What to do in Sydney this July

From musicals to making cocktails, NAIDOC Week events to dancing the night away, we’ve got you covered for things to do in the city.

As we move into the second half of the year, here are 14 events you won’t want to miss.

NAIDOC in the City

Celebrate the world's oldest living culture

Come along to experience Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance, song, food and more in the heart of Sydney. NAIDOC in the City is a free, family friendly day out. Enjoy performances by Aboriginal musicians, dancers and storytellers, market stalls, and traditional games.

Saturday 9 July from 10am to 3pm

Victor Steffensen. (Photo by Peter McConchie)

Learn more about Country

Join First Nations author Victor Steffensen and delve into his book Fire Country: How Indigenous Fire Management Could Help Save Australia. This powerful book shares how the revival of cultural burning practices and improved reading of Country could help restore our land.

Tuesday 5 July from 1pm to 2pm online.

Dance the night away at the Kings Cross Hotel

Dance to live music at the Cross

Live music returns to Kings Cross Hotel every Friday night from 10pm untill late. You can boogie to local bands and DJs while unwinding after the work week.

Every Friday night from 10pm

Help increase the number of native plants in our local area. (Photo by Katherine Griffiths)

Plant natives this National Tree Day

Come along to this community event to plant a native shrub, grass or vine. This will help restore native vegetation in this area along Johnstons Creek, Annandale.

Sunday 31 July

‘All is Life’ at Carriageworks

Indulge your artistic side with the latest exhibitions

At Carriageworks, you’ll find Mel O’Callaghan’s major new work, All is Life. Charting the initial split of the first cell 4.5 billion years ago, the work uses sculpture, performance, sound, and film, to explore the relationship between life and nonlife.

At the Chau Chak Wing Museum, explore the shapes and vivid colours of Light & Darkness. This major exhibition brings together the works of prominent artists such as Jean Tinguely, Bridget Riley, On Kawara and more.

And don’t forget to check out the Archibald Prize at the Art Gallery of NSW before it closes next month.

It’s time to return to the Moulin Rouge.

Experience the hottest musicals in town

Make sure you don’t miss out on Moulin Rouge! The Musical at Capitol Theatre. A theatrical celebration of truth, beauty, freedom, and – above all – love. This show has all the classics, plus new music by Adele, Katy Perry, Sia, Beyoncé and Rihanna.

Or if you’re in the mood for some 90’s nostalgia, Cruel Intentions is for you. It’s packed with back-to-back hits including Bittersweet Symphony (The Verve), Every You and Every Me (Placebo), Bye Bye Bye (*NSYNC), Genie in a Bottle (Christina Aguilera) and more. You can catch Cruel Intentions at the State Theatre until Monday 11 July.

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall at Roslyn Packer Theatre

See the play whose source material sent shockwaves through English society

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall is Fleabag meets Pride and Prejudice.

At the Roslyn Packer Theatre you'll find this whip-smart and contemporary production that brings this lush, rallying, and beautifully-told story into the present to share with a brand new generation.

Until Saturday 16 July.

Learn how to make a purposeful flower arrangement.

Upskill with a class or workshop

There are so many new skills to learn this winter.

Why not learn how to make a ceramic luscious leaf platter? Or how about a resin cheeseboard that will be the envy of all your friends?

Better yet, head to Potts Point and learn how to make the most stunning cocktails. You’ll also be treated to a feast at the end of the class.

If that isn’t your cup of tea, you can find basket and bouquet flower arranging workshops in Glebe. You’ll get to use the highest quality seasonal fresh flowers. Best of all, you'll get insider tips to compose a beautiful arrangement.

Want more?

Find an event in the city you’ll love on What’s On.

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