Elevate Sydney

Overview

Ever wondered what it would be like to have a festival on a freeway? Well, Sydneysiders, prepare yourselves because people are going to be replacing cars at this blockbuster street party that's set to take over a highway in the CBD this summer.

From New Year's Day until Thursday, January 6, the Cahill Expressway, perched above Circular Quay Station, will be blocked off for the very first time and transformed into a world-class live music and arts destination for a six-day celebration of music and entertainment at the inaugural Elevate Sydney. And the best part? Its entire hefty program, packed with over 180 performers, is free to attend.

The festival will dish up a jam-packed offering of live music and performance across two stages and three dedicated entertainment zones, headlined by some of Australia's biggest names. With a diverse program packing events into each morning, afternoon and night, and happenings for festival-goers of all ages, this one's set to be Sydney's ultimate summer shindig.

Destination New South Wales

It all kicks off on January 1 with a dazzling First Nations celebration, featuring a special Call to Country, followed by live sounds from iconic Indigenous acts Electric Fields and Baker Boy. Deeper into the festival, Courtney Act will host the glamorous 70s-inspired Elevate discotheque with the inimitable Marcia Hines and Leo Sayer on the bill; while Todd McKenney, David Campbell and John Paul Young join forces for a sparkling celebration of musical theatre.

There'll be a series of family-friendly variety shows and performances as part of the Elevate Kids program including the nation's favourite fruit salad fiends The Wiggles; nightly live DJ sets by Nicole Tania; a rising stars showcase; and a never-before-seen drone spectacular descending over Sydney Harbour each evening for the Elevate SkyShow. Plus, the Elevate Arena program is filled with opportunities for you to meet your favourite sports stars like Andrew Wong, Mariafe Artacho Del Solar and Tom Papley.

And, wrapping up the festival's final evening on January 5, you'll catch a supercharged headline show featuring Tones And I, Tim Minchin and Courtney Act.

Want to kick off the New Year with an incredible celebration of music and art? Tickets are available from Thursday, December 2. For more information and to book, visit the Elevate Sydney website.