If you’re keen to get out and about this summer, there are lots of incredible events happening nearby and a bit further afield…
Titanique, Surrey Hills
Beloved by audiences in New York TITANIQUE has become an instant crowd pleaser in Sydney. Audiences have described the show as “the most hilarious and bonkers show I have ever seen!”
When the music of Céline Dion makes sweet Canadian love with the eleven-time Oscar Award-winning blockbuster film Titanic, you get TITANIQUE, off-Broadway’s most award-winning splash hit, which turns one of the greatest love stories of all time into a hysterical musical fantasia. Want to find out what really happened to Jack and Rose on that fateful night? Just leave it to Céline Dion to enchant the audience with her totally wild take, recharting the course of Titanic’s beloved moments and characters with her iconic song catalogue. Sailing on fierce powerhouse voices in show-stopping performances of such hits as My Heart Will Go On, All By Myself, and To Love You More – backed by the unparalleled energy of a full live band – TITANIQUE is a one-of-a-kind theatrical voyage bursting with nostalgia, heart, and campy chaos.
“★★★★! A titanic amount of pure joy.”
New York Theatre Guide
For details and bookings: Titanique • Now playing at The Grand Electric — Titanique The Musical | Only in Sydney from September 2024
Sunset Sessions at Q Station, Manly
Escape to a picturesque haven on Sydney Harbour and indulge in a perfect summer afternoon with live music, refreshing drinks, and food while taking in the breathtaking views of the sunset, at The Glasshouse, Q Station Manly.
Every session, a new talented artist will be featured, accompanied by an array of gourmet delights, including artisanal cheese and charcuterie boards, seafood hampers, and a selection of fine wines, 7th Day Brewery Beers and Manly Spirits G&T’s. Grab your tickets before sold out!
Where: Q Station, 1 North Head Scenic Drive, Manly
Website: https://qstation.com.au/event/sunset-sessions/2024-12-21/
Australian Made Markets, Mona Vale
There’s many reasons to head to the Northern Beaches, and now there’s another!
Join us for a summer market showcasing Australian made products from over 50 vendors. This popular event is a great way to discover a fantastic range of locally made products while enjoying great Aussie tunes.
– More than 50 market stalls
– Live music
– Coffee van
– Pet friendly
Where: Village Park, Mona Vale
When: Sunday 19th January 2025, 8am – 2pm
Website: https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/whats-on/australian-made-markets
Open Air Cinema, Narrabeen
There’s free Open Air Cinema, screening the Australian movie – Go Karts! (2020) this January.
Bring your picnic rug and enjoy a night under the stars for the whole family! Pack your own snacks or treat yourself to dinner from a variety of local food trucks.
When: Saturday, 25 January 2025 – 05:30 pm to 08:30 pm
Where: Lakeside Park, Narrabeen
Website: https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/whats-on/australia-day-eve-open-air-cinema
Blackmores Billy Swim (Pittwater Ocean Swim Series)
During January 2025 you can enjoy the uniqueness of Pittwater’s ocean beaches by joining ocean swims. You’ll be in safe hands with experienced lifesavers at each club, and you’ll enjoy the thrill of the events with other ocean swimming enthusiasts.
Tucked away on the Northern Beaches of Sydney is Bilgola Beach -one of the smallest and most picturesque beaches in the Sydney area -and home to one of the more challenging swims of the Pittwater Ocean Swim Series.
The Blackmores Billy Swim, affectionately known as the ‘Billy’, has two different swims starting an hour apart, 500m and 1.5km and the more daring of swimmers can certainly try to complete both.
The event is a major fundraiser for Bilgola Surf Life Saving Club, supporting patrol activities and equipment acquisition throughout the season. Your entry fees help keep Bilgola Beach safe.
