You can forget all about the chill in the air thanks to these fun, colourful, entertaining festivals sweeping the city of Sydney over the wintry month of June.
There’s something for everyone, whether you consider yourself a film nerd and can whip out quotes from the best movie dialogues in history, or if you’re a trigger-happy camera enthusiast delighting over the sparkle and dazzle of a light show above the Sydney harbour. Jump in your hired car and let the festivities begin!
1) Vivid Sydney: May 22-June 8
Sydney opera house, vivid 2015. #sydney #ilovesydney #australia #operahouse #vividsydney #travel #travelphotography pic.twitter.com/sPkJKKjGbP
— Photographybyalexk (@akleinichen) June 1, 2015
Honestly, there are few things more spectacular than the Vivid Sydney festival. The entire city transforms into a painting of light. Flashing lights grace the shores and a kaleidoscope of colour dances in the waters as different hues reflect in the ocean.
On the streets, music meets light with a variety of free events that merge public artworks by esteemed Australian artists such as Reko Rennie with funky light shows timed to the beat of the sounds. Enchanted Sydney is a mind-blowing projection onto the facade of the Customs House, with brightly blooming flowers climbing up the walls and scenes from Sydney’s natural landscapes moving across the building.
2) Sydney Film Festival: June 3-14
Get the popcorn! This fantastic annual event is back with some of the world’s most touching, thought-provoking, funny, entertaining and emotional films. Tickets are on sale for a wide variety of cinematic enjoyment, ranging from animation, comedy, drama, romance and also a few foreign films to immerse yourself into the melodic languages of lands far away.
Many of these are award-winning documentaries and also showcase local emerging actors and directors. There is no better way to beat the cold than to grab your friends and family and snuggle into the plush seats at one of the many theatres participating in this 62nd annual film festival. You can also watch movies from the comfort of your hired car at the Skyline Drive-In Blacktow, screening movies from the 1950s era and complete with a retro diner on-site for meals.
3) Blue Mountains Winter Magic Festival: June 20
This is the 22nd year for this iconic festival that celebrates the winter solstice in Katoomba, set against the majestic backdrop of the Blue Mountains. Entry is free and this year the theme is ‘Peace’ to commemorate the bicentenary of the crossing of the Blue Mountains. Live performances will entertain crowds as artists, dancers, musicians, drummers and choirs come together to turn the streets into a stage.
