01
Sep
30
Sep
Unlock The Rocks
Art and Culture Month
Stumble into a month-long spell of art and spontaneity. This September, The Rocks becomes a living gallery, with art on every corner and every street a stage.
When
Tuesday,
01 Sep 2026
Wednesday,
30
Sep 2026
Art, music, comedy and live performance take over Sydney's oldest neighbourhood this September. Come Unlock The Rocks with us as Art & Culture Month turns the historic precinct into an open-air cultural celebration.
From live jazz and comedy nights to hands-on workshops, artist trails and weekend markets, The Rocks showcases the best of Sydney's creative talent across its laneways, historic buildings and harbourfront spaces. And the best part? So much of it is free.
Whether you're stopping by after work, planning a weekend adventure or hunting for a reason to rediscover The Rocks, there's something new to uncover around every corner.
What's On
The Art Trail
THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER | 5.30PM – 8.30PM
Join us for an exclusive Art Trail on Thursday 10 September, 5.30pm – 8.30pm, winding through three unique galleries along George St. It's your chance to meet the creative minds behind the work: mingle with internationally acclaimed artist Shazia Imran, discover the whimsical designs of Max Mendez from Squidinki, and get to know the team from the unconventional Atty gallery.
Join us for an exclusive Art Trail on Thursday 10 September, 5.30pm – 8.30pm, winding through three unique galleries along George St. It's your chance to meet the creative minds behind the work: mingle with internationally acclaimed artist Shazia Imran, discover the whimsical designs of Max Mendez from Squidinki, and get to know the team from the unconventional Atty gallery.
Unfiltered
Unfiltered brings Friday nights in The Rocks Square to life as part of Unlock The Rocks: Art & Culture Month. Across four weeks, Sydney's sharpest comedians, quick-witted improv performers and powerful poetry slam artists take to the stage for a night of laughter, storytelling and raw creative expression. The Rocks Markets trade on into the evening too, bringing an after-dark buzz and delicious eats from local favourites including Hooked & Harvest, Snake Bark and Fried Brothers. Gather your friends, grab a bite and settle in for a night where anything can happen.
Friday 4 September | 5.30pm – 8.30pm
Unfiltered: Improv
Improv Night is curated by Improv Theatre Sydney (ITS) — the innovative, inclusive hub for all things spontaneous. Established in 2014, ITS is Sydney's first and only dedicated improv theatre, serving up hilarious, dynamic comedy every week in Redfern.
Find out more
Friday 11 & 25 September | 5.30pm – 8pm
Unfiltered: Comedy
For two nights, The Rocks Square showcases Sydney's best emerging and established comedians. Hosted by local favourite Jake Howie in a fast-paced Comedy Store format, five standout acts perform each week — returning with all-new material for round two. Expect big laughs and serious talent.
Find out more
Friday 18 September | 5.30pm – 8pm
Unfiltered: Poetry
Australian Poetry returns to The Rocks in 2026, bringing the nation’s spoken word competition to town. Join the local heat, perform or cheer from the crowd, and enjoy an inspiring spring evening hosted by Adara Enthaler, featuring Dai Moret and 2023 champion Rob Waters.
Find out more
fbi.radio presents Unscripted
FRIDAY 4, 11, 18 & 25 SEPTEMBER | 6PM – 8PM
No scripts. No rehearsed answers. Just compelling stories, live music and real conversations. Hosted by fbi.radio and All The Best, Unscripted transforms The Rocks Discovery Museum every Friday night into a space for curious minds, creative voices and the ideas shaping Sydney today.
No scripts. No rehearsed answers. Just compelling stories, live music and real conversations. Hosted by fbi.radio and All The Best, Unscripted transforms The Rocks Discovery Museum every Friday night into a space for curious minds, creative voices and the ideas shaping Sydney today.
Workshops
Spend a Sunday getting hands-on beneath the Harbour Bridge. Across September, our workshop series invites you to slow down, create and connect. From painting and sketching to weaving, all set against one of the world's most beautiful backdrops. No experience needed, just bring your curiosity.
