The best gigs to see in Sydney this winter

Looking for affordable winter entertainment? We’ve got you. From Thursday, June 26 until Saturday, July 19, Barangaroo’s architecturally spectacular Pier Pavilion is playing host to a series of magical alfresco concerts, and they’re totally free to attend. Curated by Musica Viva Australia, Nocturne will comprise a series of transporting soundscapes – brought to life under the stars by talented Sydney instrumentalists.Running every Thursday to Sunday from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, the free shows are the perfect pre-, post- or mid-date experience – with stunning contemporary chamber music and classical interpretations of modern songs performed in the open air by artists including Trio Histoire, Continuum Sax, Alma Moodie Quartet and The Song Company.  Just steps away from Barangaroo metro station, Pier Pavilion is easy to reach from around the city. If you’d rather stay in the area, Barangaroo is home to some excellent restaurants (A’mare and Anason, to name a few), and some of the most charming old-world bars in Sydney (including Henry Deane and The Lord Nelson) are within easy walking distance. Keen? You can learn more over here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED:  Want fun now? Here’s what’s on in Sydney this weekend.In the mood for a show? Here’s our list of the best theatre to see in Sydney this month.And these are the best bars and pubs for live music in Sydney.

To bring a little musical joy to the Harbour City through the cooler months, Sydney’s historic waterside precinct The Rocks is hosting free jazz performances every Thursday throughout autumn and winter – with live performances by musicians from around Australia. Jazz Sessions in The Rocks will run from 6pm until 8.30pm every Thursday from Thursday, April 3 until Thursday, September 25 – so there’s plenty of time to catch the star-lit shows.  Want to keep the music going? From 8.30pm until 10.30pm every Thursday, ocal distillery Hickson House Distilling Co  will be hosting a later-night jazz set, and serving up an excellent dinner deal: $35 for a signature cheeseburger and fries, paired with a masterfully crafted gin and tonic. The line-up so far includes harmonic duo Aaron Flower and Kate Wadey, the dynamic vocalist Leah Berry and Sydney-based ensemble Zodiac Quartet.The events are free to attend and there’s no need to book. You can learn more over here. 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:  Want more evening entertainment? These are the best bars and pubs in Sydney for live music. And these are the best shows to catch in Sydney this month. Need fun now? Here’s what’s on in Sydney this week

There are very few buildings as special as Sydney Opera House. Even for Sydneysiders who love to throw shade on our beautiful city, the magnificent harbourside venue is almost universally loved – its uniquely organic arc defining Sydney’s world-famous skyline. And while most people who head to the House for a show have sat within the insulated walls of the Concert Hall or the Playhouse, fewer lucky visitors have been treated to a show in the Utzon Room: a stunning glass-walled space with views across the water to Sydney’s beautiful Botanic Garden.   Named after Danish architect Jørn Utzon, the Utzon Room is an intimate, 200-person space that gives guests an entirely different Opera House experience – one in which Sydney’s harbour plays a pivotal role. For the past 17 years, the secret waterfront venue has played host to a carefully-curated series of performances as an ode to the creative ambition of the man behind the House. Utzon Music is a year-long event series that celebrates awe-inspiring art, bringing world-renowned musicians into the small, unassuming space for afternoon performance set against the silent hum of the harbour.   For its 18th edition, Utzon Music is back under the direction of renowned arts advocate, performer, composer and recorder virtuoso Genevieve Lacey. For Utzon Music 2025, Lacey has programmed a diverse showcase of soloists and chamber musicians for ten super special one-off performances – with a vision of celebrating “human curiosity and...