What’s On in Sydney in February 2026
February marks the final month of summer in Sydney, bringing a vibrant calendar of events, performances, and celebrations. With children returning to school and life settling back into routine after the Christmas holidays, accommodation prices and availability typically improve compared to January.
This month is one of the most humid of summer, making it an ideal time to explore Sydney’s 100-plus beaches. You may notice lanterns adorning the streets in honour of Lunar New Year celebrations throughout the month.
Average Temperatures: 26°C to 19°C (79°F to 66°F)
While each year varies, the last February saw six days of rain.
Major February Events in Sydney
Sydney Mardi Gras Festival
The Sydney Mardi Gras Festival runs for 16 days and nights, hosting a variety of events from talks and exhibitions to parties, culminating in the much-loved Parade. This year’s celebration kicks off on Valentine’s Day and finishes on 2 March, celebrating visibility, pride, and community throughout Sydney.
When: 14 February to 2 March 2026
Where: Various venues across Sydney
Mardi Gras Fair Day
Step into the heart of the celebration at Victoria Park for Fair Day, Sydney’s iconic outdoor gathering celebrating LGBTQIA+ communities. The day kicks off with the First Nations Circle opening ceremony, then moves through a whirlwind of activity including Drag King Games, the Queer Fashion Runway, Doggywood pooch parade, and the ever-popular Karaoke Cave: Disco Divas.
When: Sunday 15 February 2026
Where: Victoria Park, Sydney
Cost: Free entry
Sydney Mardi Gras Parade
Oxford Street comes alive for the 48th Annual Sydney Mardi Gras Parade, a dazzling procession of floats, performers, and thousands of marchers. Celebrate visibility, pride, and community in this unforgettable spectacle, with accessible viewing areas along Flinders Street and VIP vantage points at Taylor Square for front-row experiences.
When: Saturday 28 February 2026 from 6pm to 11pm
Where: Oxford Street, Flinders Street & Anzac Parade, Sydney
Glitter Club – Mardi Gras Parade Night
Glitter Club returns to Taylor Square with premium Parade-night viewing, DJs and live entertainment at the heart of the Mardi Gras route. With headline sets from DJ Dan Murphy and Estée Louder, plus raised viewing platforms and dedicated bars, this ticketed event transforms Taylor Square into a multi-level viewing party for the Mardi Gras Parade.
When: Saturday 28 February 2026, 6:30pm to late
Where: Taylor Square, Darlinghurst
Cost: Early bird from $89, general admission from $129
Festivals, Fairs, and Markets
Watsons Bay Summer Market
This harbourside market draws both eastern suburbs locals and day-trippers who combine shopping with the ferry ride and coastal walk. Stalls focus on boutique clothing, handmade jewellery, art prints and specialty food items at mid-to-upper price points. The location near the ferry wharf makes it easy to combine with lunch at Doyle’s or a walk to South Head.
When: Sunday 1 February 2026, 9am to 2pm
Where: Robertson Park, Watsons Bay
Maroubra Beach Market
This beachside market leans into surf culture and coastal lifestyle, with swimwear, beach homewares and casual fashion dominating the stalls. Coffee vans and food trucks line the perimeter while families browse between beach sessions. The atmosphere is relaxed and distinctly local, without the polish of waterfront markets.
When: Saturday 7 February 2026, 8am to 1pm
Where: Maroubra Beach
Ryde Wharf Market
A northern suburbs market with consistent attendance from local families and retirees. The riverside location provides pleasant surroundings, though stalls lean practical rather than boutique, featuring plants, preserves, children’s clothing and homeware staples. Food stalls offer lunch options from various cuisines.
When: Sunday 8 February 2026, 10am to 3pm
Where: Ryde Wharf Reserve
Opera, Musicals, and Theatre
Afterglow
S. Asher Gelman’s three-hander examines an evolving polyamorous relationship between a married couple and a younger man. Set entirely in one location over several encounters, the production unfolds through intimate conversations about desire, jealousy and the gap between theory and practice in non-traditional relationships. This premiere marks Darlinghurst Theatre Company’s first production in their newly renovated Eternity Playhouse.
When: 26 February to 22 March 2026
Where: Eternity Playhouse, Darlinghurst
Cost: $69 plus fees, 18+ only
The Social Ladder
David Williamson returns with a new comedy about social climbing in contemporary Sydney. Katie stakes everything on impressing art-collecting power couple Charles and Catherine Mallory at a dinner party, complete with a jaw-dropping borrowed painting to prove her cultural credentials. Expect sharp dialogue, recognisable social types and the kind of uncomfortable observations about class and aspiration that made him the country’s most-performed playwright.
