Looking to make some last-minute plans for in Sydney this weekend?
Whether you’re a local steaming towards the end of the work week or a family looking for the best kid-friendly activities in Sydney this weekend, the Sydney Travel Guide has your back.
We’ve crawled through Sydney’s stacked list of events to bring you some of the most exciting ways to experience this beautiful city each Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Take note of the events below, from live entertainment to new art exhibitions, stage shows and free things to do in Sydney.
Things to do in Sydney this Weekend
1. Theatre: Frankenstein at Theatre Royal
Just weeks before Halloween hits, the Theatre Royal Sydney will welcome a local production of Frankenstein following acclaimed runs in Queensland and Victoria. Elevated with cutting-edge visuals and pyrotechnics, Mary Shelley’s centuries-old story about a young scientist who creates a sapient creature will spring to life with performances by Darcy Brown, Jeremiah Wray and Chloe Zuel. Tickets are now on sale for those who want to dip into some unexpected theatre, playing into Sydney’s increasingly large appetite for nostalgic pop culture adaptations.
Where: Theatre Royal Sydney; 108 King St, Sydney NSW 2000
When: September 28 – October 13
Price: $69.90 – $169.90
2. Family Fun: Open Air Roller Rink at Darling Harbour
For the easy price of $20 per person ($16.5 for kids), you and the family can access a pop-up rollerskating rink down at Darling Harbour’s Palm Grove for the next few weeks. Each night will have a different theme while DJs spin mostly 70s classic to give those wheels a bit more fuel while the family glides through the air in one-hour sessions. You can BYO skates and pay a bit extra to hire your own, plus they’ll be a bunch of food trucks from morning to night as the roller rink opens daily from 10am to late. And don’t worry, they’ll also be an on-site bar so adults not heading out on the rink floor have something to do.
Where: Darling Harbour, Sydney 2000
When: Saturday, September 28
Price: $16.5 – $20
3. Drink: Cellar Door Showcase at The Rocks
Head along to The Rocks Market at Dawes Point Park this weekend. It’ll look a bit different. While the markets are usually a scene of local artisans and food businesses, this time you’ll find a two-day wine tasting festival highlighting several regions around the world including Australia, Italy, France and Spain, all of which are grown right here in New South Wales. The best bit? Wines by the glass are only $10, making this a great way to try and bigger range of varietals without punishing your bank account.
Where: Dawes Point Park; Hickson Rd, The Rocks NSW 2000
When: September 28-29
Price: From $5
4. Dance: Twofold at Roslyn Packer Theatre
Twofold, a landmark double-bill dance performance is happening over at the Roslyn Packer Theatre this weekend, elevated by the interplay between two very different works. One, Rafael Bonachela’s complex Impermanence exploring the seamless relationship between music and choreography, with the former curated by The National’s Bryce Dessner. The second performance will be the local premiere of Love Lock by Melissa Lane with spectacular costuming by celebrated Australian fashion designer Akira Isogawa.
Where: Roslyn Packer Theatre; 22 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay NSW 2000
When: Saturday, September 28
Price: From $45
5. Film: Robin Williams Retrospective at Hayden Orpheum
The late, great Robin Williams has remained one of the best beloved actors of all time. If you need a swift reminder of the man’s on-screen warmth and generous spirit, head along to Sydney’s most historic theatre in Cremorne for a throwback screening of Mike Nichols’ The Birdcage. If nothing else, it’s a great way to remind yourself of how charming Sydney’s only heritage-listed vaudeville cinema can be.
Where: Roslyn Packer Theatre; 22 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay NSW 2000
When: Saturday, September 28
Price: From $16.5
6. Drink: Sake Festival at Carriageworks
The 3rd annual Sake Festival hits Carriageworks this weekend, stretched over two days with celebration of Japanese food, drink and tradition. Expect live taiko drumming and stalls from some of the best Japanese restaurants in Sydney, coupled with tastings from Sake breweries around the world. Some of Japan’s best sake makers are flying in for the event, turning this into a one-of-a-kind showcase that’s absolutely essential for anyone who wants to explore sake in more depth.
Where: Carriageworks; 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh NSW 2015
When: Saturday, September 28 – Sunday, September 29
Tickets: From $60
7. Exhibition: Hiroshi Sugimoto—Time Machine at MCA
Veteran photographer Hiroshi Sugimoto has exclusively offered an incredible collection the Museum of Contemporary Art, forming an essay on the artist’s heavily philosophical work as he explores society’s understanding of time and memory. This is a deeply profound exhibition for anyone even remotely interested in photography’s unique ability to both document and invent, portraying Sugimoto’s ideas and practices dating back to 19th century techniques with subjects such as diaromas, wax figures and architecture.
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art; 140 George Street The Rocks Sydney NSW 2000
When: Until October 27
Price: $28
8. Family Fun: Teddy Bear High Tea Buffet at Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park
Standard high tea would be fairly boring for kids. But high tea with teddy bears? You’ll hardly be able to hold the little ones back from working their way through tiers of sandwiches and scones when they’ve got some cute Build-A-Bears to play around with. This teddy bear-themed high tea is part of a larger Build-A-Bear takeover that’ll be filling the historic Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park with custom teddy bears. The price includes one Build-A-Bear between two.
Where: Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park; 161 Elizabeth St, Sydney NSW 2000
When: Saturday, September 28; 11am or 1:30pm
Price: $99 for adults and $55 for children
9. Family Fun: Shakespeare for Kids at Royal Botanic Gardens
Shakespeare for Kids beings a new production at Royal Botanic Gardens this weekend, kickstarting a limited run of A Midsummer Night’s Dream spliced with fantasy and adventure from Tinkerbell for the September school holidays. Will your kids (or you) be able to help Tinkerbell and her fairy friends find her lost wings? Come dressed up (ideas: elf, fairy, jedi and pirate) to add the fun, festive atmosphere. You could even head on over to the Art Gallery of NSW to see their new cinematic installation as well.
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens; Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney NSW 2000
When: September 28-29
Price: $30
10. Markets: Bondi Markets
Head along to Bondi Beach Public School on Sunday before 1pm and dive right into a sea of stallholders touting trendsetting new brands and vintage gems. Bondi Markets is always one of the most anticipated weekend markets in Sydney due to its laid-back vibe and fashionable locals. Plus, you can make a day of it and remind yourself why Sydney is such a natural beauty by doing the Bondi to Coogee walk for the hundredth time.
Where: Bondi Beach Public School; Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach NSW 2026
When: September 29; 10am – 4pm
Price: Free
