The Best Things to Do in Sydney This Weekend
This weekend in Sydney, grab free Messina scoops in Bondi, have your future told at the InterContinental or get out of town to a regional festival.
We believe in downtime well spent, which is why we've curated a special selection of the best things to do in Sydney this Friday to Sunday. We want to make sure no one spends this time doing something dull or unnecessarily expensive, and help you find all the best hidden gems.
Luckily, Sydney's got plenty happening for those looking to have a damn good time — whether that includes discovering new bars, absorbing art or feasting your way through food markets. Here are our picks for what's on in Sydney this weekend.

Recommended reads:
The Best Things to Do in Sydney This Week
The Best Films and TV Shows to Stream This Month
The Best Sydney Date Ideas For This Week
The Best Things to Do in Sydney This Month
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Bombie's 'Nothing Set' Dinner Club
Thu, 7 Aug, 2025
Harbord Beach Hotel, Freshwater
Sit back, enjoy the salty sea breeze and leave it up to the chefs at Bombie's to pair your dinner with Doom Juice's wild wines.
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Western Sydney Oyster Festival
Sun, 3 Aug - Sun, 31 Aug 2025
West HQ, Rooty Hill
Dive into oyster farming and savour wallet-friendly trays of the shellfish at the Western Sydney Oyster Festival this August.
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Buon Ferragosto at Hay St Market
Fri, 15 Aug - Sun, 17 Aug 2025
Paddy's Market Haymarket, Sydney
For three days, Hay St Market brings the Italian summer to Sydney
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Bassike and Studio Amelia Warehouse Sale
Multiple single dates
Rosebery Engine Yards, Rosebery
Shop sophisticated clothing, accessories and footwear from two of Sydney's top locally born designers.
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Pay It Forward Mystery Market
Thu, 14 Aug, 2025
Pitt Street Mall, Sydney
Catch up on some overdue generosity by scoring yourself a free gift, then handing out an identical one to your nearest and dearest.
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Harry's Bondi Free Breakfast at House of Eats
Sat, 9 Aug, 2025
Rainbow Studios, Darlinghurst
Don't snooze your alarm — this much-loved local institution is giving away 300 free breakfasts to truly kick-start your weekend.
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Gelato Messina x New Balance Free Scoops
Sun, 10 Aug, 2025
Gelato Messina Bondi, Bondi Beach
Cool down with a free sweet treat, as this special collaboration is serving up a pair of limited-edition, footwear-inspired gelato flavours.
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Astrology Hour at InterContinental Sydney
Multiple single dates
InterContinental Sydney, Sydney
Journey into the cosmos in the most indulgent way, with zodiac-themed cocktails, snack pairings and personalised readings beneath the stars.
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Four Pillars x Chin Chin Sydney Dinner
Wed, 13 Aug, 2025
Chin Chin Sydney, Surry Hills
Experience the much-loved Feed Me menu taken to the next level, with four cocktails crafted from the best specialty gin Four Pillars has to offer.
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PILLAR Performance Unofficial City2Surf Afterparty
Sun, 10 Aug, 2025
Will & Co Bondi
Bust a gut, then recover in style at this unofficial afterparty, featuring free food and drink alongside superstar athletes.
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Sunday Snacks at Busby's
Sun, 3 Aug, 2025
Busby's
Keep a lid on your Sunday session, as this limited-time event is designed for easygoing catch-ups loaded with share-style cuisine.
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Suntory Bar Takeover at Prefecture 48
Fri, 8 Aug - Sat, 8 Nov 2025
Prefecture 48, Sydney
This Japanese-inspired bar takeover is about to become your new favourite after-work spot.
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Orange Region Fire Festival
Fri, 1 Aug - Sun, 10 Aug 2025
Various locations around the Orange region, Orange
Journey inland this winter, as this 10-day festival guided by firelight crackles with culinary encounters and creative workshops.
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Angel's After Dark at YCK Laneways
Fri, 1 Aug - Sun, 31 Aug 2025
Various YCK Laneways Venues, Sydney
A free staycation, just from drinking cocktails? Sign us up.
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Sydney Boat Show 2025
Thu, 14 Aug - Sun, 17 Aug 2025
Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park
The city's biggest marine expo is taking over Sydney Showground this August, with fishing demos, paddle sports, family fun and a serious cash prize.
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Suntory The Premium Malt's House at ICHOUME
Fri, 25 Jul - Sun, 17 Aug 2025
Ichoume, Sydney
Sip on rare brews from Japan, enjoy exclusive offers and experience the art of beer-making at Darling Quarter.
