2025 is serving a massive lineup of events and activities in Sydney/Eora to keep your calendar absolutely loaded.
Expect a jam-packed August 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 August, and further into 2025.
- August 2025 Food Events And Markets
- August 2025 Art, Culture And Exhibitions
- August 2025 Music, Theatre And Film Events
- What's Coming Up In Sydney And Beyond
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August Food Events And Markets
Lune X Four Pillars Breakfast Negroni
All Lune Croissanterie venues | Friday 1–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.
Truffle Thursdays At Rocker
Rocker, 5/39–53 Campbell Parade, North Bondi | Until Thursday 7 August
Image credit: Rocker | Ethan Smart
Thursday dinners at Bondi’s beloved diner Rocker just got a whole lot classier, with truffle taking over the menu throughout winter. The $99pp four-course share-style menu includes burrata swimming in truffled brown butter, truffle cacio e pepe gnocchi, and an MBS 8+ Wagyu Rostbiff steak in truffle jus, with optional extras like Papa Salt Gin’s dirty truffled mini martini on arrival, a truffle-infused Negroni, extra truffle shavings over dishes, wine pairings for $39pp or $25pp for half-pours, and a truffled honey Basque cheesecake for dessert. Book online.
Derrel's X Sarah Todd X Young Henrys
Derrel’s and The Lady Hampshire, 89–91 Parramatta Road, Camperdown | Friday 25 July–Sunday 31 August
Image credit: Derrel’s | Declan Blackhall
Famed chef, restaurateur and MasterChef legend Sarah Todd is taking over the kitchen at Camperdown’s kitschy cool Indian joint, Derrel’s, for a month-long street food pop-up. There’s a trio of limited-edition dishes to try alongside a custom Young Henrys' Curry Leaf XPA from The Lady Hampshire next door.
Load up on 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 online.
House Of Eats
Rainbow Studios, 348 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst | Friday 8 August, 5pm–7.30pm and 8.30pm–11pm
Image credit: Uber Eats | Supplied
Sydney’s best restaurants are taking over Darlinghurst’s Rainbow Studios for a one-night-only culinary preview of Uber Eats’ new in-app Dine Out feature—and tickets are completely free.
Curated by acclaimed Sydney chef Danielle Alvarez, House of Eats is an immersive four-course degustation. On the menu lineup is Mary’s caviar-topped fried chicken, Fabbrica’s bottarga-loaded cacio e pepe, Catalina’s swish riff on fish and chips, and a green pavlova by Alvarez herself, paired with NSW wines and a signature Verde Negroni from P&V. Free tickets drop Tuesday 29 July at 9am. Book online and read more about House of Eats here.
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 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.
SoCal Winter Chilli Festival
1 Young Street, Neutral Bay | Monday 4–Sunday 31 August
Image credit: SoCal | Supplied
SoCal is cranking up the heat with a full-on Winter Chilli Festival featuring Tabasco-spiked specials and fiery experiences. Try chilli tostadas with smoked trout, popcorn chicken laced with Tabasco Jalapeño Sauce mayo, mezcal hot chocolates and more.
Put your tastebuds to the ultimate test with a Hot Ones-style wing-eating competition on Thursday 14 August from 7pm (entry $15pp), enter a Chilli Con Carne Cook Off (entries close 8 August), and learn to make your own hot sauce on top of a banquet or bottomless lunch (add on for $15pp) on Saturday 9 and 23 August. View more details and book online.
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Moncur Cellars Tasting Series
Bistro Moncur, 116A Queen Street, Woollahra | Monday 11 August, 5.30pm–8.30pm
Image credit: Bistro Moncur | Supplied
Bistro Moncur is flexing an elegant wine tasting night with exclusive deals, food specials and a massive giveaway for its third tasting series. This time, the crew are pouring over 100 Shiraz varieties, available to try with a $50 ticket—which can be refunded on the evening with any Shiraz case purchase (12 bottles) and you’ll score a chance to win a $250 Tyrrell’s VAT 9 Magnum 2022.
Duck into The Woollahra Hotel for a pre- or post-tasting feed and lap up Monday dining deals like $20 dumplings, steaks with chips, and schnitzels—all available from 4pm. Book online.
Cronulla Winter Market
Don Lucas Reserve, Cronulla | Saturday 16 August and Sunday 17 August, 9am–3pm
Image credit: Cambridge Markets | Website
Cronulla Winter Market is making the most of Sydney’s chilliest month, combining cosy market produce with waterside views and beachfront living. For one weekend in August, market–goers can enjoy live music and gourmet food, alongside a curated selection of small retailers peddling unique artisan goods.
Winter Cellar Door
Carriageworks, The Blacksmiths Workshop, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh | Sunday 17 August, 11am–5pm
Carriageworks’ Blacksmiths Workshop is transforming into a Winter Cellar Door for one massive day of wine tasting. Wineries from across NSW are coming together, providing the opportunity to sample over 120 labels and meet the makers. There’ll be some familiar favourites plus new finds, alongside food pop-ups and live music. Entry is free, with wine tasting from $5 per glass. Festival tumblers are available to purchase at the event or pre-order online for the chance to win a mixed NSW wine case.
Pups In Pubs
BrewDog South Eveleigh, Bay 1 Locomotive, Workshops South, Eveleigh | Sunday 17 August, 12pm–3pm
Image credit: BrewDog South Eveleigh | Pupsy
BrewDog South Eveleigh is putting on a special day for pups that is certain to raise the roof, in collaboration with Pupsy and Street Paws Festival. The dog-friendly boozer will have a lineup of stalls slinging pooch-approved accessories and treats, alongside free samples, big giveaways and a Best Dress Pup Competition at 2pm. Swing by with your pooch and stick around for a pint and pub feed. View all the details online.
