Talks and discussions in Sydney

Find upcoming talks, panel discussions and lectures around town

Olivia Gee
Written by
Olivia Gee
Women laughing together in the audience
Photograph: Prudence Upton
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When it comes to pondering the important questions in life, Sydney isn’t one to back down. The city is never short of enthralling talks, panel discussions and Q&As on every topic and experience under the sun.

Sydneysiders looking to lap up specialised knowledge can check out big headline festivals like All About Women and the Festival of Dangerous Ideas, or nab tickets to hear from international speakers on the subjects they know best. Plus, there are many venues that host talks throughout the year from local speakers, such as the Ethics Centre and the School of Life.

Once you’ve fed your mind, fill your belly at Sydney’s best restaurants and nourish your soul at the best spas in the city.

Talks coming up in Sydney

  • Art
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  • Sydney

Are you ready to chase artistic escapades around the city? The Biennale of Sydney is back for its 24th edition from March 9 to June 10, 2024. Whether you’re a dedicated arts fanatic or a casual culture buff, you’ll find something to inspire and provoke you along this epic art trail. The largest contemporary art event of its kind in Australia, the Biennale is taking over six different locations with awe-inspiring installations and intriguing exhibitions. Titled Ten Thousand Suns, this year the festival explores a multiplicity of global cultures, taking on a transgressive spirit as it leans into the origins of Carnivale. As always, the Biennale is free for everyone to visit for a total of 16 weeks.   Of all the locations, White Bay Power Station is absolutely the main character of the Biennale’s 50th year anniversary (and 24th iteration – it takes place every second year). This is the first time the revitalised industrial site will officially open its doors to the public in more than 100 years – and what they’ve accomplished is pretty spectacular. Years of accumulated pigeon poop has been cleared out of the enormous factory spaces, making way for art installations that tower multiple storeys high, and more works hidden in various nooks and crannies. Pop-up bars and brand new bathrooms also set the stage for a packed program of live performances and music curated by Phoenix Central Park. Think of White Bay as a replacement for the role that Cockatoo Island has played in Sydney’s

  • Things to do
  • Talks and discussions
  • Sydney

Last week we actually spotted Aussie-actress-turned-global-megastar Rebel Wilson in the lift of the building that the Time Out Sydney offices are in, in Surry Hills. We were too star struck to ask what she was doing here, but we knew she was in town, and now we know she's going to be baring all at the Sydney Opera House, for An Evening with Rebel Wilson. What does an evening with Rebel look like? We're told she's going to get real candid – about what it meant to burst into Hollywood as the “fat funny Aussie girl”.  Having starred in countless cult-classic comedies like the Pitch Perfect franchise, Bridesmaids, How to be Single, and recently Senior Year, the actress has a career full of stories to reveal on her time in the industry, plus real-talk segues about fertility and sexuality.  Her talk will centre around how she prioritised her career over relationships for the better part of her life, and is only being true with herself and others on vulnerable stuff like relationships, losing weight and dealing with rejection.  That said, don’t expect a Debbie-downer evening. It’s almost guarantees that the actress will have you in stitches over all the good and the bad of her intriguing life.  An Evening with Rebel Wilson is on at the Sydney Opera House on Thursday, May 9 at 8:30pm. You can purchase tickets here. RECOMMENDED:  Want a bite to eat before the show? These are the best bars and restaurants in Circular Quay Check out the best shows to see in Sydney right now Get a first

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  • Things to do
  • Talks and discussions
  • Sydney

If you know a young woman who's an avid reader, chances are her eyes will light up at the mention of best-selling author Dolly Alderton. The British writer skyrocketed to popularity with her debut memoir-turned-TV show, Everything I Know About Love – a quasi-bible for those navigating life in the fraught 20s age demographic.  For the very first time, Alderton is headed Down Under for a tour of talks, off the back of her latest New York Times best-selling novel Good Material. She's heading to Sydney Opera House for two nights in November (November 5 and November 6) – bringing along her latest stories for Sydneysiders to enjoy. Not only is she a beloved author, but Alderton originally gained recognition for her Sunday Times 'Dear Dolly' advice column – and she'll incorporate her favourite anecdotes from this within her live show, as well as her own insightful musings on various aspects of life. Audiences will have a chance to ask questions of their own, too, so get brainstorming.  After her Sydney shows, Alderton will also make appearances in Melbourne on November 14 and Perth on November 10. Tickets for her talk at Sydney Opera House start at $79, and they're going fast. You can snap yours up over here.   RECOMMENDED READS:While you're there, these are the best restaurants in Circular Quay& Juliet: Is it the feminist reclamation that we were promised?

  • Things to do
  • Talks and discussions

If you know a young woman who's an avid reader, chances are her eyes will light up at the mention of best-selling author Dolly Alderton. The British writer skyrocketed to popularity with her debut memoir-turned-TV show, Everything I Know About Love – a quasi-bible for those navigating life in the fraught 20s age demographic.  For the very first time, Alderton is headed Down Under for a tour of talks, off the back of her latest New York Times best-selling novel Good Material. She's heading to Arts Centre Melbourne for a one-off appearance on November 14, and bringing along her latest stories for Melburnian fans to enjoy. Not only is she a beloved author, but Alderton originally gained recognition for her Sunday Times 'Dear Dolly' advice column – and she'll incorporate her favourite anecdotes from this within her live show, as well as her own insightful musings on various aspects of life. Audiences will have a chance to ask questions of their own, too, so get brainstorming.  Alderton will also make appearances in Sydney in November 5 and Perth on November 10, before wrapping up her Australian tour in Melbourne. Tickets for her talk at Arts Centre Melbourne start at $79, but have sadly been all snapped up since going on sale. But we've got our fingers crossed for a second Melbourne date to be added. For more information, head to the website.  Looking for more things to do? Check out our guide to what's on.   

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