When: 23 January to 14 March 2026
Where: Ensemble Theatre, Kirribilli
Cost: $46 to $109
Evil Dead the Musical
The bloodiest musical of all time crashes into Sydney in 2026. Evil Dead The Musical turns the cult classic film into an outrageous theatre experience, mixing horror, humour, and plenty of splattered gore. Follow five unlucky college students as a weekend in a remote cabin spirals into demon-fuelled chaos.
When: 20 February to 14 March 2026
Where: Reginald Theatre, Seymour Centre, Sydney
Cost: $79 to $99
Music, Comedy, and Dance
Grace Jones
Grace Jones performs under the Opera House sails in a rare outdoor show that combines music, fashion and performance art. The Jamaican singer-model-actor built her reputation on boundary-pushing live performances, and this one-night appearance follows that tradition. Don’t expect a standard concert format; Jones’ shows blend disco, new wave and reggae with theatrical staging and costume changes.
When: Saturday 28 February 2026, gates 6pm
Where: Forecourt, Sydney Opera House
Cost: $179.90 plus booking fee
Hannah Joy (Middle Kids) – Solo
Middle Kids’ lead singer and songwriter steps away from the band for a solo performance featuring new material and reimagined versions of their catalogue. The stripped-back format emphasises Joy’s songwriting and distinctive voice without the indie-rock arrangements that defined hits like “Edge of Town.” The Playhouse’s 398-seat capacity creates an intimate setting compared to the band’s usual performance spaces.
When: Thursday 19 February 2026, 9pm
Where: Playhouse, Sydney Opera House
Cost: $69.90 plus booking fee
Alex G & Lucy Dacus – Sydney Opera House Debuts
Two US indie powerhouses take the Sydney Opera House stage for the first time in February. On Monday 9 February, Alex G delivers a solo set of introspective indie-rock, featuring tracks from his acclaimed 2025 album Headlights alongside fan favourites. The very next night, Tuesday 10 February, Lucy Dacus performs songs from her first solo album in four years, Forever Is A Feeling.
When: Alex G: Monday 9 February 2026, 8pm; Lucy Dacus: Tuesday 10 February 2026, 8pm
Where: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Tickets: From $69.90 to $79.90 plus booking fee
Cameron Winter – Concert Hall Headline Show
Brooklyn art-rock frontman Cameron Winter brings his debut solo album Heavy Metal (2024) to Sydney for a headline performance in the iconic Concert Hall. He will perform songs from the critically acclaimed album, celebrated for its raw emotion, surreal storytelling, and intimate lyricism. His vocals have drawn comparisons to Nick Cave, Bob Dylan, and Leonard Cohen.
When: Monday 16 February 2026, 8pm
Where: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Tickets: From $79.90 plus booking fee
The Edge of Zen
Grand masters of Japanese music meet Western strings in a meditative fusion. Shakuhachi player Riley Lee and koto player Satsuki Odamura join Sydney’s Chroma Quartet for an evocative program blending traditional and contemporary Japanese works with pieces by Debussy and composers from Australia including Ross Edwards, Anne Boyd, and Lachlan Skipworth.
When: Sunday 1 February 2026, 3pm
Where: Utzon Room, Sydney Opera House
Cost: Standard $105, Under 35s $55, Student $25.90
Human Nature – MTWN20: Celebrating 20 Years of Motown
Human Nature return home to Sydney to celebrate 20 years of their Motown era with two special hometown shows at the State Theatre. MTWN20 brings together the songs that reshaped the group’s career, blending classic Motown hits with the polished harmonies and energy they’re known for. Expect a crowd-pleasing setlist packed with favourites like My Girl, Baby I Need Your Lovin’, Easy and I’ll Be There.
When: Friday 27 February and Saturday 28 February 2026
Where: State Theatre, Sydney
Ed Sheeran Loop Tour
Ed Sheeran brings his Loop Tour to Sydney for multiple performances at Accor Stadium. The British singer-songwriter performs his greatest hits and latest material in an intimate loop-pedal format that showcases his exceptional musicianship and stage presence.
When: Multiple dates in February 2026
Where: Accor Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park
Film Festivals
Antenna Documentary Film Festival
Sydney’s premier documentary film event returns with 50 groundbreaking non-fiction films from around the globe. The program welcomes award-winning director Penny Lane as special guest, alongside powerful new works from legendary filmmakers Errol Morris and Petra Costa. The selection features three feature documentaries from Australia including Larissa Behrendt’s One Mind. One Heart, exploring the historic Yirrkala Bark petitions.
