What's on in August

Sydney Metropolitan

Colorfest | St Ives Showgrounds | 31 August

If you’re looking for a day filled with fun, colour, music and good food – look no further! Colorfest brings you all of that and more with live DJ performances.. It is a great way to spend time with friends and family, let loose and throw around colour.

There’s free parking available and a free shuttle bus from Gordon Station to St Ives Showgrounds and back every half hour.

This is an alcohol free event. There’s free entry for children under 10 and general adult admission starts from $30. Head over for more information and tickets.



Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert | Sydney Opera House | 15-17 August

Come along and relive the greatest space opera saga that ever was. Experience the spectacular Star Wars: Return of the Jedi on the big-screen, with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra performing John Williams’ iconic score live to film.

Emporer Palpatine and Darth Vader readies the second Death Star to unleash the final blow to the Rebel Alliance who are fighting against him. But, the ultimate battle is between father and son, as Luke Skywalker faces Darth Vader one last time, for the fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance.

Standard tickets start from $59 plus $8.50 booking fee. Head to the website to check out more ticket and seating options and May The Force Be With You.



Sydney Tea Festival | Carriageworks | 18 August

This ‘tea-rific’ celebration of artisan loose leaf tea and innovative tea products is setting up its fragrant return!

Wander through the tea market throughout the day and taste test some of the best artisanal teas around. If you’re feeling a bit peckish, grab a bite to eat from the host of food trucks available, indulge in a sweet treat or enjoy a tea cocktail (or two) in the brew lounge.

There are also workshops, talks and masterclasses hosted by leading specialists where you can participate in a tea tasting, food pairing, discover more about the history of tea and much more.

Early bird tickets start from $16.95, but if you want to attend the workshops it will cost more. Head over to the website for further information.


Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival Auburn Botanic Gardens | Auburn | 17 - 25 August

Take a selfie amongst the beautiful cherry blossoms and stick around for Japanese snacks – a special Bento Box courtesy of celebrity chef Adam Liaw!

To celebrate the start of cherry blossom season, Auburn Botanic Gardens runs a nine-day festival of ticketed Hanami (‘flower viewing’) sessions and midweek tours so you can wander under the canopy of the gorgeous pink flowers. This is NSW’s largest flower festival so it does get extremely busy so you should plan your trip accordingly.

Make the most of the free shuttle buses that run from the station, or you can find street parking .

Best of all, if you’re a local living in the Cumberland area, you can experience the cherry blossom free of charge. Simply bring proof of your Cumberland address and ID. Those of you that need to buy tickets can do so here for only $7.50 a day!



Sydney Dog Lovers Show | Sydney Showground | 3 - 4 August

The Greatest Festival in the World Dedicated to Dog Lovers is returning once again this year at its new venue at Sydney Showground.

Meet and interact with more than 800 dogs, see K9 inspired shows, free talks by renowned vets, including our very own Dr Harry Cooper and plenty of free prizes and stalls that you can browse for gifts and trinkets for your fur-baby.

Tickets are bounding out the door fast. If you haven’t already booked then we strongly recommend you fetch discounted tickets online now to avoid missing out.


Regional NSW

Orange Winter Fire Festival | Bathurst | 2 - 4 August

Kicking off with a winter night market in historic Millthorpe Village, this three day festival will showcase the best of an authentic country winter through a series of bonfire events inspired by the Australian cracker night bonfire tradition.

Come along and enjoy an array of char-grilled feasts and rich red wines under the region’s expansive starry night skies or huddle up next to a fireplace in one of the country pubs or restaurants and enjoy a blazing Sunday lunch.

You can head over to the website to check out the various events being held over the weekend and ticket prices.


Aroma Coffee and Chocolate Festival | Maitland | 10 - 11 August

The warm aroma of freshly ground coffee beans, rich melted chocolate and decadent dishes descend on Maitland during this snug August festival.

Featuring expert chocolatiers, talented baristas and the best of the region’s winemakers it is the perfect way to ward off winter chills.

This festival of the senses sees the riverside come alive, allowing visitors to enjoy some of the most indulgent products from across the entire Hunter Region.

This year will see the return of a host of popular features and events, including coffee roasters, market stalls, children's activities, and live entertainment. Best of all, entry is free! Head over to the website for more information.


Circus Rio | Bathurst | 2 - 11 August

Like no Circus you’ve ever seen before – the family-friendly activity, Circus Rio is in Bathurst for the first time ever! Be amazed as the incredible performers of Circus Rio take the whole family on a journey around the world, beginning at the famous Carnival of Rio de Janeiro!  

You’ll be left speechless by the outlandish motorbike tricks, feel inspired to reach greater heights as the aerial dancers fly through the air. The all-new illusionists will have you on the edge of your seats, whilst circus favourites like juggling, acrobatics and clowning will be a throwback to your childhood.

Tickets start at $19 for kids and $29 for adults – you can grab them from the website.



Circus Rio | Bathurst | 2 - 11 August

Featuring a selection of outstanding student artworks developed for the artmaking component of the HSC examination in Visual Arts 2018, ARTEXPRESS 2019 provides insight into students’ creativity and the issues that are important to them.

The exhibition showcases a broad range of approaches and expressive forms, including ceramics, collection of works, documented forms, graphic design, painting, drawing, photomedia, sculpture, textiles and fibre, and time-based forms.

Best of all, the entry to the exhibition is free! Head over to the website for more information.

