Sydney Solstice
Don't hibernate this winter — hit up aquarium nightclubs, harbourside ice rinks and moonlight kayaking sessions instead.
Sydney may be best-known for its stunning coastline and sunny rooftop bars, but it becomes even more magical in winter. To celebrate the cooler climate — and the after-dark fun it brings — the harbour city is putting on an epic winter fest. From June 8–20, Sydney Solstice is taking over more than 200 bars, restaurants, art galleries, live music venues and inner city landmarks. From pop-up ice rinks by the water and nightclubs in aquariums to luminous art projections and a debaucherous feast fit for a queen, the two-week series is sure to convince you to skip hibernation this season.
While Sydney Solstice may be new, its calendar is jam-packed. To save you scrolling for hours, we’ve teamed up with NSW Government via Destination NSW to round up our top picks. So, dust off your warmest woollies and get ready to wine, dine and get a big ol’ dose of culture this winter.
Sydney Solstice Shortlist
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GuideTen Sydney Solstice Highlights You Should Have on Your Radar This Winter
Don’t hibernate — head to debaucherous feasts, aquarium nightclubs and music-filled stargazing sessions instead.
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NewsSix Ways to Make the Most of Sydney's New Winter Arts Festival (From Free to Fancy)
Check out luminous projections, party with sharks and make your own burrata.
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GuideNine Sydney Solstice Experiences to Have This Winter If All You Think About Is Food (and Wine)
Sydney’s dining scene is good at the best of times, but it’s getting even better this June.
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GuideSeven Go-To Bars and Restaurants Where You Can Catch a Sydney Solstice Show This Winter
Wine, dine and get a big ol' dose of culture with dazzling drag shows, early morning rave sessions and swingin' country tunes.
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GuideSix Gigs to Catch During Sydney Solstice If You Can't Get Enough of Live Tunes
After so many months without live music, you've got some catching up to do — here's your chance.
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GuideNine Outdoor Adventures You Can Have in Sydney This Winter If You Unabashedly Love the Cold
Embrace your favourite season with laneway dance parties, harbourside ice rinks and kayak trips under the stars.
Sydney Solstice Events
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EventHarbour Garden
Wander through this giant inflatable playground, created by Studio A and Goldberg Aberline Studio.
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EventTotal Reflection
This audio-visual feast offers a bright look at the future of cultural spaces in a post-COVID world.
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EventMardi Gras Pride Weekender
The Metro's grand reopening is finally here — and it promises to be a fabulous party.
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EventMe-Mel Island Experience
This three-hour guided tour will teach you about the harbour island's cultural significance, followed by a bush tucker lunch.
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EventAboriginal Sky Dreaming Cruise
Head on a one-hour harbour cruise where First Nations astronomers will guide you through the landscape of the sky.
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Event'Moonlight' Sea Kayaking
Float around the harbour and cruise under the stars in this after-dark seafaring adventure.
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EventFive Ways Festival
The buzzing Paddington intersection is throwing a one-day street party with margaritas, live tunes and epic art.
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EventMidnight Feast
For one night only, the Merivale dumpling master is dishing up live tunes and dim sum till 3am.
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EventBrews, Beats and Burgers
A three-day festival of hops and carbs is taking over The Terminus this June long weekend.
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EventAria After Dark
A celebration of NSW's fine wine and top produce — at one of the best spots in town.
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EventSupper Club: Dinner at Nonna's
Join Donny Benet and Toby Stansfield for a night of smooth 80s pop and a hearty Italian feast.
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EventThe Queen's Feast: A Last Supper for All the Senses
Town Hall is transforming into a debauched mess hall for this four-course feast, with food from the likes of Sarah Tiong and Anna Polyivou.
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EventSuspiria: Film and Concert
Head to old-world cinema Golden Age and catch the 70s cult classic flick, complete with a live orchestral gig.
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EventYCK Laneways: Night Over Light
The CBD is coming alive this winter with live tunes, tarot readings and drag queen bingo.
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EventSea Life Glow
Sea Life Aquarium will be transformed with a dance floor and pop-up food and drink stalls as part of these late-night glow-in-the-dark parties.
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Event
Darling Harbour Winter Festival
A winter wonderland with ice skating rinks, giant arctic slides and fireworks — right by the harbour.
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EventThird I Fest
This three-day festival will see you go on a globe-hopping adventure — without the plane ticket.
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EventCountry and Inner Western
Country music will fill the inner west this June long weekend including a blockbuster two-day festival in Sydney Park.
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EventSouth Eveleigh Solstice Festival
Find food from Kylie Kwong's new diner, live entertainment and a workshop on native flora at this pop-up street party.
Make the most of Sydney Solstice with our trip builder
With its buzzing restaurants and bars, world-class art galleries and abundant cultural happenings, Sydney has plenty to be uncovered, even when winter sets in. Its cultural landmarks, epic art festivals and, of course, sparkling harbour all make Sydney a pretty special place to spend time.
With Sydney Solstice well and truly here, it’s time to embrace the cold and discover — or rediscover — the very best the city has to offer. After a year of spending a lot of time staring at our own four walls, this new event series is here to remind you that there’s plenty to do around town, be it day or night. Whether you’re after outdoor adventures, a high-flying feed or wanting to cut shapes on a dance floor this winter, Sydney Solstice (and the harbour city at large) has you sorted. Here’s how to track down all the good times.
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