As the cool winter air settles in, Sydney comes alive in June with a spectacular lineup of events, festivals, and experiences to warm your soul. From the dazzling displays of Vivid Sydney lighting up the city, to cozy pop-up dining spots, cultural celebrations, and family-friendly activities, there’s no shortage of things to do across the Harbour City.

Whether you’re a local looking for weekend plans or a visitor exploring Sydney for the first time, June offers the perfect mix of arts, entertainment, food, and outdoor adventure. Here’s your ultimate guide to what’s happening in Sydney this month – and why you won’t want to stay indoors because the lights are on and the red carpet is out. The best art, music, performances and parties come to town this month.

Vivid Sydney. Image courtesy of Destination NSW.
Vivid Sydney. Image courtesy of Destination NSW.

Light up your nights at Vivid Sydney

Be dazzled by the spectacular light installations, talks and food taking over the city. Beyond the lights, there’s an impressive program of live music. Highlights include electronic music legends Tangerine Dream, indie favourite Soccer Mommy and My Sis, a celebration of First Nations excellence, with an all-female line-up.

Until 14 June

See the best new films at the State Theatre. Image courtesy of Sydney Film Festival.
See the best new films at the State Theatre. Image courtesy of Sydney Film Festival.

See the bigger picture at Sydney Film Festival

Lights, camera, action! Take your pick from more than 200 films from Australia and around the world, including the buzziest new titles direct from Cannes. Stop by the giant outdoor screen at Martin Place to watch animated shorts and hear from your favourite filmmakers at talks and parties in the Lower Town Hall festival hub.

4 to 15 June

2025 Archibald Prize winning artwork 'Flagship Mother Multiverse (Justene)' by artist Julie Fragar. Image courtesy of the Art Gallery of NSW.
2025 Archibald Prize winning artwork ‘Flagship Mother Multiverse (Justene)’ by artist Julie Fragar. Image courtesy of the Art Gallery of NSW.

 

Marvel at the Archibald Prize finalists

The best works from Australia’s most significant art award for portraiture are on show at the Art Gallery of NSW, along with the exciting finalists for the Wynne and Sulman prizes. You might see a work by the next big thing at the Young Archies, for artists aged 5 to 18.

Every day until 17 August

 

Ambassadors from the Refugee Council of Australia. Image credit: Abril Felman / City of Sydney.
Ambassadors from the Refugee Council of Australia. Image credit: Abril Felman / City of Sydney.

Make a connection during Refugee Week

From storytime to speaker events, find out what’s on to recognise the cultures and contributions of refugees and people seeking asylum. Don’t miss the special free screening of award-winning Sudanese film, Goodbye Julia, followed by a panel discussion and Q&A at the State Library of NSW.

15 to 21 June

Celebrate with parties, performances and more this Pride Month. Image credit: Robert Knapman.
Celebrate with parties, performances and more this Pride Month. Image credit: Robert Knapman.

Paint the town Pride

Celebrate Pride Month with everything from drag queen walking tours to a day of family fun. Head to Qtopia, Sydney’s centre for queer history and culture, for a bumper program of theatre, cabaret, comedy, talks and workshops.

Throughout June

Meet the makers. Image courtesy of the Makers and Shakers Market.
Meet the makers. Image courtesy of the Makers and Shakers Market.

Shop from local creatives at the Makers and Shakers Market

More than 130 stalls feature Australian-made homewares, sustainable fashion, delicious eats and more. Explore food tastings, creative workshops and chat with the creative minds who made your latest favourite find.

Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 June

Still from Say Our Names mini documentary. Image courtesy of UTS.
Still from Say Our Names mini documentary. Image courtesy of UTS.

Find out what’s in a name

What do our names reveal about culture, identity and respect? Join academics, community voices and thought leaders for a mini documentary screening and an insightful panel discussion about the power of our personal names.

Wednesday 11 June

Go on a ghost tour around The Rocks. Image courtesy of Lantern Ghost Tours.
Go on a ghost tour around The Rocks. Image courtesy of Lantern Ghost Tours.

Go on a ghost tour

Is the temperature dropping or is that just a chill running down your spine? Explore the spooky side of Sydney on a guided ghost tour. Creep through the Royal Botanic Garden after dark, discover haunted pubs and a hidden burial ground, and delve into the grisly history of Callan Park.

Various dates

Ultimo Clothes Swap. Image credit: Cassandra Hannagan / City of Sydney.
Ultimo Clothes Swap. Image credit: Cassandra Hannagan / City of Sydney.

Find a new ‘fit at Ultimo clothes swap

Update your wardrobe for winter without spending a cent. If you have pre-loved clothes in great condition, trade them for something stylish with other fashion lovers.

Saturday 21 June

 

by jay