This winter Sydney will host a range of free and low-cost activities for all ages – from music, film, talks, comedy, food and fashion across the city’s seven winter festivals.
Now, Sydneysiders can pick up discounted tickets to performances on the same day at the state’s biggest arts and culture companies, and festivals – including Sydney Comedy Festival, Sydney Film Festival, and Vivid LIVE. Offers are released daily at 9am and redeemable in person only at the Culture Station, opposite Wharf 5 at Circular Quay.
Additionally, across the winter festival season there are a range of free programs for all ages and interests. Highlights include:
- Sydney Comedy Festival’s Kids and Family Day offers a range of free activities, including roving performers, face painting and craft station.
- More than 25 per cent of the Sydney Writers Festival from 17 – 24 May is free.
- The State Library of NSW’s Unplugged event presented in partnership with Vivid Sydney on Friday 29 May will offer a free night of crafts, games, talks, and music.
- Sydney Cinematheque at the Art Gallery of NSW offers a year-round program of free and ticketed films. Upcoming screenings include classic Australian films Rats in the Ranks, Somersault and Mad Max: Fury Road.
- A free street party sending off Biennale of Sydney’s Art After Dark will take place on 12 June, with innovative, left-of-centre music from across the globe at the awe-inspiring White Bay Power Station, programmed with Vivid Sydney.
- As the sun sets, the sails of the Sydney Opera House come alive with the Lighting of the Sails, featuring striking projections by Yann Nguema, accompanied by an evocative score from Mischa Blanos. Inside, audiences can enjoy a curated selection of free film screenings in the Playhouse, including La Haine (Asian Dub Foundation Version), Absolute Beginners, Millennium Mambo, Rave Culture: A New Era and Human Traffic.
Temporary signage and the new Sydney Culture Walk map will improve walkability of Sydney’s cultural precinct and provide locals and visitors with clear directions to Sydney’s museums, theatres and galleries. The Sydney Culture Walk is also on the Walks Near Me website offering a free digital itinerary connecting architecture, art and history.
The Culture Station is located opposite Wharf 5 at Circular Quay. For more information about the events and shows coming up in Sydney, visit the individual organisation’s websites, and for more information on ticketing offers visit: https://www.culturestation.com.au/
Minister for Arts, Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said:
“Sydney doesn’t slowdown in winter. In fact, it’s the time to grab your friends and head out. For the next five weeks, Sydneysiders will enjoy some of the world’s best music, art, fashion, writers, filmmakers, chefs, and performances.
“There is absolutely something for everyone – a lot of it is free or low cost and now, visitors to the Culture Station will have the chance to get cheaper tickets for some of the hottest shows and experiences in town.
“Not only is there a great range of free and low-cost of events coming up, but most of them are easy to get to – located next to major public transport locations.”
Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:
“This winter, Sydney is putting on an incredible season of festivals and events, and we’ve made sure there are plenty of free and low‑cost options so every family can get involved. From comedy and film to art, music and literature, there’s something for everyone – and much of it won’t cost a cent.
“Vivid Sydney continues to be one of the world’s great creative festivals, and this year 80 per cent of the program is completely free. Families can wander the full Vivid Light Walk, explore installations, enjoy live music and take part in hands‑on experiences without spending a dollar.”
Background:
Since opening late last year, the Culture Station has supported more than 26,000 enquiries – and connected visitors and locals alike with more than 100 programs, almost half of which are free. Sydney’s Winter Festival season includes:
- 9 May – 16 August: Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes 2026 at the Art Gallery of NSW. With more than 137 finalist works across the three prizes the 2026 exhibition is a must-see display of compelling portraits, powerful landscapes and ambitious new work. The 2024 exhibition received more than 100,000 visits. Martin Place and Museum station are the nearest points for most transport, bus 441 also stops at the front of the gallery.
- 11 May – 15 May: Australian Fashion Week with locations across the city, and the Museum of Contemporary Art as the main hub this year the program has expanded to include public access tickets to key shows and talks. Circular Quay is the best stop for access to the MCA.
- 13 April – 17 May: Sydney Comedy Festival has become the city’s largest annual comedy event, with the finest acts from Australia and the biggest international stars taking to stages across Sydney throughout April and May, providing experiences from stand up to sketch, satire, impro, musical, absurdist, theatre, magic and kids comedy.
- 17 May – 24 May: Sydney Writers Festival takes place at Carriageworks, Sydney Town Hall, Phive in Parramatta Square and Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre in Penrith, with a range of ticketed and free events for all ages. Last year more than 100,000 people attended the Sydney Writers’ Festival, marking the highest numbers in their 28-year history, engaging with over 200 events and more than 300 authors. Access is easy with a short walk from train and bus connections.
- 22 May – 13 June: Vivid Sydney an annual favourite, last year more than 2.4 million people attended a range of free and ticketed day and night events. Free events this year include: Tumbalong Nights which takes place in Tumbalong Park every night throughout the festival, with a lineup of local and international artists offering all-ages performances. From 5 June – 7 June: Cristal Palace at Sydney Opera House Forecourt presents aerial acrobatics, dance and circus feats with nightly shows over the June long weekend.
- 3 June – 14 June: Sydney Film Festival takes place at its flagship venue the State Theatre, as well as cinemas in the Sydney CBD, Newtown, Cremorne, Randwick, and more. This year marks the 73rd year of the Sydney Film Festival. Last year more than 150,000 people attended – with more than 150 sessions selling out.
- Sunday 14 June: The Biennale of Sydney finishes the stellar festival season wrapping up on 14 June, the final day for its free exhibitions at the White Bay Power Station, Art Gallery of NSW, University of Sydney’s Chau Chak Wing Museum, Campbelltown Art Centre, and Lewers: Penrith Regional Gallery.