06
Sep
Painting Under the Bridge
Nurture your creativity amongst the vibrant scenery of The Rocks and Sydney Harbour with Focal Point Paintings. Learn composition, colour and brushwork in an inspiring setting.
View Event
13
Sep
Weaving Under the Bridge
Connect with culture through this unique weaving workshop and create your own unique piece to take home
View Event
20
Sep
Sketching Under the Bridge
Step outside the studio and into the fresh air with this special Sketch Club with Julian Ashton Art School.
View Event
Record Rummage
SUNDAY 6, 13, 20 & 27 SEPTEMBER | 10AM - 5PM
Spin into Sundays at Record Rummage! Dig through crates and discover vinyl treasures at this pop-up, meet knowledgeable stallholders, connect with fellow music enthusiasts, and take home a record that sparks nostalgia or new memories. Open Sundays from 6 - 27 September in The Rocks Square, 10am-5pm. (10am-7pm on 27 September only).
Spin into Sundays at Record Rummage! Dig through crates and discover vinyl treasures at this pop-up, meet knowledgeable stallholders, connect with fellow music enthusiasts, and take home a record that sparks nostalgia or new memories. Open Sundays from 6 - 27 September in The Rocks Square, 10am-5pm. (10am-7pm on 27 September only).
The Rocks Markets
EVERY FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY | 10AM - 7PM
The Rocks Markets are a celebration of creativity, where talented local makers, chefs, and artisans converge in Sydney’s most historic precinct. Whether you're a foodie, an art lover, or just looking for a great day out, The Rocks Markets offer something special for everyone.
The Rocks Markets are a celebration of creativity, where talented local makers, chefs, and artisans converge in Sydney’s most historic precinct. Whether you're a foodie, an art lover, or just looking for a great day out, The Rocks Markets offer something special for everyone.
Fringe on The Rocks
2 SEPTEMBER - 11 OCTOBER
Get immersed and be amazed at Fringe on The Rocks from 2 September - 11 October. From intimate cabaret to boundary pushing theatre, this playground of curiosity has something for everyone.
Get immersed and be amazed at Fringe on The Rocks from 2 September - 11 October. From intimate cabaret to boundary pushing theatre, this playground of curiosity has something for everyone.
Unbound: Street Performance Festival
On Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September, art breaks free at Unbound, with immersive performances, roaming entertainment, and surprises around every corner.
SATURDAY 26 - SUNDAY 27 SEPTEMBER | 11AM - 7PM
Find out more
Close out Art & Culture Month at Unbound, a lively street takeover transforming The Rocks into a playground of performance, creativity and surprise. Encounter giant puppets, daring acrobatics, world-class buskers and interactive experiences around every corner. From disco-fuelled adventures and quirky pop-ups to roaming performers and market day festivities, expect the unexpected at Sydney's most playful street performance festival.
Events not to be missed
Captivating Art: The Rocks Markets
Witness handcrafted textiles to intricate paintings and whimsical illustrations, where artists bring their individual passions and skills to life at The Rocks Markets. Expect to find a range of styles, from traditional techniques to contemporary expressions, all reflecting the artists' unique perspectives and experiences.
Public Art at The Rocks
The Rocks is more than cobblestone streets and historic laneways — it’s an open-air gallery where art and storytelling coexist. This Art and Culture Month, embark on a self guided art tour and experience Sydney's creative spirit in unexpected ways.
01
Sep
01
Sep
MCA Daily Guided Exhibition Tours
Join exhibition curators, artist educators and hosts for behind-the-scenes details and insight into key works on display.
View Event
20
Jul
19
Oct
MCA Late: 2-for-1 Museum Admission Tickets
Experience art after hours with 2-for-1 Museum Admission tickets every Thursday night at MCA Late.
View Event
15
Aug
01
Mar
Connections: MCA x Tate
Discover contemporary artworks from the collections of MCA Australia and Tate, bringing together stories of culture, connection and identity.
View Event
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