Summer in Sydney doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. If you’re looking to keep the kids entertained, enjoy time together and make the most of the city during the school holidays, there are plenty of free (and fabulous) things to do this January.
From outdoor festivals and live music to cultural celebrations, museums, swimming spots and movies under the stars, Sydney comes alive in summer — and many of the best experiences won’t cost a cent. Whether you’re entertaining visiting family, filling school holiday days or simply enjoying a slower pace, this guide rounds up six free things to do in Sydney this January that are fun, family-friendly and easy to plan.
Follow the art to Sydney Festival
It’s the 50th anniversary of this festival featuring bold theatre, music, dance, visual arts and immersive performances. Explore the program of free and ticketed events as Sydney Festival showcases our nation’s diverse storytellers and brings some of the world’s finest artists to Sydney stages.
Watch the streets of Walsh Bay turn into a live action movie set, take a peep through a pair of binoculars and broadcast your peepers in this public art installation and be moved by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra playing under the stars.
Want more? See our highlights from this year’s Sydney Festival program.
Thursday 8 to Sunday 25 January
Honour the survival of the world’s oldest living cultures
Make your way to Yabun Festival for a day of music, markets, children’s activities and cultural performances. Yabun means ‘music to a beat’ and it’s Australia’s largest one-day festival celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Kick on to Blak Powerhouse down the road that night for more celebrations. Expect food trucks, market stalls, short films, weaving workshops and top tier First Nations talent Barkaa, 3% and lots more bringing the house down on the live music stage.
Monday 26 January
Explore Sydney’s museums
A school holiday so fun it’ll go down in history? From the sunny gardens of Vaucluse House to the convict hammocks of Hyde Park Barracks, explore Sydney’s history through unique experiences with Museums of History NSW. Try hands-on workshops, drop-in activities and be wowed by the exhibitions.
Various dates
See the sails light up at sunset
Badu Gili, meaning ‘water light’, is a new animation celebrating the work and stories of local and international First Nations artists in a six-minute projection on the Sydney Opera House’s eastern sails. Take a seat on the landmark’s steps and watch the spectacular lighting of the sails at sunset.
Every day
Go for a dip in Sydney Harbour
Cool down with a swim in the calm waters of Marrinawi Cove. Not only will you take in the views of the Sydney skyline, but you can soak in the sounds of free live acoustic performances.
Every weekend in January and February
Grab your popcorn for a mid-week movie marathon
Picture yourself in a cobblestone lane, sitting under the stars, in a comfy beanbag or deck chair watching your favourite film. You’ll find this movie magic at the Laneway Cinema at The Rocks, bringing you weekly double bill of scary, hilarious and swoon-worthy films at a pop-up outdoor cinema.
Every Wednesday until 25 February
Starts This Friday at Moore Park: Waterworld Central Brings the Ultimate School Holiday Splash
