If the end of Sydney Observatoryâs summer music series has left a hole in your Friday schedule, the 2026 Biennale of Sydney is here to fill it. From 6pm every Friday night for the next couple of months, the Biennaleâs Art After Dark program will transform White Bay Power Station into a boundary-blending live music venue â with an impressive line-up of acts set to light up the cavernous industrial space (along with bars serving local pours and food stalls serving up your Friday night feed).Curated by Naarm/ Melbourne-based outfit Liquid Architecture, the first three events will feature the likes of Tujiko Noriko, Mara Schwerdtfeger, Ruhail Qaisar, Marcus Whale, Liam Keenan and Allara Briggs-Pattison. Next up, the Inner West Council will present three more nights of live music, with Body Type, Yes Boone and BOY SODA bringing home-grown talent to the historic Rozelle site. The final three nights, curated by Vivid Sydney, will include ambient techno trio Purelink, French-Senegalese singer-songwriter anaiis, and the festivalâs closing night party on Friday, June 12, which promises to be a multi-stage celebration of global music (with extended hours until 11pm).
Beyond the Friday night fun (and the art, obvs), the three-month festival will also operate Memory Lane Food Markets every Saturday, Africa Day celebrations, six new performance commissions, guided tours of White Bayâs historic spaces, Family Days, youth and education programs, and access initiatives.
Art After Dark will...
Hello! Welcome to your weekly wrap of what’s on.
You’ve got a couple more days to check out NSW at Night – a photography exhibition lighting up Parliament House’s Fountain Court, showcasing the people, places and pulse that define life after dark across Sydney – from the inner city to Western Sydney, Wollongong and the Northern Rivers.
Love Mexican food? Great. Get on the ferry and head over to Manly, as El Vilsito – one of Mexico City’s top taquerias (it’s Michelin Guide-recommended) – is doing a takeover at Felons Manly called La Mexicana from Thursday to Sunday. Come for authentic tacos al pastor, sweet and zesty charred corn, smashable spicy watermelon Margs, and a whole lot of colour, music and Mexican fun.
Cool off this week at Pool by Pier Bar – an Amalfi-inspired enclosed harbour pool right by the five-star hotel, and the best part is that there’s a bar.
The Biennale of Sydney – Australia’s largest contemporary arts festival – is back for its 25th edition, and it’s completely free. There’s a lot to see and experience – and the best part is that it’s here for two months, so you don’t need to tackle it all in one day.
Hungry? Burwood Chinatown Night Market runs Thursday to Sunday from 5-10pm, and it's always a delicious, fun time.
For a culture hit, check out two fabulous exhibitions at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. First up is Mike Hewson’s The Key’s Under the Mat, a giant interactive playground for the young (and young at heart). It’s free – bring your swimmers. Next up is Ron Mueck’s Encounter – a stunning sculptural exploration of the human condition.
Booking a catch-up? Sydney's best restaurants and best new restaurants are a good place to start. Or, head to one of Sydney's best bars.
Scroll on for our full list of the best things to do in Sydney this week.
Mapping out your weekend? These are the best things to do in Sydney this weekend.
