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Ragazzi dining room
Photograph: Nikki To
Photograph: Nikki To

Things to do in Sydney this week

Wondering what to do across Sydney? Our list will guide you in the right direction

Avril Treasure
Written by Avril Treasure
Editor, Time Out Sydney
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Hello! Welcome to your weekly wrap of what’s on.

There are lots of things on this week in Sydney, from Valentine’s Day to the start of Mardi Gras celebrations. Check out our guide to the most romantic restaurants and bars, and snap up your Mardi Gras tickets here. Mints are handy for both.

Broadway’s award-winning show Purpose has come to Sydney Theatre Company. It’s about a powerful African American family, and how it’s thrown into chaos when its estranged youngest son returns home with an uninvited guest. Oprah Winfrey said it’s “brilliant and funny and serious and complex and powerful”. Get a ticket here.

On now for one more week at Hayes Theatre is an ode to Barbra Streisand, which our reviewer says is a “must-see.” Check out our write-up of Barbra, and you can explore our full guide to all the shows on in Sydney here.

If you haven't been yet, I really recommend watching a film at the Westpac OpenAir Cinema, which overlooks Sydney Harbour and does a damn fine job of making you feel proud of our beautiful city. My tip? Get down early to reserve your seat, or book one of the packages so you’re guaranteed a good pozzie.

The spectacular new $836 million Sydney Fish Market is finally open. Find out everything you need to know, including what to eat, here – and go check it out this week.

For a culture hit, check out two fabulous exhibitions at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. First up is Mike Hewson’s The Key’s Under the Mat, a giant interactive playground for the young (and young at heart). It’s free – bring your swimmers. Next up is Ron Mueck’s Encounter – a stunning sculptural exploration of the human condition.

Booking a catch-up? Sydney's best restaurants and best new restaurants are a good place to start. Or, head to one of Sydney's best bars.

Plus, summer is in full swing – so you can wash away your worries at one of Sydney’s best beaches, get your sweat on with a pretty bushwalk, or pack drinks and snacks and throw out a rug at one of our fave picnic spots.

Scroll on for our full list of the best things to do in Sydney this week.


Mapping out your weekend? These are the best things to do in Sydney this weekend.

Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox.

The best things to do in Sydney

Anita Gelato x CommBank Yello Pop Up

  • Things to do
  • Manly
Anita Gelato x CommBank Yello Pop Up
Anita Gelato x CommBank Yello Pop Up
Photograph: Supplied | Anita Gelato
With summer in full swing and Valentine’s Day around the corner, nothing says romance like a sweet treat that’ll cool you down and land you serious brownie points on a first, third or thousandth date. If the silly season left your wallet a little light, never fear. CommBank’s customer recognition program CommBank Yello is dishing out free scoops of Anita Gelato for everyone on February 7-8 and 14-15, so you can spoil your sweetheart without spending a cent. How's that for a cheap date idea? The dessert shop, which began as a mum-and-son home kitchen operation before growing into a global empire, now counts 10 locations across Australia – seven of which are right here in NSW. Now, Anita Gelato has launched two exclusive offers with CommBank Yello in the CommBank app — and in celebration, CommBank Yello is giving away free gelato to everyone at Cronulla Beach and Manly North Steyne. Just pop down on Saturday or Sunday (7-8 February at Cronulla Beach, or 14-15 February at Manly North Steyne from 9am to 5pm) and head to the bright-yellow ice cream cart. You’ll also have the chance to try CommBank Yello’s limited-edition Mango Cheesecake gelato. Can’t make it? Don’t stress. You may still be in for a chance to score a freebie, with two sweet deals available to eligible CommBank Yello customers. Each Tuesday until the end of summer, CommBank Yello is dropping 5,000 codes in the CommBank app to claim a free scoop at any Anita Gelato store before summer ends. Just go to the...
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Sunset Sessions at Cockatoo Island

