The Chrissy holidays might be winding down, but summer activities are just getting warmed up! From family events to sunset concerts, and Australia Day celebrations as well, here’s what’s happening across the Beaches and beyond…
Circus on the Sand, South Narrabeen
This free event is back again for 2026, where all are welcome to enjoy of live circus performance and workshops. Performers and other circus enthusiasts are also invited to bring their gear along for a jam with Swoop Physical Theatre – so stay tuned for further announcements!
📍 South Narrabeen Surf Lifesaving Club: 1198 Pittwater Rd, Narrabeen
📅 Saturday 24th January 2026: From 2pm
🌐 https://www.facebook.com/events/3168510359976274/
Q Station Sunset Sessions, Manly
Live music, fine wine and gourmet snacks- the perfect accompaniment to a sunset over the stunning Sydney Harbour. With a lineup of talented local artists and fine wine and finger food to enjoy, the Q Station Sunset sessions have become a Beaches summer staple.
📍 South Narrabeen Surf Lifesaving Club: 1198 Pittwater Rd, Narrabeen
📅 Saturday Nights until the 21st March 2026 (Farewell Session): From 3:30 – 7pm. See website for session times and artists.
🌐 https://qstation.com.au/event/sunset-sessions/2025-12-07/
Sunday Sessions on The Deck, Pittwater RSL
Wind down your weekend at Pittwater RSL’s Sunday Sessions, a free series of live music performances complete with drinks, food, and overall good summer vibes. Catch up with friends and enjoy local talent in this vibrant community hub.
📍 Pittwater RSL: 82 Mona Vale Road, Mona Vale
📅 Sunday Afternoons until Sunday 22nd February 2026: From 2pm – 5pm.
🌐 https://www.facebook.com/events/861790059520935/861790089520932/
Sun Run 2026, Dee Why
Northern Beaches Council’s 16 annual Sun Run is set to kick off on the 31st January 2026. Entrants of all fitness levels can complete 7km or 10km runs from the picturesque Dee Why to Manly Beach. This year, the race aims to raise over $100 000 for charities across Australia – so if you’re not racing, be sure to cheer on our local runners!
📍 The Strand, Dee Why to Manly Beach, Manly
📅 Saturday 31st January 2026: From 6:30am – see website for specific event times.
🌐 https://www.sunrun.com.au/
Cole Classic Swim 2026
The world’s biggest ocean swim event returns for 2026 on the 1st February – entries are now open for the Cole Classic! Join thousands of swimmers as they swim from Shelly Beach to Manly Surf Life Saving Club. This year, entrants can pick between 1km, 2km and 5km swims. Early bird spots are limited, so book in quickly!
📍 Shelly Beach to Manly Surf Life Saving Club
📅 Sunday 1st February 2026: 7am – 12pm
🌐 https://coleclassic.com.au/
Australia Day Weekend at Harbord Diggers
There’s plenty on all weekend long at the Harbord Diggers:
‘Saturday 24 Jan: TAB & Sky Sport Takeover in the Sports Bar – big screens, live odds, and beer specials.
Sunday 25 Jan: Ultimate Aussie BBQ Raffle – win epic prizes while enjoying classic BBQ vibes.
Monday 26 Jan: Venue-wide celebrations with Aussie décor, live music, parmi eating competition and family entertainment.
Plus, Buckets of 4 for $32 (Members pricing)* on Coronas & Baltzer Cervas – available from the main bar.’
📍 Harbord Diggers: 88 Evans Street, Freshwater
📅 Saturday January 24th – Monday January 26th 2026: open 8am – 2am – see schedule for specific events
🌐 https://www.harborddiggers.com.au/whats-on/weekly-activities
Australia Day Long Weekend at The Mona
This Australia Day Long Weekend, The Mona has live music, family activities and chill vibes running across all three days:
Sat 24th Jan | Live Music from 4pm, Jack Dawson, Greg Nunan & The General Jacksons
Sun 25th Jan | Kids Petting Zoo from 2pm
Mon 26th Jan | Kids Face Painting & Balloon Twisting
Entry is free, and bookings are recommended via their website.
📍 The Mona: 2 Park Street, Mona Vale
📅 Saturday January 24th – Monday January 26th 2026: Open from 10am
🌐 https://themona.com.au/whats-on/Australia-day
Australia Day Eve Open Air Cinema, Warriewood
Before the Australia Day celebrations start, head to Pittwater Rugby (Rat) Oval for a FREE outdoor movie screening. Bring a picnic rug and enjoy snacks from food trucks as you watch Kangaroo (2025) under the stars. For venue-specific instructions and movie details, see the website below.
📍 Pittwater Rugby (Rat) Park: Warriewood
📅 Sunday 25th January 2026: Gates open from 5:30pm, movie commences at 6:30pm
🌐 https://events.humanitix.com/australia-day-eve-open-air-cinema-rat-park-warriewood-sunday-25-january-2026
The Great Aussie Parmi-Off, Harbord Diggers
Do you love a parmi? Do you really love a parmi? For $20, you can enter Harbord Diggers’ Great Aussie Parmi-Off this Australia day – first to finish wins a $150 voucher (and ultimate bragging rights!)
📆Monday 26th January 2026: Registrations open from 1pm
📍 Harbord Diggers Ocean Terrace: 88 Evans Street, Freshwater
🌐Instagram Announcement
Australia Day Pool Party, Warringah Aquatic Centre Frenchs Forest
Spend Australia Day poolside at the Warringah Aquatic Centre, with free entry to their pool between 9am and 12pm. Climb on their giant inflatable obstacle course, groove with their live DJ, and even get a temporary glitter tattoo!
