The Best Outdoor Events to Head to in Sydney This Summer
Fresh air, sunny skies and a jam-packed calendar of outside events await.

The Best Outdoor Events to Head to in Sydney This Summer
Summer is well and truly here and, despite warnings that we were in for a wet and gloomy set of warmer months, it's turned out to be a sunny affair in Sydney so far. This makes it the perfect time to get your cultural fix at an outdoor event, or to head to a spot where you can enjoy a meal and something to drink while you soak in some rays.
Luckily, Sydney has plenty happening across its array of outdoor spaces. Whether you're keen to putt your way through themed mini golf courses, sip G&Ts at a pop-up bar with harbour views or catch a movie at an openair cinema, this city's got you covered. Here's where to head if you're looking to make the most of the warm weather and crisp summer air.
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Arts & Entertainment
Badu Gili: Wonder Women 2022
This year's projection series will display an all-female lineup with live performances and a pop-up bar on hand.
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Food & Drink
Fellr Garden of Fizz
Head to the Royal Botanic Gardens throughout spring and summer for Australia's first pop-up hard seltzer bar.
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Travel & Leisure
Pixar Putt 2021–22
Sydney's Pixar-themed mini golf course returns with 'Toy Story', 'The Incredibles', 'Wall-E' and 'Inside Out'-themed holes.
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Arts & Entertainment
Art Pharmacy Installations at The Rocks
Discover these five public art installations that have popped up in The Rocks.
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Food & Drink
'Beauty and the Beast' at The Grounds of Alexandria
Be The Grounds of Alexandria's guest to celebrate the Disney animated favourite's 30th anniversary.
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Arts & Entertainment
Moonlight Cinema Sydney 2021–22
Watch everything from 'The Suicide Squad', 'Cruella' and 'Free Guy' to 'Dirty Dancing', 'Love Actually' and 'Home Alone' under the stars.
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Arts & Entertainment
Moonlight Cinema Western Sydney 2021–22
Get ready to watch flicks under the stars at Western Sydney Parklands.
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Arts & Entertainment
Mardi Gras 2022
Mardi Gras is back in 2022 with the parade taking place at the SCG and a host of fan-favourite events making their return.
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Arts & Entertainment
Les Sculptures Refusées 2021
Head to the second year of the Q Station's free sculpture exhibition.
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Travel & Leisure
Waterworld Central Sydney
Race your mates on the multilane Epic Racer slide, or cool off in a giant inflatable pool.
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Arts & Entertainment
Westpac Openair Cinema 2022
Mrs Macquaries Point's outdoor cinema is back for another summer, screening everything from 'King Richard' and 'No Time to Die' to 'The French Dispatch' and 'The Matrix Resurrections'.
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Travel & Leisure
Monster Jump
An inflatable obstacle course is coming to Sydney for some action-packed summer fun.
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Travel & Leisure
Cockle Bay Wharf Pedal Boats 2021–22
Cruise around Darling Harbour in an old-school pedal boat this summer.
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Arts & Entertainment
Flickerfest International Short Film Festival Sydney 2022
Spend a balmy summer’s night watching a stellar lineup of short films right by Bondi Beach.
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Food & Drink
Bottomless Rooftop Long Lunches
A monthly rooftop lunch series with stunning harbour views and endless rosé.
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Arts & Entertainment
Sunset Cinema North Sydney 2021–22
Settle in for an al fresco screening of 'Home Alone' or 'No Time to Die'.
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Arts & Entertainment
Inside the Tide
Over 20,000 plants have been installed, including one of the largest vertical green walls in the southern hemisphere.
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Arts & Entertainment
Speakers Corner
Sydney Festival's new openair gig space is set to deliver a four-week serve of live music, comedy and art.
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Arts & Entertainment
Airship Orchestra
Vivid six-metre-high figures are popping up at Darling Harbour during this year's Sydney Festival.
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Arts & Entertainment
Vigil: Songs for Tomorrow
This annual Sydney Festival event provides a thoughtful way to collectively reflect on January 26.
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Arts & Entertainment
Erth's Prehistoric Picnic
Take a trip back to 65 million years ago at this picnic filled with realistic dinosaur recreations.
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Food & Drink
The Garden Social 2022
Food, a cocktail bar and live tunes — all in The Domain for another summer.
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Arts & Entertainment
Hunters Hill Open Air Cinema
Pair new releases and classic flicks with wine, food truck eats, starry skies and water views.
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Arts & Entertainment
Sweet Summer Sounds
This two-week live music event sees some of Australia's most exciting musical talent taking the stage in an iconic location — and entry is absolutely free.
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Casa Aperol
Empire Lounge is transforming into a tropical oasis complete with cocktails courtesy of Maybe Sammy and Aperol.
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Arts & Entertainment
Sunset Cinema St Ives 2022
Cinema under the stars is returning to St Ives Showground with a 20-film lineup.
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Travel & Leisure
Nature Illuminated
Experience the Chinese Gardens of Friendship like never before with this immersive light show.
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Arts & Entertainment
Summer Streets
Inner-city streets across Redfern, Glebe and Darlinghurst will be shut to make room for COVID-safe al fresco dining spaces throughout summer.
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Arts & Entertainment
Yabun Festival 2022
This annual celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures returns for its 20th year.
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Food & Drink
Kensington Street Chinese New Year
Dine while dragon dancers take to spice alley and get special meal deals at this Chinese New Year celebration.
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Arts & Entertainment
Invasion Day March 2022
This January 26 rally will feature a silent march to the historic Day of Mourning site on Elizabeth Street before finishing at Yabun Festival.
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Arts & Entertainment
Valentine's Day Champainting
This paint-and-sip night at the Wild Life Sydney Zoo includes kangaroos, koalas and bottomless booze.
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Arts & Entertainment
Lunar Lanterns 2022
Twelve giant lanterns are popping up around Sydney to celebrate Lunar New Year.
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Arts & Entertainment
Hello Kitty Town
Everyone's favourite fictional cat-like Japanese character is taking over Darling Square at this super-cute three-month-long street festival.
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Food & Drink
Lobster & Co
This indulgent pop-up only serves lobster rolls with truffle fries and glasses of champagne.
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Arts & Entertainment
Free-kin Weekends at The Factory Theatre
You'll find bands, brews and barbecue at The Factory Theatre every Sunday.
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Food & Drink
Messina Margaritas and Tostadas Bar
The Harbord Hotel and Gelato Messina have come together to create three summer-ready margaritas — served alongside lobster and crispy prawn tostadas.
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Arts & Entertainment
Hyde Park Barracks After Dark 2022
This late-night event series is transforming Hyde Park Barracks with art and music once a month.
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Food & Drink
South West Brew Fest
This one-day beer festival is slinging brews from 18 different breweries in Sydney's southwest.