Things to do

7 things you’ve probably never done before in Sydney

From underwater parties to drag queen bingo and dumpling masterclasses, expect the unexpected this autumn.

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After a quiet 2020, the Covid-hit city centre is reawakening. More people are returning to the office and feeling safe to venture back. We’ve rounded up the best of Sydney’s new and noteworthy events to give you even more reason to love the city again.

Find the latest events happening in the city centre.

A tarot card reading in the whisky room

What: Stitch presents Madam O Tarot

When: Monday evenings

Why you’ll love it: Stitch bar is the perfect drinking den in the city. With a speakeasy style, the cosy spot serves rare whiskeys and hotdogs. As part of the YCK Laneways party, you can now have your tarot read by Madam O Tarot while you sip on a delicious after-work well-deserved drink.

An evening with food scientists, experiential futurists and musicologists

What: Raising the Bar

When: Wednesday 28 April

Why you’ll love it: You get to hear from leading Sydney visionaries, entrepreneurs and thought leaders on trends, innovations and cutting-edge ideas that are shaping our future.

The stellar venues also make this night one not to miss. The event takes place across 10 different and unique city bars, all situated along the light rail route from Circular Quay to Surry Hills.

A dumpling masterclass

What: Dumpling masterclass at Lotus The Galeries

When: Every third Saturday of the month

Why you’ll love it: This is your opportunity to learn the secrets and skills of making 3 different types of delicious dumplings, by the experts. You’ll get to take your creations home to impress your friends and there’s even an option to upgrade to bottomless rosé!

Sing with a choir at Hyde Park Barracks

What: After Dark at the Hyde Park Barracks

When: Thursday 29 April

Why you’ll love it: Once a month, Hyde Park Barracks transforms with live music, performances and ideas for the ultimate culture after dark experience.

The April edition features talks and ideas by acclaimed Australian artist Fiona Hall with music from FBi radio.

You’re also invited to join in with the Barayagal choir and participate in a short workshop to learn a song that celebrates physical and spiritual journeys.

An underwater silent disco

What: Sea Live silent disco

When: Friday 23 April, Saturday 24 April and Saturday 8 May

Why you’ll love it: Not many of us can say we’ve partied alongside schools of fish and sharks underwater. DJs will play the latest tunes into your own headphones as you dance away in the floor-to-ceiling Reef Theatre.

An opera (literally) on the harbour

What: La Traviata

When: Until 25 April

Why you’ll love it: Fireworks, a giant chandelier of over 10,000 crystals and a backdrop of the Sydney harbour. This is your chance to see one of the world’s most popular operas in one of the world’s most breathtaking settings.

A game of bingo with drag queens

What: Drag Queen Bingo at the Prince of York

When: Wednesday 21 April and Wednesday 5 May

Why you’ll love it: You can expect live music, drag performances and amazing prizes at this bingo game.

The Prince of York is part of the 6-week long YCK block party.

Want more? Find all events happening in the city.

This initiative is part of the Events in the City program proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with the City of Sydney. We’re working together to revitalise the city centre.

Published 17 February 2021, updated 25 June 2024