When: Sunday, 12 January 2025 – 12:49 pm to 12:49 pm
Where: Bilgola Beach
FREE Music Double-Header at 7th Day Brewery
Two young & talented Northern Beaches bands–Edgecliff and Bangalley–will be playing for charity in a FREE concert at 7th Day Brewery, Brookvale, where $1 per lager will be donated to LocalKind. Both bands have played at the Northern Beaches’ best venues and were recognised in band competitions. With classic rock and indie surf vibes, this double-header is sure to impress. You can also enjoy the brews from one of Brookvale’s anchor ‘Brewvale’ breweries. What better way to celebrate the long weekend!
When: Saturday, 25 January 2025 – 07:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Where: 7th Day Brewery – 9 Powells Rd
Art Up Late: Sydney Festival 2025
Summer evenings are even more delightful at Manly’s waterfront gallery, where art, music, and ideas come alive. As part of the Sydney Festival, you’re invited to soak in the live music, explore fresh perspectives on water, and take a deep dive into the curator’s process.
Enjoy The Water Understands exhibition with refreshments and a glass of wine from Little Ripples. Immerse yourself in a night of art-making, engaging talks, and live music.
When:
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Thursday, 9 January 2025 – 05:00 pm to 09:00 pm
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Thursday, 16 January 2025 – 05:00 pm to 09:00 pm
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Thursday, 23 January 2025 – 05:00 pm to 09:00 pm
Where: Manly Art Gallery & Museum, 1a West Esplanade
Website: https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/whats-on/art-late-sydney-festival-2025
Events Further Afield:
Cool-Down Summer Sundays at The Greens, North Sydney
Chill out every Sunday with the ultimate summer bash! Cool-Down Sundays invites you to beat the heat with a refreshing twist. Head to our Cool-Down Bar, where you’ll find a variety of icy slushies and declious ice creams to satisfy your sweet tooth, while your kids are entertained with our face-painters and balloon artists, games of jenga and noughts and crosses!
But that’s not all – bring your furry friends along for a splash-tastic time at our Paw Pool Party for the Dogs ! Watch your pups cool off and make a splash with fellow doggos as they dive into the pool for some fun in the sun. Whether you’re lounging with a slushie in hand or cheering on your dog’s cannonball, it’s the ultimate way to wrap up the weekend in style.
Don’t miss out on the perfect Sunday hangout – it’s a day of cool vibes, frozen treats, and tail-wagging fun!
When: Every Sunday from 11:30am
Where: The Greens, 50 Ridge Street, North Sydney
Website: https://thegreensnorthsydney.com.au/events/cooldownsundays/
Sydney Festival 2025, Various locations
It’s high summer in the city, which means it’s officially Festival season. This week, the 2025 program kicks off with a bang, offering up a wealth of entertainment to fill your days and nights.
Your options around town and wider Sydney span unforgettable theatre and dance, hot-ticket music, awe-inspiring visual art and fun for the whole family. So go forth and make the absolute best out of week one.
When: January 4th – 26th 2025
Where: Various events
Website: https://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/
Immersive Experiences at Luna Park, Milsons Point
With an extended run due to high demand, Netflix’s Squid Game: The Experience has taken over the Big Top at Luna Park, where audiences can participate in a series of games and attempt to survive the chilling challenges of the smash hit show.
For younger kids, Vegesaurs: Immersive Experience will give fans of the show a chance to meet and play with their favourite characters, and be taken on their very own Jurassic adventure.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace’s Sonic Neon is a vivid celebration of immersive sound and lighting, with nonstop DJ-mixed club hits and stunning interactive props and showpieces. You’ll never believe that it’s hidden away underneath the sunny exterior of our iconic park!
When: Sonic Neon and Vegesaurs are currently open until the end of January, and Squid Game: The Experience has sessions continuing into the end of February.
Where: Luna Park, 1 Olympic Dr, Milsons Point
Website: https://www.lunaparksydney.com/
Open Air and Mov’in Bed Cinema, North Sydney & Sydney
What better way to celebrate clear skies and balmy nights than a movie under the stars? In terms of open-air cinema venues, Sydneysiders are spoiled for choice, with different outdoor cinemas showing the latest flicks this summer season.