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Wagyu Omakase at Omakase by Prefecture 48
Tue, 22 Jul - Sun, 17 Aug 2025
Prefecture 48, Sydney
Guided by the 'Meat Otaku' himself, Sydney's original wagyu omakase is back, featuring 12 flame-driven courses and unexpected pairings.
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CTRL Room at Little Cooler
Thu, 17 Jul, 2025
LITTLE COOLER, Sydney
Start the end of your week with a bang at these weekly late-night DJ lineups.
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Shadow Baking Breakfast Menu at Messina Marrickville
Thu, 10 Jul, 2025
Shadow Baking - Marrickville, Marrickville
Head to Marrickville to discover a new dine-in breakfast menu prepared by a trio of current and former ice cream head chefs.
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MIFF Online
Fri, 15 Aug - Sun, 31 Aug 2025
Online
Watch along with 2025's Melbourne International Film Festival from your couch across 17 movie-filled days.
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Taiwan Film Festival in Australia
Thu, 24 Jul - Sat, 6 Sep 2025
Select cinemas in Sydney, Various locations
This year's festival features 15 Australian premieres, showcases female perspectives and is hitting the Sydney Opera House for its closing night.
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Harbour Bistro Euro Specials at Pier One Sydney Harbour
Tue, 1 Jul - Tue, 16 Sep 2025
Pier One Sydney Harbour, Walsh Bay
Relish European-inspired dining without leaving Sydney, as this waterfront hotel serves weekly specials and French classics until mid-September.
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$1 Manoush Every Monday at Mt Lewis Pizzeria
Mon, 30 Jun, 2025
Mt Lewis Pizzeria, Bankstown
When it's almost impossible to find anything for under $5, this deal is nearly too good to be true.
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Nouvelle Vague
Wed, 9 Jul - Sun, 7 Sep 2025
AGNSW, Sydney
For two months, AGNSW is taking movie lovers back to the 50s and 60s, celebrating the influential gems of the French New Wave.
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Studio Ghibli Retrospective
Thu, 7 Aug, 2025
Hayden Orpheum, Cremorne
Get spirited away at this magical cinema tribute, revisiting 'My Neighbour Totoro', 'Howl's Moving Castle', 'Princess Mononoke' and more on the big screen.
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Julia Holter: The Passion of Joan of Arc
Mon, 11 Aug - Tue, 12 Aug 2025
Melbourne Recital Centre, Southbank
Melbourne International Film Festival is presenting this almost-100-year-old masterpiece with a new score performed live.
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Limited-Time Truffle Menu at Bar Infinita
Tue, 10 Jun - Mon, 18 Aug 2025
Bar Infinita, Gordon
Enjoy limited-time spins on Bar Infinita's house favourites with truffle aplenty.
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'Star Wars' Galactic Cafe
Sat, 7 Jun 2025 - Mon, 26 Jan 2026
Melbourne Museum, Carlton
The force is strong with Australia's first-ever 'Star Wars' cafe, which is serving up blue milk at Melbourne Museum.
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Malibu Barbie Cafe
Fri, 27 Jun 2025 - Sat, 28 Feb 2026
The Social Quarter, Malvern East
Tuck into an ice cream float served in a Barbie convertible at this two-storey hangout — or grab a cocktail from the Ken-themed bar.
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SkyCube Experience at Above 319
Fri, 13 Jun, 2025
Above 319, Sydney
Host a private igloo party above the CBD this cold season, complete with cosy furnishings, stacked grazing boards and winter-themed cocktails.
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Lounge Lunch at Tanuki
Sat, 14 Jun - Wed, 31 Dec 2025
Tanuki Restaurant Sydney, Double Bay
Inspire your weekend with Japanese share plates, fresh sashimi and inventive desserts, paired with two hours of free-flowing cocktails and wine.
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'Cerith Wyn Evans .... in light of the visible' at MCA Australia
Tue, 10 Jun - Sun, 19 Oct 2025
MCA, Sydney
This large-scale exhibition of light, sound and sculpture at MCA Australia is one of the most talked-about art events this season.
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Sunday Roast at the Woollahra Hotel
Sun, 8 Jun, 2025
Woollahra Hotel, Woollahra
Warm up your weekend with slow-roasted pork belly, braised red cabbage, glazed carrots and crispy roast potatoes.
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Sunday Roast at the Red Lion Hotel
Fri, 6 Jun - Sat, 30 Aug 2025
The Red Lion Hotel, Rozelle
End your weekend with a winter-friendly feast that won't blow your budget.
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Social Saturdays at JOJI
Sat, 14 Jun - Sat, 27 Dec 2025
Joji Sydney, Sydney
Saturdays just got a stylish upgrade thanks to JOJI's weekly bottomless lunch series, complete with three-course menu and live music all afternoon.
