Australia Sail Grand Prix, SydneyCredit: Destination NSW
Boats race across the harbour during the Australia Sail Grand Prix, Sydney.
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Thanks to a spectacular setting, global connections and a vibrant local culture, Sydney is a hub for illustrious events and, in mid-February, five spectacular events line up to make an unforgettable summer weekend. Whether its sport, musicals or festivals, Sydney brings together the greatest events worth planning a holiday around.
An Olympic-standard sailing event within Sydney harbour
Summer sees Sydney’s Harbour at its dreamy, sunny best and on the weekend of 8-9 February, it’s the spectacular frame for round three of one of the world’s most anticipated sailing events, the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix Sydney. Some of the world's greatest sailors (the same names that occupy the America’s Cup and the Olympics rosters) are set to race around the spectacular waters between Bradleys Head, Point Piper, Clark Island and Steele Point (within Vaucluse’s Nielsen Park). Last season Australia won the home leg, but Spain narrowly edged the Aussies in the end of season leaderboard. This season the Aussies will be looking to lock down the Sydney race to help them reclaim a title they won three times in a row before last season.
The return of the world’s prestige combat event
After the 13-minute sell-out success of UFC 293, the most valuable worldwide combat sport returns to Sydney on 9 February. The iconic stage, The Octagon, will once again transform Qudos Bank Arena into a battle spectacle for UFC 312, featuring Australia’s best fighters taking on world champions and the UFC’s hottest new prospects across a range of weight classes. After the fireworks of 2023’s Middleweight Championship bout between Adesanya vs Strickland, expect upsets, glory, agony and new storylines delivering a new champion their place in history.
Charli XCX to bring Brat Summer to Centennial Park
Since Laneway Sydney launched in 2006 with the Broken Social Scene and Gossip playing to a modest crowd at Circular Quay, it has exploded into a festival of international renown, moving to the famous grounds of the Centennial Parklands and inviting names like Billie Eilish, Fred Again, Stormzy, Aldous Harding, and Florence and the Machine. On 9 February this year, the irreverent, youth-championing music festival continues on the same path, as its stage will be graced by none other than pop culture phenomenon Charli XCX, along with huge indie names Clairo and Beabadoobee, and electronic innovators Bicep and Barry Can’t Swim.
The Australian debut of a Tony Award-winning musical
Winner of a Tony Award for best musical in 2019 and behind only Hamilton as one of the most nominated musicals in a single year, Hadestown’s Sydney premiere is one of the most anticipated shows to hit Australian shores. Opening on 10 February in the historic Theatre Royal Sydney, which first opened in 1833, the musical retells the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice in a modern context. Bringing the myth to the stage is a star-studded cast including multi-ARIA award winner Christine Anu, and The Unlisted and Miss Saigon star Abigail Adriano.
The return of the world’s greatest hockey league
For the first time in two years, the most prestigious annual hockey competition, the Men’s FIH Pro League, returns to Sydney. From 4-9 February, Sydney Olympic Park’s Hockey Centre will be the epic stage for one of the most important rounds of the 2024/2025 season, with last year’s champions, Australia, taking on their rivals and last season's runner up, the Netherlands. Joining the round robin is Spain, a dark horse who will be eager to avenge their thrilling 4-3 losses to both Australia and the Netherlands last season. If any of the three countries can take maximum points from the six clashes, odds will be on for them to take the coveted FIH Pro League title.
Hadestown Credit: Opera Australia
Seen by three million, streamed by over 350 million and adored by fans all around the world, singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell’s acclaimed West End and Broadway musical phenomenon Hadestown will make its Australian premiere at Theatre Royal Sydney in February 2025. Presented by Opera Australia and JONES Theatrical Group, Hadestown won eight Tony Awards when it opened on Broadway in 2019, including Best Score and Best Director and is still playing to packed houses five years later.
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Hadestown Credit: Opera Australia
Seen by three million, streamed by over 350 million and adored by fans all around the world, singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell’s acclaimed West End and Broadway musical phenomenon Hadestown will make its Australian premiere at Theatre Royal Sydney in February 2025. Presented by Opera Australia and JONES Theatrical Group, Hadestown won eight Tony Awards when it opened on Broadway in 2019, including Best Score and Best Director and is still playing to packed houses five years later.
Sydney FIH Pro League Credit: Hockey Australia
Sydney FIH Pro League
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Sydney FIH Pro League Credit: Hockey Australia
Sydney FIH Pro League
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Australia Day 2025Credit: Destination NSW
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Australia Day 2025 Credit: Destination NSW
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