We're already into April, and 2024 continues to serve a massive lineup of events and activities in Sydney/Eora to keep your calendar absolutely loaded.
April in Sydney is packed with delicious pop-ups, world-class exhibitions, and plenty of school holiday fun. Here are Urban List's picks for the best things to do in Sydney this week, in April, and further into 2024.
- April 2024 Food Events
- April 2024 Film, Music, Theatre And Comedy Events
- April 2024 Art, Culture And Exhibitions
- April School Holiday Events
- What's On In Sydney Later In 2024 And Beyond
What's On In Sydney This Week
Inner West Film Fest
Dendy Newtown, 261-263 King Street, Newtown and Palace Norton Street, 99 Norton Street, Leichhardt | Until Sunday 21 April
Now in its second year, the Inner West Film Fest is back on Sydney screens for 11 days of celebrating filmmaking, this year with a focus on comedy.
Buzzy current releases include The Sweet East featuring Jacob Elordi and Ayo Edebiri, following a high school senior’s eye-opening exploration of the world, and Heart Of The Man, the film executive produced by Dev Patel (Slumdog Millionaire and Monkey Man) about a boxer torn between maintaining familial expectations and following his heart.
The festival program also includes Film Trivia at The Grifter Brewing Co (Tuesday 16 April) and an exclusive premiere of a secret film at the Actors Centre Australia (Wednesday 17 April). Visit the website for the program and tickets.
Jo Malone CBE Meet And Greet
Pitt Street Mall | Monday 22 April, 12pm–1pm
Cult-favourite perfumer Jo Malone CBE is bringing her fresh brand Jo Loves and new Amber, Lime And Bergamot scent to Sydney Pitt Street Mall for a one-day pop-up where you can sample the luxe range. Plus, the first 100 to nab products from the launch will get their new scent signed and Jo Malone’s recent book for free. Sniff out more details on the brand and event here.
Sonic Neon
Luna Park Sydney, | Until Sunday 12 May
Image credit: Sonic Neon | Supplied
Housed inside the historic Crystal Palace at Luna Park Sydney, Sonic Neon is a sound and light experience sharing an immersive rave atmosphere—and it's a must-do experience for all ages.
Eight distinct zones are packed with over 26,000 lights, laser, mirrors, a pulsating soundtrack, tactile materials and never-before-seen technology in Australia, for a a 150-metre journey culminating in an infinity mirror room with over 6,000 hanging lights and a 3-D video experience.
Sonic Neon fills the 1935-built Crystal Palace with a groundbreaking experience that blends the site's history with contemporary wonder, and tickets start from $29 per person, or $99 for two adults and two children.
Final Shows: West Side Story On Sydney Harbour
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour, Mrs Macquaries Point | Until Sunday 21 April
Image credit: West Side Story | Supplied
If you’re after a spectacular night on Sydney Harbour, the return of the highly acclaimed West Side Story is it. It’s little surprise that this production is back with a bang. Its previous season was the highest-selling on-the-harbour top-stage production ever, and if you missed the last run of feuding, forbidden love, and fireworks, now is the time to get your tickets.
Plus if you’re in the mood for something a bit fancy on the foreshore, the HSBC Platinum Club will be serving a fine dining menu before each performance with pre-show and interval drinks. Tickets are in high demand and available from $79.
Kurumba x Dee Williams Chef Series
Kurumba, 555 Crown Street, Surry Hills | Wednesday 17 April
Image credit: Kurumba | Instagram
Contemporary Sri Lankan restaurant Kurumba is welcoming season 11 MasterChef contestant Dee Williams for a four-course, pop-up dinner presenting her take on Sri Lankan flavours. Dee's experience spans classical techniques and contemporary methods, so her menu is set to be a vibrant and unforgettable dining experience.
Highlights include lamb neck pan rolls with date and tamarind chutney, dry-aged duck curry with hoppers and sambol, and a take on an ice cream sandwich for dessert with kalamansi and cashew flavours. The menu is $120pp including a welcome cocktail, and bookings can be made online.
Noah Dillon
The Vanguard, 42 King Street, Newtown | Thursday 18 April
Image credit: Noah Dillon | Instagram
Before embarking on a European tour in May, singer-songwriter Noah Dillon will stop off at The Vanguard to share his indie rock/alternative folk songs with Sydneysiders.
