Sydney Observatory is set to transform this summer with the return of Sunset Variations, a Friday night live music series that brings together Australia’s most exciting new artists to soundtrack Sydney’s golden hour.
With sweeping views across the harbour, Sunset Variations offers a summer ritual every Friday evening from 30 January – 27 February: arrive at sunset and settle onto the Observatory lawn, enjoy Mediterranean-inspired food by Aplenty and drinks by Lo-Fi Wines and experience genre-defying performances as the sun sets over the city.
The 2026 music series opens with an ambient Afrofuturist performance by Nū, an Ethiopian Australian sound artist, vocalist and live coder whose blend of jazz, R&B and electronic rhythms will set a luminous tone for the series.
Over the following weeks, visitors can return to the Observatory to be treated to dynamic performances – from layered, percussive electronic works from e fishpool to cinematic compositions from the Aarti Jadu Ensemble.
In February, Luritja singer-songwriter and visual artist Keanu Nelson will take over the iconic heritage site with a performance that is an ode to his roots in Papunya – a remote community northwest of Alice Springs. With lyrics telling a story of family, country and culture in both English and Papunya, Nelson’s performance will build a powerful bridge between cultural tradition and modern sound.
Setwun: Celestial Bodies closes out the program with a soulful, percussive showcase led by composer, producer, multi-instrumentalist and DJ Josh Panakera-Molony. A leading force in Sydney’s underground scene, his set of jazz, groove and dance music will evolve over the course of the evening, featuring a spectacular lineup of guests including GLO, Pookie, INQ, Meklit, Yasmina Sadiki, Hugh B and more from the Soulstravision family.
While at the Observatory, visitors can also take the chance to explore the historic grounds, a place of significance for First Nations Australians and centre for scientific activity including milling, signalling, timekeeping astronomy and meteorology. The Southern Sky Astrophotography exhibition which presents a selection of award-winning celestial photography and I Put The Stars On The Ground, an exhibition highlighting First Nations custodianship to Sky Country will also be open after hours.
Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah said ‘At the highest natural point in the city, Sydney Observatory opens onto an unmatched view of golden hour over Sydney Harbour. The dynamic lineup of bold, experimental artists performing each week will transform the site for a month unmissable sunsets.’
Tickets are on sale now. Adult tickets $10, children under 12 are free. Door sales available each Friday subject to capacity.
