Things to Do in Sydney in 2026

Experience the magic of live performance at the Sydney Opera House with Opera Australia’s 2026 Season, featuring beloved classics, bold new works and musical theatre favourites. Highlights include The Phantom of the Opera, Great Opera Hits 2026, The Merry Widow, Rigoletto, The Drover’s Wife, La Stupenda: A Joan Sutherland Celebration and My Fair Lady, offering an unforgettable cultural experience in one of Sydney’s most iconic venues.

Explore world-class art and culture at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, located in the heart of The Domain. With a changing program of major exhibitions, free collection displays, contemporary installations and special events across the Naala Nura and Naala Badu buildings, the gallery offers an inspiring cultural experience for visitors of all ages.

Enjoy an unforgettable night out with Foundation Theatres, home to some of Sydney’s leading live performance venues including Capitol Theatre, Sydney Lyric, Foundry Theatre and Sydney Event Centre. From blockbuster musicals and concerts to cabaret, theatre and special events, the 2026 program offers a vibrant mix of entertainment for guests looking to experience Sydney’s world-class performing arts scene

Discover a vibrant calendar of events at ICC Sydney, one of the city’s premier venues for exhibitions, conferences, live entertainment and special events in Darling Harbour. From major trade shows and concerts to food festivals, theatre, family events and cultural experiences.

Get ready for a month of laughs as the Sydney Comedy Festival returns, bringing together leading international acts, Australian favourites, fresh talent, gala nights, family-friendly shows, and comedy showcases across Sydney.

Experience the powerful sound of Deftones live in Sydney as the iconic alternative metal band performs at Qudos Bank Arena. Known for their atmospheric sound, heavy riffs and dynamic live shows, this concert promises an unforgettable night for rock and metal fans visiting Sydney

Experience Sydney at its most spectacular as Vivid Sydney returns, transforming the city with dazzling light installations, immersive projections, live music, creative ideas, and vibrant food experiences.

Feel the excitement of one of Australia’s greatest sporting rivalries as the 2026 Ampol State of Origin Series kicks off at Accor Stadium in Sydney Olympic Park. Watch the NSW Blues take on the Queensland Maroons in a thrilling night of rugby league, state pride and electric stadium atmosphere.

Catch global K-pop sensation IVE live in Sydney as they bring their highly anticipated world tour  Presented by Live Nation and Starship Entertainment, the show promises an exciting night of powerful performances, fan-favourite hits, and world-class K-pop energy.

Indulge in a flavour-filled weekend at the Good Food & Wine Show Sydney, taking place at ICC Sydney. Enjoy live cooking demonstrations, meet celebrated chefs and producers, and discover delicious food, wine, cheese, cocktails and gourmet experiences all under one roof.

Be part of a historic night of international rugby as the Wallabies take on Ireland at Allianz Stadium. Marking the opening clash of the new Nations Championship on Australian soil, this blockbuster Test match promises fierce competition, passionate crowds and an electric Sydney sporting atmosphere.

Watch the world’s best water polo nations compete as the 2026 World Aquatics Water Polo World Cup Finals come to Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. Featuring the top eight men’s and women’s national teams, this prestigious international tournament will bring five days of fast-paced matches, elite competition and championship atmosphere to Sydney.

Experience the enchanting sound of Laufey live in Sydney as the Grammy-winning artist brings her A Matter of Time Tour. Blending jazz, classical influences and modern pop, Laufey’s captivating performance promises an elegant and memorable night for music lovers.

Join one of Sydney’s most iconic community events as Voltaren City2Surf returns on Sunday, 9 August 2026. Participants can run, jog or walk the famous 14km course from Hyde Park in the Sydney CBD to Bondi Beach, taking in the energy of the city, the challenge of Heartbreak Hill, and the unforgettable finish by the ocean.

Take part in one of the world’s most scenic running events as the TCS Sydney Marathon. The event showcases Sydney’s iconic landmarks, with the marathon starting at North Sydney Oval and finishing at the Sydney Opera House Forecourt, alongside supporting 10km and 5km events across the weekend.

Get ready for a high-energy night as German electronicore band Electric Callboy brings their TANZNEID World Tour. Known for their explosive mix of heavy riffs, electronic beats and party-fuelled live performances, this show promises an unforgettable concert experience for rock, metal and electronic music fans.

Don’t miss global pop superstar Jason Derulo as he brings The Last Dance Tour. Featuring chart-topping hits, this high-energy arena show promises an unforgettable night of music, dancing and world-class entertainment.

Celebrate Oktoberfest in Sydney from 19 September to 31 October 2026, with German-inspired food, bier steins, music, parties, dining experiences and festive celebrations across the city. From lively venues and harbour-side gatherings to classic Bavarian flavours.

Catch Conan Gray live in Sydney as he brings his Wishbone World Tour, with special guest Esha Tewari, the show celebrates Conan’s fourth studio album Wishbone and promises an emotional, high-energy night of indie-pop anthems and fan favourites.

Experience Noah Kahan live in Sydney as the two-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter brings The Great Divide Tour. The show promises an emotional night of heartfelt storytelling, folk-pop anthems, and fan favourites including songs from Stick Season.

Celebrate the biggest day in rugby league as the NRL and NRLW Grand Finals bring elite competition, passionate fans and unforgettable sporting atmosphere to Sydney. Featuring the final two teams from each competition, this major event is a must-see for footy fans, combining thrilling on-field action with premium hospitality and Grand Final entertainment.

Experience Avenged Sevenfold live in Sydney as the multi-platinum rock band performs in Sydney. Joined by special guests Coheed and Cambria and Thornhill, this arena concert promises a powerful night of heavy riffs, spectacular production and unforgettable live energy

Experience one of rugby’s greatest rivalries as the Wallabies take on the All Blacks in The Flight Centre Series at Accor Stadium. With the Bledisloe Cup on the line, this blockbuster match promises world-class rugby, passionate fans and an unforgettable stadium atmosphere

Experience the excitement of TAB Everest Day at Royal Randwick, the crown jewel of the Sydney Everest Carnival. Featuring the world’s richest race on turf, stylish hospitality, premium dining and a vibrant raceday atmosphere, this iconic event is one of Sydney’s standout spring sporting and social occasions.

Don’t miss Louis Tomlinson as he returns to Australia with his How Did We Get Here? 2026 World Tour. This highly anticipated arena show promises a memorable night of live music, fan favourites, and songs from his latest album.

See Swedish pop sensation Zara Larsson live in Sydney as she brings her Midnight Sun Tour 2026. This vibrant arena show promises a night of confident pop energy, fan favourites and unforgettable live performance.

See global superstar Robbie Williams live in Sydney as he brings his BRITPOP World Tour. With his signature showmanship, iconic hits and stadium-sized energy, this spectacular concert promises an unforgettable night for fans and visitors alike.

See global superstar Harry Styles live in Sydney as he brings his Together, Together tour. With his signature stage presence, genre-blending sound and spectacular stadium production, this highly anticipated show promises an unforgettable night for fans and visitors alike.

Get ready for a legendary night of rock as Guns N’ Roses bring their World Tour 2026. Joined by special guest Airbourne, this stadium concert promises an unforgettable evening of iconic hits, powerhouse performances and classic rock energy.

Celebrate one of the world’s most iconic New Year’s Eve events as Sydney lights up with spectacular harbour fireworks, festive dining, cruises, parties and entertainment across the city. From harbourside vantage points to special events and unforgettable celebrations.