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What's was on in 2012 in Sydney?

This is Sydney100's Archive of events in Sydney. For current events, Sydney festivals, entertainment and activities or What's on in Sydney now:

What is on in and around Sydney?

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia - Overseas Passenger Terminal - Monday, 30th April - Friday, 4th May

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia (MBFWA) is Sydney's, if not Australia's, big fashion bash for the year. It's what we have all been holding our breath for. So head down to the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay for a fashionable experience that will probably make you want to buy something.

TomahROMA Food & Wine Festival - Blue Mountains - Saturday, 5th May

You'll get free entry into the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden in order to try some food and wine and enjoy live music. It's a hard life. There will also be free guided walks through the gardens and a plant sale which will include the alleged dinosaur plant, the Wollemi Pine.

Community Open Day at Q Station - Manly - Sunday, 29th April 2012, 10:00am - 4:00pm

Q Station's "Community Open Day" gives you free licence to explore this picturesque and historically rich area of Sydney. The day includes tours, native animal encounters, kids' activities and water activities such as sailing and kayaking (but spaces are limited). Some of the tours and activities will require booking. A portion of the proceeds from the day will go to Bear Cottage and Q Station would like you to RSVP on their website before you go.

Q Station [more info]

The City of Sydney's Youth Week - Friday, 13th April - Sunday, 22nd April

Youth Week celebrates young people's contribution to Sydney. There will be numerous events including the opportunity to shoot hoops and kick goals with some of the best sports people in Australia.

The Sydney Kings and Sydney FC

The members of the Sydney Kings basketball team and Sydney Football Club will be at KGV Recreation Centre in the Rocks on Thursday, 19th April. Players and staff from the Kings and Sydney FC will play alongside teenagers, youth workers and even the local police.

Phineas and Ferb’s Brilliant Backyard!’ - Warringah Mall - Wednesday, 18th April - Sunday, 22nd April

I must confess to not being up to speed with Phineas and Ferb but your kids will be if you take them to Warringah Mall towards the end of the holidays. They can "participate in a series of fun and interactive activities" including Phineas and Ferb games and the watching of Phineas and Ferb episodes, which hardly seems all that active but anyway, they also get "a free Phineas and Ferb photo frame" so how can you stay away.

Australian Heritage Week - Saturday, 14th April - Sunday, 22nd April

Share in the celebration of Australia's natural, historic and Indigenous heritage during the Australian Heritage Week. Highlights include a free guided tour of the Royal National Park to Bungoona Lookout for panoramic views of the Hacking River valley.

Webers Circus - St Ives - Friday, 30th March - Sunday, 1st April and Penrith, Friday, 6th April - Sunday, 22nd April

Webers Circus is all the things you might expect from a professional circus plus, for one month only, dancing, music and entertainment with a South American twist. It's Circus Plus.

The Wiggles - Enmore Theatre - Wednesday, 18th April - Friday, 20th April

The original yellow Wiggle, Greg Page, has reunited with his old band to dish us up a generous helping of Hot Potatoes, Fruit Salad and Vegetable Soup along with other classic Wiggly masterpieces. Be quick, tickets are going, like, well, hot potatoes.

La Traviata under the stars - Saturday, 24th March to Sunday, 15th April

You can see La Traviata floating on Sydney Harbour. The Sydney Harbour is a great stage and backdrop on its own, add to this an enormous chandelier and fireworks, and it's going to be quite a spectacle. La Traviata is said to be a great introduction to Opera, so even if you have never seen an opera before, you can look forward to a very special night by Sydney Harbour.

Harry Potter and the Powerhouse Museum extended to 9th April

The Powerhouse is continuing to go potty over Harry. They have extended the Harry Potter Exhibition into April. The weeks ahead will simply be magical.