  • Music
  • Sydney
Sunset Sessions at Cockatoo Island
Sunset Sessions at Cockatoo Island
Photograph: Supplied | Harbour Trust
If there’s one thing Sydney does spectacularly well, it’s slow summer evenings – the kinds that see the sky turn sherbet-pink and the whole city look a little softer around the edges. This summer, Cockatoo Island/ Wareamah is handing us a very solid excuse to make the most of it: Sunset Sessions is back, taking over the lawn of historic Biloela House with a weekly dose of live music in the open air. Running on Saturday evenings from January 10 2025 to April 4 2026 (except from Saturday, March 7), the island’s curated open-air gig series is one of those annual events that reliably sells out – and for good reason. The formula is foolproof: pack a picnic rug, stretch out on the grass and let a line-up of emerging local artists soundtrack the slow fade into night as the sun sets behind the city. RELATED READ: These are the best sunset spots in Sydney This year brings a particularly juicy mix of genres and rising talent to Sydney Harbour’s largest island. Expect lush vocals from Charlie Collins, dreamy pop by Mia Lovelock, and globe-spanning grooves courtesy of Immy Owusu and Dom Diaz. You’ll also catch Bella Amor, Mina Siale, PA777IENCE, Skyscraper Stan, Lady Lyon and Lucienne – with more artists still to be announced. If you’re not the type to pack your own snacks, Biloela House will have refreshments ready to go – or you can pre-order a hamper of treats when you book your ticket. And if you’ve ever entertained the fantasy of running away to an island for the night, Cockatoo...
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Ron Mueck: Encounter

  • Art
  • Sculpture and installations
  • Sydney
Ron Mueck: Encounter
Ron Mueck: Encounter
Photograph: Supplied | Art Gallery of NSW
The Art Gallery of New South Wales is one of our fave places to hang out year-round – and this December it welcomes a banging new exhibition from Melbourne-born artist Ron Mueck. Ron Mueck: Encounter is the artist’s largest exhibition ever in Australia, bringing together a stunning selection of his hyperreal human sculptures from around the globe.  The life-like and scaled up sculptures aim to challenge perceptions by offering a profound and observational look at the human experience. Grounded in realism, the captivating figures tenderly embody themes such as birth, death, alienation and togetherness.  After making his start in children’s television, Mueck trained under Jim Henson (The Muppets) in puppeteering and model making where he made a name for himself on major projects including Sesame Street and the film Labyrinth. Soon after he relocated to London to run his own animatronic studio, before finding his way to figurative sculptures in the late ‘90s and revitalising the medium.  Ron Mueck: Encounter runs daily from December 6 to April 12, 10am–5pm, and until 10pm on Wednesday nights, as part of the Sydney International Art Series, a government initiative that teams up with Destination NSW to bring the world’s most prolific artists exclusively to Sydney. Tickets are $35 for adults on weekdays, $37 on weekends and public holidays, with two-for-one Art After Hours deals on Wednesday evenings, or $45 flexi tickets (which are un-dated single entry tickets). You can book...
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Pandora and Bridgerton QVB Pop-Up

  • Shopping
  • Sydney
Pandora and Bridgerton QVB Pop-Up
Pandora and Bridgerton QVB Pop-Up
Photograph: Supplied | Pandora
Dear gentle readers, if you’ve ever imagined being Her Majesty Queen Charlotte’s diamond of the season, then here’s your chance. While a trip back to Regency-era London isn’t on the cards, Pandora is set to bring the world of Bridgerton to life with an immersive pop-up at Queen Victoria Building from February 3 to March 8. Alongside the pop-up comes a swoon-worthy 14-piece collection inspired by the Netflix hit series, giving fans the chance to take a little piece of finery home – and you might even spot your new jewellery in the hotly anticipated fourth season, of which the first part lands in late January.  Drawing on the lavish universe of Shonda Rhimes’ period romp, the Pandora and Bridgerton Rules to Love By collection reimagines classic Regency-era jewellery through a modern lens. Crafted in 100 per cent recycled sterling silver and 14k gold plating, the range will feature pearls, bows and crystal accents in pastel shades, including lilac wisteria (a Bridgerton staple). There’ll be everything from ear climbers to necklaces, adorned with hand-finished flowers that nod to the secret love messages of Regency romance.  Watch the Pandora QVB space transform to a salon gorgeous enought to make all the ladies of the ton jealous. The QVB's romantic architecture is already a step back in time, but now the Pandora store will be adorned with wisteria wallpaper and flourishing wall mouldings. Don't miss the regal ceiling-to-floor drapery that's perfect to snap a pic in front...
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Brookie Fest