📅 Monday 26th January 2025: Free entry from 9am – 12pm, fees apply for later entry.
🌐https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/whats-on/australia-day-pool-party-warringah-aquatic-centre
Splash Into Australia Day, Andrew Boy Charlton Aquatic Centre Manly
This Australia Day, enjoy free pool entry, as well as an inflatable obstacle course, live DJ and face painting!
📍 Andrew Boy Charlton Aquatic Centre: 1 Kenneth Road, Manly
📅 Monday 26th January 2025: 1pm – 4pm
🌐https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/whats-on/splash-australia-day
Australia Day Breakfast, Newport Beach
From 7:30am – 11:30am, all are welcome for a BBQ breakfast as well as fun activities for the whole family. Events include live music, amusement rides, coffee and icecream, and a thong-throwing competition!
📍 Newport Beach
📅 Monday 26th January 2025: 7:30am – 11:30am
🌐 Facebook announcement post
The Hottest Summer Events Beyond The Beaches
Sydney Festival 2026
Kicking off 2026 with a bang, this year’s Sydney Festival promises a vibrant range of live performance events from musicians, artists, dancers, and even roller derby players! Events are scheduled all across Sydney from the 8th – 25th January, and there’s plenty to enjoy for all tastes. Plus, the lineup features a range of low-cost and free-to-attend events – so why not take a chance on something new?
Thursday 8th – Sunday 25th January 2026
https://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/
Waterworld Central, The Entertainment Quarter
This is no ordinary water park – with a whole range of exciting slides, inflatables and activities, Waterworld Central promises an adventurous day of summer fun like no other. With thrill rides for those looking for an adrenaline rush and relaxing chilled-out pools for those who just want to relax, this is not one to miss!
Where: The Showring, The Entertainment Quarter Moore Park
When: Daily from 9th – 26th January 2026. See website for session times.
Tickets: From $40. Free entry for spectators.
Website: https://www.entertainmentquarter.com.au/visit/waterworld-central/
Darling Harbour Fireworks
In case the New Years Eve fireworks display over the Harbour Bridge wasn’t enough, Darling Harbour is set to be lit up by fireworks every Saturday night with weekly displays from the 3rd of January to the 14th of February at 9pm. Grab a bite to eat from one of the many excellent local cafes and restaurants, and watch the city light up with colour – we recommend the views from Pyrmont Bridge!
Darling Harbour
Saturday 3rd January – 14th February 2026: Weekly on Saturday nights at 9pm. Subject to change based on weather conditions, see website for more details.
https://www.darlingharbour.com/whats-on/campaigns/fireworks
North Sydney Outdoor Cinema
From new releases to old favourites like the iconic Mamma Mia!, there’s plenty on at the Sunset Cinema in North Sydney! Watch the sun set over the scenic North Sydney Oval and enjoy a double feature like no other. The venue also features licensed food trucks and snack bars too – so bring a picnic, or grab dinner there!
North Sydney Oval, 2 Fig Tree Lane
Thursday 18th December 2025 – Saturday 14th March 2026: See website for session details
https://sunsetcinema.com.au/north-sydney/
OpenAir Cinema on Sydney Harbour
If the big screen at North Sydney Oval isn’t big enough, how about the even bigger one overlooking Sydney Harbour? Situated just off the Botanic Gardens, the Westpac OpenAir Cinema season is about to kick off for the summer, screening all the newest flicks against a backdrop of Sydney’s most iconic sites. If you’ve never tried it, consider this your sign – it’s earned a reputation as one of Sydney’s bucket-list staples.
Westpac OpenAir Cinema: Mrs Macquarie’s Point, Sydney
Friday 9th January – Tuesday 24th February 2026: See website for session details
https://westpacopenair.com.au/
Twilight At Taronga 2026
The annual Twilight At Taronga Summer Concert Series combines Sydney’s iconic harbour views with world-class musical acts and a love for Australia’s unique wildlife. The lineup includes acts for all ages, and additional shows have already added, with some sold out already – so be sure to book in quickly to secure your spot!
Twilight At Taronga: 1 Bradley’s Head Road, Mosman
Friday 6th February – Saturday 7th March 2026: See website for lineup and session times.
https://twilightattaronga.org.au/
Ocean Photographer Of The Year at the Australian National Maritime Museum
The world’s leading ocean photography competition has returned to the Australian National Maritime museum for another year, displaying more than 15 000 entries from photographers worldwide. Two Australian photographers made this year’s list of winners, including Marcia Riederer in the Fine Art Category for her shot of a Dwarf Minke Whale on the Barrier Reed, while Craig Parry took the Human Connection category with his drone image of a stranded Humpback Whale on Seven Mile Beach.
Whether you’re a keen photographer or just someone who appreciates the beauty of the ocean, this year’s exhibition is sure to inspire and dazzle you with its natural, nautical beauty.
Australian National Maritime Museum: 2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour
Open until the 3rd May 2026: See website for session times.
https://www.sea.museum/en/whats-on/exhibitions/ocean-photographer-of-the-year
The Beach Exhibition at the Australian National Maritime Museum
Enjoy all things sun, sea, surf and sand at the Maritime Museum’s The Beach, an exhibition celebrating the beauty of the beach in summer. With immersive installations, hands-on activities and iconic works from Anne Zahalka, Max Dupain, Lola Ryan, Charles Meere and Ken Done, The Beach invites you to reflect on your relationship to this iconic Australian pastime, and how you shape and are shaped by the coastal world.
Australian National Maritime Museum: 2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour
Open until the 1st February 2026: See website for session times.
Know of any other great events on for the summer?Please get in touch via northernbeaches@thelivingcollective.com.au and we’ll add them in!
Main Image: Cole Classic
