyond

Horizontal Festival

Centennial Vineyards, 252 Centennial Road, Bowral | Saturday 4–Sunday 5 October

horizontal festival bowral best events near sydney 2025Image credit: Horizontal Festival | Instagram

Debuting in October 2025, Horizontal Festival is a multi-sensory food, wine, music and art event springing up in the rolling hills of the Southern Highlands. Hosted at the picturesque Centennial Vineyards, festival zones include a swish sparkling wine bar with high tea and oysters, an Italian-style vineyard boasting white wine and lobster skewers, a dedicated rosé room offering wine flights and expert-led workshops, a tasty cheese den, an orchard for cider and apple pie lovers, a hops craft beer garden with live DJs on concert stage, a barrel room for reds and New Orleans-style jazz, plus a dessert haven for sweet vino and treats. There are two session times available, 12pm–4pm or 5.30pm–9pm, and tickets start at $59. Book online.

Sydney Ceramics Market

Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh | Saturday 18–Sunday 19 October 

sydney ceramics market whats on in sydney this month august 2025Image credit: Sydney Ceramics Market | Samee Lapham

Over 130 ceramic artists will be slinging their hand-built and wheel-thrown pottery pieces at the Sydney Ceramics Market in October. Shop from small businesses and local artisans like Coe Studio’s unique lamps, glossy tableware by Ann Howe, hanging bells by Nina Field Studio, delicate Korean-style pieces by Chung Ha Studios and sculptural art by Lisa Hoelzl, who works out of an old Marrickville bakery. View the full list of makers and keep an eye out for tickets online.

Oktoberfest In The Gardens

The Domain, 1 Art Gallery Road, Sydney CBD | Saturday 25 October, 1pm–9pm 

oktoberfest in the gardens sydney 2025Image credit: Oktoberfest In The Gardens | Facebook

Australia’s biggest Oktoberfest festival returns to Sydney this October and we could not be more keen. Dress up in your best dirndl or lederhosen, sink imported German beer steins, wines and ciders at the massive beer hall and grab tasty eats like pretzels and bratwurst from heaps of food stalls. 

There’ll be thrill rides, a silent disco, a Berghain-inspired rave cave, wood chopping demos, multiple live music stages, competitions, roving performers, and a few more surprises. Tickets start at $49.90. Book online.

Now, fill your calendar with

Main image credit: Destination NSW | Tom Cunningham

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