Culture

Cultural entertainment in NSW

You can choose from vibrant and varied cultural offerings in every region of New South Wales. Large cosmopolitan cities and major regional centres alike are rich with cultural events from plays, musicals and dance to live concerts, exhibitions and festivals.

Sydney

Every region in New South Wales beats with a lively cultural pulse, though Sydney is the state's undisputed cultural heart. The city is a dynamic, creative and artistic hub that boasts a rich year-round program of world-class performances, outdoor events and unique festivals.

Sydney is home to a diverse range of internationally acclaimed performing arts organisations, including:

• The Australian Ballet
• Australian Brandenburg Orchestra
• Australian Chamber Orchestra
• Bangarra Dance Theatre Australia
• Bell Shakespeare
• Belvoir St Theatre
• Musica Viva
• Opera Australia
• Sydney Dance Company
• Sydney Symphony Orchestra
• Sydney Theatre Company.

In Sydney you can enjoy exhibitions and performances in iconic venues, including:

• Art Gallery NSW
• City Recital Hall Angel Place
• Museum of Contemporary Art Australia
• Sydney Opera House.

The city also offers a wide range of free and ticketed festivals throughout the year:

January	New Year's Day celebrations (free and ticketed events and performances) Australia Day (a national holiday with festivals and events throughout Sydney) Sydney Festival (free and ticketed arts, concerts, music and performances) Chinese New Year Festival (the biggest celebration of the Lunar New Year outside Asia) Moonlight Cinema (outdoor film screenings in Centennial Park) Open-Air Cinema (movies screened under the stars beside Sydney Harbour)
February	Chinese New Year Festival (the biggest celebration of the Lunar New Year outside Asia) Moonlight Cinema (outdoor film screenings in Centennial Park) Open-Air Cinema (movies screened under the stars beside Sydney Harbour)
March	Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade (a lively and progressive spectator event) Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival and the Golden Slipper (premier horse racing) Biennale of Sydney (a celebration of arts and culture) Moonlight Cinema (outdoor film screenings in Centennial Park)
April	The Royal Sydney Easter Show (a family fair with carnival rides, petting zoos and shows) Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival (the world's premier horse racing carnival) Sydney Comedy Festival (performances from the world's top comedians) Biennale of Sydney (a celebration of arts and culture)
May	Vivid Sydney (innovative light installations illuminate Sydney's architectural icons) Sydney Writers' Festival (Australia's finest literary celebration, with talks and workshops) Biennale of Sydney (a celebration of arts and culture)
June	Vivid Sydney (innovative light installations illuminate Sydney's architectural icons) Sydney Film Festival (international short films, feature films and documentaries) Biennale of Sydney (a celebration of arts and culture)
July	Australian International Music Festival (a celebration of music from around the world) The Rocks Aroma Festival (a culinary fair celebrating coffee, chocolate and other delicacies)
August	Sun-Herald City2Surf (the world's biggest fun run from the city to Bondi Beach) Sydney Design (exhibitions, workshops, talks and tours)
September	Art & About Sydney (art exhibited in unusual places around the city) Sydney Running Festival (a collection of short-, medium- and long-distance fun runs) Sydney Fringe Festival (an independent festival of visual and performing arts)
October	Art & About Sydney (art exhibited in unusual places around the city) Good Food Month (night noodle markets and a celebration of mouth-watering cuisine) Sculpture by the Sea (an outdoor art exhibition on the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk) Parramasala (a celebration of Parramatta's South Asian cultures and diversity)
November	Corroboree Sydney (Australia's largest Indigenous festival) Sculpture by the Sea (an alfresco art exhibition on the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk) Melbourne Cup (the world's most famous horse race)
December	Tropfest (a free outdoor screening of the best emerging short films) Moonlight Cinema (outdoor film screenings in Centennial Park) New Year's Eve celebrations (events and fireworks around Sydney Harbour)

Regional NSW

While Sydney may be the state's cultural epicentre, regional NSW offers a rich array of events throughout the year. Every region in NSW has its own local cultural flavour where you can savour art, performances and festivals.

Popular festivals throughout the state include the world-famous Tamworth Country Music Festival, the Byron Bay Bluesfest music festival and the Hunter Valley Wine and Food Month.

Small towns and major regional centres throughout NSW are home to unique local food markets, exhibitions, galleries, museums, heritage tours and cultural events.

For more information, search local tourism websites for the area you are interested in or visit attractions in regional NSW.