Need an excuse to escape the usual routine for an hour? Bondi Pavilion’s free Lunchtime Concerts could be just the midweek break you’re looking for.
Running monthly on selected Wednesdays through to December, the concerts bring live music to the High Tide Room at Bondi Pavilion, with everything from jazz and soul to folk, Sinatra classics and Christmas carols.
Best of all? They’re completely free.
The performances run from 1:30pm to 2:30pm, making them easy to combine with lunch, a walk along Bondi Beach or a catch-up with a friend.
A Different Kind of Lunch Break
We love finding free things to do around the Eastern Suburbs, and this series is particularly good if you’re looking for something that doesn’t revolve around the kids.
Grab another mum after the morning rush, meet a friend for lunch beforehand, bring along a grandparent or simply head down on your own and enjoy an hour of live music.
The concerts are designed to be relaxed and accessible, with a different musical style featured each month.
Here’s what’s still to come in 2026.
16 September – Sarina Jennings
First up this spring is Sarina Jennings, one of Sydney’s in-demand singers.
Sarina has performed everywhere from the Entertainment Centre to Parramatta Stadium and has appeared in productions ranging from Women of Soul, where she channelled Aretha Franklin, to Love is a Rose, celebrating the music of Linda Ronstadt.
Her musical range moves effortlessly between R&B, gospel and salsa, and the intimate High Tide Room should provide the perfect setting to experience her voice up close.
If you love a great vocalist and songs you actually know, put this one in the diary.
Wednesday 16 September, 1:30pm–2:30pm
14 October – Lionel Robinson Does Frank Sinatra
Fancy being transported back to the golden age of swing for an afternoon?
October’s concert is Lionel Robinson Does Frank Sinatra, with Robinson taking audiences on a musical journey through the timeless repertoire of Ol’ Blue Eyes.
Performing on piano and vocals, Lionel combines music with plenty of charm and wit.
His career began in London, where he worked as a pianist at Elton John’s restaurant, before taking him to stages around the world. He’s now a familiar face on Sydney’s jazz and lounge scene, performing both solo and with ensembles – including fronting a 20-piece band.
Expect an afternoon filled with Sinatra classics, swing and old-school glamour.
And yes, he might even fly you to the moon.
Wednesday 14 October, 1:30pm–2:30pm
11 November – Miriam Lieberman
November brings something quite different to the Pavilion.
Singer-songwriter Miriam Lieberman creates music blending African influences with blues, folk melodies and beautiful vocal harmonies.
Performing with kora, guitar and vocals, Miriam’s songs tell stories inspired by nature, transformation, motherhood, creativity, love and loss.
Her time living in Latin America and West Africa has also had a strong influence on her distinctive musical style.
For this performance, Miriam will be joined by musician Lara Goodridge, known for Baby et Lulu and FourPlay, adding vocal harmonies and violin to the performance.
If you love thoughtful singer-songwriters and beautiful acoustic music, this could be the concert to choose.
Wednesday 11 November, 1:30pm–2:30pm
2 December – Christmas Carols With Cassy and The Sunshine Singers
And then suddenly…it will be December.
The final Lunchtime Concert for 2026 brings some Christmas cheer to Bondi Pavilion with Cassy and The Sunshine Singers.
Choir leader Cassy Darvall, pianist Michael Bartolomei and the Sunshine Singers will fill the Pav with Christmas favourites including Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, We Wish You a Merry Christmas and Silent Night.
And this isn’t necessarily a concert where you have to sit quietly.
You’re encouraged to warm up those vocal cords and sing along.
Christmas accessories aren’t compulsory – but apparently they’re strongly encouraged.
This could be a particularly lovely one to attend with grandparents or friends, or even as a little pre-Christmas outing before the end-of-year madness really kicks in.
Wednesday 2 December, 1:30pm–2:30pm
Lunchtime Concerts at the Pav – The Details
Where: High Tide Room, Bondi Pavilion
Time: 1:30pm–2:30pm
Cost: Free
Bookings: Registration through Humanitix is required
Presented by: Waverley Council
Remaining 2026 concerts:
16 September: Sarina Jennings
14 October: Lionel Robinson Does Frank Sinatra
11 November: Miriam Lieberman
2 December: Carols with Cassy and The Sunshine Singers
ESM Tip: Turn It Into a Bondi Afternoon
With the concert only lasting an hour, why not make a little more of it?
Meet a friend for lunch around Bondi before the performance, grab a coffee afterwards or take a walk along the beachfront before heading back to reality.
For mums who spend much of the week rushing between work, kids, appointments and everything else, an hour listening to live music overlooking one of Sydney’s most iconic beaches sounds like a pretty good way to break up the week.
And because the concerts are free, there’s really not much stopping you.
Just remember that registration is required and places may be limited, so if there’s a performer you’d particularly like to see, book your seat early.
Sometimes the best local activities are the simplest ones: lunch, live music, Bondi Beach and an hour to yourself.
