Sydneysiders don’t need many excuses to roll out a picnic rug, pop a bottle of pét-nat and spend a balmy evening under the stars – but this summer, Moonlight Cinema is making an especially solid case. Australia’s most well-established outdoor movie night is officially turning 30, and to celebrate, it’s handing the programming reins over to the people. Yep: for the first time ever, you get to help shape the season’s line-up.
Since its debut back in 1995 – opening with a now-iconic screening of Pulp Fiction – Moonlight Cinema has become a staple of the Sydney summer. More than five million people have sprawled across the lawns since then: first dates, proposals, celeb sightings, and countless delighted doggos who’ve come to expect their own bean bag and biscuit as standard.
This year, the beloved Belvedere Amphitheatre in Centennial Parklands will once again transform into one of the Harbour City’s most picturesque open-air theatres, with films running throughout the summer from Friday, November 21, 2025 to Sunday April 5, 2026. And while the November–December program is already on sale, the real thrill lies in The People’s Program – a nationwide vote to decide which nostalgic favourites will hit the big screen from January through March.
Voting is now open, with film choices including Shrek, Dirty Dancing, The Castle, Jurassic Park and more. Everyone who casts a vote gets 30 per cent off General Admission to People’s Program screenings – plus a shot at winning a Double...
It's the last weekend of spring! Let's make it a good one.
A big gay street party is going down on Saturday at a secret location in Marrickville – and you’re invited. The Heaps Gay Street Party will feature a strong line-up of acts – including Reysha Rami, ISAbella, 2charm, Vv Pete, Cosmo’s Midnight, Cat & Calmell, Djanaba and Maz – across three open-air stages. It’s kicking off from 2pm – and will go until 11pm. Come have a boogie. Get your ticket here.
Wanna get outdoors? Check out our guide to the best walks in Sydney – BYO snacks and hat. If you're up for a road trip, you can also cool off with our guide to the most magical swimming holes in NSW.
A special Xmas pop-up featuring affordable vintage treasures curated by interior designer Briellyn Turton is going down on Friday and Saturday at The Kirk in Surry Hills. Turton is teaming up with ReLove for the collab, with 100 per cent of proceeds going towards supporting women and children impacted by domestic violence and long-term homelessness. Find out more here.
Keen to get into the Xmas spirit? Check out our guide to the best Christmas markets in Sydney for festive food and shopping – we’ve also got a fab round-up of all the top markets in the city.
Did you hear the news? Iconic Sydney dance sesh S.A.S.H, held on Sundays for 15 years, is officially moving to Saturday nights. The legendary house music institution – known for throwing epic (and sweaty) dance parties – will now go down every Saturday at Carousel on Oxford Street. Looking for more places to party? Check out our guide to the best clubs in Sydney here.
Marrickville’s Factory Theatre is putting on free fun every Saturday and Sunday during daylight savings, called Freekin Weekends. Head on down to the sunny courtyard to boogie to ace live bands while enjoying a cold one (or two). Plus, if you sign up before, the guys will throw in a $5 bar credit, thanks to the legends from Hawkes Brewing. In this economy? We love to see it. Find out more here.
For a cultural hit, a gigantic interactive playground (for kids and adults) has appeared underground in the Nelson Packer Tank beneath the Art Gallery of NSW. Mike Hewson: The Key’s Under the Mat is showing right now – and it's free to enjoy.
There’s a new photography exhibition at the Australian National Maritime Museum. Called Breathhold, the stunning work by Maddison Woollard features underwater freediving photography. It’s on until November 30. Find out more here.
If there’s one thing you do this weekend, I reckon it should be to see La Ronde at The Grand Electric in Redfern. I went recently week and was captivated from the get-go. Part circus, part comedy show, and 100 per cent a dazzling good night out. I promise you’ll love it. Find out more here.
Keen for a theatre hit? You can check out our full guide to all the shows on in Sydney here.
And if you want more boozy fun, you can check out Sydney's best bars here. Oh, and you can suss Sydney’s best restaurants and best affordable eats too.
Hope you have a cracking weekend.
Weather not looking so hot? Check out our list of the best things to do indoors in Sydney.