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Beaker Street Festival
Tue, 12 Aug - Tue, 19 Aug 2025
Various locations across Hobart
Beaker Street Festival is back with a week of wild talks, weird science and after-dark art. Here’s why it’s worth the trip to Tassie.
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Keys Gone Wild at Bungalow 8
Fri, 30 May, 2025
Bungalow 8, Sydney
Relish unfiltered chaos at this weekly Friday-night session, which is filled with piano-powered sing-alongs and non-stop song requests.
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Taco Sunday Roast at Casa Esquina
Sun, 1 Jun, 2025
Casa Esquina, Balmain
This is a flame-roasted take on the tradition, served in a warm tortilla with fries and salad.
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Tipple Hour at Bar 1880
Wed, 21 May, 2025
Bar 1880, Sydney
Pop in on a Tuesday–Friday night for $14 cocktails and $8 beers in the cosy, dimly lit, 19th-century surroundings of a former newspaper house.
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Bottomless Dumplings at Little Pearl
Wed, 21 May, 2025
Little Pearl, Manly
Find out how many dumplings you can handle in 90 minutes while overlooking Manly Beach.
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The Big Yorkie at Forrester's
Tue, 20 May - Sun, 31 Aug 2025
Forrester's, Surry Hills
This is exactly what the name suggests: a giant Yorkshire pudding filled with roasted delights.
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Seaside Sunday Roast at Watson's Bay Boutique Hotel
Sun, 25 May, 2025
Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, Watsons Bay
Swap $35 for a plate loaded with traditional delights, backdropped by harbour views.
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Sunday Roast at Bistro Moncur
Sun, 25 May, 2025
Bistro Moncur, Woollahra
First cab off the rank is Dewsbury pork belly, surrounded by a Yorkshire pudding and duck fat potatoes.
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Butter Ramen Club
Wed, 14 May - Tue, 30 Sep 2025
Butter, Surry Hills
Now in its ninth year, Butter's annual ramen club is turning up the heat in a serious way for 2025.
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Archibald High Tea
Sat, 10 May - Sun, 17 Aug 2025
Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, Sydney
Inspired by the artistry of Australia's most-prestigious portrait prize, this weekends-only high tea brings elegant savoury and sweet bites to the table with a hearty dose of creative flair.
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Music Trivia at Baptist Street Rec Club
Tue, 13 May, 2025
Baptist Street Rec. Club, Redfern
Test your knowledge on everyone from Beethoven to Barney while feasting on $15 pad thai.
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Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Thu, 15 May - Sun, 19 Oct 2025
Australian Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour
The Australian National Maritime Museum is displaying the 60th edition of this prestigious photography contest, with 100 finalists selected from 59,228 entries.
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$18 Classic Cocktails at Stitch, Kasippu and Pocket Bar
Tue, 6 May - Wed, 31 Dec 2025
Various Sydney venues, Sydney
30 traditional concoctions are on the list — from the Hemingway daiquiri and the mint julep to the bees knees and the pina colada.
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Half-Price Curries at Island Radio
Mon, 21 Apr, 2025
Island Radio, Redfern
Feast on wagyu rendang with toasted coconut, yellow rock flathead curry with crispy shallot, or pork and prawn wonton laksa at a wallet-friendly price.
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All-Day Happy Hour at Island Radio
Sun, 20 Apr, 2025
Island Radio, Redfern
Sip on Reccy lager and glasses of house-made wine for just $7 — or $10 cocktails — all day long.
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Six Till 6: Charcuterie Happy Hour at Armorica
Fri, 4 Apr, 2025
Armorica, Surry Hills
Between 4pm and 6pm, with just $6 in your hand, you can indulge in a glass of rosé, a beer or a serving of charcuterie.
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Bottomless Steak and Frites at Armorica
Mon, 7 Apr, 2025
Armorica, Surry Hills
Pop down to Armorica any Monday night and swap $59 for as much steak and as many fries as you can handle.
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Bottomless Lunch at 20 Chapel
Sat, 5 Apr, 2025
20 Chapel, Marrickville
Every Saturday from midday, you can book in for endless prosecco, wine and beer while working your way through an irresistible set menu.
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The Book of Mormon
Tue, 15 Jul - Sun, 30 Nov 2025
Capitol Theatre Sydney, Haymarket
This Tony-winning smash-hit musical from Trey Parker and Matt Stone is returning to Australia for 2025.
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Bottomless Bao at Easy Tiger
Wed, 26 Mar, 2025
Easy Tiger Bondi Beach, Bondi Beach
How many bao can you eat in one sitting? For just $25, you'll get as many as you can handle in 90 minutes.
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Jazz Sessions at The Rocks
Thu, 3 Apr, 2025
The Rocks Square, The Rocks
Get down to The Rocks Square on Thursday nights to catch some of Sydney's best jazz musicians while sipping on gin-infused cocktails.