The Sunset Cinema at North Sydney Oval will be showing both old favourites and the newest blockbusters on its sweeping lawn, with food and drink trucks available to satisfy your cravings. For a more laid-back experience (literally!), the Mov’in Bed Beach Cinema at Barangaroo features a suite of comfortable outdoor beds for you to snuggle up in – this time on sand, as you watch the big screen. And for those who love a film with a view, the Westpac Open Air Cinema is back again for another season at the Royal Botanic Gardens, looking out onto the stunning nighttime Sydney Harbour.
Websites and More Information:
Sunset Cinema – North Sydney Oval
Mov’in Bed Beach Cinema – Barangaroo
Westpac Open Air Cinema – Royal Botanic Gardens
Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024 Exhibition, Sydney
Explore the awe-inspiring beauty and fragility of our oceans through the Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition, now on at the Australian National Maritime Museum.
Featuring 118 extraordinary images, this exhibition celebrates the vision of talented photographers from around the world. From breathtaking wildlife encounters and underwater vistas to compelling scenes of human connection with the ocean, each photograph tells a powerful story.
The Ocean Photographer of the Year competition, run by the London based Oceanographic Magazine, is in its 5th year and has quickly achieved recognition amongst photographers around the world.
Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in the beauty, adventure, and conservation stories that reflect the deep connection we share with our oceans.
When: 10am to 4pm, Thursday 28 November 2024 to Sunday 27 April
Where: The Australian National Maritime Museum, 2 Murray Street, Sydney
Website: https://www.sea.museum/en/visit/tickets
Hamilton: The Musical, Pyrmont
IT’S BACK!!!! A revolutionary story of passion, unstoppable ambition, and the dawn of a new nation.
HAMILTON is the epic saga that follows the rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honour, love, and a legacy that would shape the course of a nation. Based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography and set to a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education.
In addition to its 11 Tony Awards, it has won Grammy®, Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors.
When: Ongoing season until 25th January 2025
Where: Australian Lyric Theatre, 55 Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont
Website: https://hamiltonmusical.com.au/
Superliminal, Sydney
Step into the wondrous wild with Patch Theatre’s new immersive installation, Superluminal.
Blending bold visual design, collaborative storytelling, and interactive play, Superluminal is an enchanting and unmissable experience for young audiences.
As children enter Superluminal, they receive colour-changing lanterns to use throughout the installation. Guided by a performer, journey through interactive spaces, revealing hidden animal tracks and discovering aquatic and terrestrial animals from the past, present, and possible future. Children create their own imagined creatures, bring them to life with recorded sounds and spectacular rainbow lighting, and capture their fantastical shadows on a magical glow wall.
Superluminal is an engaging experience designed to ignite curiosity. A theatrical installation full of Patch’s award winning interactive light play.
When: Saturday 4th January – Sunday 2nd February 2025
Where: Australian National Maritime Museum, 2 Murray Street, Sydney
Website: https://www.sea.museum/en/visit/tickets
Brittany: Down Under, Kirribilli
Get ready, Sydney, because Brittany is bringing the party straight to Kirribilli!
On Saturday, 1st February 2025, from 2 to 8pm, Sub Base Platypus will be buzzing with the Celtic spirit of the northwestern region of France, Brittany! The Bretons know how to throw a celebration, and this one is sure to be packed with joy, tradition, and unforgettable energy never before seen this side of the equator!
Whether you’re a Francophile, a foodie, or just love to party, this event is your ticket to the heart of Brittany, without the expensive plane ticket.
What to Expect:
- Vibrant Celtic music and traditional Breton circle dancing—don’t worry if you’re new to it! Their energetic dance classes will have everyone moving like a pro in no time!
- Delicious Breton cuisine, including Crêpes, Galettes, Oysters, Sea food and fresh Cider—flavours that will transport you straight to one of the yummiest regions in France
- Refreshing ice-cold drinks like fresh Beer, Rosé, Cider and more to sip on as you soak up the beautiful Sydney sun.