  • Things to do
  • Food and drink
  • Sydney
Brookie Fest
Brookie Fest
Photograph: Supplied
Calling all beer lovers: Brookie Fest, a three-day beer fest bringing together the ace breweries dotted around Brookvale on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, is back for its third year. This seriously fun shindig kicks off on Friday, February 13, and runs until Sunday, February 15 with Brookvale’s best breweries, distillers and eateries – including Bucketty's Brewing Co, Freshwater Brewing Company, Manly Spirits Co, Dad & Dave's Brewing and more – all getting in on the action – and you should, too. There will be lots of smashable ice-cold beers and live bands performing throughout the festival, but we’re big fans of the wacky entertainment. W're talking about dachshund racing (yep, those sausage dogs are set to battle it out), skating demos, a chilli eating contest, and the ever-popular Esky races. Got little ones? Bring them along on Sunday for kids’ karaoke, balloons and hair braiding.  You can check out the full line-up here. See you at Brookie Fest! Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED READS: Thirsty? These are the best breweries in Sydney right now. Feel like a swim? Hit the surf with our guide to the top beaches in Sydney here. Check out our guide to the coolest bars in Sydney.

Dangerously Modern: Australian Women Artists in Europe 1890-1940

  • Art
  • Paintings
  • Sydney
Dangerously Modern: Australian Women Artists in Europe 1890-1940
Dangerously Modern: Australian Women Artists in Europe 1890-1940
Photograph: Supplied | Anna Kucera
The Art Gallery of New South Wales’ newest exhibition – Dangerously Modern: Australian Women Artists in Europe 1890-1940 – spotlights 50 trailblazing females who were among some of the first to draw attention to the fact that women can make some pretty bloody great art too.  The speedy rate of industrialisation in the 19th century meant a major shift in European society. Artists used it as a chance to reject traditional themes like religion, and instead focused on fresh ways to portray individuals (in a time where it felt like machines were going to rule the world). Meanwhile, women used it as their ticket to pull a seat up at the table. The focus of the exhibition is specifically on our very own Australian and New Zealander artists who made the journey to Europe to immerse themselves in the modernist movement. Gallery-goers can peruse works from historic names like Nora Heysen, Margaret Preston and Grace Cossington Smith, and also witness the work of some lesser-known but equally important creatives like CL Allport, Justine Kong Sing and Stella Marks. Featuring celebrated and rediscovered paintings, prints, drawings, sculpture and ceramics, the exhibition includes work by celebrated artists such as Nora Heysen, Margaret Preston and Grace Cossington Smith, alongside lesser-known but equally compelling figures such as CL Allport, Justine Kong Sing and Stella Marks. Dangerously Modern’s run in Sydney spans all the way to mid-February so a hot (art) girl summer awaits. You...
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Barbra

  • Musicals
  • Elizabeth Bay
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended
Barbra
Barbra
Photograph: Supplied | John McRae
The only artist with No.1 albums in six consecutive decades. More than 150 million records sold worldwide. Eleven Billboard No.1 albums. An EGOT winner consisting of two Academy Awards, ten Grammys, five Emmys, a (special) Tony Award, as well as nine Golden Globes. And now, a dedicated Hayes Theatre concert dedicated to her career. It’s the one, and only, Barbara Joan “Barbra” Streisand. If you’re in the theatre world, it’s impossible not to know her name. Outside of the stage, Barbra made her indelible mark in the music industry with her transformative voice and iconic sound. She’s an artist that’s crossed numerous genres and forms, which makes a Hayes Theatre tribute concert to her a perfect remedy for success. And ‘success’ is the most accurate word to use for Barbra: The Greatest Star. What type of show is Barbra: The Greatest Star? Barbra takes audiences on a melodic journey through the multitude of hits from Streisand’s career in an intimate evening of the “Best of Babs”. The song cycle journeys from roles she originated in on Broadway (Funny Girl), her numerous albums, iconic film roles (Yentl, Hello, Dolly!, A Star is Born), as well as her other star-studded collaborations with artists such as Celine Dion, Donna Summer and Neil Diamond. There’s enough Streisand here to make you fall in love with her all over again, or give you a crash course in Babs. Who are the cast and crew of Barbra? Directed by Brittanie Shipway (Once On This Island; The Pirates of Penzance)...

