Sometimes the best things to do are right there on your doorstep, and even better, they’re often free!
Every day in February we’ll share something free you can do in the local area. Some days we’ll share events taking place that same day, but we’ll also share free activities you can do anytime.
Check out our Instagram each day for inspiration or view the list below.
Tuesday 1 February
Wake up early and watch sunrise over the harbour. Some great spots to see sunrise near the harbour are Circular Quay, Hickson Road Reserve and Observatory Hill.
Wednesday 2 February
Take a stroll along George Street and discover the Lunar Lanterns. The Lunar Lanterns are a creative, contemporary interpretation of a centuries-old tradition. They'll light up our city until 13 February.
You’ll find the lanterns between King and Goulburn streets. If you're travelling into the city by public transport, we suggest starting at Sydney Town Hall and making your way toward Haymarket.
Thursday 3 February
Join free workshops and learn to make kimchi, fortune pouches and lanterns at The Powerhouse Museum. Explore the Five Hundred Arhats exhibition on a guided tour and watch K-pop performances by IMI Dance Studio.
Friday 4 February
Watch a free movie under the stars at The Rocks laneway cinema. Tonight’s Lunar-inspired movie is The Joy Luck Club. More films are showing until 14 February. You’ll find street food and restaurants nearby for dinner and snacks.
Saturday 5 February
Enjoy a day of laid-back live music, food, drinks and good views at The Garden Social. Doors open at 11am over the weekend, it’s free entry and you don’t need a ticket.
The Garden Social is open Thursday to Sunday until 13 February.
Sunday 6 February
Today we’re stopping the traffic on Crown Street and putting on a day of live music, entertainment and unique things to do.
Free activities:
- flower arranging workshops at Buds and Bowers
- free pet exams and doggy competitions at Vets on Crown. Enter your furry friend to win ‘waggiest tail,’ ‘best pet party trick’ or ‘biggest smile’
- Battle rope competition at Hiscoes Gym to win a free gym membership.
Monday 7 February
The Glebe Foreshore makes for a delightful walk or cycle. Start at Blackwattle Bay Park and walk to the Sydney Fish Markets in Pyrmont.
Tuesday 8 February
The Rocks is alive with colour and creativity thanks to a series of intriguing installations by local artists. The artists were asked to explore the themes of revival and renewal. The result is a series of installations that are unique and create a new way to see The Rocks.
Wednesday 9 February
Celebrate Sydney's rich African diaspora community tonight at Art After Hours at the Art Gallery of NSW. Join a block-printing workshop with textile artist Jo Kalute and enjoy the smooth Afrobeat mixes of DJ CMJ.
This event is co-produced by 2 Sydney Stylists, a creative agency founded by Wanyika Mshila and Niwa Mburuja working at the intersection of design, business and community development.
Thursday 10 February
Spend some time at Australia’s oldest park in the heart of the city. Hyde Park is home to the Archibald Fountain, YININMADYEMI Thou didst let fall and the Sandringham Garden, as well as 580 mature and exotic native trees.
Take your friends and a picnic or bring your book and reacquaint yourself with this well-known gem.
You can even play a free game of giant chess which is available to the public 7 days a week until 4.30pm.
Friday 11 February
Start the weekend with a culture fix from the Museum of Contemporary Art. Every Friday the MCA is keeping its doors open for free until 9pm. Each week, a different musician, artist or poet will hold an intimate performance.
Once you’ve admired the galleries, head up to the rooftop bar for live music from emerging talent.
Saturday 12 February
Today’s stop for Summer Streets is Glebe Point Road. Spend an easy breezy afternoon browsing the local businesses and enjoying the live music and performers grooving through the street.
Sunday 13 February
Today is the last day of Sydney Lunar Festival and the Maritime Museum have an exciting day of free activities to celebrate.
- Cat-themed print workshops from 12pm to 4pm
- Lion, dragon and martial arts performances at 3pm
- Snack-making workshops for kids at 3pm and 4pm
Monday 14 February
Happy Valentine's Day. Whether you’re celebrating or not, watching sunset from Observatory Hill is a beautiful way to spend an evening. Get off your sofa and soak in the last hours of the day from up high.
You can also check our guide to romantic things to do in Sydney.
