Things to do in Sydney this week

The Harbour City does a good line in immersive light experiences, and if you can’t wait until Vivid takes over the city later in May, Luna Park is here to help. The iconic attraction’s newest installation – Sonic Neon – will be opening to the public from Saturday, April 13, and tickets are on sale now. Housed in Crystal Palace – a building which dates all the way back to 1935 – Sonic Neon will take visitors on a journey through six different rooms, with state-of-the-art visuals and a layered soundscape creating a transportive experience. Illuminating more than 150 metres of the historic building, the experience will feature more than 26,000 lights set to a pulsating soundtrack using state-of-the-art technology that’s never been used before in Australia. Tickets to the event are available now, and first release ticket holders will be afforded access to what Luna Park has described as a “secret zone”. Details about this mystery “Blacklight Dessert Bar” are thin on the ground, but Luna Park has confirmed: “Visitors will be able to purchase glow-in-the-dark desserts including custom treats by Sydney’s famous Tokyo Lamington along with glowing fairy floss and soft serve ice cream.” The experience will run daily from 10am for approximately four months, though the exact end date is yet to be announced. Tickets for the self-guided Sonic Neon experience (estimated to take around 30 minutes) start at $29 per person, and the first month of tickets are on sale now. If you’re keen to secu

Ray is a farmer. Ray is dying. Ray is falling in love. Ray has had a tough year. Ray mourns his wife. Ray meets his wife. Ray doesn’t want to live in a nursing home. Ray’s kids don’t understand him. Ray doesn’t understand why the world won’t let him live his life. Ray, played with impressive physicality and nuance by veteran actor Colin Friels, is the central figure of Into the Shimmering World – a new work commissioned by Sydney Theatre Company that makes the intimate epic, seesawing back and forth in time but remaining locked in space. The main arena of conflict is the family farm that Ray and his wife, nurse Floss (fellow veteran Kerry Armstrong) have run their entire adult lives. It’s a hard existence, but a rewarding one, contending with droughts, floods, fluctuating markets, and unruly neighbours (one dubbed “The Crook” remains an unseen presence, but a constant source of grievance).  Written by 2020 Patrick White Playwrights Fellow Angus Cerini and directed by STC’s Director of New Work and Artistic Development Paige Rattray, Into the Shimmering World is a study of Australian masculinity – as were the previous works in Cerini’s Australian gothic trilogy, The Bleeding Tree and Wonnangatta. In many ways this play is a study of stoicism, its strengths and its limitations. The laconic Ray meets every challenge with a resigned determination that borders on fatalism, an attitude that has served him well for decades. But the sons his work put through university don’t want to

Whether arriving via a luxurious water taxi or taking a leisurely stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens, the journey to Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour is as picturesque as the setting itself. Each year, a vibrant theatrical hub emerges, complete with a five-storey pop-up bar and dining venue with a variety of offerings, ranging from cheerful pizzas, hotdogs and pies to decadent three-course feasts. This annual event embodies the very essence of spectacle, and this year's performance of West Side Story (which makes an anticipated return to Mrs Macquries Chair after its 2019 debut) wows us while compelling us to wrestle with the stark relevance of its themes, both to Australia’s own history and the turf wars at play globally. Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim’s classic musical masterpiece West Side Story debuted on Broadway in 1957 and most recently got the Hollywood treatment by Steven Speilberg, to seven Oscar nominations. It’s a modern take on Shakepeare’s well-known tale of star crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, set in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York City, during the 1950s. The Jets, a gang of All-American boys, are in a turf war with the Sharks, the new Puerto Rican immigrants on the block. When Maria (Nina Korbe) – the sister of the Sharks’ leader, Bernardo (Manuel Stark Santos) – and Tony (Billy Bourchier), a former Jet, lock eyes at the local dance, the rivalries escalate. You might assume that the open-air ambiance would diminish the impact of the ove

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

Vintage lovers, your day is here. Once again, renowed slow fashion market, Round She Goes is pulling up stops (and '50s style garters) at the PCYC Marrickville on Illawarra Road, and you're seriously invited.  Renounce your fast-fashion sins and stay retro with some fabulous finds from this haven for pre-loved fashion and other eclectic goodies. There’s a mix of vintage and modern clothing – it leans towards traditionally feminine attire – and accessories, as well as handmade jewellery and funky trinkets. You’ll find high-end designers like Ferragamo and Carla Zampatti, as well as good quality high street styles from Gorman and Sass & Bide among the 70-plus stalls.  Round She Goes is back on Saturday, April 20 from 10am to 3pm. It’s $4 entry at the door (cash or card), prices for all the goods start at $10, and you can hone your bargain-spotting senses with a coffee from one of the caffeinating carts on site. Plus, there is free parking, the 423 bus stops right outside, or it's a 13-minute walk from Marrickville Station. You can find out more on their website. 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.  Want to discover more rare finds? Peruse our list of the very best markets in Sydney, or check out our list of the coolest independent clothes stores in town.

