Things to do in Sydney today

It’s been a big few months for movies, with Sentimental Value, Marty Supreme and Wuthering Heights taking over Sydney’s big screens in a spectacular succession of cinematic treats, and open-air cinemas popping up all across the city. Now, after a six year break, the world’s largest short film festival is coming back to the Harbour City, returning to Centennial Park on Sunday, February 22 for one big celebration of cinema under the stars. Completely free and open to all, Tropfest is one of Sydney’s most beloved summer traditions – a sprawling picnic-friendly event where thousands of movie fans gather on the grass to watch the country’s most exciting emerging filmmakers premiere their work on the big screen. This year, 16 finalist short films will be screened across one electric evening, judged by a jury led by Australia’s golden girl Margot Robbie. Gates open at midday, with entertainment rolling throughout the afternoon. Expect festival energy, plenty of space to sprawl, and live music setting the tone before the main event. As the sun dips, the energy will ramp up with a live performance from Budjerah, before the official screenings kick off in the early evening. The main show will begin on centre stage as the finalist films screen from 7pm, with the trophy presentation scheduled for 10pm. Can’t make it to Centennial Park in person? You can still tune in via the livestream from home. You can find out more and register over here.Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time...

For people of Islamic faith, Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year. During this time, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. But once the sun sets, iftar begins – a fast-breaking feast that runs late into the night, bringing family and friends together to enjoy an array of rich treats and moreish morsels. To coincide with this time of year, Sydney’s popular month-long celebration Lakemba Nights is back, running every Thursday to Sunday from February 19 to March 15, 2026. RELATED READ: The 5 must-try dishes at Sydney's Lakemba Nights Ramadan markets. What time does Lakemba Nights during Ramadan open and close? From 6pm until 2am, Thursday through to Sunday, more than 60 local businesses will transform Lakemba’s Haldon Street into a vibrant, global food bazaar with traditional cuisine from Indonesia, Burma, Pakistan, India, Lebanon, the Cocos Islands, Syria and more. Time Out tip: We recommend getting there early, around 6pm, and making a beeline straight for the busiest stalls (they're the ones with fences up for lines!). It’s not only Sydney’s Muslim communities that comes together during Lakemba Nights – people of all backgrounds are welcome to flock to sample the fare of pop-up kitchens and food trucks lining Haldon Street. What started as a single street barbecue back in 2012 has grown into what many consider one of Australia's best places to celebrate the ancient tradition, with the event from previous years drawing in more than one million people across the...

Make your next Sunday session sparkle with a brunch that screams summer. Taking place on the rooftop of the gorgeously decked out Woolly Bay Hotel, Ovata Sundays promises a whole heap of bubbles and banging tunes.  While you’d be hard pressed to find a decent all-inclusive brunch in Sydney for less than $100, let alone less than $80 – Ovata Sundays delivers on value and good vibes. For just $75, you’ll score a dedicated spritz menu (including a citrusy number and a classic Hugo spritz), Ovata sparkling wine (including the newly launched Ovata by Oakridge Sparkling Rosé) and fresh canapés for an hour and a half – all while a DJ is mixing it up on the decks from 3pm to 5pm.  For nibbling on, there will be pork san choy bow, wagyu sandos, citrus-cured salmon bites and jamon croquettes – don’t mind if we do. If you’re feeling a bit more peckish there are other deliciously paired items you can add-on like South Coast rock oysters and tempura Yamba prawns. Plus, if you like what you’re drinking, you can score special deals on glasses and bottles of Ovata by Oakridge wine on the day.  Rather a mid-week bevvy? Arturo’s is putting on spritz specials from 4.30pm to 5.30pm on Wednesdays to Sundays. Get the crew together for Ovata Sundays on Arturo’s Rooftop from February 15 to April 19 (excluding March 29). Seatings are $75pp – bookable on the hour from midday – and you can lock yours in here.

If you’re ready to zhuzh up your walls with a piece of real artwork, you’ve now got all the more reason to take that big step. The Barnardos Unbound Art Show returns to Sydney with works from emerging and established artists to raise money for a good cause. This year, the mixed-media art show is expanding with a free two-week long public exhibition for the first time. Taking over The Garden Gallery at the Botanic Gardens from February 13 to 24, you can catch an up-close look at all the donated pieces including sculpture, photography, paintings and printworks. If you’re hoping to get your hands on an exclusive local artwork, the online auction is currently underway with bidding closing at 9pm on February 12. In line with the theme of Place to Belong, all the works donated tell a story of belonging with artists such as Antoinette Ferwerda, George Hall, Ken Done, Leah Thiessen and Vicki Lee contributing pieces.  The funds raised will go towards Barnardos’ safety and prevention programs, which are committed to improving the wellbeing of children in need and creating a better future for them.  To make a bid in the auction you can find the full line-up here, or for more info on the exhibition head here. 

If your summer calendar could use a little magic, this mesmerising event might be just the ticket. For two sparkly evenings this February – Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 – the Lakeside Lawn at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan will be transformed into a shimmering field of light thanks to the return of the beloved Water Lantern Festival.From 5pm, gates will open to a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with food trucks, live music and plenty of space to sprawl out on a picnic rug. As the sun dips lower, guests will be invited to decorate their own eco-friendly lantern – writing messages, drawing symbols or illustrating moments of hope, healing, love or gratitude. Some mark milestones or personal wins, others honour memories or simply set intentions for what’s next.RELATED READ: Here's everything you need to know about Mount Annan Botanic Gardens As twilight settles in, the experience will reach its emotional peak. From 8pm, hundreds of softly glowing lanterns will be released onto the water, creating a moving, almost meditative spectacle as they drift across the lake. Each lantern is made from biodegradable materials and collected after the event, ensuring the garden’s precious environment remains protected. The Water Lantern Festival is an alcohol-free and deliberately inclusive event, making it a perfect summer outing for families. Visitors are encouraged to bring a camping chair or blanket, along with sunscreen, bug spray and weather-appropriate clothing – this is...