10 unmissable experiences at Sydney Festival 2025
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We've just launched our 2025 program – and it’s more jam-packed than Bondi Beach on Boxing Day. To help you navigate the 130+ events, we’ve rounded up 10 of the most spectacular works to see – from roof-raising opera to barnstorming circus. There’s thought-provoking theatre, explosive dance and creative art adventures awaiting you this January.
A Model Murder
Shirley Beiger was a part-time page three girl enraged by her two-timing boyfriend. She shot him, point-blank, outside Chequers Nightclub in August, 1954. Guilty or innocent? You be the judge.
Why it’s a must-see: This immersive true crime story not only uses the words from Beiger’s sensational trial but unfolds in the very same courthouse she faced her fate.
When: 4–19 January
Where: Darlinghurst Courthouse
Dark Noon
Seven South African actors flip the Wild West legend into a story that’s anything but black and white.
Why it’s a must-see: Dark Noon earned a wagonload of five-star reviews during its sold-out runs at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, St. Ann's Warehouse in New York City and Manchester’s Aviva Studios.
★★★★★ "Extraordinary outsider vision of American history."
– The Guardian
When: 9–23 January
Where: Sydney Town Hall
Siegfried & Roy: The Unauthorised Opera
Sink your teeth into the wild rise and dramatic fall of magic’s dazzling duo, Siegfried and Roy. Discover how two boys raised in war-torn Germany became the highest-paid magic act Vegas had ever seen.
Why it’s a must-see: Don't miss the iconic costumes, roof-raising vocals, live magic and many tricks this world premiere has up its bedazzled sleeves.
When: Sydney Theatre Company, Wharf 1 Theatre (The Thirsty Mile)
Where: 8–25 January
Vigil: Gunyah & Vigil Truths
Vigil: Gunyah is a gathering space at Barangaroo that’s led, curated and designed by and for First Nations peoples, communities and allies. It culminates on 25 January with Vigil: Truth, a large-scale event presenting First Nations visions for the future.
Why it’s a must-see: As part of Vigil: Gunyah, you can catch talks curated by ABC Radio National broadcaster Rudi Bremer, immerse yourself in a soundscape from Brendon Boney and join dance and weaving workshops.
"Shared emotions through songs ang songlines, a night of opening hearts and listening."
– The Guardian [on Vigil]
When: 6–25 January
Where: Walumil Lawns, Barangaroo Reserve
Antigone in the Amazon
Swiss provocateur Milo Rau brings together Indigenous people, activists and actors from Brazil and Europe in this political allegory.
Why it’s a must-see: Described as one of the “most ambitious” (The Guardian), “most controversial” (The New York Times), “most influential” (Die Zeit) and “most interesting” (De Standaard) artists of our time, Rau pushes the limits of theatre and activism.
"[Milo Rau] has perfected the art of bringing real events onstage, by laying bare the process and inviting audience members to think along."
– The New York Times
When: 4–8 January
Where: Roslyn Packer Theatre (The Thirsty Mile)
The Thirsty Mile
The Thirsty Mile is our full-swing festival takeover by the water. You’ll find seven theatres, exhibition spaces and knockout harbour views. This year, our Visual Artist in Residence Telly Tuita is splashing his vibrant “Tongpop” aesthetic across the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct – from the SS John Oxley to the Colour Maze.
Why it’s a must-see: There are tonnes of ticketed events but also many incredible free experiences along the Mile. By day, soak up Tuita’s art by the harbour. After sunset, the Moonshine Bar is beckoning with 12 nights of free live music and DJs.
When: 4–26 January
Where: The Thirsty Mile, Walsh Bay Arts Precinct
The Chronicles
A cathartic new dance work from Stephanie Lake. Featuring 12 astounding dancers and an electro-acoustic score, accompanied by the spine-tingling voices of a children’s choir, this is a life-affirming journey of hope.
Why it’s a must-see: If you were lucky enough to witness Colossus or Manifesto (smash successes at Sydney Festival in 2020 and 2023), you’ll know why Lake is one of the most innovative Australian choreographers to emerge in the last decade. Lake first-timers are in for a treat.
★★★★★ "Ecstatic and bombastic... a giddy blend of synchronised sharpness and freewheeling rebellion."
– Arts Hub [for Manifesto]
When: 16–19 January
Where: Roslyn Packer Theatre (The Thirsty Mile)
Rufus Wainwright
For the first time in five years, beloved singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright returns to Sydney. This time, he brings a solo-selection of the biggest pop and folk compositions from his sweeping 11-album, three-decade career.
Why it’s a must-see: We’d argue there’s no finer place than the Sydney Opera House to hear Wainwright’s “simultaneously sad and sensual soaring baritone” (The Herald Scotland).
★★★★★ "An inspired and formidable force of nature."
– The Herald Scotland
When: 8 January
Where: Sydney Opera House, Concert Hall
Animal
Old MacDonald has nothing on Cirque Alfonse. Bring the whole family to watch this delightfully eccentric circus flip farm life on its head.
Why it’s a must-see: You can expect jaw-dropping acrobatics, daring juggling – from eggs to giant cowbells – tap dancing, absurd humour and even a tractor doing wheelies. Don’t try this at home (or on the farm).
★★★★★ "Be prepared to be amazed by the balancing strength and high-flying circus acts."
– Play & Go Adelaide
When: 3–12 January
Where: Riverside Theatres
When: 16–19 January
Where: Pavilion Performing Arts Centre
Colour Maze
An immersive colour wonderland for kids to explore, climb, swing and create. Enter the vibrant maze from Amigo & Amigo and choose your own art adventure.
Why it’s a must-see: There’s 10+ rooms to explore – with building blocks, swings, pillow forts and knitted playgrounds. Children can get hands-on with visual art inspired by Telly Tuita. Plus, plenty of cute photo opps for the fam’.
★★★★★ "Be prepared to be amazed by the balancing strength and high-flying circus acts."
– ArtsHub [on Affinity by Amigo & Amigo]
When: 4–25 January
Where: Pier 2/3, 15 Hickson Road