If you are visiting in January, be sure to enjoy the free outdoor events held during The Sydney Festival. Other events (see our Events Calendar) include The Sydney Fringe Festival, The Sydney Film Festival, Australia Day, and The Royal Easter Show. The Big Day Out and the Manly International Jazz Festival are both popular international music festivals. Whilst the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in March, is outrageous fun. Sydney has a vibrant, world-renowned arts scene, with a diverse range of contemporary, classical and experimental performances. Many of the city's sports venues, such as Aussie Stadium (formerly Sydney Football Stadium), Sydney Cricket Ground and Telstra Stadium (formerly Olympic Stadium) are also utilised as arts and entertainment venues.

Cinemas

The city movie-strip is located near the Sydney Town Hall, with a cluster of Hoyts and Greater Union locations. Oxford Street's Chauvel, features independent releases, and Reading Cinemas in Chinatown offer Hollywood hits and cheap tickets. Other cinemas include Cinema Paris and Hoyts at the Entertainment Quarter at Fox Studios. The IMAX Cinema boasts the world's largest screen, showing specially formatted film. For a summer evening under the stars, take a picnic to Centennial Park for the Moonlight Cinema, or enjoy the delights (food and beverages sold on premises) of the St George OpenAir Cinema, by the harbour at Mrs Macquarie's Chair.
Coogee’s closest cinema is the Ritz in Randwick.

Performing Art Centres

One of Sydney's major centres is the Opera House, where Australia's pre-eminent companies perform ballet, opera, music and theatre. The nearby Wharf Theatre is home to the Sydney Dance Company, the Bangarra Dance Company and the Sydney Theatre Company. Further along the harbour foreshore you will find, opposite Pier 6/7, the brand new Sydney Theatre.

The Arts Scene

The city's selection of traditional theatres include the Theatre Royal, and the dazzlingly baroque State Theatre. The renovated Capitol, is all gold and Grecian statues and is the venue for long-running musicals. Nearby is the Lyric Theatre and the glitzy Showroom in Star City Casino.
Popular Belvoir Street in Surry Hills, and The Ensemble, over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, in Kirribilli, feature well-known Australian actors. For something alternative, try The Stables, Old Fitzroy Hotel and the Performance Space.
From classical ballet to contemporary, the Opera House, the Wharf Theatre and Sydney Theatre are headquarters of Australian movement. Other venues include The Bondi Pavilion, Enmore Theatre and Seymour Centre.
The Verbruggen Hall at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, The City Recital Hall in Angel Place, and the restored Customs House are welcome additions to the music scene. Enjoy international concerts at the Sydney Entertainment Centre or at the Acer Arena (formerly Super Dome) at Olympic Park.
Another live band venue is The Rose of Australia in Erskineville.
For jazz, head to the Basement at Circular Quay, or on Sundays to Pontoon Bar at Cockle Bay.

Clubbing

The club scene is a moveable feast, with venues coming and going like fashion. One of the hippest is Home at Darling Harbour. Oxford Street is bustling with places frequented by a relaxed and friendly crowd. DCM, Q Bar, Mr Goodbar and Rogues are pumping until dawn.

Bars & Pubs

Some of the best bar and pubs include Longrain in Surry Hills and the Grand Pacific Blue Room on Oxford Street. Business types should head to the SlipInn, Wine Banc, Aqua Luna Bar and Jacksons On George. Oxford Street has Gilligans and the Burdekin Hotel, with the cool Dugout Bar underneath. A downhill stroll along Crown Street brings you to East Village, a happening little spot, with restaurants and bars. Popular venues include the Centennial Hotel, Golden Sheaf and the Beach Road in Bondi.

Gay & Lesbian

Sydney is like San Francisco, a gay capital of the world. The scene is in Oxford Street and its surrounds. Nightclubs like Midnight Shift and sometimes Stonewall are best left for men, but it is a happy, mixed crowd on the dance floor at ARQ nightclub. Get down to the Colombian Bar for drinks or venture to Newtown and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at the Newtown Hotel or the new digs at the refurbished Bank Hotel. Other popular spots include Slide, the Oxford Hotel with its Gilligan’s Bar on the 2nd floor and Ginger’s on the 3rd Floor. For a happening Friday night, visit the friendly Middlebar at Kinselas. The lesbian scene changes regularly, so check local press. Favourites include Lava Lounge and girl's night at ARQ.