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People dancing at S.A.S.H
Photograph: Supplied/S.A.S.H
Photograph: Supplied/S.A.S.H

The best things to do in Sydney this weekend

All the best ways to make the most of your weekend

Avril Treasure
Edited by Avril Treasure
Editor, Time Out Sydney
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Do you have a plans this weekend? You do now...

Did you hear the news? Iconic Sydney dance sesh S.A.S.H, held on Sundays for 15 years, is officially moving to Saturday nights. The legendary house music institution – known for throwing epic (and sweaty) dance parties – will now go down every Saturday at Carousel on Oxford Street. Looking for more places to party? Check out our guide to the best clubs in Sydney here.

The Affordable Art Fair kicks off at Carriageworks from Thursday, November 6 to Sunday, November 9. Expect to see beautiful works from more than 65 galleries, with pieces starting at $100 a pop.

Marrickville’s Factory Theatre is putting on free fun every Saturday and Sunday during daylight savings, called Freekin Weekends. Head on down to the sunny courtyard to boogie to ace live bands while enjoying a cold one (or two). Plus, if you sign up before, the guys will throw in a $5 bar credit, thanks to the legends from Hawkes Brewing. In this economy? We love to see it. Find out more here.

For a cultural hit, a gigantic interactive playground (for kids and adults) has appeared underground in the Nelson Packer Tank beneath the Art Gallery of NSW. Mike Hewson: The Key’s Under the Mat is showing right now – and it's free to enjoy.

If there’s one thing you do this weekend, I reckon it should be to see La Ronde at The Grand Electric in Redfern. I went recently week and was captivated from the get-go. Part circus, part comedy show, and 100 per cent a dazzling good night out. I promise you’ll love it. Find out more here.

The smash-hit musical The Lovers has landed in Sydney. Expect a banging pop soundtrack, an incredible live band and a fun twist on a Shakespearean classic. Grab your boots – Virginia Gay stars as a frontier heroine in Calamity Jane, the brilliant cult classic now on at the Opera House. Plus, gallop over to Hayes Theatre to see the crowd-pleasing spectacle that is Phar Lap. You can check out our full guide to all the shows on in Sydney here.

And if you want more boozy fun, you can check out Sydney's best bars here. Oh, and you can suss Sydney’s best restaurants and best affordable eats too.

Hope you have a cracking weekend.

Weather not looking so hot? Check out our list of the best things to do indoors in Sydney.

Looking for weekday fun? These are the best things to do in Sydney this week.

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 this weekend

Sydney Cellar Door

  • Things to do
  • Food and drink
  • The Rocks
Sydney Cellar Door
Sydney Cellar Door
Photograph: Supplied | Emma Elias
We could think of far worse ways to while away the hours than hopping in the car and travelling between New South Wales’ best wineries – from family owned boutiques to legendary bottle shop names. Alas, we are neither made of time, nor money, so NSW Wine is bringing Sydneysiders the next best thing: all the vendors in one spot. Think of Sydney Cellar Door as a massive open air version of your favourite vino dens (the largest Sydney has ever seen to be exact). More than 40 local wine producers will be on site for NSW Wine Month (yes, such a glorious occasion exists), and a handy dandy festival pack for $35 will give you five tokens and a reusable wine tumbler to explore whichever you choose. Entry is free so you can opt to grab your pack on the day but to skip the queue and feel fly while doing it, we recommend grabbing yours online in advance. Wine connoisseurs can opt for a $20 upgrade which will score you double the tokens. Some vineyards to look forward to include Leogate Estate Wines, Thomas Wines and Brokenwood Wines from the Hunter Valley; Philip Shaw Wines and Ross Hill from Orange; Lowe Family Wine Co and Robert Stein from Mudgee; and Cupitt’s Estate from the Shoalhaven. That’s not even close to the bottom of the barrel yet. You can meander through Sydney Cellar Door at First Fleet Park and Tallawoladah Lawn in The Rocks on November 8 and 9 from midday. Tickets start from $35 – get yours here.
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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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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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The Book of Mormon

  • Musicals
  • Haymarket
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended
The Book of Mormon
The Book of Mormon
Photograph: Supplied | Daniel Boud
As I’m on my way to Sydney's Capitol Theatre for the new Australian production of The Book of Mormon, my friend tells me it’s the very first musical a lot of people see. Created by South Park duo Trey Parker and Matt Stone (with Robert Lopez), the show’s reputation for extremely irreverent jabs at religion draws a non-traditional theatre crowd. What I now realise my friend didn’t mean was, “it’s often the first musical kids see”. When I say the musical is extremely irreverent, I mean it. The humour is crass, verging on grotesque (some things I wouldn’t dare repeat). So it’s probably questionable that I’ve brought along my 13-year-old son with me. That said, he loves it.  Some of the humour is classic teen boy (i.e. a regular exclamation from one of the Ugandan characters that he has “maggots in my scrotum”). Very South Park. My son laughs loudly with the rest of the audience – and when the jokes go too far, he cringes, glancing around with a “should I be laughing at this?” look. Although the shock value is high, it’s nice seeing a Gen Alpha-ite who’s been raised on Youtube and other screen-based entertainment bopping along in his seat to the song and dance of a stage show.    What’s the premise of The Book of Mormon? The Book of Mormon tells the story of two young Mormon missionaries sent to a small village in Uganda. Although the story centres on Mormonism, Parker and Stone have been known to refer to the show as an “atheist’s love letter to religion” – a wink and a jab...
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Affordable Art Fair

