What's on in Sydney

Details of what's on in Sydney throughout the year

Festivals
The Sydney Festival springs up all across the city for three weeks every January. In the simmering heat, arts lovers can visit the Opera House, Museum of Contemporary Art and Art Gallery of NSW to name but a few, in a festival that often features more than 800 artists, and a host of dance, music and theatrical acts.

The Big Day Out is a massive rock and dance festival that takes place all over Australia in January and February, with thousands of music fans descending on the Showground to get their piece of the action in Sydney. Previous bands who have performed include The White Stripes, Franz Ferdinand and Iggy Pop.

Australia Day on January 26th is a massive party all over Australia, and none more so than in Sydney, where locals celebrate the first colonial settlement.

The Mardi Gras is Sydney's biggest gay and lesbian parade, and is usually held in February or March. Starting out as a protest march in the seventies, the Mardi Gras is now a colourful celebration of Sydney's acceptance of the gay and lesbian community. It includes performance art, street parties and an enormous night time parade.