You might remember him from his turn at Splendour in the Grass, and this show will be a perfect chance to reacquaint yourself with his raw, cathartic, and ultra-Aussie sound. There’s something a bit nostalgic and pub-rocky about this one - Dillon’s music finds the magic in the mundane and is best enjoyed with a beer in hand and a mate by your side. Tickets are going for $29.16.
April Food Events And Markets
Glenfiddich X Jordan Gogos Pop-Up Bar
200 George Street, Sydney CBD | Select dates Wednesday 17 April–Wednesday 8 May
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Image credit: Glenfiddich | Supplied
Join Aussie multidisciplinary artist Jordan Gogos and the world's most awarded single malt Scotch whisky, Glenfiddich, for a pop-up bar experience raising funds for social enterprise Art Aid.
The team from CBD bar Dean & Nancy on 22 will be shaking up whisky cocktails in the space filled with textile art, immersive works, sculptural furniture, and never-before-exhibited pieces in Gogos' largest immersive art installation to date. Selected pieces will be for sale with 50% of profits (and $10 from every Glenfiddich cocktail and event ticket sold) donated to Art Aid and its charities.
Events include the Glenfiddich Trailblazer Party every Friday at 5pm ($20pp including a cocktail on arrival) with live DJs, masterclasses with Glenfiddich's flagship collection or Grand Series ($30pp including four whisky tastings and snacks) and a Creative Collaborations event on Thursday 2 May with Jordan Gogos speaking on how he approaches collaborations across art, furniture and fashion, and what we can expect from his 2024 Australian Fashion Week show ($140pp including an engraved bottle of Glenfiddich 12YO personalised on-site and an exclusive Jordan Gogos x Glenfiddich 12YO key ring). See your opportunities to visit here.
Meatstock 2024
Sydney Showgrounds, Olympic Park | Friday 19–Sunday 21 April
Image credit: Meatstock | Supplied
Australia and New Zealand's biggest barbecue festival Meatstock is back for another year of protein-packed fun, with food, entertainment and shopping opportunities to get around. On top of so much barbecue, burgers and brisket to eat and sample there'll be barbecue cook-offs, head-to-head butcher wars, competitive eating events and beard and moustache wars presented by Better Beer.
There's also a banging music lineup that everyone can get around, with names like Hoodoo Gurus, You Am I and Henry Wagons to groove to after your meaty feast. Tickets are available from $46.50 for single-day entry.
Heirloom Dinner Pop-Up
Arthur, 544 Bourke Street, Surry Hills | Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 April, 6pm or 8.30pm
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Image credit: Arthur | Supplied
Much-loved Sydney spot Arthur (one of our favourite Surry Hills restaurants) is all about supporting and celebrating emerging talent, so they're having chef de partie Connor Denton host a two-night dinner pop-up called Heirloom.
Connor's Heirloom menu will call on memories and nostalgia, and his kitchen experiences with diverse flavour profiles at Hello Auntie, Nomad and Restaurant Leo, while utilising exclusively Australian ingredients per Arthur's steering philosophy. The seven-course menu will be $110pp, with oysters and drinks available to add on. Bookings are required on Arthur's website.
The Keel Masterclass Series
The Keel, 106 George Street, The Rocks | Wednesdays until 1 May
Historic Sydney venue The Keel—once a key part of the city's original rum trade—is giving rum lovers the chance to up their knowledge in a series of masterclasses. Upcoming themes include The Secrets of Solera (10 April), Viva la France (17 April), Rums of the Pacific (24 April) and A taste of Vintage (1 May). Each masterclass starts with a finger lime daiquiri on arrival before moving through a tasting of six rums, and a deep dive from host and renowned bartender Tom Bulmer.
The Keel's rum masterclasses are $65pp—check out the full lineup of classes and book your spot.
Margra Lamb Party
Kiln, Ace Hotel, 53 Foy Lane, Sydney | Nightly Until Sunday 12 May
Image credit: Kiln | Supplied
For a meaty feast that celebrates the special partnership between producers and restaurants—and more sustainable dining—check out Kiln's Margra lamb party this month. Over three courses, you'll be treated to a rare and premium cut of lamb, sourced from Oberon-based producer Margra.
