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
Aria Snack Bar
Aria Restaurant Sydney, 1 Macquarie Street, Sydney CBD | Daily
Image 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.
Nothing Set: Bombies Dinner Club
Level 1/29 Moore Road, Freshwater | Thursdays, from 7pm
Image 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
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.
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.
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 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.
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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.
Catch a Chilli Con Carne Cook Off on Thursday 21 August, and learn to make your own hot sauce on top of a banquet or bottomless lunch (add on for $15pp) on Saturday 23 August. View more details and book online.
The Whisky Slow: Poetica X Archie Rose
Poetica Bar & Grill, 1 Denison Street, North Sydney | Wednesday 20 August, from 6pm
Image credit: Archie Rose X Poetica | Supplied
Poetica Bar & Grill has teamed up with Archie Rose Distilling Co. for a one-off fiery feast headlined by an exclusive whisky-aged striploin. Sourced from NSW’s Riverina region, the premium beef has been dry-aged and spritzed daily with Archie Rose Single Malt Whisky, ready for grilling over a repurposed whisky barrel on the night—for those who miss out, it will remain on the menu until 20 September.
The flame-kissed $120pp menu also features canapes and four courses with unique whisky and seafood pairings, including Flambadou oyster alongside Archie Rose Double Malt Whisky Highball, and coal-seared calamari served with Archie Rose Heritage Red Gum Cask Single Malt Whisky. Book online.
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
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.
Cheese Making Class With Bottomless Bubbles
Shop 2a, 791–795 Botany Road, Rosebery | Various dates in August and September
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
Image 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
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.
August Art, Culture And Exhibitions
RELICS: A New World Rises
Australian Museum, 1 William Street, Darlinghurst | Saturday 16 August, 2025—Wednesday 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 start at $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.
Dog Lovers Festival And Cat Lovers Festival
Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park | Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 August, 9.30am–5pm
Image credit: Dog Lovers Festival | Supplied
A double two-day pet extravaganza is headed to Sydney Showground. Taking over The Dome, the Dog Lovers Festival features a Pat-A-Pooch Zone, Dog Breed Showcase, Dog Friendly Travel Hub and VitaPet Arena starring dogs leaping into a giant 100,000-litre pool, mini races and a K9 Superwall, plus live demonstrations by Jamie the Dog Trainer, Sam March from The Dog House, and Marlene Brewer and Hudson from ABC’s Muster Dogs on the ADVANCE™ Stage.
The Cat Lovers Festival is just a short stroll away in Hall 6, with Pat-A-Cat Zones, a CatKwiz trivia game show, Kitty Cosplay parades, feline showcases and exciting talks with Dr Katrina Warren and US-based kitten rescuer and social media star Hannah Shaw on the WHISKAS® Stage.
There’ll also be heaps of market stalls, exhibitors, adoption zones and Ask-A-Vet areas at both festivals. One $45 adult ticket unlocks access to both festivals. 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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
The Book of Mormon
Capitol Theatre, 13 Campbell Street, Haymarket | Until 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.
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.
Matt Stone X Chiswick: Spring Produce Dinner
Chiswick, 65 Ocean Street, Woollahra | Thursday 11 September, 6.30pm
Image 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.
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.
Sydney Writers’ Festival Program
State Library of New South Wales, 1 Shakespeare Place, Sydney CBD | From Thursday 18 September
Image 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.
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.
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.
Australian Native Food Festival
Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh | Saturday 27–Sunday 28 September
Image 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 (tickets go on sale Tuesday 19 August). The event is free to attend—register online.
Moon Festival
Sydney Observatory, 1003 Upper Fort Street, Millers Point | Tuesday 30 September–Thursday 2 October
Image 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.
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.
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Main image credit: Destination NSW | Daniel Tran
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