Top Things to do in Sydney | PARKROYAL Darling Harbour

Sydney Events

There’s always something going on in our vibrant city. Home to some of the world’s top sporting events, concerts, and festivals, don’t miss your chance to explore the top things to do in Sydney at PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney. 

May 2023

Vivid Sydney

Invigorating the city of Sydney with awe-inspiring art installations and 3D light projections, Vivid Light transforms our urban environment into a kaleidoscopic wonderland. 

In 2023, Vivid Sydney’s free Light Walk is a massive 8.5km adventure covering Circular Quay, The Rocks, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, Darling Square, Darling Quarter, The Goods Line and Central Station. See the city anew with 57 light attractions, including 26 international works and the festival’s largest installation to date, 'The Last Ocean' by American artist Jen Lewin. .

When: 26 May - 17 June 2023
Where: Sydney CBD

Mamma Mia! The Musical

Sydney, it's time to party again! MAMMA MIA! The Musical returns this May for a strictly limited season.

Featuring 22 of ABBA’s greatest hits, including Dancing Queen, Voulez Vous, S.O.S and Take a Chance On Me, the iconic songs you know and love are guaranteed to have you dancing in the aisles at the Sydney Lyric. 

A celebration of love, laughter and friendship, MAMMA MIA! The Musical is a fabulous night out for all ages! 

When: 28 May - 18 June 2023
Where: Sydney Lyric Theatre- 55 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont

June 2023

Sydney Film Festival

The 70th Sydney Film Festival will be back in cinemas this June 2023, showcasing the greatest, strangest and most exciting works that cinema has to offer.

The world’s best new films come to Sydney this year for 12 days and nights of inspiring and entertaining premieres, talks and parties. Come and be among the first in Australia to see the greatest, strangest and most exciting work that cinema has to offer.

When: 8 June - 19 June 2023
Where: 49 Market Street, Sydney, NSW

Good Food and Wine Show

The Good Food & Wine Show is the perfect day out for food and wine lovers. Enjoy a fantastic day with friends and wander through the show, sampling from hundreds of stalls, chatting to winemakers and distillers and hearing their stories. Sit back and be entertained by your favourite chefs as they demonstrate their delicious recipes in the Kitchen by Harris Scarfe plus join in the fun of a masterclass from wine and cheese pairing to whisky tasting and graze at delicious pop-up restaurants.

When: 23 June - 25 June 2023
Where: ICC Sydney- 14 Darling Drive, Sydney

July 2023

Bastille Festival

In July 2023, the French are back in Circular Quay to celebrate our 10th Bastille Festival anniversary with you!

So, dig your beret out of the cupboard and get ready to join us for our 4-day French food, wine and art revolution, the likes of which Sydney has never seen before!

In case you’re not familiar with our event, ​Bastille Festival Sydney​ is a free entry, French cultural celebration of food, wine and art, held annually in Sydney’s Circular Quay

When: 13 July - 16 July 2023
Where: Circular Quay

Christmas in July Lunch Cruise

Tinsel, missletoe, carols and the unmistakable aroma of warm Christmas pudding and custard in... Winter?? Sounds heavenly!

Come aboard and sway to the rhythms of live Christmas carols, jazz and pop covers as you indulge in a delicious seafood and carvery lunch followed by warm Christmas pudding with custard, fresh seasonal fruit, coffee and tea. Enjoy a glass of bubbly from the bar and let time pass you by as you embrace the spectacular harbour views!

When: 1 July - 29 July 2023
Where: King Street Wharf, Darling Harbour

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August 2023

Whale Watching Sydney

Sydney is the envy of Australia with a whale-watching season that lasts over five months of the year. Over 20,000 Humpback whales make the 3,500km journey from sub-Antarctic waters to the Great Barrier Reef every year. Whale numbers peak off Sydney in June-July for the Northern migration to give birth, and September-October for the return southern migration. In August, whale behaviour is often more spectacular with younger males showing off with amazing breaches.

When: 5 August  - 27 August 2023
Where: Circular Quay