Prized for its marbling, low melting temperature, and depth of flavour, this shoulder rack cut is exclusive to Kiln and will be served up three ways, showing how to use the whole of the animal. Cooked over Kiln's wood fire, you and two to three mates will enjoy koji marinated "intercoastal" rib skewers, a boneless loin served with a fortified sauce made from the bones, and wood-roasted semi-dried Shiraz beetroots served with a lamb fat vinaigrette.
The lamb party will set you back $95 and is enough for up to three people. It's available to order nightly until Sunday 12 May. Kiln is also hosting a special dinner to celebrate their lamb partnership on Wednesday 17 April, with tickets available here.
Cherry Bomb
Goros, 84–86 Mary Street, Surry Hills | Until Saturday 18 May
Image credit: Goros | Supplied
It's cherry blossom season at Surry Hills' Goros, where they're hosting Cherry Bomb: a sakura celebration with Bombay Sapphire complete with a festive menu and special events running for six weeks, and a pink takeover of the space with cherry blossoms, carp fish kites, and neon photo moments.
On the Cherry Bomb menu there's pink sushi, ice cream sando desserts, martinis and Cherry Pop cocktails with pearls, and a 90-minute all-you-can-eat skewer package with bottomless saké spritzes for $89pp. Events include a Barbie party on 13 April, a full moon party on 27 April, and an epic closing night celebration on 18 May—and there's always the free, private karaoke rooms.
Yo-Chi X Pistachio Papi
Various locations | Until Sunday 26 May
Insanely popular frozen yoghurt shops Yo-Chi are collaborating with Aussie-made pistachio spread Pistachio Papi to bring their vibrant green goodness to topping bars across Australia.
The creamy, nutty 100% Italian pistachio spread is available to drizzle on your froyo or acai bowls, and pairs perfectly with Yo-Chi's flavours like strawberry and signature tart yoghurt. And, yes, there's still Nutella so you can create a perfectly indulgent nutty combo. Pistachio Papi is available in all Yo-Chis until Sunday 26 May (or until stock runs out).
April Film, Music, Theatre And Comedy Events
Alison Wonderland
ivy, 320 George Street, Sydney CBD | Wednesday 24 April, 8pm
Catch some mid-week magic before the public holiday as globally sought-after DJ Alison Wonderland hits ivy for a pared-back set with the old-school club vibes for which she's loved. There'll be support from techno wonder Billy Xane with SILLYBITCHESDIE, LEENANEES and Sanchez X, and it's Alison's first show in Australia since COVID—so it's going to be a big one.
The remaining tickets are only $36.70, and this one's expected to sell out.
The President
Roslyn Packer Theatre, Walsh Bay | Until Saturday 18 May
Image credit: The President | Supplied
Though a revolution brews outside, the president and first lady of a small country seem frozen in time. Here, a complicated marriage eerily echoes the mistrust and angst of a political system in tatters.
Featuring some of the biggest names on stage and screen, including Hugo Weaving as the titular President, this production comes to Sydney directly from its Dublin premiere season. The President has already been lauded for powerhouse performances and its absurdly comic portrayal of pomp, pretence, privilege and politics. Tickets start at $110.
& Juliet
Sydney Lyric Theatre, Pyrmont | Until Sunday 16 June
Image credit: & Juliet | Daniel Boud
This is Shakespeare for people who don’t like Shakespeare. In fact, this is Shakespeare for people who will remember all the songs on the soundtrack from a burned CD or an iPod Nano they once had.
& Juliet, the jukebox musical from Emmy-winning Schitt’s Creek writer David West Read, imagines that instead of just falling in love, getting married, and dying by the tender age of 13, Shakespeare’s wife instead suggests that Juliet presses on and finds herself once she’s lost the dead weight of Romeo. In this alternate universe, she’s more than just a star-crossed lover: she’s a star. Tickets start at $69.90.
April Art, Culture And Exhibitions
Lyrids Meteor Shower Stargazing
Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains | Monday 22 April
If you have eclipse envy from America earlier this month, here's your chance to get in on some celestial magic: astrophysicist, cultural astronomer and TedX speaker Dimitri Douchin is hosting a viewing of the Lyrids meteor shower at a secret location in the Wentworth Falls/Katoomba area.
During the session you can expect to see a dazzling display of shooting stars in the annual display renowned for its swift and bright meteors that originate from the debris trail left behind by comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher.
Tickets are $85pp (or $55 for children) and include Dimitri's commentary and constellation storytelling, laser-guided naked-eye astronomy, telescope and binocular viewing of planets and star clusters, and hot chocolates to keep you cosy.
