Around Sydney

Theatre fans, take note. Sydney Theatre Company – Sydney’s largest and most prominent theatre producer – has just dropped the details for its 2026 season. The beautifully varied 2026 season will comprise 13 productions, with more than 80 beloved and emerging performers set to take to the stage throughout the year. Following Kip Williams' departure from the company, the 2026 season will be the first curated by new Artistic Director Mitchell Butel, who joined STC in late 2025. Reflecting on what theatre-goers can expect in 2026, Butel described the 2026 program as a "season of dream teams: celebrating the diversity of Australian storytelling. Highlights from STC’s 2026 season will include three world premieres of brand-new Australian works, the Australian Premiere of the most awarded Broadway play of 2025, the Sydney premiere of a new Australian musical and a handful of other Australian and international plays. If you’re keen to see something new, get in line for the season’s key world premieres: Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical (from award-winning writer and director Jack Yabsley), Bennelong in London (by Jane Harrison, the brilliant playwright behind The Visitors and Stolen) and Strong is the New Pretty by Olivier Award-winning playwright Suzie Miller. Bennelong in London will be showing from July 24 until August 16 2026, Strong is the New Pretty will be playing from October 26 until December 5 2026, and Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical will be showing...

Sydney’s flagship architecture event is back for 2026, opening the doors to our city’s historically significant and architecturally inspiring spaces for one day only: Sunday, November 1. It’s the best day of the year for lovers of architecture, design, history, photography and storytelling to experience – plus those who simply enjoy a good stickybeak behind the scenes. Every year, thousands of ticketholders jump at the chance to explore these heritage spaces, skyhigh office towers, inspired hospo fit-outs, luxury hotels and civic buildings. Presented by Museums of History NSW, Sydney Open is a once-a-year opportunity to visit many spaces that are generally off-limits to the public, packed with opportunities to learn and hear stories from the architects, designers and people behind the scenes at these spaces, and take as many photos as you can.  This year’s program, ‘built for the curious’, so far includes City Recital Hall, City of Sydney Fire Station, The Mint, Prefecture 48, Clarence Place, Sydney Masonic Centre, Machine Hall, Hinchcliff House, Royal Automobile Club of Australia, and Kimpton Margot.  Plus, the second drop of buildings – which has just been announced – includes The Lands by Capella, Grace House, Deutsche Bank Place, Judge's House, Kimpton Margot, King + Kent, Machine Hall, The Press and many more. The day is designed so you can choose your own architectural adventures. Your ticket gives you an all-access pass, unlocking the doors to over 40 buildings and...

If you were under the impression that Sydney’s summer fun peaks in December, think again. Every summer, right after the dust settles from the Harbour City’s sparkling NYE fireworks display, Sydney Festival is waiting to take over the city with a hefty helping of fresh arts and culture. The huge multidisciplinary fest will be back again this summer, bringing three weeks of big-name comedy, international dance, live music and ambitious art to venues across Sydney. Running from January 7-25, 2027, the festival will take over stages, galleries and public spaces from the CBD to Bondi and Western Sydney, with a program of world premieres, free events and a whole heap of reasons to get out and about. Leading the lineup is comedy favourite Hannah Gadsby, who returns to Roslyn Packer Theatre with a new show exploring the defining moments that only make sense in hindsight. Over at The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre in Penrith, Western Sydney hip hop group ONEFOUR will join the Penrith Chamber Orchestra for a major new commission, pairing drill with a full string section. Yep, you read that right. There’s also a packed dance program, with international heavyweights including French collective (LA)HORDE, China’s TAO Dance Theater and acclaimed choreographers Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker and Radouan Mriziga. Perhaps our fave addition? At Barangaroo Reserve, participatory artist Benjamin Paul will transform old cars into plunge pools, hot tubs and saunas for waynapuni pools, an...