14 things to do in Sydney this August

As Sydney heads into the last month of winter, we’re all looking forward to brighter and longer days. But August takes us into spring with a packed itinerary, from food street festivals to musical performances and international boat shows. Sydney Travel Guide has rounded up a boatload of things for you to do over the next few weeks so stretch those legs (City 2 Surf), lose yourself in nature (Cherry Blossom Festival), challenge your mind (Festival of Dangerous Ideas), and pack a healthy appetite (Chefs of the House).

Here are 14 things to do in August in Sydney.

Cherry Blossom Festival  | August 19 – 27

Western Sydney’s popular Cherry Blossom Festival returns this August for nine days of pretty pink flowers, a Japanese Food Village, live entertainment, workshops and a delightful cherry blossom trail. There’s also sake, mocktails and a number of cherry blossom-themed dishes to devour.

The festival will take place at the Auburn Botanic Gardens from Saturday, August 19 to Sunday, August 27.

City 2 Surf | August 11

Australia’s largest fun run returns on Sunday, August 11 promising a day of fun for runners and amateurs alike.

The 12km run from Sydney’s CBD to Bondi is paved with outdoor dance parties, incredible views, and plenty of community fun. Find more info on the official website.

Catch the 2024 Olympics Live | August 1 – 11

There’s no need to fly to Paris to experience the excitement of the Olympics this year. Sydney offers multiple live screenings to get you in the sporting spirit.

There are numerous venues across town with the capacity to stream the Olympics live, beamed to hundreds (or even thousands) of Sydneysiders and visitors for an electric atmosphere.

Check out our guide on how to make the most of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Attend the Ferragosto Street Festival | August 18

Sydney’s huge Italian street festival returns this August with the best of Italian food, culture and entertainment on offer.

The one-day event will transform the Great North Road in Five Dock into a colourful party with more than 200 retailers, food and merchandise stalls, dances, activities and more. 

TedxSydney Youth Event | August 29 

This year’s TedxSydney Youth Event will feature a diverse range of speakers, performances, and films exploring the theme “Control > Shift.”

This theme examines the future as we hand over control to the next generation of leaders and visionaries.

Guest speaker Chloe Hayden, from the international hit TV show Heartbreak High, is an award-winning speaker, actor, bestselling author, content creator with over a billion views, and a powerful disability rights advocate.

Festival of Dangerous Ideas | August 24 – 25

A total of 87 speakers and artists will come together in Sydney this August for the two-day Festival of Dangerous Ideas (FODI).

The annual festival, taking place mostly at Carriageworks with a few events at the State Library and UNSW Sydney, is hinged on experimental, left-field and potentially controversial ideas tackling numerous topics including identity politics, genocide, loneliness, and social media addiction. 

Sydney International Boat Show | August 1 – 4

Hosted in the heart of Darling Harbour over four spectacular days and nights, it has a reputation as one of the biggest marine lifestyle events in the Pacific.

From paddleboards to power cruisers, sail boats to fishing gear, the 55th edition of the Sydney International Boat Show is your opportunity to check out the best and brightest in boating, watercraft and marine tech.

Sydney Opera House Unwrapped 2024 | August 28 – 31

An ongoing series dedicated to uncovering the best independent creators. UnWrapped hands over the stage and introduces audiences to an eclectic panorama of the finest original performances by groundbreaking and unique local artists.

Khalid’s ‘Sincere’ album launch at Sydney Opera House | August 5 – 6

Performing his hotly anticipated new album Sincere in a world-exclusive show, global superstar Khalid returns down under to play the Concert Hall in-the-round over two nights. A limit of four tickets per customer is in place for this event.

Lebanese Film Festival | August 15 – 31

Experience the best of Lebanese cinema at the Lebanese Film Festival in Sydney this August.

From August 15 to August 31 you can enjoy a variety of films that highlight Lebanon’s rich culture and stories. Don’t miss this chance to see captivating dramas, documentaries, and comedies from talented filmmakers.

Ghostly Garden Tour  | August 11 & August 25 

The Royal Botanic Garden is bringing back its Ghostly Garden Tours this August for two exclusive sessions, and it’s not for the faint of heart.

Visitors will get access to the garden after hours and hear creepy stories from the past. The 90-minute tour will take you past a number of scary spots in the garden including grottos, ponds, and more. 

Chefs of the House | August 1 – 30

Join four of Australia’s most renowned chefs – Danielle Alvarez, Peter Gilmore, Matt Moran, and Mark Olive – as they showcase their culinary talents at the Sydney Opera House.

Each chef will host a series of dinners in one of the venue’s most exclusive, hidden spaces.

This intimate, shared-table experience offers a personal journey through each chef’s unique food philosophy and menu, enhanced by visual projections and live performances that complement their distinct themes.

In the Heights at Sydney Opera House | August 1 – 25

In the Heights is a set in Washington Heights, starring Ryan Gonzalez as Usnavi, Olivia Vásquez as Vanessa, and Richard Valdez as the charming Piragua Guy. Don’t miss this incredible journey of love, ambition, and community.

Sister Act Musical | August 7 – 31

The global smash hit musical Sister Act is coming to Sydney this August. The award-winning musical features original music by Tony and 8-time Oscar Award-winner Alan Menken (Disney’s Aladdin, Enchanted, The Little Mermaid). This brand-new soundtrack inspired by Motown and fuelled with soul and disco will fast become your new favourite musical soundtrack.