Sydney Festival’s best free and cheap events in 2023

Lock yourself in solitude inside the safe of an Art Deco hotel. English jazz musician and spoken word poet Alabaster DePlume has prepared a piece, in isolation, for you to experience in your own isolation. Promising poetry and soundscapes that no one else will ever hear.

January 10-29, Kimpton Margot Hotel, 39 Pitt St. $29+BF.

There’s a very good chance you’ve strolled by it a hundred times walking through the CBD, but now Sydneysiders will be able to discover what’s inside the distinctive ‘Mushroom Building’ in Martin Place. During Sydney Festival, the below-ground level is opening up for a limited time only, as this unpretentious and unrenovated space transports Sydneysiders back to a '70s-style underground live-music haunt. Across 16 nights of eclectic, cutting-edge music programming, visitors to the Fest’s pop-up after-dark venue can hear punk to pop, jazz to metal, indie to ambient and plenty in between. And, of course, there will be ample opportunities for a dance. Expect performances from Alice Skye, Lil Silva, Potion, Party Dozen, Coloured Stone, HTRK and more.

January 5-29. The Weary Traveller is at the CTA Business Club, Martin Place. Entry from $29. 

Head down to the bowling alley for an inspiring, involving and highly original all-ages dance work. Adelaide’s award-winning company Restless Dance Theatre brings its movement magic straight to the heart of a Sydney games arcade for a family day out with a difference. Performed across the lanes and around the audience, Guttered is both captivating and playful, as it explores the power of making one’s own mistakes, and the ways people living with disability are often over-protected. Bring the kids and make a day of it by enjoying a game or two after the show. As the only patrons allowed in the arcade on performance days, Guttered audience members will have the run of the place.

January 18-20. Kicks Tenpin & Arcade, Parramatta Leagues Club. $20-$30+BF.

Sydney Town Hall will be filled with 26 tonnes of sand for this operatic experience that must be seen to be believed. Sun & Sea is a durational English-language opera work performed in the round (and on the sand), and viewed from the balcony above. Written and created by Lithuanian artists Rugilė Barzdžiukaitė, Vaiva Grainytė, and Lina Lapelytė, this sensory performance confronts themes of climate emergency with humour and power.

January 6-8. Sydney Town Hall, 483 George Street. $39+BF.

Nineties nostalgia just got physical. To a soundtrack of floor-filling bangers from what was arguably pop’s finest era. This high-energy circus-comedy-cabaret extravaganza is a toe-tapping love letter to the style, music and sass of the 1990s. The show is stacked with big tricks and even bigger characters, like world-famous hula hooper Lisa Lottie, musclebound strong woman Cassie Jamieson and celebrated circus legend Vincent Van Berkel. Throw on some Spandex, a cute choker and some low-rise jeans and get ready for an over-the-top ensemble performance that will suck you into an Oz Style fever dream.

January 12-22. The Seymour Centre, Chippendale. $30-$59+BF.

Step into a den of delight in the heart of Sydney Festival. Cabaret's rare jewel and your host for the evening, Andrew Bukenya, will invite you into Darlo’s intimate underground space to join in a night of frivolity, glamour and delight. Joining you in our piano bar will be the cream of Sydney’s music scene, including legends of cabaret, classical, jazz and musical theatre. With a different guest every night, Darlo Supper Club is the place to be to sip Champagne, devour delicious delicacies and be delighted by Andrew and his guests.

January 24-29. Eternity Playhouse, Darlinghurst. $45+BF.