Around The Rocks

Thought-provoking. Boundary-pushing. Unapologetically disruptive. The elusive yet world-famous street artist Banksy has another exhibition coming to Sydney. If you missed the chance to see The Art of Banksy: Without Limits at Sydney Town Hall in 2024, you’re in luck. Banksy Limitless opens at The Rocks (155 George Street) on April 1, 2026 for a limited season, following a sold-out run in London.  This new showcase features more than 250 works, large-scale installations, sculptures, digital displays – plus an impressive state-of-the-art hologram experience. Visitors can uncover untold stories behind iconic works including Cinderella at Dismaland, London Zoo and Ice Cream Van, while immersive rooms and bold visual storytelling invite audiences to step inside Banksy’s provocative universe. Renowned for his sharp wit and unflinching social commentary, Banksy continues to challenge perspectives on politics, culture and human rights. In keeping with his humanitarian ethos, a portion of proceeds from Banksy Limitless will support the M.V. Louise Michel, an independent high-speed lifeboat rescuing migrants in distress. So much more than a traditional exhibition, Banksy Limitless is a powerful, multi-sensory experience that will pull you in. Don't miss it.  Ticket prices are from $42 for adults, $30 for children. Get your tickets here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox....

To bring a little musical joy to the Harbour City through the cooler months, Sydney’s historic waterside precinct The Rocks is once again transforming Thursday evenings into a free, open-air jazz experience – with Jazz Sessions in The Rocks returning for its third year in 2026. Running from Thursday May 7 until Thursday September 24, the series will take over The Rocks Square each week, delivering intimate live performances set against cobblestone laneways and heritage buildings in the heart of Sydney. Curated in partnership with SIMA (Sydney Improvised Music Association), the program spotlights Australia’s thriving contemporary jazz scene, with a rotating monthly line-up of artists. The opening month features standout acts including the Harley Coleman Trio and Billie McCarthy, with new performers announced at the start of each month to keep things fresh, spontaneous and ever-evolving. Event times (every Thursday) 6:30pm – 7:15pm – First set 7:15pm – 7:30pm – Interval 7:30pm – 8:15pm – Second set 8:30pm – Event concludes To complement the music, visitors can explore a range of nearby food and drink offerings across The Rocks, from fiery Thai at Snake Bark, freshly shucked oysters at Hooked & Harvest, and classic Italian at Sicilian. Pisa Slice will also be serving a $10 slice and soft drink combo every Thursday, while a pop-up bar will be pouring everything from mulled wine to and Spicy Mango Margaritas. Free entry. No bookings required. Sign us up. Find out more over...

In France, Bastille Day is a day of revolution and feisty celebrations. In Sydney, it’s about all that too – but also, cheese. Lots and lots of cheese. For 2026, it’s dialling things up even further with immersive wine experiences, a brand-new flea market and an expanded footprint that spills across the harbour foreshore. Vive la révolution! The four-day line-up of fêtes and activités returns under the banner of Bastille Festival, a free winter takeover celebrating the diverse culinary and cultural regions of France. This year’s festivities will unfold from Thursday, July 16 to Sunday, July 19, stretching across Circular Quay and The Rocks – with an expanded footprint that links surrounding spaces through music, performance and pop-up experiences. Unsurprisingly, foodies are especially well catered for. Expect French street-food favourites like raclette (melted, grilled cheese heaven), crêpes, escargots and macarons, alongside chef collaborations and globally inspired dishes reimagined with French flair. With more than 130 exhibitors and over 80 dishes on offer, Sydneysiders can take a full-blown culinary tour of France without leaving the 2000 postcode. On the drinks front, 2026 introduces a bold new wine experience: Taste France x Vin de France, a high-energy hub of tastings, masterclasses and sensory moments designed to bring French varietals to life. Beyond the vineyards, there’ll be more than 18 bars pouring everything from spiced cider to craft beer and...