The Art of Banksy: Without Limits
Town Hall, 483 George St | Until Friday 26 April
Image credit: Fever | Supplied
The work of the world’s most famous—and mysterious—graffiti artist is coming to Sydney this week. Town Hall will host the massive exhibition The Art of Banksy: Without Limits, celebrating Banksy’s art, sharing over 150 pieces and unique installations.
As well as original works, prints, photos, lithographs, sculptures, murals and video mapping installations, there will be custom-built experiential areas including an infinity room where you can immerse yourself in Banksy’s most political works. Learn more here.
A Blueprint For Ruins
White Rabbit Gallery, 30 Balfour Street, Chippendale | Until Sunday 12 May
Image credit: White Rabbit Gallery | Instagram
Spanning four floors of the impressive White Rabbit Gallery, A Blueprint for Ruins explores a world without people, where only monuments and memories of culture and life remain, in a reflection on China's race to embrace modernity.
The works curated by David Williams (including an abandoned nightclub scene, bronze, resin and marble sculptures, paintings, prints and more) provide an immersive and thought-provoking look into the effects of urbanisation on trade, the environment, culture and humanity. A Blueprint for Ruins is free to visit, 10am–5pm, Wednesday–Sunday.
Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs
The Australian Museum, 1 William Street, Darlinghurst | Until Sunday 19 May
Image credit: Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs | Supplied
After showing in Paris, Houston, and San Francisco, the incredible Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs exhibition is headed to Sydney. The blockbuster exhibition will feature the actual sarcophagus of Ramses II—one of the most impressive royal coffins from ancient Egypt ever to be discovered—plus 181 priceless artefacts including animal mummies, jewellery, spectacular royal masks, and exquisite amulets, making it the largest cultural exhibition to visit Sydney in over a decade. Buy tickets here.ss
Princess Diana: Accredited Access Exhibition
Level 5, 1-3 Smail Street, Ultimo | Until Thursday 30 May
Image credit: Princess Diana: Accredited Access Exhibition | Supplied
Following sold-out tours in Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto, and Puerto Rico, Princess Diana: Accredited Access Exhibition is bringing a never-before-seen glimpse into the life of Diana Spencer as captured by her Official Royal Photographer, Anwar Hussein, with bespoke art installations and artefacts.
The exhibition explores the relationship between the princess and her photographer, with an audio guide from Anwar to provide context to the famous and not-so-famous shots he captured. Tickets are $29 for adults, $24 for seniors or students, and $12 for children.
Dale Frank: Growers And Showers
NAS Galleries, 156 Forbes Street, Darlinghurst | Until Saturday 1 June
Image credit: National Art School | Supplied
Check out the expanded painting practice of one of Australia’s foremost contemporary artists, Dale Frank, at this significant exhibition of over 40 large-scale works he developed since the '70s. It's his first solo institutional exhibition in over 20 years.
The vivacious collection includes various mediums and unexpected surfaces from poured epoxy-glass on metallic Perspex to CDs, human hair wigs, shattered glass and air vent ducts, showcasing his experimental approach to artmaking. Sculpture, sound and performance round out the experience to create immersive experiences to capture Frank's maximalism. Dale Frank: growers and showers is free to visit at the National Art School, 11am–5pm daily.
The 24th Biennale Of Sydney
Various locations | Until Monday 10 June
Image credit: Biennale of Sydney | Daniel Boud
The cultural kaleidoscope that is the Biennale of Sydney makes a grand return for its 24th edition, titled Ten Thousand Suns. The Biennale is a completely free art festival showcasing 96 leading artists' work from 50 different countries, spread over seven of Sydney’s most iconic spots including the Art Gallery of NSW, Museum of Contemporary Art, and Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney. Fondation Cartier has commissioned 14 incredible First Nations artists, whose works are on display as part of the festival across Sydney.
The Biennale is the largest contemporary art event of its kind in Australia, making it an unmissable event for art aficionados—and it's all completely free to experience. Check out the full program of artworks or programmed events like after-dark sessions, tours, performances and workshops to plan your experience.
April School Holiday Events
Mega Creatures
Hunter Valley Gardens, 2090 Broke Road, Pokolbin | Until Sunday 5 May
Image credit: Hunter Valley Gardens | Supplied
Head to the Hunter Valley these holidays to discover a Jurassic world of dinosaurs, giant bugs, and more mind-blowing friends at Mega Creatures.