Scandals And The City
Tqm., 6 Heeley Street, Paddington | Wednesday 27 August and Wednesday 10 September, 6.30pm
Image credit: tqm. | Supplied
True crime lovers should book into Scandals And The City—tqm.’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.
Aprés On The Harbour
Pier Bar, 11 Hickson Road, Dawes Point | Until the end of August
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, until the end of August. Book online.
August Art, Culture And Exhibitions
Post-Run Cool Down Kick-Ons: Cafe Rave Edition
The Depot, 132A Warners Avenue, Bondi Beach | Sunday 10 August from 11am–4pm
Lace up for another epic post-run party when Urban List’s Cool Down Kick-Ons returns for 2025—and this year, we’re dialing up the vibes. In partnership with the legends at CELSIUS, we’re throwing a beachfront café rave at The Depot in North Bondi, packed with espresso-laced energy, roaming bites, and boogie-worthy beats.
Kicking off from 11am, this endorphin-fuelled party is your well-earned reward for smashing City2Surf. There’s everything you need to refuel and refresh, from buttery pastries to smoky hibachi skewers, five complimentary drinks, a full-day DJ set, and a CELSIUS-powered recovery zone. Trust us, this isn’t just a kick-ons—it’s the ultimate post-run celebration. Spots are limited, so grab your tickets now.
Wednesday Island
Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour | Saturday 16 August, evening until 10pm
Image credit: Supplied
The cast of Netflix's Wednesday are taking over Cockatoo Island for a gloriously gothic fan festival to celebrate the launch of Season 2, which hits our screens on Wednesday 6 August. Jenna Ortega, aka Wednesday Addams, will be there in the flesh, alongside directing royalty Tim Burton, and Emma Myers, who plays our favourite werewolf roomie, Enid Sinclair.
Prepare for spooky scenes, scream shows, exclusive merch, Wednesday-themed treats, and live performances from pop icon Peach PRC and bubblegum grunge artist ŪLA. Tickets are free, but there are limited spots available. You’ll need to apply between now and Sunday 3 August, to be in the running to snag a double pass. Enter 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.
Soft Centre Festival
Multiple locations | Thursday 28 August to Sunday 31 August
Image credit: Soft Centre | Supplied
Soft Centre is Sydney/Eora’s festival pioneering experimental art, sound, and new media—and it's returning this August 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.
The Neighbour At The Gate
NAS Galleries, National Art School, 156 Forbes Street, Darlinghurst | Friday 11 July–Saturday 18 October
Image 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.
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 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.
August Music, Theatre And Film Events
Very Short Film Festival
Event Cinemas Bondi, 500 Oxford Street, Bondi Junction | Wednesday 6 August, 6.30pm–8.30pm
Image credit: Very Short Film Festival | Supplied
The Very Short Film Festival is heading to Sydney on its national tour for one night only at Event Cinemas in Bondi. Catch exclusive screenings of over 20, under-five-minute short flicks from emerging Australian filmmakers, all responding to this year’s theme of ‘Seed’. The VSFF’s flicks span all genres from dramas and comedies to documentaries and animation, and there’ll be live Q&As from directors. View the full lineup and book tickets online from $25 for adults and $18 for concessions and under 18s.
MJ The Musical
Sydney Lyric Theatre, 55 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont | Until Saturday 23 August
Image credit: MJ The Musical | Website
The legendary king of pop, Michael Jackson, is brought back to life in the four-time Tony Award-winning MJ The Musical. MJ’s mesmerising moves and vocals are flawlessly captured by Broadway 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. Book online.
Gatsby On Tour
Liberty Hall, The Entertainment Quarter, 220 Bent Street, Moore Park | Saturday 23 August, from 8pm
Step into an electric night of glitz and glam as Gatsby On Tour brings the Roaring ‘20s back to life at Liberty Hall, after sell-out shows in Perth and Brisbane. This 18+ event features dazzling entertainers, flawless circus performers and live musicians for one unforgettable evening of partying like you’re in Gatsby’s mansion. Pulsing disco, house, jazz and timeless party anthems are on the soundtrack—head to the D-floor and dance the night away. Fourth release tickets are $59 or $79 for VIP skip-the-line. 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, 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.
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 on 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.
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.
What's Coming Up In Sydney And Beyond
Sydney Fringe Festival
Various locations | 1 September—30 September
Image credit: Sydney Fringe Festival | Supplied
NSW largest independent arts festival, Sydney Fringe Festival, is popping up for the month of September, featuring a diverse lineup of theatre, comedy, and writing. Partnering for the first time with Canberra Theatre Centre and Merrigong Theatre Company, the festival aims to bring locally made works to the Sydney stage, alongside the annual Touring Hub showcasing global talent. Highlights include commentaries on today’s digital hellscape, a moment for gender, sexuality and culture, religious discovery and boundary–pushing international talent. Check out their full program on their website.
Sydney Contemporary
Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh | Thursday 11–Sunday 14 September
Image 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 now from $29.90 for juniors (4–16 years), $39.90 for concession and $49.90 for adults, plus booking fees. Book online.
The Big Design Market
Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh | Friday 19–Sunday 21 September
Image 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.
Horizontal Festival
Centennial Vineyards, 252 Centennial Road, Bowral | Saturday 4–Sunday 5 October
Image 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
Image 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
Image 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 are available from Wednesday 30 July 2025 at 8am local time and start at $49.90. Book online.
Now, fill your calendar with
- 50 Of The Absolute Best Things To Do In Sydney
- Sydney's Best Walks To Do In 2025
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Main image credit: Destination NSW | Daniel Tran
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