Sydney Festival Celebrates Its 50th With Special Sydney Symphony Under the Stars

The Sydney Festival is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary at Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour, on Saturday 17 January 2026. For its anniversary edition, Sydney Symphony Under the Stars is scheduled to play an outdoor concert as a free, no-booking-needed show.

The annual festival is one of Australia’s biggest and reputable international arts festivals. The summer event, held every January, features local and international talent, music, dance, and theatrical productions. The event also features food vendors and local restaurants.

This 2026 edition is the first festival program led by current Sydney Festival Director, Kris Nelson.

“We are thrilled to be presenting a 50th anniversary special edition of Symphony Under the Stars in this year’s program. It’s a cherished free event where Sydneysiders can gather with friends and family to soak up the very best of our country’s classical musicianship. Being in Darling Harbour, at the heart of one of the city’s most iconic and favourite locales makes it all the more special,” said Nelson.

“The Sydney Symphony Orchestra is honoured to join in celebrating 50 years of Sydney Festival with this special edition of Sydney Symphony Under the Stars. A highlight of Sydney’s summer calendar, this free event brings people together through the shared joy of live orchestral music. We’re delighted to continue this much-loved tradition and invite everyone to enjoy an unforgettable evening under the stars,” said Sydney Symphony Orchestra CEO Craig Whitehead.

For the past 50 years, the Sydney Festival has been an integral part of the city’s culture, offering a diverse range of performances and entertainment. To celebrate its significance, archival footage and past images will be shared to highlight international artists and local figures from the festival’s past events.

Attendees are suggested to arrive early and to bring a picnic blanket to relax on the Tumbalong Park lawn.

Like the past Sydney Festivals, the night will be capped off with fireworks lighting up the harbour sky. The 2026 Sydney Festival will run from 8-25 January, with the full program available on 6 November, as well as the tickets at 9 am.