What’s On in Sydney in January 2026
January brings summer’s peak to Sydney, with a vibrant calendar of festivals, performances, and celebrations. With summer in full swing and many locals on holiday, there are events on every day throughout the month.
Accommodation prices are typically at their peak and many attractions are busy. Booking in advance is recommended for popular events and tours during January.
Average Temperatures: 25.9°C to 18.7°C (79.7°F to 67.3°F)
While each year varies, January can be wet with varying rainfall patterns.
Major Events in January
Sydney Festival
Sydney Festival 2026 features over 130 shows and events across 43 locations throughout Sydney. The festival highlights First Nations artists and introduces new international works to Australian audiences. More than 50 free events are included, with twelve nights of live music complementing the diverse program of theatre, dance, and visual arts.
When: 8 January to 25 January 2026
Where: Various venues across Sydney
Australia Day
Australia Day on 26 January 2026 commemorates the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet at Port Jackson. The harbour becomes the centre of activity, with the Australia Day Regatta taking place from 1:30pm to 6pm. The Wheelchair Race runs in The Rocks from 9am, while the Yabun Festival in Redfern offers indigenous cultural activities throughout the day.
When: 26 January 2026
Where: CBD, The Rocks, Circular Quay, and Redfern
Flickerfest
Flickerfest celebrates its 32nd anniversary in 2026, featuring twenty-five films of 35 minutes or less shown in the Spiegeltent on North Park lawn at Bondi Beach. The Academy Accredited and BAFTA-recognised International Short Film Festival then tours Australia from February to October.
When: 23 January to 1 February 2026
Where: Spiegeltent, North Park lawn, Bondi Beach
Festivals, Fairs, and Community Events
Eat Drink Nights Wentworth Point
A powerhouse night food event bringing crowds for street food, global flavours, and social summer atmosphere. This Saturday night gathering creates perfect conditions for vendors with fast turnover and strong demand.
When: Saturday 17 January 2026
Where: Wentworth Point
Cost: Free entry
Kia Friday Nights
Sydney Motorsport Park’s summer nights return with racing, lights, free kids’ activities, and a buzzing food market. Expect big energy, fast trade, and an unbeatable atmosphere across four Friday nights in January, plus a special Thursday event on New Year’s Day.
When: Thursday 1 January, Fridays 16, 23, and 30 January 2026
Where: Sydney Motorsport Park
Music and Markets in the Park
A brand-new addition to the summer market calendar brings festival-style atmosphere to Burwood Park over the Australia Day long weekend. Live music and market stalls create a relaxed community atmosphere.
When: Sunday 25 January 2026
Where: Burwood Park
Cost: Free entry
Ryde Wharf Market
A lively riverside market with an enthusiastic community who love to browse, taste, and shop. Brilliant for handmade goods, fashion, gifts, homewares, produce, and quality food.
When: Sundays 11 and 25 January 2026
Where: Ryde Wharf
Cost: Free entry
Musicals, Opera, and Theatre
Hansel & Gretel
Opera Australia’s production brings the Grimm fairy tale to the opera stage with larger-than-life sets and costumes. Margaret Plummer and Stacey Alleaume star as the clever siblings, with Jane Ede as the witch. Performed in English with surtitles.
When: Throughout January 2026
Where: Sydney Opera House
Putting It Together
A Stephen Sondheim revue set at a glamorous cocktail party, weaving the composer’s greatest songs into a witty story about love, ambition, and desire. The Sydney season features a standout cast including Caroline O’Connor, Michael Cormick, Nigel Huckle, Bert LaBonté, and Stefanie Caccamo.
When: 6 January to 15 February 2026
Where: Foundry Theatre, Pirrama Road, Pyrmont
Cricket The Musical
Denis Carnahan’s one-man satirical show takes aim at the summer’s cricket highs and lows with songs, sketches, and video. Expect sharp takes on Bazball, tour controversies, and classic moments from the game’s past.
When: 3, 4, 9, and 10 January 2026
Where: The Bridge Hotel, Rozelle
Great Opera Hits
Relaxed concerts offering a relaxed introduction to opera, featuring famous arias as the sun sets across the harbour. These 90-minute summer afternoon concerts showcase the greatest hits of opera.
When: Throughout January 2026
Where: Sydney Opera House
Cirque Alice
From the creators of Le Noir and The Illusionists, Cirque Alice reimagines Lewis Carroll’s classic with aerialists, acrobats, contortionists, puppetry, and guest musical acts. A cabaret-style stage layout puts audiences close to the action.
When: 24 December 2025 to 4 January 2026
Where: Sydney Coliseum Theatre, West HQ, Rooty Hill
Outdoor Cinema and Film Festivals
Westpac Open Air Cinema
One of the world’s most beautiful cinema experiences, showing both latest releases and classic films with stunning water views of Sydney Harbour. The iconic location offers an unforgettable movie-going experience.
When: Throughout January 2026
Where: Mrs Macquaries Point
Smart Fone Flick Fest Finals
The biggest smartphone film festival showcases around 450 entries competing across five categories. The premiere Gala Finals features 16 short films at the Sydney Opera House.
When: Throughout January 2026
Where: Sydney Opera House
Art, Music, and Entertainment
Museum of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art presents major exhibitions throughout January, featuring contemporary art from Australian and international artists.
When: Throughout January 2026
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, Circular Quay
Art Gallery of NSW
The Art Gallery of NSW presents major exhibitions throughout January, showcasing Australian and international art collections.
When: Throughout January 2026
Where: Art Gallery of NSW, The Domain
Live Music and Comedy
Live music concerts and comedy performances take place at various venues across Sydney throughout January. The Sydney Festival includes twelve nights of live music as part of its program.
When: Throughout January 2026
Where: Various venues across Sydney
Sports and Outdoor Activities
United Cup
The United Cup brings mixed team tennis to Sydney, with the world’s top-ranked players competing for a share of over US$10 million in prize money. The tournament features eighteen countries competing at Ken Rosewall Arena.
When: 3 January to 11 January 2026
Where: Ken Rosewall Arena, Sydney Olympic Park
Yoga Under the Bridge
Free yoga sessions open to the public at 9:30am on Sundays. Advance booking is required, and participants must bring their own mat and towel.
When: Sundays until 21 January 2026, 9:30am
Where: Dawes Point Park, Sydney
Cost: Free (booking required)
Harbour Cruises and Tours
Harbour cruises and tours provide exceptional ways to experience Sydney Harbour throughout January. Various operators offer sightseeing, dining, and specialty cruises.
When: Throughout January 2026
Where: Various departure points around Sydney Harbour
Family-Friendly Activities
TOO~B
A free interactive play space invites children aged 0-12 and their families to explore creativity through touch, play, and imagination. Created by multidisciplinary artist HOSSEI, the experience offers hands-on environments for creative discovery.
When: 5 to 23 January 2026
Where: Centre for Creativity, Sydney Opera House
Cost: Free (no booking required)
Duck Pond
Circa presents their inventive take on Swan Lake and The Ugly Duckling, combining feats of strength and bravery with fluid moments of artistry and grace. The 90-minute show brings classical stories to life through acrobatics, aerial work, and physical theatre.
When: 9 to 12 January 2026
Where: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Age: Suitable for ages 10 and up
Experience the Harbour by Yacht
For a truly exceptional way to experience Sydney in January, 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 harbour provides a stunning backdrop for your January experience.
Categorised in: Blog
