What to do in Sydney this January

Make it a summer of art at Sydney Festival

Explore over 130 free and ticketed events to find your Sydney side. Have some free fun and see a floating multimedia and music performance, hide your hot chips from giant seagull puppets, or hear Barangaroo Headland come to life with a choir of First Nations young people. See what’s on at Sydney Festival.

Friday 5 January to Sunday 28 January

Kick start your food and nutrition goals

Come to cook and then eat a delicious lunch with OzHarvest at this free cooking and nutrition class. Over 6 weeks, learn how to cook new recipes, store food safely and save money on food – all while making new friends.

Tuesdays, 9 January to 13 February

Honour the survival of the world's oldest cultures

Recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures on 26 January. Yabun Festival features live music (Yabun means ‘music to a beat’ in Gadigal language), bustling market stalls, panel discussions, children’s activities and cultural performances.

Friday 26 January

Teach the kids how to ride

Help your kids learn how to balance and ride a bike at this school holiday clinic for 3 to 8-year-olds at Sydney Park Cycling Centre. Caregivers participate in this workshop and instructors will be there to help.

Monday 8 to Thursday 11 January
Monday 22 to Thursday 25 January

Make your own botanical sunprint

Slow down and observe the shapes and patterns of leaves, plants and natural objects at Sydney City Farm. In this workshop, you’ll arrange plant specimens and use sunprint paper to create beautiful cyanotype prints to take home.

Friday 19 January

Let an artist lead you to her favourite films

See Hollywood melodrama, black comedies and midnight movies by the likes of John Waters and David Lynch at this free film series. The Art Gallery of New South Wales is screening a selection of films loved by French-American artist Louise Bourgeois in association with an exhibition of the artist’s work.

Wednesdays and Sundays, Wednesday 10 January to Sunday 10 March

Take a guided walk through the Royal Botanic Garden

Get outdoors and learn about the history, botany and wildlife of Australia’s oldest botanic garden. You’ll be guided by a knowledgeable volunteer on a 1.5-hour walk and discover the heritage, plant diversity and iconic views of Australia’s oldest botanic garden.

Daily throughout January

Enjoy summer in the city these school holidays

From movies and board games to snorkelling and surfing lessons, make it a jam-packed summer with our Youth in the City school holiday program. High school aged young people can meet new friends and try something new with low-cost activities throughout the school holidays.

Weekdays, Tuesday 2 January to Thursday 25 January

Salute the sun at Sunday yoga

Get fit and flexible every Sunday morning with free outdoor yoga under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. A yoga instructor will guide you through a full program of focused breathing, strength and mobility to get your body moving.

Sundays, until 21 January

See the best of Australia's up-and-coming artists

Six emerging artists investigate themes of protest and perseverance through installation, video, painting, sculpture and text at this annual exhibition showcasing the work of Australian artists aged 35 years and under.

Daily except Tuesdays, throughout January

Want more? Find everything happening in Sydney this month