Events in Sydney

Events in Sydney

What to do in Sydney this November

Get the giggles, step into the festive season and get socialising in the great outdoors. There’s so much to see and do this November in Sydney.

DEMO by Branch Nebula

Don’t miss this high intensity performance combining professional skating, BMX, parkour and dance. Set among a series of purpose-built ramps by the harbour, watch performers rocket through the air performing dare-devil acts. There are 2 free performances in the afternoon and early evening.

Customs House Square, Circular Quay
Wednesday 30 October to Sunday 3 November

Sydney Open

Unlock the doors to over 80 of the city’s most important and architecturally inspiring buildings usually off limits to the general public.

Various locations
Saturday 2 November and Sunday 3 November

Just for Laughs Sydney

The international comedy festival returns to Sydney for its 9th year. With a stellar line-up featuring Steve Martin and Martin Short, and the legendary Dylan Moran, it’d be a joke to miss out.

Sydney Opera House and various venues
Until Sunday 3 November

Cake Bakes and Sweets Show

Learn new skills and techniques from the masters. This 3-day event is live celebration of the world of baking and the art of cake decorating.

International Convention Centre Sydney
Friday 8 November to Sunday 9 November

Visit Sydney’s newest library

The Darling Square Library has opened its doors. Come along to the official launch on 9 November or sign-up for a workshop in the library’s new Ideas Lab. This dedicated makerspace and multipurpose room hosts an exciting program of workshops for startups and curious makers. Learn 3D design and printing or explore robotics, electronics and prototyping.

Darling Square Library, The Exchange Building
Various dates

The Big Adventure

For 1 day only, Sydney Park will become a free adventure playground for the whole family to explore on foot or by bike. There are loads of things to do and see. Highlights include BMX displays, break dancing sessions, bike hire, rock climbing, the Taronga Zoomobile, skateboard lessons and food trucks! You can also get a free tune-up for your bike and have your face or helmet painted.

Sydney Park
Saturday 9 November

Alternative Housing Challenge

Hear international architects and innovative thinkers present their concepts on the future of housing for Sydney. As part of the Sydney Architecture Festival, the 7 shortlisted teams of the City of Sydney’s Alternative Housing Ideas Challenge will give insights into their creative concepts. With a panel of experts, we’ll examine scalability, applicability, assess feasibility and discuss what the future of housing could look like.

Lower Town Hall, Sydney Town Hall
Friday 15 November

Cartographica Sydney on the Map in Green Square

Explore the art and science of mapping at this exhibition of selected works from the recent Cartographica: Sydney on the map exhibition at Customs House. The exhibition has been curated specifically for the Green Square community.

Once you’re done, you might like to take part in a walking tour of the neighbourhood. There’s also a program of free Social Friday events where you can hear talks, take part in activities, and listen to live music.

Joynton Avenue Creative Centre, Zetland
Thursdays to Saturdays until Saturday 16 November

Canopy of Light at Christmas in the City

Christmas in the City

See Sydney’s city centre come alive as Christmas festivities kick-off with a street party. There’ll be roaming entertainers, roller-skating baubles, pop-up stages, and a dancefloor.

Christmas precinct, Pitt Street Mall to Martin Place
23 November

Underground: this side up! headliners Georgia June

Underground this side up

Live music and interactive art take over Green Square Library in this special after-hours event for young people. Come and get creative and enjoy a night of free entertainment including a line-up of local musicians. There’ll also be food from Parliament on King.

Green Square Library
Friday 29 November

Jacarandas in Kirribilli. Pic: PomInOz for iStock

Enjoy Sydney’s jacaranda trees

November in Sydney is jacaranda season. The purple blooms come out in spectacular fashion at this time of year and you can spot them all around the city, including the Royal Botanic Garden, Kirribilli and Oxford Street.

Want more?

• Help keep e-waste out of landfill and recycle your unwanted electronic goods on 16 November at the last drop-off day for the year.
• Explore the technology and societal implications of driverless car technology at a free talk on Tuesday 19 November.
• Find romance (on 2-wheels) at cycling speed dating on 23 November in Centennial Park
• Develop, perform and watch Auslan-inclusive poetry at the Auslan Poetry Slam for deaf and hearing participants