  • Art
  • Eveleigh
Affordable Art Fair
Affordable Art Fair
Photograph: Supplied/Affordable Art Fair
Looking to start building your art collection without going bankrupt? We’ve got you. The Affordable Art Fair is on right now in Sydney for its fourth year – this time taking over the cavernous halls of Carriageworks and marking the start of the progressive arts precinct’s Summer Program. From now until Sunday, November 9 2025, more than 65 galleries – representing hundreds of local and international artists – will gather under one roof for four days of creative inspiration. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a dedicated collector, you’re pretty much guaranteed to find something to fall in love with, with original works priced between $100 and $10,000. At the new Carriageworks location, expect an upgraded layout, more space to browse, and refreshed dining options – plus plenty of spots to linger, swirl a glass of Bird in Hand pinot like a seasoned critic. The 2025 line-up is packed with newcomers and fan favourites. Sydney’s N Smith Gallery joins the Fair for the first time, bringing works by Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro, Sally Scales, Louise Zhang and more. Paddington’s Art2Muse Gallery, Pyrmont’s Audrey Fine Art, and Woolloomooloo’s Frances Keevil Gallery will also make their hometown debuts. From further afield, Tyger Gallery (Yass) and Corner Store Gallery (Orange) will be showing colourful, textural pieces. Returning exhibitors include Woollahra’s Project Gallery, Day Gallery from the Blue Mountains, and the ever-eclectic Jumbled from Orange. Also back are the...
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Calamity Jane

  • Musicals
  • Sydney
  • price 2 of 4
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended
Calamity Jane
Calamity Jane
Photograph: SOH/Harvey House | Virginia Gay as Calamity Jane, 2025
Most of us know and love the whip-crackin’, brown-leather-pants-wearing character of Calamity Jane from her appearance in the 1953 movie musical of the same name starring Doris Day. This version of her sings like a Disney princess and has perfectly coiffed blonde hair, which is somewhat unrealistic for a woman who dressed in soldier’s uniforms in the 1880s, took responsibility for her six younger siblings, and could outshoot, outdrink and outswear any other man in her hometown of Deadwood, USA. Beloved Australian actor Virginia Gay’s interpretation of the famous Calamity irreverently, lovingly muddies up the too-perfect-movie-musical-version in a brand-new production that is positively stuffed with theatrical treats, now showing at the Opera House. It’s grimy, it’s silly, and the fourth wall is nowhere to be found. It’s also the biggest production since the original staging of this idea, which debuted in 2017 as part of the Neglected Musicals program at Hayes Theatre Co transforming Sydney Opera House’s studio theatre into a grand version of Deadwood’s Golden Garter saloon and theatre. The premise of Calamity Jane is this: Calamity is an unruly local of small-town Deadwood who rides with “Wild” Bill Hickok, and has a hopeless crush on second lieutenant Danny Gilmartin (despite her otherwise masculine appearance, Calamity is still very much a little emotional girl at heart). When the local theatre owner fails to secure a beautiful actress from New York, Calamity vows to...
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Back to the Future: The Musical

  • Darling Harbour
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended
Back to the Future: The Musical
Back to the Future: The Musical
Photograph: Daniel Boud
Great Scott! All the way from 1985 to 1955 and now 2025, Sydney has landed the opening of mega-movie musical Back to the Future: The Musical, complete with a superb ensemble, captivating visual effects and enough nostalgia to power a time-travelling DeLorean.  For full transparency, Back to the Future is one of my favourite films of all time. Growing up watching Michael J. Fox’s Marty McFly and Christopher Lloyd’s Dr. Emmett Brown travel through time across three films was a large part of my movie-watching childhood. So when it was announced that it would be getting a high-octane staging, I was both ecstatic and sceptical. However, like the show’s original writer (and now the musical’s) Bob Gale said, “we’re not going to do this unless we can do it right”.   Thankfully, of the musical version I can safely say – to borrow from the Doc – “IT WORKS!” What’s the premise of Back to the Future: The Musical? After uncovering an old folder of photos in his parents’ basement, Gale wondered, after seeing a high school version of his father, whether he would have been friends with him back then. “The answer is no,” he joked at the opening night bows. The result of this is classic ’80s nostalgia – in both setting and plot.  BTTF follows teenager Marty McFly in Hill Valley, 1985, whose life is less than spectacular. He dreams of being a rock 'n’ roll star but he’s told he’s too loud and a “slacker” like his father. His family are just as hopeless. None more so than his father George...
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Phar Lap: The Electro-Swing Musical