- Authentic experience of Breton culture through traditional crafts, fascinating stories, and an exciting Crêpe Suzette demonstration that will bring the taste of Brittany to life
When: 1st February 2025, 2pm – 8pm
Where: Sub Base Platypus, 120 High Street, Kirribilli
Jesus Christ: Superstar, Haymarket
The iconic global phenomenon has arrived in Australia with a new production that has received unprecedented acclaim and accolades during its US and UK tours, including an Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival.
This must-see musical features one of Australia’s most well-respected musicians and acclaimed recording artist, Michael Paynter and international stage sensation Robert Tripolino as Jesus. Joining them are the dynamic musical theatre star Javon King as Judas and soul and blues powerhouse Mahalia Barnes as Mary. Globally renowned comedian, singer, and writer Reuben Kaye plays Herod and rock theatrical star Peter Murphy portrays Pilate.
Featuring lyrics and music by Emmy, GRAMMY, Oscar and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR dramatises the final weeks of Jesus Christ’s life through the perspective of Judas. The legendary score features hits like “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” “Gethsemane,” and “Superstar.”
When: Season must end Sunday 26th January. Matinees available.
Where: The Capitol Theatre, 13 Campbell Street Haymarket
Website: https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/jesus-christ-superstar-tickets/artist/843994?month=2024-11
Cockatoo Island Sunset Sessions
Everyone’s favourite live music series is back! Grab tickets for Sunset Sessions 2025 and spend your Saturday afternoons in the heart of Sydney Harbour!
Join us for Sunset Sessions every Saturday* between 11 January to 5 April 2025. You’ll have an opportunity to picnic on the lawns of historic Biloela House, enjoy a jaw-dropping harbour views and be taken to your happy place by a diverse line-up of emerging artists, curated by The Music & Booze Co.
For $35 per person (children 12 and under free), you can enjoy an outdoor gig set against the breathtaking backdrop of Sydney Harbour. Food and refreshments from Marina Café & Bar will be available for purchase.
When: 11th January 2025 – 5th April 2025
Where: Bileola Lawn, Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour
Website: https://events.ticketbooth.com.au/event/sunset-sessions-live-music
Soapbox Orators at The Domain
Grab a coffee from the nearby cafe this summer and come over to Speaker’s Corner, the University for the People.
Steve Maxwell has a broad knowledge of Australian history and politics. His fresh and controversial approach will give you a point of view that might just change your mind!
Helmut Cerncic explains why Newtonian physics should no longer be taught in schools.
The sartorial Vladimir has a wide range of topics to suit users of social media, and he speaks from experience.
Mr Bashful has over 300 topics, so bring a question with you!
Angry Pete will explain why you should never give to charities.
And, if a passer-by has something to say, they might well be given five minutes to say it, up on The Ladder of Knowledge. So, come along and argue with the ratbags. Or get on a ladder and be one! If you decide you have had enough, they generously provide a large art gallery across the road.
When: Sundays 2pm – 5pm
Where: The Domain, Art Gallery Road, Sydney
Website: https://soapboxspeakers.wordpress.com/the-history-of-speakers-corner/
Swan Lake on Ice, Rooty Hill
This summer, the world’s premier theatrical ice-skating troupe The Imperial Ice Stars presents Swan Lake: On Ice, live on stage at the Coliseum Theatre.
Accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, dazzling costumes and breathtaking choreography, this reimagining of the classic love story will leave you speechless, with 23 championship-level skaters performing daring and graceful feats of contemporary dance in the intimacy of a frozen theatre stage.
This award-winning troupe has garnered five-star praise from audiences and critics alike, and performed at prestigious venues across the world – this is not one to miss!
When: 8th – 19th January 2025
Where: Sydney Coliseum Theatre, 33 Railway Street, Rooty Hill
Website: https://sydneycoliseum.com.au/whats-on/swan-lake-on-ice/
