Country Stars and Lunar Lanterns: What’s On in Sydney Today

A City in Celebration

Sydney is currently at the heart of two major cultural seasons, with the city buzzing between the vibrant Sydney Lunar Festival and the 48th annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Today, Monday, February 16, 2026, offers a diverse mix of international country music, boutique theater, and outdoor cinema as the summer sun begins to set over the harbor.

Main Stage: Lainey Wilson at Qudos Bank Arena

For music lovers, the highlight of the evening is undoubtedly the arrival of country music sensation Lainey Wilson. Performing at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney Olympic Park, Wilson is bringing her Whirlwind tour to Australian shores. Expect a high-energy performance featuring her signature ‘Bell Bottom Country’ style and hits from her latest deluxe album. It is a significant night for the venue, marking one of the major international stops of the early 2026 concert season.

Lunar New Year Eve Festivities

As Sydney prepares for the official Lunar New Year tomorrow, the Sydney Lunar Festival is in full swing. Today, visitors can head to South Eveleigh to experience a unique fusion of digital art installations and traditional lion dance performances. Meanwhile, in Haymarket, the Lunar Lanterns on Hay Street are a must-see. The street is transformed into an outdoor gallery featuring twelve massive zodiac lanterns and four hand-painted cultural gateways that light up the CBD from dusk until midnight.

Opening Night: Sunset Cinema North Sydney

Monday marks the highly anticipated opening night of the Sunset Cinema at North Sydney Oval. This seasonal favorite offers an open-air movie experience under the stars. Patrons are encouraged to bring a picnic rug or hire a bean lounge to enjoy contemporary blockbusters and cult classics in a relaxed, community-focused setting. With the weather remaining balmy, it is the perfect way to spend a Monday evening outdoors.

Theater and Arts

• The Social Ladder: Written by the legendary David Williamson, this sharp satirical comedy continues its run at the Ensemble Theatre in Kirribilli. The play explores themes of class, aspiration, and social climbing in modern Sydney.
• Mardi Gras Film Festival: Part of the Mardi Gras Ecstatica program, the 33rd Queer Screen Film Festival is hosting screenings today across multiple city venues, showcasing the best in global LGBTQIA+ cinema.
• Ron Mueck: Encounter: For those seeking a daytime cultural fix, the Art Gallery of NSW is hosting a major exhibition of lifelike sculptures by Australian artist Ron Mueck, available for viewing throughout the afternoon.

Whether you are heading to the Olympic Park precinct for a concert or wandering through the lantern-lit streets of Chinatown, Sydney offers a wealth of verified local activities to make this Monday memorable.