  • Musicals
  • Elizabeth Bay
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended
Phar Lap: The Electro-Swing Musical
Phar Lap: The Electro-Swing Musical
Photograph: John McRae
Every year, I wait with bated breath to see what original Australian musical the Hayes Theatre Company will put forward. In recent seasons, I’ve seen rock-singing country wrestlers, breakdancing zombies, and now – tap-dancing horses? Yes, Phar Lap: The Electro-Swing Musical gallops onto the Hayes stage with all the energy, heart and irreverent Aussie spirit you’d expect from this beloved company. Even for those unfamiliar with Australia’s horse-racing history, the name “Phar Lap” carries mythic weight – the underdog chestnut who became a national hero during the Great Depression, and whose story is forever tied to “the race that stops the nation.” This new musical takes that legend and runs with it, blending history and humour with plenty of high kicks to create a crowd-pleasing spectacle that’s equal parts hoofbeats and hope. What's the premise of Phar Lap: The Electro-Swing Musical? At the centre of the story is Harry Telford (Justin Smith, Into the Woods, The Dismissal, Dubbo Championship Wrestling), a down-on-his-luck trainer who’s never managed to produce a winner. His fortunes change when he stumbles upon Phar Lap (Joel Granger, Guys & Dolls, The Book of Mormon), a New Zealand–born thoroughbred with the makings of a champion. Sensing an opportunity, Telford strikes a precarious deal with the ever-money-hungry David Davis (Nate Jobe, Shrek the Musical). To get Phar Lap into winning form, the unlikely pair must navigate the horse’s relationship with his jockey Jim Pike...
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Carriageworks Farmers Market

  • Shopping
  • Markets
  • Eveleigh
Carriageworks Farmers Market
Carriageworks Farmers Market
It’s imperative that you do not eat before you visit the Carriageworks Farmers Markets. You’ll want to save maximum belly space for your personal version of The Bachelorette where you decide who gets your dollars and what delicious produce gets to come home with you. Maybe you like something soupy and savoury first thing? In that case head to Bar Pho for a traditional Vietnamese start to the day. On the veggie train? Hit up Keppos St Kitchen for a falafel breakfast, or head to Food Farm for a classic bacon and egg roll.Once the hounds of your hunger have been quieted it’s time to prepare for your next meal, or seven. Stock up on artisan cheese from Leaning Oak, smoked salmon from Brilliant Foods and Sydney’s favourite sourdough from AP Bakery and brunch is sorted. You can spend a whole lot of money if you want to here, but equally you could just grab a kombucha on tap from Herbs of Life and find a chair for some of the best dog-watching in the city.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel tips and city insights, straight to your inbox. Hungry for more? Look at our list of the best markets in Sydney – produce or otherwise. 

Suntory Bar at Prefecture 48

  • Cocktail bars
  • Sydney
Suntory Bar at Prefecture 48
Suntory Bar at Prefecture 48
Photograph: Supplied | Jiwon Kim
Most people know a Suntory beverage. Maybe it’s the mega popular Minus 196 cans, the ultimate to-go Boss Coffee, the refined Roku Gin or premium Japanese whiskies. What we guarantee you *don’t* know is just how many popular labels it owns: think everything from Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark to Canadian Club. And now, you can experience more than 125 years of Suntory’s history and innovation all in one place – for the next three months. Say hello to Sydney’s new Suntory Bar. The Japanese spirit company has chosen the city’s only Japanese culture and dining precinct, Prefecture 48 on Sussex Street, as host for the residency. The moody Whisky Thief bar with gorgeous historic artwork and marbletop counters is the place to be when you clock off. Choose between timeless highballs, signature serves, special cocktails, RTDs, The Premium Malt beer and whisky flights crafted by the team at Prefecture 48 in collaboration with Suntory.  The must-try tipple of the affair is the Highball. While it’ll be dished up with a range of Suntory whiskies (it’s what Suntory’s known for in Japan), we say try the spotlight cocktail, the Hakushu Highball, first. Not only is it a refreshing mix of Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve, soda and mint, but it’s been paired with an exclusive snack from the genius Michelin Star chef Tetsuya Wakuda (you know, from *the* Tetsuya’s). Now’s the chance to sample Wakuda’s cuisine since his eminent Sydney restaurant closed last year – that’s a golden opportunity if we ever...
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