Sydney: Events

Sydneysiders have both a penchant and a talent for throwing a little glam on the glitter, saluting the moi and testing the bounds of legally-sanctioned partying. From brightly-clad jogging enthusiasts to naked Mardi Gras lovers, this city knows how to kindle up the fireworks and put a bang into celebrations.

It all kicks off with the huge Sydney Festival, which takes up most of January. It's the umbrella for a number of events from open-air concerts in The Domain to street theatre and fireworks, the Great Ferry Boat Race celebrates Australia Day. Indie film festival Tropfest takes place in February, as does the spectacular Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras. The more traditional 12-day Royal Easter Show brings the country to the city in March/April. The Sydney Writers Festival brings international scribes to the city in May, and hot on its heels is the Sydney Film Festival, reeling in the crowds in June.

Around 20,000 people compete in the annual 14km (8.5mi) City to Surf Run in August. And sports fans are in for a treat with the Rugby League Grand Final in September. The Manly International Jazz Festival tunes up in October. The city's 'Christmas orphans' traditionally gather on Bondi Beach on Christmas Day, drinking up a storm and keeping the life-savers and police busier than they would like to be on a public holiday. After a short nap, they do it all over again on New Year's Eve. Those scared of the water usually do their end-of-year hellraising in The Rocks or Kings Cross. The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race starts in late December and continues through to January.