Explore the enlightening events calendar in NSW this winter and discover the soul of the city through creativity, curiosity and change at Vivid Sydney 2022; feel the action of high-stake sporting competitions; celebrate local producers at inaugural festivals of flavour; or step it up a gear and tackle a military-inspired obstacle course.
Biennale of Sydney | on now, until 13 June
Sydney
Dynamic contemporary art from around the globe comes to venues across Sydney at this year’s Biennale, titled rīvus. Inspired by rivers, wetlands and other salt and freshwater ecosystems feature, the 23rd Biennale of Sydney is exhibited across Barangaroo, Walsh Bay and the city’s leading galleries and museums.
Hunter Valley Wine and Food Festival | 29 April – 30 June
Hunter Valley
A celebration of the region’s renowned wineries and epicurean experiences, the Hunter Valley Wine and Food Festival features bespoke events across all of May and June. From long lunches to wine masterclasses and even a chance to watch the burning of the barrels, the festival brings together unique events during the season’s crispest days and nights.
Vivid Sydney | 27 May – 18 June
Sydney
In its 12th year in 2022, Vivid Sydney transforms the city with a celebration of creativity, innovation and technology. This year Vivid Sydney features the longest light walk in the festival’s history, with mesmerising art displays and 3D light projections from Central Station to Sydney Opera House’s Lighting of the Sails. Discover exhilarating live music performances for all ages and deep-dive discussions from some of the world’s brightest minds.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical! | 28 May – 25 September
Capitol Theatre, Sydney
Winner of 10 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life on stage, welcoming the audience to a world of splendour, romance, glitz and grandeur. The new musical mash-up features more than 70 songs, including many of the iconic hits from the movie, as well as additions from Adele, Katy Perry, Sia, Beyoncé, Rihanna and more.
NCHA Futurity | 30 May – 12 June
Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre, Tamworth
A highlight on the equine calendar, the Futurity it is the biggest and richest indoor sporting horse event in the Southern Hemisphere. Steeped in history, Tamworth’s action-packed horse cutting competition draws competitors from around Australia, all vying for a share of more than $700,000 in money and prizes on offer.
North Coast Festival of Flavour | 3 – 5 June
NSW North Coast
The inaugural North Coast Festival of Flavour brings together the tastiest elements of the region in a not-to-be-missed long weekend full of delicious, one-off events. From nose-to-tail long lunches to craft beer tastings and even a mud crab river cruise, this new festival celebrates the best of the North Coast.
Dubbo Winter Whisky Festival | 17 – 18 June
The Establishment Bar & The Old Dubbo Gaol
Celebrating the region’s whisky distillers over two intimate nights, The Dubbo Winter Whisky Festival is a chance to celebrate this warming amber spirit. On 17 June guests are invited to an intimate dinner and whisky tasting at The Establishment Bar, and on 18 June there will be local food and dessert vendors and live entertainment on the tranquil grounds of the historic Old Dubbo Gaol.
True Grit Enduro Titles | 25 – 26 June
Dargle Farm, Hawkesbury
True Grit is the only Australian-owned military-inspired obstacle course race created by Australian special forces. With 30 obstacles to navigate over 10 kilometres, the course runs through grasslands, temperate rainforest, dense swamps, granite escarpments and towering sandstone cliffs on farmland on the Hawkesbury River.
Bathurst Winter Festival | 2 – 17 July
Bathurst
This annual community event is a celebration of the magic of winter in Bathurst, bringing together stunning light shows across historic buildings, live music, food and wine events, outdoor ice skating and show rides, in a carnival atmosphere.
Jagged Little Pill | From 9 July
Theatre Royal Sydney
Returning to Sydney after a sell-out season, Tony® award-nominated Broadway rock musical, Jagged Little Pill, takes the stage again at Theatre Royal Sydney in July. Relive Alanis Morissette’s epic 1995 album, including beloved hits such as You Oughta Know and Ironic with music artist Natalie Bassingthwaighte leading the Australian cast.
Splendour in the Grass | 22 – 24 July
North Byron Parklands, Byron Bay
The 20th year of this iconic music festival features headliners like the Gorillaz, The Strokes, Tyler the Creator, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and many more international and Australian acts. One- or three-day tickets are available, as well as all-access tickets to the VIP village, which offers private viewing areas, cocktail bars, fancy bathrooms and more.
Fleurs de Villes: FEMMES | 19 – 28 August
The Calyx, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
The inaugural flower exhibition Fleurs de Villes: FEMMES will bring a ten-day fresh floral display to The Calyx celebrating culturally, politically, and historically significant women throughout the ages. Along with mannequins dressed in breathtaking flower outfits, the event will also include workshops, flower markets and local produce.
The Phantom of the Opera |19 August – 16 October
Sydney Opera House
Experience the phenomenon of one of the most successful musicals of all time, The Phantom of the Opera, as it makes its Sydney Opera House debut in the Joan Sutherland Theatre. Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary show features hit after hit in the thrilling score, including Music of the Night, Masquerade and beloved title song.
Awe-inspiring NSW winter events