Mike Hewson: The Key’s Under the Mat

  • Things to do
  • Exhibitions
  • Sydney
Mike Hewson: The Key’s Under the Mat
Mike Hewson: The Key’s Under the Mat
Art Gallery of New South Wales | Mim Stirling
If you've ever wondered what would happen if a kid's drawing of their wildest dream utopia suddenly came off the page and into real life, you're in luck, because that's pretty much what's happening right now beneath the Art Gallery of NSW.  Artist and professional disruptor Mike Hewson has taken over the weird subterranean world of The Tank with his one-of-a-kind new exhibition, Mike Hewson: The Key's Under the Mat, where for the first time ever, all the main lights in the normally pitch-dark Tank will be switched on, revealing a weird wonderland of interactive art pieces and play equipment that have to be seen to be believed. We're talking: A steam room with stained glass windows that you can actually sit in, a functioning sauna with bespoke church pews, five actual operating public barbeques that you can cook on, rushing water to play in (seriously, bring your swimmers), a working laundry,  and a free-to-use recording studio, plus a whole plethora of bright and delightful surprises that are all about getting community together, to do cool stuff, for free. Basically, break your imagination and delete all adult expectations. This is unlike anything we've ever seen.  Kids who aren't afraid of some risk are also one of Hewson's big targets with this show (although parents, rest easy, the floor is specially made out of recycled soft rubber that's rated for use in public playgrounds), with the space also home to a wild children's playground. Intrepid kidlets can test their...
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Gatsby at the Green Light

  • Circuses
  • Sydney
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended
Gatsby at the Green Light
Gatsby at the Green Light
Photograph: Supplied | Daniel Boud
Jay Gatsby invites you into the decadent world of The Green Light, nestled inside The Studio theatre of the Sydney Opera House, where the roaring '20s is reborn for an evening of decadence, debauchery and delight. Gatsby at the Green Light is back by popular demand and, with an extended run until March 2026, there’s clearly a demand for cabaret with a touch of elegance and plenty of grandeur.  What type of show is Gatsby at the Green Light? Based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic text, The Great Gatsby, director Craig Ilott once more takes audiences into an exploration of the liquor-fuelled parties, yearning and lust of the illusive figure, Jay Gatsby, in an evening of professional cabaret. Ilott doesn’t so much play out the story of The Great Gatsby, but instead takes the crux of it – one of greed, love, decadence and the unreachable American Dream – to showcase some of the best talents in cabaret, aerial acrobatics, tap and circus. Set inside the fictionalised bar, The Green Light, designer Stuart Couzens creates a world that feels like you’ve stepped back into a speakeasy bar of Fitzgerald’s America. The three-tiered seating elements of Green Light mean that audiences have the choice of sitting back in the rafters and overseeing the party (much like the host himself) or the middle of the space set far enough back to see all but not be so close as to feel the intimacy of the stage.  Those who want to hear the heartbeat of the waiter-come-dancers around you, feel the heat...
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Pretty Woman: The Musical

  • Musicals
  • Sydney
  • 3 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended
Pretty Woman: The Musical
Pretty Woman: The Musical
Photograph: Supplied | Daniel Boud
Pretty Woman: The Musical has arrived at the Theatre Royal for its Sydney debut. Directed by two-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell, the feel-good stage spin of the classic film will leave you dancing in your seat, if not deeply moved. What the production sometimes lacks in depth, it makes up for in nostalgia, charm and good vibes. What is the premise of Pretty Woman: The Musical? The production follows Vivian Ward (Samantha Jade), a sex worker working on Hollywood Boulevard to survive. Despite her edgy exterior, Vivian dreams of a life captured in the song ‘Anywhere But Here’. Her luck begins to change when she meets businessman Edward Lewis (Ben Hall). What starts as a one-night business transaction turns into a longer deal – for $3000, Vivian becomes Edward’s partner for six days, while he secures a business deal, all whilst staying in the glamourous penthouse suite of the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. The mix of business, pleasure and pastel sunsets results in a cocktail of romantic fantasy, class mismatch and questions about who is really saving whom. Who are the cast and crew of Pretty Woman: The Musical? In her theatrical debut, singer-songwriter Samantha Jade is Vivian, opposite Ben Hall’s Edward. The pair have moments of flirtatious charm, which show glimmers of chemistry, but struggle to transition this spark into the sweeping passion the narrative is reaching for by its final scenes. Jade and Hall are supported by Tim Omaji as Happy Man/Mr Thompson, and Michelle...
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