The Best Free Things to Do in Sydney This Week
Zero dollar shenanigans await.
Sydney may be one of the most expensive cities in the world, but that doesn't mean folks don't put things on for free. If you know where to look (i.e. right here), you'll find free art, free classes. free parties — and sometimes even free wine. So swallow your disdain for crowds and curb your complaints about people who only go to exhibition openings for the complimentary drinks and get amongst these events, which you can attend gloriously cash-free.
-
Event
Witty & Whippy Van
Saturday, February 27, 2021
North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club, North Bondi
You can score a colourful free soft serve at two Sydney beaches this weekend.
-
Event
Oxtravaganza 2021
Friday, February 19 - Sunday, March 7, 2021
Oxford Street and surrounding areas, Darlinghurst
Oxford Street businesses are still celebrating the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in a big way.
-
Event
Bayram Ali
Tuesday, February 9 - Sunday, April 18, 2021
Powerhouse Museum, Ultimo
Turkish-Cypriot immigrant Bayram Ali captured the Snowy Mountains' hydroelectric engineering in the 1950s–70s — see his 35 millimetre prints in this photographic exhibition.
-
Event
Art After Hours
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney
Wednesday night's extended opening hours means you can see a film, grab a bite to eat and explore the galleries after dark.
-
Event
Culture Up Late at State Library of NSW
Wednesday, February 17 - Thursday, April 1, 2021
State Library of NSW, Sydney
Swap midweek drinks for a late-night visit to the library.
-
Event
World Bartender Day 2021
Wednesday, February 17 - Wednesday, March 31, 2021
Grain, Sydney
Mark the annual celebration by sipping inventive cocktails — or creating your own at home.
-
Event
Welcome to Marrakesh at The Grounds
Friday, February 5 - Sunday, April 18, 2021
The Grounds of Alexandria, Alexandria
The Grounds of Alexandria has given its garden a Moroccan-inspired makeover — and it's serving up Moroccan dessert boards, too.
-
-
Event
Assembly Label Choose-What-You-Pay Sale 2021
Monday, February 1 - Sunday, February 28, 2021
Online
Nab some new summer threads at up to 50 percent off.
-
Event
Steam Dreams: The Japanese Public Bath
Friday, February 12 - Saturday, May 22, 2021
The Japan Foundation, Sydney, Chippendale
This exhibition explores Japan's communal bathing culture.
-
Event
The Rocks Goes Pop
Sunday, December 27, 2020 - Sunday, February 28, 2021
The Rocks
Get your cultural kicks at The Rocks this summer with this series of pop-up events.
-
Event
Unfinished Business: The Art of Gordon Bennett
Saturday, November 7, 2020 - Sunday, March 21, 2021
Queensland Art Gallery, Brisbane
This QAGOMA exhibition features both familiar and unseen works by the famed Queensland artist.
-
Event
Pat Larter
Saturday, November 14, 2020 - Sunday, March 21, 2021
Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney
See the career-spanning first solo exhibition from one of the leading voices in the ‘femail’ art movement.
-
Event
Brett Whiteley: Feathers and Flight
Thursday, June 4, 2020 - Friday, June 4, 2021
Brett Whiteley Studio, Surry Hills
Take a stickybeak into the famed Australian artist’s love of feathered creatures.
-
Event
Lindy Lee Exhibition Events at MCA
Saturday, October 31, 2020 - Sunday, February 28, 2021
MCA, Sydney
Meditate alongside the celebrated artist, join in a sunset sketch session and head on a guided tour of the MCA's blockbuster summer exhibition.
-
Event
Japanese Film Festival Classics Program
Tuesday, February 2 - Wednesday, March 3, 2021
Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney
Watch weird, wonderful, surreal and subversive Japanese classics for free.
-
Event
Lindy Lee: Moon in a Dew Drop
Friday, October 2, 2020 - Sunday, February 28, 2021
MCA, Sydney
The celebrated Australian Chinese artist is taking over Sydney's Museum of Contemporary Art with more than 70 ethereal, vibrant and thought-provoking works.
-
Event
Know My Name: Australian Women Artists 1900 to Now
Friday, November 13, 2020 - Sunday, July 4, 2021
National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
This summer, catch the NGA's blockbuster exhibition that's bringing women into the spotlight.
-
Event
Kings Cross Weekend Markets
Saturday, January 13, 2018, Sunday, January 14, 2018, Sunday, January 21, 2018 and Sunday, January 28, 2018
Kings Cross Organic Food Market, Potts Point
A weekend morning cornucopia of organic veggies, fruit, cheese and international dishes, plus fashion, homewares, books and more.