Things to do in Sydney today

Rugby league’s greatest rivalry hits fever pitch this July, as New South Wales and Queensland go head-to-head in the 2025 Ampol State of Origin decider. To celebrate Game III landing in Sydney, adidas is making sure everyone can get in on the action — even if you’re not heading to the stadium. From July 3–9, adidas is transforming its Pitt Street store into the House of Blue, a free, action-packed hub celebrating the Westpac NSW Blues this Origin Week. Whether you’re backing the Blues or just tuning in for Australia’s biggest sporting showdown, this is the place to kick off Origin Week and get into the spirit. Head in store between 11am and 2pm daily and you can score access to a complimentary nail art and tattoo studio, test your luck with the Locker Lucky Dip (think signed jerseys, vouchers and match tickets), and get your gear sorted with free customisation on any apparel purchase over $60. You’ll find everything: from men’s and women’s jerseys to training hoodies, gym shorts, tees and even retro jerseys. Whether you opt for nail art, tattoos or merch, it’s the perfect chance to show your stripes. This marks the first time adidas is backing the NSW Blues men’s and women’s teams, and it’s clear they’ve gone all out for the home crowd. Now that you’re all kitted out, it's time to tackle your game day plan. Heading to Accor Stadium this July 9? With 80,000 seats to fill, make sure you plan ahead to avoid the crowds. Or, skip the queues altogether and let someone else take...

Considering that when Luna Park opened in 1935, the only other major attraction in Sydney was the Sydney Cricket Ground, the Art Deco amusement park has long been a significant site for the city – an important destination for escapism, especially considering it opened during the Depression. Although new rides have cropped up over the years, the heritage-listed park has retained a lot of its original features – which is why there was a lot of hype when Luna Park announced that it would be opening a brand-new, first-of-its kind, high-tech attraction back in late 2023. After a bumper first season, Dream Circus – the immersive experience created right here by a bunch of talented Sydney creatives and technicians – is back.  This week, Luna Park swung open the doors to a high-tech ‘Magic Box’ inside the existing 3,000 square metre Big Top building – a venue for the immersive adventure that is ‘Dream Circus’. Time Out got a sneak peek at Dream Circus before opening day, and we have to say, it’s hard to sum up in a few sentences what you’re in for. It’s part-3D movie, where actors take you on an adventure through the circus, to the seaside, underwater and into magical dream-like states. It’s part-musical, except that the action envelops you on three sides of the room, as well as the floor and ceiling. It’s a little like a Van Gogh Alive or Frida Kahlo multi-sensory exhibition, except that rather than images being projected onto flat wall and floor surfaces, the set is built with...

If you’ve had your eyes peeled, you would have noticed an epic market stalls series taking over South Eveleigh the last few weeks. Titled ‘Loco Markets’, the six week-long event brings a new theme, new vendors and new bites to Locomotive Street each week. Next on the list? A massive NAIDOC week celebration.  The team behind Loco Markets has collaborated with Awesome Black – a First Nations creative agency – to bring live performances, soundscapes, live podcast recordings, art workshops and more to the precinct. Catch them from July 8 to 13 to celebrate this year’s NAIDOC theme: ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision, Legacy’. At the markets, you won’t hear live music like you know it; there’ll be rotating musicians throughout the week including Lamonay, Elina Roberts Turner, Kyarna, Jake Magi and Tim Gray. A lunchtime dance club with First Nations DJs and headline performances from acclaimed artists Eric Avery, salllvage and Dobby are also on the line-up. There’s also plenty of fun for the family to get involved in. You can look forward to a talk from EarthSpeak illustrator Jade Goodwin on the beauty of our natural world, and join a family music workshop from First Nations music composer Dyagula. Prefer appreciating art than making it? Peruse the Trading Blak stalls for uber-talented products from 100 per cent Blak-owned businesses like Ngurrbul Clothing, Indigiearth, Jarin Street, and Balgarra Designs. Some of the vendors will even be sharing their expertise in mini...

Sydney’s Darling Harbour is turning to ice. No, the great big body of water that surrounds our city hasn't hit sub-zero temperatures (although you’d be forgiven for thinking it has based on recent weather) but rather an ice skating rink has arrived in town. Have you always wanted to try a triple axel? Or maybe Home Alone 2 is your favourite cosy movie thanks to the Rockefeller Centre ice skating rink. Well, now is your chance to live out those dreams under our very own city skyline.  If you’re looking for a date night idea or something to occupy (read: tire out)  the kids then this is just the ticket for you. From Saturday, June 28 until Sunday, July 20, you can head on down to the harbourside precinct to strap on the skates and glide like a majestic penguin – or clamber around like Bambi on ice. Knee pads aren’t included, so it might be wise to wear a thick pair of pants to cushion any falls.  Once you’ve had your dash on the rink you may be ready to grab a bite to eat or rest your weary legs. Thankfully, Darling Harbour is within walking distance of plenty of Sydney’s very best restaurants and most delightful cheap eats.  If you love to romanticise winter, skating beneath the lights of Sydney’s CBD towers sounds like the perfect way to lean into the cooler months. The rink is open daily from 10am until 9pm at the Palm Grove Forecourt, and skating costs $28 per adult, $20 for children and $15 for toddlers. Skating penguins can be booked for an extra $10 to keep the little...

The Hunter Valley gets cold in winter. Real cold. Come mid-year, temperatures in one of New South Wales’ most popular wine country destinations drop to the single digits. What’s worse than feeling the bite in the air is when you’re not even compensated with piles of fluffy snow for your troubles.The Hunter Valley Gardens took matters into their own hands and for one month and one month only, have created a spectacle of a winter wonderland for the whole family. The botanical venue already takes the cake for the largest Christmas light display in the Southern Hemisphere so expect nothing short of magnificent for their ‘Christmas in July’, if you will. In terms of the kids (and kids-at-heart) burning off some steam, there will be a mega snow play zone for snowman building and snow angel making, a 45-metre ice slide toboggan, and an ice skating rink. When you’re ready to thaw out, you can step away from the chilly action and grab a bite to eat from the food stalls dishing up all the fan favourites, from woodfired pizzas and burgers, to souvlaki plates and dumplings. For dessert, load up on warm doughnuts, crepes and ice snow cones. Who said chilly treats are only for summertime?To keep the fun times rolling, the Hunter Valley Gardens will still be operating their permanent rides, like the teacups, carousel, superslide and ferris wheel that you can purchase additional ticket passes for.  Snow Time in the Garden begins on Saturday, June 28 and runs until Sunday, July 27....