5 Must-See Cultural Festivals Happening In Sydney This Weekend

Looking for something to do this weekend? Well, you’re in luck: here are five unmissable cultural festivals happening right here in Sydney! 

Japan StrEat Party, Carriageworks: 24 – 27 September

Are you a lover of ramen, onigiri, or perhaps okonomiyaki? Then Carriageworks is the place to be this weekend.

Besides trying some of Japan’s most loved street food dishes from traditional chefs and vendors, attendees of this vibrant food festival can also enjoy Japanese beers, a wide variety of sake, non-alcoholic drinks, teas, and other popular Japanese drinks.

Guests will also be invited to experience Japanese culture through performances from Australia’s first officially recognised Awa Odori team. The team aims to promote cultural diversity and inclusivity through its Japanese traditional arts performances. 

Find out more here.

Mid-Autumn Festival, Market City: 25 SEP – 11 Oct

Whether you’re looking to dine under lanterns, munch on mooncakes, or take home some traditional Chinese calligraphy, Market City has something for you this festival season. 

The celebration, already underway in Sydney’s China Town and surrounding entertainment districts, seeks to commemorate the Mid-Autumn Festival, a traditional harvest celebration held on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, often symbolised by family reunions, glowing lanterns, and, of course eating mooncakes.

For Mooncake enjoyers, Thai Kee IGA is boasting ‘Australia’s Largest Mooncake Sale‘, located at the Centre Court on level one from 11 to 28 September. Plus, visitors to the centre’s Information Desk between 25 and 27 September will score a FREE mooncake.

Otherwise, between 10am and 6pm, visitors to Market City during the festival period can watch the much-loved Madam Tot ink traditional Chinese script (and even take home their own personalised piece of calligraphy).

Chuseok Korean Culture Festival, Korean Cultural Centre Australia: 26 September

Chuseok is also a mid-autumn harvest festival, though with a distinct focus on live traditional Korean music performance, as well as Chuseok-themed craft and cultural activities.

From 11am to 12pm, visitors to the Korean Cultural Centre on Sydney’s Elizabeth Street will be able enjoy traditional Korean music performances. A little later on, from 12pm to 2pm, attendees will be invited to take part in cultural experiences like creating your own moving moon rabbit, the Dalgona challenge, or attend the Chuseok Food & Culture experience.

Find out more here.

Australian Native Food Festival, Carriageworks: 26 – 27 SEP

This delicious festival, also at Carriageworks, invites attendees to honour and learn from the oldest cuisine on earth. Explore vibrant market stalls, participate in workshops, and enjoy live cooking demonstrations with celebrity appearances.

Curated by Sharon Winsor, a proud Weilwan woman from North West NSW and founder of Indigiearth, the festival is dedicated to recognising Indigenous culture, knowledge, and culinary excellence while celebrating the rich heritage of native ingredients.

Find out more here.

Unbound Street Performance Festival, The Rocks: 26 – 27 September

Set against the backdrop of The Rocks, this event turns the iconic harbourside street into one big circus stage. In collaboration with Street Performers Australia, this celebration of all things strange and spectacular invites attendees to witness world-class buskers, circus artists, and even interactive performers transform ordinary streets and laneways into a playground of delights.

Make sure to catch the giant puppets of Curious Legends from 11:30am to 3:30pm on either day, physical theatre from Legs on the Wall on Sunday 27th September between 2 and 3pm, and sip on wine from NSW Wine Cellar Door for Woine Toime at 3 to 5 pm on Saturday 26th September.

Find out more here.