Upcoming Sydney events
Not an NRL fan? There are plenty of other big reasons to visit Sydney and its surrounds this year. Here are a few. Taste of Sydney If you’re a foodie, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into at the Taste of Sydney food festival. Over four days in March, the festival showcases the most celebrated Sydney restaurants, along with the latest and greatest hot spots. Favourites such as Kensington Street Social, Gastro Park and Four in Hand by Guillaume will be in attendance and there’s sure to be a flavour to suit everyone. WHEN: March 9-12 ONLINE: sydney.tastefestivals.com Hunter Valley Wine & Food Festival Spanning two months, this year’s festival showcases the best food and wine from this beautiful region just two hours from central Sydney. Take part in winemaking masterclasses, vineyard tours, cooking classes and Chefs Plate lunches, with more events yet to be announced. WHEN: May 1-June 30 ONLINE: winecountry.com.au Vivid Sydney A highlight (emphasis on light) of Sydney’s annual event calendar is Vivid — a festival of light, music and ideas that showcases the harbour city’s brightest and lights up sails of the Sydney Opera House and other landmarks with colourful designs. This year’s programme includes more than 90 light installations and projections created by more than 150 artists from 23 countries, 190 music performances and 658 speakers in 183 Vivid Ideas events. Sydney’s Allianz Stadium (above) goes All-American in August. WHEN: May 27-June 18 ONLINE: vividsydney.com Winter Magic Festival The biggest annual event in the Blue Mountains, this festival in Katoomba — two-hours’ drive from Sydney CBD — welcomes winter bringing together musicians, magicians, jugglers, gymnasts, dancers, markets and more. The main street is closed to traffic, allowing the whole town to become a performance space, and visitors are encouraged to dress in costume. WHEN: June 24
ONLINE: wintermagic.com.au US College Football Sydney Cup This August, Sydney’s Allianz Stadium goes AllAmerican, with Stanford University’s Cardinals taking on Houston-based Rice University’s Owls. Despite being on the other side of the world, all the bells and whistles you’d expect at a US football game will be on display — including marching bands, cheerleaders, mascots and classic American stadium food. WHEN: Sunday, August 27 ONLINE: facebook.com/CFSydneyCup
The Carole King Musical This inspiring musical tells the story of legendary songwriter Carole King, from her childhood in Brooklyn to her years crafting classic hits with husband Gerry Goffin for artists such as The Shirelles, The Monkees and Aretha Franklin. Beautiful makes its Australian debut in September at the Sydney Lyric Theatre, following a major refurbishment. WHEN: September 24-October 22 ONLINE: beautifulmusical.com.au