World City Guide

Special Events

Sydney Festival, art, open air concerts and theatre (website: www.sydneyfestival.com.au), Jan, various venues
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, the world’s largest gay festival, climaxing in costume parade and all-night party (website: www.mardigras.org.au), Feb–early Mar, various venues, parade on Oxford Street
Tropfest, short film festival (website: www.tropfest.com), Feb/Mar, the Domain
Harvest Festival, wine, food and cultural festival (website: www.winecountry.com.au), Mar–Apr, Rothbury Estate, Hunter Valley
Royal Easter Show, traditional farm show (website: www.eastershow.com.au), late Mar/early Apr, Sydney Olympic Park
Mercedes Australian Fashion Week Spring/Summer, runway shows by leading Australian designers featuring international guests (website: www.mafw.com.au), May, The Rocks
Sydney Writers’ Festival, including panel discussions, lectures and readings by local and overseas authors (website: www.swf.org.au), late May, various venues
Biennale of Sydney, international art festival (website: www.biennaleofsydney.com.au), May–Jul of even-numbered years, various venues
Sydney Film Festival (website: www.sydneyfilmfestival.org), Jun, State Theatre
City To Surf, 14km (9-mile) public marathon (website: http://city2surf.sunherald.com.au), early Aug, from the corner of College Street and Park Street through the city to Bondi Beach
Sydney Design Week, celebration of design featuring exhibitions, master classes, forums and tours (website: www.sydneydesignweek.com.au), early Aug, various venues
Festival of the Winds, kite flying festival (website: www.aks.org.au), Sep, Bondi Beach
Manly Jazz Festival (website: www.manly.nsw.gov.au/manlyjazz), early Oct, Manly
Sleaze Ball, gay and lesbian theme party (website: www.mardigras.org.au), Labour Day weekend, Oct, Fox Studios
Good Food Month, food fairs, talks, workshops and markets (website: http://gfm.smh.com.au), Oct, various venues
Sculpture By The Sea, temporary art installed along the coastal walk (website: www.sculpturebythesea.com), early Nov, from Bondi to Tamarama
Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, world-famous 2000km (1240-mile) yacht race from Sydney Harbour to Hobart, capital of Tasmania (website: www.rolexsydneyhobart.com), 26 Dec, Sydney Harbour
New Year’s Eve Party, extravagant fireworks display, 31 Dec, Sydney Harbour