Tuesday 15 February
Spot the miniature sights of Sydney in the Customs House 3D city model. Upgraded yearly to reflect our ever-changing city, the city model is even more striking at night when it comes alive with hundreds of fibre-optic lights illuminating the streets.
While you’re there, catch the Customs House exhibition and learn the history of the building.
Free entry 7 days a week. On weeknights, Customs House is open until 10.30pm – a great place to visit if you’re in the city after work.
Wednesday 16 February
It’s not easy to captivate the attention of over 1 billion wandering eyes and minds. In White Rabbit Gallery’s gallery’s latest exhibition, artists explore how China has transformed into a global powerhouse. The collection of works by 12 artists will completely stimulate your imagination. On level 1, you can play a multi-level video game by artist Feng Mengbo. Once you’ve browsed the gallery, visit the tranquil tea house for a cup of tea and some dumplings.
Thursday 17 February
If you’ve ever wanted to explore a museum at night, here’s your chance! The Australian Museum is opening its doors every Thursday night til June. Come explore their exhibition and galleries, including the ever-popular dinosaurs exhibition.
You'll find them every Thursday from 5pm to 9pm. The Australian Museum is open to the public, free of charge every day of the year except Christmas Day.
Friday 18 February
Today marks the start of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Mark the occasion with a walk along the rainbow path at Prince Alfred Park to Equality Green. Equality Green was named to celebrate the yes vote for marriage equality in 2017. Prince Alfred Park is perfect for a picnic with friends. It has plenty of green space as well as barbecue and picnic areas.
Today Oxtravaganza also kicks off with 2 weeks of celebrations on Oxford Street. Browse the local businesses who'll be ramping up the glitter and shine.
Saturday 19 February
Head to The Rocks today and enjoy live Romani and Gypsy swing music at the Caravan Stage. The show will pay homage to Romani music from around the world.
Sunday 20 February
Walking over the Harbour Bridge is one of the best ways to experience panoramic views of the harbour, Circular Quay and Kirribilli. The one-way pedestrian walkway can be started in The Rocks or Milsons Point. Fun fact: Next month is the Harbour Bridge’s 90th birthday.
Monday 21 February
Step inside a world of aquatic delights at The Royal Botanic Garden. The family-friendly, interactive exhibition Inside the Tide has over 20,000 plants on display. Wander through a magical under the sea experience and see one of the largest living green walls in the southern hemisphere.
You’ll find the exhibition at the Calyx every day from 10am to 4pm. The Royal Botanic Garden is open to the public free every day of the year.
Tuesday 22 February
Take a self-guided twilight tour of Pyrmont and Glebe’s hidden treasures. Here's a bit more about some of the artworks you'll find:
Aspire by Warren Langley is nestled in a concrete jungle of freeways and zooming cars. It’s also just a block away from the narrowest pub in NSW, the Lord Wolseley Hotel.
Tied to Tide by Jennifer Turpin and Michaelie Crawford is a kinetic sculpture that moves hypnotically with the tide. In calm conditions the beams will bob gently, but when it’s choppy the action will be more staccato.
Earth vs Sky by Allan Giddy is powered by our first wind turbine. Technology continuously samples the colour of the sky and bathes 2 magnificent Moreton Bay fig trees in a spectrum of colours that complement the real night sky.
Wednesday 23 February
TBC
Thursday 24 February
It’s Mardi Gras meets Powerhouse tonight! The museum has organised an evening of art, talks and music. On the agenda is a talk from Mardi Gras Executive Producer about the history of Mardi Gras, a guided tour from the curator of Glitterati, and a Mardi Gras costume making workshop.
Friday 25 February
Finish the working week with mischief and mingling down by the water with Sydney Dance Company. Happenings celebrates Mardi Gras with DJs, musicians and queer performance artists.
Location: Sydney Dance Company Wharf Studios, Wharf 4/515 Hickson Rd, Dawes Point, Gadigal Land
Saturday 26 February
Pack your picnic rug and explore some of the city's green gems on our self-guided parks and gardens ride.
This relaxed 13km ride takes in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Hyde Park, Price Alfred Park and more using a mix of separated cycleways, shared paths and quiet streets.
Sunday 27 February
Get fit, flexible and find your Zen with a free yoga class every Sunday at First Fleet Park.
Monday 28 February
Stay tuned for a surprise at the end of the month.
Want more? Discover the latest events in the city.
Published 2 February 2022, updated 18 February 2022