After the weighty success of the first ever Vintage Kilo Sales in 2023, this popular clothing market (that offers up great finds at the bargain price of $50 per kilo) is returning to Marrickville this month... But wait, there's more! Thanks to the clear appetite for this first-of-its-kind-in-Australia way to shop, the French Fripe Group (who specialise in the wholesale of vintage and second-hand clothing imported from overseas) have announced that they're taking the event on tour across Australia.  What we know so far is that, after it's run in Marrickville on April 13, it will head down the coast to Wollongong, for a run on April 27-28, at the University of Wollongong campus. Vintage Kilo Sales are popular in Europe, and now New South Welshman have the opportunity to discover treasures while participating in sustainable buying practices. While a kilo of clothes can be purchased at $50, shoppers can also purchase additional hand-picked vintage items from a special section. Note that while it's a free-entry event, they recommend purchasing a $2.75 ticket by booking here to secure entry and dodge the wait time. Last time they ran the event in Marrickville, there were 6,000 treasures to sift through. If you’re inclined to “go away and have a think about it” before rushing back to see if your coveted item is still on the rack, be wary. Our advice? If you love it, buy it.  Doors will open at 8.00am at 29 Smith Street, Marrickville. You can stay up-to-date with all fresh happenings

Australian acting legend Hugo Weaving returns to the stage for this epic story, joined by one of Ireland’s greatest actors, Olwen Fouéré (Terminus). In a first-time co-production, Sydney Theatre Company has joined forces with Dublin’s renowned Gate Theatre to mount this new adaptation of Thomas Bernhard’s visionary touchstone of twentieth-century playwriting, The President. This unmissable theatrical event arrives at Roslyn Packer Theatre (playing April 13–May 18) direct from its premiere season in Dublin, and marks the first time Bernhard’s play has ever been staged for Australian audiences. In this dark comedy, Weaving and Fouéré play the President and First Lady of a small, unnamed country, whose regime is under siege. Despite a revolution brewing right outside their front door, the couple seem frozen in time. What follows is a mysterious trip into a complicated marriage and an unravelling political system. Joining the leading powerhouse duo is an exceptional Australian and Irish cast including Danny Adcock, Helmut Bakaitis, Tony Cogin, Alan Dukes, Julie Forsyth and Kate Gilmore.STC’s artistic director, Kip Williams says: “It's a phenomenal opportunity for audiences in both cultures to see this great play, but also for artists from both cultures to have their work seen on either side of the world. So I'm hugely excited for this, it's going to be an electric night of powerhouse performance.” Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, t

This is it, we have found the yassification of Shakespeare. Fuelled by a playlist of certified pop hits, this jukebox romp billed as “the greatest love story ever remixed” poses a simple but provocative question: What if, instead of joining Romeo in eternal slumber, Juliet decided to live? A contagiously joyous musical spectacular, & Juliet has finally landed at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre after being met with critical acclaim on Broadway and the West End, not to mention the rapturously received Australian debut in Melbourne.  Filled with sing-a-long-able chart-topping bangers made famous by the likes of Britney Spears, The Backstreet Boys, Katy Perry and more from the songbook of Grammy-winning Swedish songwriter/producer Max Martin, the Aussie cast is overflowing with talent in this feel-good, flashy production. & Juliet is Shakespeare remixed for the girls, the gays and the theys... [but does it] really cut it as the feminist reclamation that we are promised? Will you be entertained? Absolutely. Does & Juliet set a new standard for jukebox musicals? Yes. Will you see one of the most diverse and charismatic casts of triple-threats ever assembled on an Australian stage? Heck yeah. Does the story deliver on the feminist retribution we are promised? Not quite. “What if Juliet didn’t kill herself?” Anne Hathaway (played by the enthralling Amy Lehpamer) posits to her husband, William Shakespeare (the ever-charming Rob Mills). “She’s only ever had one boyfriend, and frankly, the endi

If you’ve exhausted your itinerary of school holiday fun and don’t want to resort to another beach or movie trip just to keep the kids away from screens, then you’re in luck. Sydney Kidz Fest is rolling into town this April with plenty to entertain the little ones, and grown-ups can tag along too.  Heading to the Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park from April 13-28, this family-friendly festival is pulling out all the stops. Let the wriggly ones burn off any pent-up energy on the dodgem cars or any of the thrilling carnival rides on offer. Treat them to a post-ride sweet treat which you’ll find in the lineup of showbags or try your hand at winning prizes by playing a classic carnival game. Spend hours cooing over barnyard baby animals at the Animal Nursery, an adorable experience perfect for kids too small for the rides.  A special performance is on for the Paw Patrol fans as the beloved characters take to the stage twice daily, plus, win major brownie points with the kids at the lunchtime meet and greet where they can snap a picture up close and personal with their favourite characters, Chase and Marshall.  Entry tickets cost $10 for children, $20 for adults or $50 for a family of four. Pick up 24 coupons for $50 that you can use on rides or games, or grab the all-ages Unlimited Rider wristband, which is great value at just $40 and entitles you to three hours of non-stop rides. Book your tickets early now so you don’t miss out.

Comedy, in this economy? Well heck, I don’t know about you, but I could sure do with a good hearty chuckle right about now. So it’s a good thing that the Sydney Comedy Festival is back with its biggest program ever in 2024 – more than 750 artists are gearing up to flood the city with laughter at more than 315 shows scattered across all corners of the city from April 22 to May 19.  From the household names we all know and love to ground-breaking newcomers who are shaking up the comedy scene, you can pick and choose between a kaleidoscopic array of gala showcases, intriguing solo stand-up shows and special events. With a whole lot of tickets coming in at under $30, there really is a “comedy concert” for everyone (just don’t look for Che Diaz on the line-up).  You can catch new shows from legendary Aussie comedians like Rhys Nicholson, Will Anderson, Tom Gleeson, Reuben Kaye, Melanie Bracewell, Steen Raskopolous, regular The Project panellist Peter Helliar, a hilarious night with Judith Lucy and Kaz Cooke, comedy crack pot Reuben Solo, the sassy and sardonic Gen Fricker, Lizzy Hoo (loved for her Prime Video comedy special Hoo Cares!?) and 2022 Australia’s Got Talent finalist Emo Majok. Joining the long list of international stars is the much loved Stephen K Amos, 2016 English Comedian of the Year Josh Pugh, plus the fierce and fiery Irish comic Shane Daniel Byrne, and American history-meets-comedy podcast The Dollop is also heading Down Under for the Festival. Some of the most e