For people of Islamic faith, Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year. During this time, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. But once the sun sets, iftar begins – a fast-breaking feast that runs late into the night, bringing family and friends together to enjoy an array of rich treats and moreish morsels.
To coincide with this time of year, Sydney’s popular month-long celebration Lakemba Nights is back, running every Thursday to Sunday from February 19 to March 15, 2026.
RELATED READ: The 5 must-try dishes at Sydney's Lakemba Nights Ramadan markets.
What time does Lakemba Nights during Ramadan open and close?
From 6pm until 2am, Thursday through to Sunday, more than 60 local businesses will transform Lakemba’s Haldon Street into a vibrant, global food bazaar with traditional cuisine from Indonesia, Burma, Pakistan, India, Lebanon, the Cocos Islands, Syria and more.
Time Out tip: We recommend getting there early, around 6pm, and making a beeline straight for the busiest stalls (they're the ones with fences up for lines!).
It’s not only Sydney’s Muslim communities that comes together during Lakemba Nights – people of all backgrounds are welcome to flock to sample the fare of pop-up kitchens and food trucks lining Haldon Street.
What started as a single street barbecue back in 2012 has grown into what many consider one of Australia's best places to celebrate the ancient tradition, with the event from previous years drawing in more than one million people across the...
Hello! Welcome to your weekly wrap of what’s on.
The Biennale of Sydney – Australia’s largest contemporary arts festival – returns this week 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.
An incredible supermarket-like exhibition has popped up in Marrickville's Voluptuary Ceramics studio – and it's got aisles packed with realistic and retro food-themed art.
If you're up for a delicious, cultural experience, I really recommend heading to the late-night food market, Lakemba Nights. Running every Thursday to Sunday from now to March 15, Lakemba Nights is on during Ramadan, when Muslims break their fast after sunset. Dress modestly, and come hungry.
Still hungry? Burwood Chinatown Night Market runs Thursday to Sunday from 5-10pm, and it's always a delicious, fun time.
Afterglow is a striking new work, now playing at the Eternity Playhouse in Darlinghurst until March 22. The Broadway hit is said to be a “raw, funny and sensual exploration of polyamory, commitment and modern love.” Get your tickets here.
Broadway’s award-winning show Purpose has been brought to life by Sydney Theatre Company. It’s about a powerful African American family, and how it’s thrown into chaos when its estranged youngest son returns home with an uninvited guest. Oprah Winfrey said it’s “brilliant and funny and serious and complex and powerful” – and our reviewer gave it five stars. Get a ticket here, and you can explore our full guide to all the shows on in Sydney here.
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.