When: 5 to 15 February 2026
Where: Palace Central, Palace Verona, and Ritz Cinemas
Cost: Tickets from $21.50, Festival passes available
Europa! Europa Film Festival
Europa! Europa brings a carefully curated collection of European cinematic gems to audiences, featuring a handpicked selection of entertaining, heartfelt, and thought-provoking films. These films are from some of the most compelling storytellers and fresh cinematic voices in Europe.
When: February to March 2026 (dates TBC)
Where: Ritz Cinemas Randwick
Cost: Tickets from $20 to $25
Queer Screen Mardi Gras Film Festival
Celebrate global LGBTQIA+ storytelling at the 33rd Mardi Gras Film Festival, featuring premieres, panel discussions, and networking events across multiple Sydney venues. From provocative shorts to feature-length narratives, the event highlights diverse voices, international perspectives, and queer creativity in film.
When: Wednesday 12 to Wednesday 26 February 2026
Where: Various Sydney venues
Cost: Tickets vary by screening
Moonlight Cinema
Summer is outdoor cinema season in Sydney, and Moonlight Cinema is one of the classics. A good mix of new releases and golden oldies, with BYO drinks making this spot a standout. The relaxed atmosphere and beautiful setting create the perfect summer movie experience.
When: November 2025 to March 2026 (dates to be confirmed)
Where: Centennial Park
Art and Exhibitions
Museum of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art presents major exhibitions throughout February, featuring contemporary art from international and local artists. The waterfront location offers stunning views alongside world-class contemporary art collections.
When: Throughout February 2026
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, Circular Quay
Art Gallery of NSW
The Art Gallery of NSW presents major exhibitions throughout February, showcasing international and local art collections. The gallery’s extensive collection spans historical and contemporary works across multiple galleries.
When: Throughout February 2026
Where: Art Gallery of NSW, The Domain
Sport and Outdoors
KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix | Sydney
Experience the world’s most exciting racing on water as the SailGP championship returns to Sydney Harbour. Watch Tom Slingsby’s team from Australia defend their home waters against international rivals, with boats reaching speeds of up to 100 km/h in intense, stadium-style racing. Foreshore vantage points at Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, or Kirribilli offer free viewing, while ticketed spectator boats and Shark Island provide alternative viewing experiences.
When: Saturday 28 February and Sunday 1 March 2026
Where: Sydney Harbour
Cost: Free from foreshore locations, some ticketed events
Note: Pre-booking required for all viewing options
Regional NSW Events
Kangaroo Valley Show
This is one of those old-school country shows that makes a regional detour worthwhile. You’ll see livestock judging, woodchopping, pavilion displays, rides for kids and plenty of local food and produce. It’s relaxed, community-focused and unapologetically regional, offering a proper snapshot of country NSW rather than a polished event.
When: Saturday 14 February 2026
Where: Kangaroo Valley Showgrounds
Red Hot Summer Tour – Berry
Berry hosts one of the Red Hot Summer Tour’s regional stops, bringing a major live music event to the South Coast. Expect a full outdoor concert setup, big sing-along moments and a crowd that skews local rather than city slicker. It’s an easy add-on if you’re already exploring the Shoalhaven region.
When: Sunday 15 February 2026
Where: Berry Showground
Magpie Up Style Market, Lawson
This much-loved Blue Mountains market is a strong mix of handmade, vintage and pre-loved, with a distinctly local feel. You’ll find independent makers, small fashion labels, art, jewellery and good coffee, all wrapped into a walkable village setting. Ideal if you’re in the Mountains for the weekend and want something low-key but interesting.
When: Sunday 15 February 2026
Where: Adelaide Street, Lawson
Girrakool Blues Festival, The Entrance
This laid-back blues event takes over the waterfront at The Entrance for a long weekend of live music, food stalls and seaside wandering. It’s casual rather than curated; turn up, drift between sets and settle in when something grabs you. A solid excuse for a Central Coast getaway outside peak summer crowds.
When: Friday 27 February to Sunday 1 March 2026
Where: Memorial Park, The Entrance
Experience the Harbour by Yacht
For a truly exceptional way to experience Sydney in February, consider a luxury yacht charter on the harbour. A private yacht hire allows you to enjoy the water while attending events or simply relaxing. The iconic waterfront provides a stunning backdrop for your February experience, whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, watching the Mardi Gras Parade from the water, or enjoying the Sail Grand Prix action.
Categorised in: Blog
