Sydney Festival 2025: Free Events to Kick Off the New Year in Style

Sydney Festival

Start your year with a splash of creativity at the Sydney Festival 2025, where the city comes alive with an exciting lineup of free events throughout January. Whether you’re a local or visiting, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant, art-filled celebration. From immersive installations and outdoor performances to family-friendly fun and thought-provoking conversations, the Sydney Festival offers a chance to experience the city in high summer without breaking the bank. Here are some of the best free events to enjoy this January.

Immerse Yourself in Art and Culture

If you’re craving a deeper connection with art and community, two immersive experiences this year will spark meaningful reflection.

What We Leave Behind on the Tallawoladah Lawn outside the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) invites visitors to contribute to a massive bamboo installation by art and architecture collective Cave Urban. Write a message of hope for the future of the environment and watch it be woven into the installation, creating a living testament to collective optimism.

For a more contemplative experience, head to Barangaroo Reserve for Vigil: Gunyah, a gathering space designed and curated by First Nations peoples. This immersive space will host conversations, workshops, and performances, including a soundscape from composer Brendon Boney. The event culminates with Vigil: Truths, a powerful evening centered around First Nations voices, offering an emotional and thought-provoking conclusion to the gathering.

Family Fun for All Ages

Looking for activities that the whole family can enjoy? The Festival offers plenty of free entertainment for kids and adults alike. At Darling Harbour, don’t miss Swing!, a free daily aerial performance by the Sydney Trapeze School. Watch in awe as trapeze artists showcase their incredible skills, or join in with their free circus skills workshops, perfect for all ages and abilities.

If you’re visiting Bondi Beach, make sure to swing by The Whale at the Bondi Pavilion Courtyard. This large-scale, interactive experience by WA’s Spare Parts Puppet Theatre is a hit with families, inviting participants to engage with a majestic, puppet whale.

For the creatively inclined, the Hive Festival returns to the Art Gallery of NSW and the Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre, bringing a fun-filled program of activities, performances, and hands-on art experiences designed for all ages.

Out and About: Discover Sydney’s Hidden Gems

Explore the city’s vibrant outdoor art scene with several free public installations. Head over to The Thirsty Mile and enjoy the stunning visual work by Sydney Festival’s Visual Artist in Residence, Telly Tuita. The SS John Oxley will be transformed with Tuita’s signature textiles and patterns, adding a burst of color to Sydney’s iconic harbor.

While you’re in the area, make sure to check out Moonshine Bar, a harbourside hotspot hosting 12 nights of live music and DJs. Expect a blend of genres including First Nations music, queer pop, Afro-beats, and soul—perfect for a night of dancing under the stars.

If you prefer a more serene evening, Sydney Symphony Under The Stars at Parramatta Park is the place to be. Enjoy a stunning performance by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, complete with a fireworks finale, while you relax with a picnic in the park.

For those keen to explore Sydney’s multicultural heart, Stories From Here offers a free, self-guided audio tour of Bankstown, showcasing the stories of young people living in the area. Simply grab your headphones and wander through the neighborhood, making pit stops for delicious local treats like banh mi and bubble tea along the way.

Get Your Art Fix: Free Exhibitions and Performances

Art lovers will find plenty to admire at the Sydney Festival 2025. Visit the Re-Stor(y)ing Oceania exhibition to explore ground-breaking works by Pacific-led artists, or delve into the immersive video and sound experiences at Enigma. Both of these exhibitions promise to leave you awe-struck and engaged in thought-provoking discussions on culture and identity.

Sydney Festival

The Bankstown Biennale returns with its third edition, Same Same/Different, celebrating multiculturalism and coexistence through art. This free event highlights the creative contributions of local and international artists, making it a must-see for anyone passionate about diverse artistic voices.

Lastly, head to Art Up Late for evening entertainment at some of Sydney’s top cultural institutions. The Art Gallery of NSW, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, and the Australian Museum will host live music, free film screenings, hands-on workshops, and more to make your summer evenings truly unforgettable.

Celebrate Creativity Without Breaking the Bank

Sydney Festival 2025 is proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy world-class art, music, and culture. From immersive art installations and outdoor performances to family-friendly fun and cultural experiences, the Festival has something for everyone—and best of all, many of these events are completely free!

So, if your wallet feels a little light after the festive season, don’t worry. Sydney Festival has you covered. Make the most of these fantastic free events throughout January and dive into the creative spirit of the city. 

We’ll see you there!

Sydney Festival

02 8248 6500
https://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/