Easter Show Thrills and Opera on the Harbour Today

Sydney’s Good Friday Highlights

Welcome to your Friday edition of What’s On in Sydney. Today, April 10, 2026, marks the beginning of the Easter long weekend. While many shops and services observe traditional Good Friday closures, the city remains vibrant with major festivals and world-class performances in full swing.

The 2026 Sydney Royal Easter Show

Sydney’s most iconic annual event continues today at Sydney Olympic Park. The Royal Easter Show is a massive celebration of Australian culture, featuring livestock competitions, woodchopping, and the ever-popular showbag pavilion. Families can enjoy non-stop carnival rides and animal experiences throughout the day. As the sun sets, head to the Main Arena for spectacular evening entertainment and the nightly fireworks finale at 8:50 pm. It is highly recommended to use public transport as the Olympic Park precinct will be exceptionally busy.

Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour: The Phantom of the Opera

Experience the magic of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s global phenomenon at Mrs Macquaries Point. This large-scale outdoor production of The Phantom of the Opera features an enormous stage built over the water, complete with themed pop-up bars and fine dining options. The performance begins at 7:30 pm, offering a unique opportunity to witness the 'Music of the Night' set against the stunning backdrop of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

Art and Culture at the Gallery

The Art Gallery of New South Wales is open and hosting two significant exhibitions. Visitors can explore the 25th Biennale of Sydney, titled Rememory, a free festival showcasing contemporary works from global artists across multiple venues. Additionally, the hyperrealistic sculptures of Ron Mueck are on display in a major survey that is nearing its final days. This exhibition, titled Encounter, features both larger-than-life and intimately scaled figures that have captivated audiences worldwide.

Holiday Markets and Local Finds

• The Rocks Markets: Visit the historic precinct from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm for artisanal products, handcrafted jewelry, and gourmet street food at Jack Mundey Place.
• Chinatown Friday Night Markets: Starting from 4:00 pm, the Dixon Street precinct transforms into a bustling food and shopping hub, perfect for tasting a wide array of Asian street food.
• Lifeline’s GIANT Book Fair: Book lovers can head to Hunter's Hill for one of the city’s largest pre-loved book sales, featuring over 80,000 quality titles.