The seasons are changing and with that change comes the opportunity to lean into the exciting cultural happenings that’ll bring New South Wales to life all year long. With a rotating calendar of incredible exhibits, events and festivals, it’s always a great time to get out and explore this stunning state and all it has to offer.
To help you start mapping out your next New South Wales adventure, we’ve rounded up a bunch of the most exciting events to mark in your diaries. Here are some of the top, unmissable events to catch in 2023.
Vivid Sydney
Undoubtedly the most vibrant event of the season returns for its 13th year. Vivid Sydney fuses light, art, creativity, technology and innovation with food, music and culture in a spectacular program that will illuminate the city and the imaginations of all who experience it. This year’s theme, ‘Vivid Sydney, Naturally’, pays homage to nature as a source of creative inspiration, all set to the unparalleled backdrop of Sydney Harbour and surrounds. As usual, a stunning ever-changing display will light up the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House every night as well as a stacked lineup of food and music and cultural events throughout the city. Taking place from 26 May to 17 June, we can guarantee you’ll be completely enchanted.
THE DETAILS:
What: Vivid Sydney
When: Friday, 26 May to Saturday, 17 June
Where: Multiple locations across Sydney
FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™
Setting the stage for some of the most talented athletes in football, the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ will see 32 nations compete on a global stage for the whole world to watch in our very own backyard. With continental qualification pathways leading to the penultimate finals series, the Aussies will look to steal the championship on home turf in a ferocious battle of skill and determination. Head over here to learn more about tickets.
THE DETAILS:
What: FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™
When: Thursday, 20 July to Sunday, 20 August
Where: Stadium Australia and Sydney Football Stadium
Wanderer Festival
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When a place is known as The Sapphire Coast, you know that you’re about to witness some pretty stellar scenery. Pambula Beach is around a 5.5-hour drive south of Sydney and is home to the epic Wanderer Festival—a phenomenal musical experience that transcends both genre and demographic. It brings together an extremely diverse arts program that intertwines theatre, comedy, cultural workshops and circus alongside some huge names in music. Everyone is welcome at this joyous weekend celebration of life and nature.
THE DETAILS:
What: Wanderer Festival
When: Friday, 29 September to Sunday, 1 October
Where: Pambula Beach
SXSW Sydney
One of the biggest events on the international cultural calendar is coming to New South Wales (and Australia) for the very first time this October. SXSW Sydney is a week-long event where the tech and innovation, games, music and screen industries converge with culture for unexpected discoveries. Expect live music and games showcases, massive parties, film and TV premieres, a tech expo, the next generation of innovative thinkers, and a stacked lineup of inspiring speakers and panellists. There’s something for everyone in this celebration of imagination and creativity taking over inner-city areas including Haymarket, Ultimo, Central and Chippendale this spring. Taking place from 15 to 22 October, this mammoth event aligns global creatives together to network and share their most wonderful ideas and imagination. Buy your badge here.
THE DETAILS:
What: SXSW Sydney
When: Sunday, 15 to Sunday, 22 October
Where: ICC Sydney and various locations
Sydney International Arts
The Sydney International Arts Series kicks off in early November and extends through to March, giving locals and adventurers the opportunity to experience three of the world’s most outstanding exhibitions exclusive to Sydney. At the Art Gallery of NSW, see the largest survey of pioneering artist Louise Bourgeois ever displayed in Australia, and experience Wassily Kandinsky’s moving oeuvre of work that will leave you in absolute awe. At MCA Australia, experience the largest presentation in the Southern Hemisphere of internationally renowned artist Tacita Dean. A wonderful way to spend a leisurely afternoon (or two).
THE DETAILS:
What: Sydney International Arts Series
When: Saturday, 4 November 2023 to Sunday, 3 March 2024
Where: Art Gallery of NSW and Museum of Contemporary Art Australia
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Destination New South Wales and proudly endorsed by Urban List. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make Urban List possible. Click here for more information on our editorial policy.
Image credit: Urban List, Destination New South Wales