Must-See Events in Sydney

What's On in Sydney 2025

Video credit: sydney.com

February

Sydney Mardi Gras
Image credit: sydney.com_Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade 2023, Sydney
Sydney Mardi Gras
Feb 14 – Mar 2
One of the world’s largest LGBTQIA+ parades with over 200 floats and vibrant street performances in Oxford Street.
Laneway Festival
Image credit: sydney.com_YCK Laneways Association
Laneway Festival
Feb 9
A hip music festival featuring Charli XCX, Clairo, and more. Expect cutting-edge indie and pop sounds in a vibrant outdoor setting.

April

Sydney Comedy Festival
Image credit: sydney.com_Sydney Comedy Festival Gala, Sydney Opera House - Credit: Kabuku PR
Sydney Comedy Festival
Apr 21 – May 18
The biggest comedy festival in NSW featuring stand-up, cabaret, and sketch performances across the city.
Sydney Royal Easter Show
Image credit: sydney.com_Royal Easter Show, Sydney Olympic Park
Sydney Royal Easter Show
April
A 12-day festival celebrating Australia’s agricultural heritage with rides, food, parades, animal shows, and fireworks.

May

Vivid Sydney
Image credit: sydney.com_Vivid Sydney 2024
Vivid Sydney
May 23 – Jun 14
A festival of light, music, and ideas. Iconic landmarks like the Opera House come alive with stunning projections and interactive installations.
Sydney Writers' Festival
Image credit: sydney.com_Byron Writers Festival
Sydney Writers' Festival
May
Meet internationally acclaimed authors and join thought-provoking conversations on literature, politics, and society.

August

Dog Lovers Festival
Image credit: sydney.com_Dog Lovers Festival, Sydney
Dog Lovers Festival, Sydney
August
Join an unforgettable celebration of your canine friends. Whether you're a proud pooch parent, a passionate dog enthusiast, or just love being around happy, wagging tails, this is the event of the year for you! Happening at the Sydney Showground, this paw-some festival promises a tail-wagging good time for all ages.

October

Granny Smith Festival
Image credit: City of Ryde Council
Granny Smith Festival
October
A community street festival in Eastwood celebrating the Granny Smith apple, with parades, stalls, music, and fireworks.
SXSW Sydney
Image credit: sydney.com
SXSW Sydney
October
The only SXSW held outside of Austin, bringing together creative industries including tech, film, music, and innovation.

December

Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
Image credit: sydney.com_Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
December
One of the world’s most prestigious ocean races, starting in Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day and ending in Hobart, Tasmania.
Sydney New Year's Eve Fireworks
Image credit: sydney.com_New year's Eve Fireworks
Sydney New Year's Eve Fireworks
Dec 31 (Evening)
Sydney’s iconic harbour-wide fireworks show: Calling Country cultural display at 9 pm and grand Midnight Fireworks at 12 am over the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. A global spectacle.