Darling Harbour is set to shine this spring and summer with an exciting lineup of free cultural festivals, fitness activities and family-friendly fun. Visitors can explore global traditions at the Korean Festival (9 – 10 November), Philippines Christmas Festival (16 – 17 November) and the Nepal Festival (23 November) – each offering incredible traditional cuisine, performances and entertainment. Dance lovers can salsa under the night sky at Latin Nights by the Bay every Friday or join street dance battles at Beat Breakdown, while fitness enthusiasts can join the Run Club on Monday mornings. Families will enjoy Kids Yoga and Rhythm n Bubs sessions, as well as the ultimate playground experience with water features, giant slides and more. Whether it’s exploring new cultures, dancing or getting active in the community, Darling Harbour offers the ultimate destination for a fun-filled season.
CAPTIVATING CULTURAL FESTIVALS
Darling Harbour’s Cultural Festivals are back with three unmissable markets at Tumbalong Park showcasing an array of global traditions, mouthwatering cuisine and unforgettable entertainment. At the Korean Festival (9 – 10 November), visitors can immerse themselves in the energetic fusion of K-Pop, Korean BBQ and the country’s rich cultural heritage. The Philippines Christmas Festival (16 – 17 November) invites festival-goers to experience the warmth of Filipino traditions with festive cheer, delicious food and colourful performances. Festival highlights include the feast of authentic Filipino food, traditional music and dance, and the Parol Lantern Contest – a Filipino Christmas lantern, typically star-shaped to symbolise the Star of Bethlehem. Meanwhile, fan-favourite Nepal Festival (23 – 24 November) returns after six years, offering a feast of authentic Nepalese cuisine, captivating cultural displays and lively entertainment – all free to enjoy at Darling Harbour.
DANCE UNDER THE STARS WITH LATIN NIGHTS BY THE BAY
Get your dancing shoes at the ready as Latin Nights by the Bay returns to Palm Grove. Every Friday night (from 18 October – 6 December) the bay will come alive with the vibrant sounds of salsa, bachata, mambo and more as Latin dance fans twirl under the night sky. Free for everyone to enjoy, the evening kicks off with a guided lesson from one of Sydney’s top Latin dance schools to help dancers hit the floor with confidence; a great night out for seasoned dancers through to complete beginners.
After the lesson, a DJ will spin a mix of irresistible Latin beats, giving visitors plenty of time to practise their moves or simply enjoy the music. Perfect for date nights, catch-ups or a fun evening out, Cockle Bay offers the perfect backdrop with its waterfront vibe, nearby restaurants and lively atmosphere. This 8-week spring series will culminate in a grand finale celebration to dance the night away!
For another starry night activity, visitors to Cockle Bay will be entranced by the spectacular Saturday night fireworks that light up the Harbour sky each weekend.
BATTLE IT OUT AT BEAT BREAKDOWN
Dance lovers can also get involved in Darling Harbour’s epic 1v1 dance battle at Beat Breakdown at Palm Grove Forecourt. Each month spotlights a different street dance style, and in November, the focus is Lite Feet. Dancers of all levels are invited to show off their skills, from breaking to popping and waacking, with 30 spots available for competitors. Free to join or watch, the event promises high energy and incredible prizes, with the top two performers moving on to compete in the All Star Battle in December. It’s the perfect opportunity for dancers to bring their crew, share their style, and impress the crowd.
GET MOVING WITH THE RUN CLUB
Kickstart the week with Darling Harbour’s weekly Run Club, a free and social running community for enthusiasts of all levels. Meeting at Village Green South every Monday from 7:15am to 8:15am, an experienced trainer leads the group, starting with a warm-up jog through unique locations across Darling Harbour, followed by technique drills and short sprints ranging from 200-600m.
With a dedicated coach providing personalised guidance on running form and mindset, runners can improve their performance while enjoying the benefits of group motivation. Each session features a fresh workout designed to keep things exciting and challenging, making it the perfect way to start the day on a high.
KIDS PLAY FREE ALL SUMMER LONG
For families, Kids Yoga and Rhythm n Bubs offer free engaging and dynamic experiences for young children. Kids Yoga, led by experienced instructor Danielle Connor, offers weekly 30-minute sessions designed for preschoolers aged two to five each Friday. These sessions encourage mindfulness, focus, and body awareness, with all mats provided. Rhythm n Bubs brings music to life for little ones aged one to five through interactive sessions led by Mini Musica and Cheeky Tunes. Held weekly on Wednesdays at the Darling Quarter Playground Lawn, this free activity introduces children to music through sing-alongs, percussion play and rhythmic adventures. Both activities provide a fun and creative way for parents and children to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful setting of Darling Harbour. Families can also visit Darling Harbour Playground – the ultimate playground, complete with water pumps, streams and jets, a giant 8-metre-wide slide, flying fox and more.
GETTING TO DARLING HARBOUR
Getting to Darling Harbour is easy, with various transport options available. It’s just a short walk from Sydney’s CBD and accessible by train, bus, light rail and ferry. The nearest train stations are Town Hall and Wynyard, while light rail stops directly at the heart of the precinct. For those driving, there are several parking facilities nearby and the area is also well-served by pedestrian and bike-friendly paths. Whether you’re travelling by public transport, car, or on foot, Darling Harbour is conveniently connected for all visitors.
For more details and further information, visit the Darling Harbour website.