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RAFI Records Bottomless Saturday Sessions
Sat, 8 Mar, 2025
RAFI North Sydney, North Sydney
Get ready to groove with bottomless beats, free-flowing drinks and delicious food in North Sydney.
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Moncur Cellars Wine Tasting Series
Multiple single dates
Bistro Moncur, Woollahra
Sip the best chardonnays in the land, with the first event in this wine lovers' tasting series featuring 80 renowned bottles.
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The Interlude at Pelicano
Wed, 12 Feb, 2025
Pelicano Potts Point, Potts Point
Take a load off midweek with unlimited pizza slices, cocktails and old-school tunes at this weekly Potts Point event.
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French Impressionism
Fri, 6 Jun - Sun, 5 Oct 2025
NGV International, Melbourne
After its 2021 season was cut short due to the pandemic, this stunning exhibition is returning to NGV International with 100-plus iconic paintings.
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Melbourne International Film Festival
Thu, 7 Aug - Sun, 24 Aug 2025
Various cinemas in Melbourne
This year's MIFF lineup includes Kristen Stewart's directorial debut, new Aussie Horror, a Jimmy Barnes documentary and 270-plus other titles.
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Scandinavian Film Festival
Tue, 15 Jul - Sun, 10 Aug 2025
Select cinemas in Sydney, Various locations
Straight-from-Cannes must-sees, Norwegian spy dramas, Icelandic black comedies: 2025's Scandinavian Film Festival has them all.
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Top Dog Film Festival
Sun, 17 Aug 2025
Select cinemas in Sydney, Various locations
Sydney's mini film festival dedicated to canines is back for another bark, so get ready for an adorable time at the cinema.
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Butter's Bottomless Bubbles and Fried Chicken Feast
Thu, 4 Feb, 2021
Butter, Surry Hills
Enjoy endless pours of bubbles or alcoholic ice teas and a heap of fried chicken — all day, every day.
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Stargazing Tour with an Astrophysicist
Fri, 26 Feb, 2021
Wentworth Falls Picnic Area, Wentworth Falls
Explore the night sky at this astronomical tour in the Blue Mountains.
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Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes
Sat, 10 May - Sun, 17 Aug 2025
Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney
Julie Fragar's portrait of fellow Brisbane artist Justene Williams took out 2025's Archibald Prize — and it's on display at the Art Gallery of NSW with its fellow contenders.
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Waterfall High Tea and Edible Garden at Eternity Cafe
Get down for a bubbly catchup with your besties, featuring a secret indoor waterfall, a jam-packed high tea and an edible garden.
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Boogie Brunch at Little Pearl
Sat, 1 Feb, 2025
Little Pearl, Manly
Live soul and R&B tunes pump up this bottomless beachfront session in Manly every Saturday.
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The Griffin Theatre Company 2025 Season
Fri, 14 Feb 2025 - Sun, 15 Nov 2026
All around Sydney, Sydney
We’ve officially called it, 2025 is the year of going to the theatre, non-drama kids included.
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Alchemy of a Rainforest
Sun, 15 Sep 2024 - Sun, 30 Nov 2025
The Calyx, Sydney
Learn all about the little mysteries of nature's green biomes.
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Leave It to Luigi Bottomless Lunch at 170 Grammi
Fri, 9 Aug, 2024
170 Grammi, Surry Hills
You can get your fill of Roman cuisine every Friday lunchtime, including unlimited carbonara pizza and delectable maritozzi doughnuts.
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Marrickville Organic Food and Farmers Market
Sun, 4 Aug, 2024
Addison Road Community Centre, Marrickville
This popular market has it all, from organic produce and yummy street eats to vintage fashions and pre-loved homewares.
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Carriageworks Farmers Market
Sat, 3 Aug, 2024
Carriageworks, Eveleigh
This weekly event is a Sydney institution showcasing the freshest seasonal produce from growers and producers from across NSW.

























































































































































































































































