Sydney Metropolitan

Colorfest | St Ives Showgrounds | 31 August

If you’re looking for a day filled with fun, colour, music and good food – look no further! Colorfest brings you all of that and more with live DJ performances.. It is a great way to spend time with friends and family, let loose and throw around colour.

There’s free parking available and a free shuttle bus from Gordon Station to St Ives Showgrounds and back every half hour.

This is an alcohol free event. There’s free entry for children under 10 and general adult admission starts from $30. Head over for more information and tickets.



Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert | Sydney Opera House | 15-17 August

Come along and relive the greatest space opera saga that ever was. Experience the spectacular Star Wars: Return of the Jedi on the big-screen, with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra performing John Williams’ iconic score live to film.

Emporer Palpatine and Darth Vader readies the second Death Star to unleash the final blow to the Rebel Alliance who are fighting against him. But, the ultimate battle is between father and son, as Luke Skywalker faces Darth Vader one last time, for the fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance.

Standard tickets start from $59 plus $8.50 booking fee. Head to the website to check out more ticket and seating options and May The Force Be With You.



Sydney Tea Festival | Carriageworks | 18 August

This ‘tea-rific’ celebration of artisan loose leaf tea and innovative tea products is setting up its fragrant return!

Wander through the tea market throughout the day and taste test some of the best artisanal teas around. If you’re feeling a bit peckish, grab a bite to eat from the host of food trucks available, indulge in a sweet treat or enjoy a tea cocktail (or two) in the brew lounge.

There are also workshops, talks and masterclasses hosted by leading specialists where you can participate in a tea tasting, food pairing, discover more about the history of tea and much more.

Early bird tickets start from $16.95, but if you want to attend the workshops it will cost more. Head over to the website for further information.


Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival Auburn Botanic Gardens | Auburn | 17 - 25 August

Take a selfie amongst the beautiful cherry blossoms and stick around for Japanese snacks – a special Bento Box courtesy of celebrity chef Adam Liaw!

To celebrate the start of cherry blossom season, Auburn Botanic Gardens runs a nine-day festival of ticketed Hanami (‘flower viewing’) sessions and midweek tours so you can wander under the canopy of the gorgeous pink flowers. This is NSW’s largest flower festival so it does get extremely busy so you should plan your trip accordingly.

Make the most of the free shuttle buses that run from the station, or you can find street parking .

Best of all, if you’re a local living in the Cumberland area, you can experience the cherry blossom free of charge. Simply bring proof of your Cumberland address and ID. Those of you that need to buy tickets can do so here for only $7.50 a day!



Sydney Dog Lovers Show | Sydney Showground | 3 - 4 August

The Greatest Festival in the World Dedicated to Dog Lovers is returning once again this year at its new venue at Sydney Showground.

Meet and interact with more than 800 dogs, see K9 inspired shows, free talks by renowned vets, including our very own Dr Harry Cooper and plenty of free prizes and stalls that you can browse for gifts and trinkets for your fur-baby.

Tickets are bounding out the door fast. If you haven’t already booked then we strongly recommend you fetch discounted tickets online now to avoid missing out.


Regional NSW

Orange Winter Fire Festival | Bathurst | 2 - 4 August

Kicking off with a winter night market in historic Millthorpe Village, this three day festival will showcase the best of an authentic country winter through a series of bonfire events inspired by the Australian cracker night bonfire tradition.

Come along and enjoy an array of char-grilled feasts and rich red wines under the region’s expansive starry night skies or huddle up next to a fireplace in one of the country pubs or restaurants and enjoy a blazing Sunday lunch.

You can head over to the website to check out the various events being held over the weekend and ticket prices.


Aroma Coffee and Chocolate Festival | Maitland | 10 - 11 August

The warm aroma of freshly ground coffee beans, rich melted chocolate and decadent dishes descend on Maitland during this snug August festival.

Featuring expert chocolatiers, talented baristas and the best of the region’s winemakers it is the perfect way to ward off winter chills.

This festival of the senses sees the riverside come alive, allowing visitors to enjoy some of the most indulgent products from across the entire Hunter Region.

This year will see the return of a host of popular features and events, including coffee roasters, market stalls, children's activities, and live entertainment. Best of all, entry is free! Head over to the website for more information.


Circus Rio | Bathurst | 2 - 11 August

Like no Circus you’ve ever seen before – the family-friendly activity, Circus Rio is in Bathurst for the first time ever! Be amazed as the incredible performers of Circus Rio take the whole family on a journey around the world, beginning at the famous Carnival of Rio de Janeiro!  

You’ll be left speechless by the outlandish motorbike tricks, feel inspired to reach greater heights as the aerial dancers fly through the air. The all-new illusionists will have you on the edge of your seats, whilst circus favourites like juggling, acrobatics and clowning will be a throwback to your childhood.

Tickets start at $19 for kids and $29 for adults – you can grab them from the website.



Circus Rio | Bathurst | 2 - 11 August

Featuring a selection of outstanding student artworks developed for the artmaking component of the HSC examination in Visual Arts 2018, ARTEXPRESS 2019 provides insight into students’ creativity and the issues that are important to them.

The exhibition showcases a broad range of approaches and expressive forms, including ceramics, collection of works, documented forms, graphic design, painting, drawing, photomedia, sculpture, textiles and fibre, and time-based forms.

Best of all, the entry to the exhibition is free! Head over to the website for more information.

Page last updated: 30 Sep 2019, 03:47 PM