There are giant animatronic animals including T-rex, Diplodocus, Stegosaurus and Triceratops plus activities like interactive fossil digs, fire-breathing dragons and after-dark fun like a night safari with snakes and lizards, and a winding Storybook Garden. As well as the dinosaur fun, Hunter Valley Gardens' usual carousel, Ferris wheel, tea cup and superslide rides will be operating too.
Special entertainment during the Mega Creatures season include roving baby dinosaurs (13, 14, 16, 22, 23 and 24 April) and a dinosaur zoo show (17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 and 28 April) and tickets are available from $30 for children and $40 for adults, with family passes available.
School Holiday Gardening Classes
Chiswick, 65 Ocean Street, Woollahra | Monday 22 and Wednesday 24 April, 11am–12pm
Image credit: Chiswick | Supplied
Not many restaurant kitchens in Sydney have a thriving garden right out the door like Chiswick, and they're once again welcoming children into the buzzing space to get hands-on these school holidays with complimentary gardening classes.
Hosted by the kitchen garden's head horticulturist, Pete Hatfield, Chiswick's gardening classes will teach kids about their "insect hotel", butterfly drones, worm farm and more, and children who attend can get in on a kids eat free offer, valid for one child per paying adult. Learn more and make a booking for lunch on the website.
What's On In Sydney In 2024 And Beyond
Australian Fashion Week
Carriageworks, Eveleigh | Monday 13–Friday 17 May
Image credit: Australian Fashion Week | James Adams
Australian Fashion Week presented by Pandora will return to Carriageworks this May, serving up its signature style mayhem for five glorious days. Details of the 2024 event have officially been revealed, including which designers will be showing and which runways, talks, and events you can grab tickets to.
The 2024 program of ticketed events includes runway presentations from iconic designers like Carla Zampatti, Romance Was Born, and Acler. There's also the much-loved multi-designer Indigenous Fashion Projects runway, which showcases incredible First Nations fashion talent. This year's panel discussions get to the heart of what's happening locally with fashion too—giving you insider intel from leaders in fashion business and fashion culture. Read more here or head over here to buy tickets.
Sydney Spirits Festival
Overseas Passenger Terminal, 130 Argyle Street, The Rocks | Friday 10–Sunday 12 May
Sydney Spirits Festival makes its grand debut this year, showcasing 148 brands to unleash your inner spirit. With such a massive range of purveyors under one roof, we guarantee that even the most advanced connoisseur will find something new and exotic to surprise themself with. Sample the best from international and boutique distillers, and meet the stars of the spirits world who will be pouring samples of their internationally acclaimed drops.
Gastronomic delights like caviar bumps will accompany your tastings of German and Japanese gins, American peanut butter whisky, Australian gold medal-winning Negronis and more.
The Cat Empire X Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House, Sydney CBD | Friday 6 and Saturday 7 September
Image credit: Sydney Symphony Orchestra | Supplied
Legendary Aussie band The Cat Empire will play two very special shows with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, performing their much-loved tunes from the past two decades and new tracks blending world music styles including Afro-Cuban, Seychellois kreol, Brazilian and flamenco.
The Sydney shows will feature world-class flamenco artists Richard Tedesco, Johnny Tedesco, Chantelle Cano and Sydney Children’s Choir (Sydney only), with original The Cat Empire members Felix Riebl and Ollie McGill joined by newcomers Grace Barbe, drummer Daniel Farrugia and percussionist Neda Rahmani. Tickets are available from Tuesday 26 March from $49pp.
Coldplay: Music Of The Spheres World Tour
Accor Stadium, Edwin Flack Avenue, Sydney Olympic Park | Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 November
Image credit: Coldplay | Anna Lee Media
Coldplay has just confirmed stadium shows in Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland for their record-breaking world tour which has electrified audiences in their sell-out shows in Perth, Tokyo, Kaohsiung and Jakarta. The band will be performing in Sydney at Accor Stadium on Wednesday 6 November 6 and Thursday 7 November, 2024.
Since the first Music Of The Spheres World Tour date in March 2022, the band have sold over nine million tickets—the most for any tour over the last two years. Register for presale tickets from 10am on Wednesday, 29 November here, or add 10am on 1 December to your calendar for general sale.
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Main image credit: Sonic Neon | Supplied
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