TO DO
Here are autumn’s highlight events around Sydney
MARCH Eel Festival
They may not be the most cuddly creates but eels are an important animal for Parramatta’s local Darug people, the Burramattagal tribe, and are the namesake of the area. Get to know more about these underwater creatures and their significance in Indigenous culture at the Eel Festival, presented by Sydney Living Museums. à Elizabeth Farm, 70, Alice Street, Rosehill 2142. 02 9635 9488. sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/elizabeth-farm. 10am-4pm. Free. Sun Mar 11.
Australian Tattoo Expo
Tattoo artists from across the world will be showcasing their styles and specialties, including James Strickland from the US and Melbourne’s Elric Gordon. There’ll also be a chance to finally gain some validation for your biggest inked regret with the Sh!ttest Tattoo competition taking place on the Sunday. à International Convention Centre, 14 Darling Dr, Darling Harbour 2009. www.iccsydney. com.au. $10-$70. Mar 9-11.
Sydney Royal Easter Show
From pug pens to cheeseburger pies, showbags to fairground rides, it can be difficult to know where to start with the Royal Easter Show. For two weeks over Easter, Sydney Showground is home to a country fair on an epic scale. There are woodchoppers, sheep shearers and Australia’s best bull riders. But there’s also the Pet Pavilion, where you can see adorable cats, dogs, rabbits, mice, birds, frogs and reptiles hit the stage. à Sydney Showground, Olympic Blvd, Sydney Olympic Park 2127. 02 9704 1111. www. sydneyshowground.com.au. $22-$42.50. Mar 23-Apr 3.
APRIL Sydney Writers’ Festival
It’s all change for Sydney Writers’ Festival in 2018 – they’ve upped sticks from Walsh Bay, which is being developed, to new locations Carriageworks and the Seymour Centre. Michaela McGuire is still at the helm as artistic director, however, and she’s expected to reveal this year’s program on Thursday March 15. Though the main hub will be Carriageworks, events are planned for familiar haunts Sydney Town Hall, City Recital Hall, Roslyn Packer Theatre and venues in Parramatta and Chatswood. à 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh 2015. 02 9250 1988. www.swf.org. au. Apr 30-May 6.
MAY Semi Permanent
This year’s instalment features leading figures in design and visual innovation and will be hosted by local graphic designer and letterist Gemma O’Brien. Tinker Hatfield works as the sneaker designer for Nike and has had a hand in the look of most of their catalogue, including the iconic Air Jordans. He comes to Sydney to share stories and insights from his more than 36 year career. à Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh 2015. 02 8571 9099. www.carriageworks.com.au. Thu-Sat 10am-10pm. $375-$1,265. May 24-26.
Vivid Sydney
The largest event of its kind in the world, Vivid Sydney is a major drawcard for visitors, bringing in 2.33 million people last year for the citywide illuminations, live music and talks at key locations around Sydney. This year they’re celebrating ten years of the festival, which will be held over 23 nights. The festival’s four pillars – Vivid Light, Vivid Ideas, Vivid Live and Vivid Music – promise their biggest programs yet. Look out for details of the line-ups in March. à www.vividsydney.com. May 25-Jun 16.