The Rocks Markets - The Rocks - Saturday, 7th April - Monday, 9th April

The Rocks Markets are a great excuse to have a wander around town on a cruisey holiday and it doesn't need to cost anything if you don't buy anything. You can browse your way through dresses, bags, jewellery, original artworks and prints. The Rocks Markets will be trading on Easter Saturday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday from 10am - 5pm.

Australian Badminton Open - Darling Harbour - Tuesday, 3rd April - Sunday, 8th April

Any one for tennis? Nah..Tennis is pretty lame without Lleyton, how about something a little different. Anyone for Badminton? Not just any old game, we are talking international competition from all over the globe. Promised teams include China, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Russia, Chinese Taipei and USA. It could get quite interesting.

An evening with John Cleese - State Theatre - Friday, 30th March to Monday, 2nd April

I'm pretty sure I once heard John Cleese say he wasn't funny unless he had a script, but he could have been joking. Cleese describes his one man show as “an evening of well honed anecdotes, psychoanalytical tit-bits, and unprovoked attacks on former colleagues, especially Michael Palin.” This is your chance to get to know a little more about a legend of comedy.

Twilight at Taronga Zoo - Saturday, 28th January - Saturday, 31st March

The Twilight concerts at Taronga Zoo continue to be a roaring success. This year the big names include The Church, Bjorn Again, Richard Clapton and Wendy Mathews. There will also be tributes to Queen and Michael Jackson.

If you arrive a little early you will be rewarded with free entry into the Zoo (that's from 3pm the same day). Head for the Elephant enclosure at 6pm for the concert lawn opens up for picnics. The actual concert starts around 7:30pm and is scheduled to finish at 9-30pm (with a break in between).

International Wine Fair - Overseas Passenger Terminal,Circular Quay - Saturday, 31st March - Sunday, 1st April

It costs $25 to get into International Wine Fair, which might be a disincentive, but when you think there will be over 300 wines to try from 10 countries from around the globe, then maybe not. It's a chance to sample a few wines you might not otherwise see, let alone taste. You might even discover that you actually quite like them!

You need to be over 18 to get in and ID will be required of persons who look under 25 years of age, so if you don't get stopped - complain!

Bouncers by John Godber - Cat & Fiddle Hotel, Balmain - Thursday to Sunday to 1st April

“..Wot ‘re you lookin at?…got a problem Sunshine?” Prepare to be "charmed" by John Godber's comedy "Bouncers". Enjoy a night of clubbing with a variety of characters in various states of disrepair.

"The Hello Morning" Unplugged by Candle Light - Marble Bar - Saturday, 31st March

Well, it's good to get out during Earth Hour, the Marble Bar is good spot any day of the week and it should look pretty neat in the candle light. The Hello Morning, "Melbourne's coolest rock and roll sextet", will play an acoustic set for one-night-only.

Should be good. So save the planet, save money (it's a freebie) and have fun at the same time, well at least for an hour anyway.

Faith Hill and Tim McGraw Tour Australia - Allphones Arena, Sydney Olympic Park - Tuesday, 27th March

The Tim McGraw & Faith Hill are country music superstars and they are coming to Sydney. Their performances will include international hits such as Live Like You Were Dying, Everywhere, Real Good Man and Hill’s Breathe, This Kiss and The Way You Love Me, as well as duets It’s Your Love, Let’s Make Love and I Need You.

Moonlight Cinema - Thursday, to Sunday, 25th March excluding Mondays

Moonlight Cinema is an open air affair, Now given that the rain won't leave us alone you might be thinking 'no thanks' - but you'd be missing out on new releases, classic and cult films in one of Australia’s most beautiful parks. During December through to January the gates open at 7:00pm. From February to March they open at 6:30pm. Screenings begin at sunset each night. You will find the Moonlight at Centennial Park by the corner of Parkes and Grand Drive and all over Sydney, after dark, if it's not cloudy and it's up there, in full, ish.

The Moonlight Cinema is listed as one of the top 10 things to do in Sydney

Art Month, Almost - Sydney's Top 100 Galleries - to Sunday, 25th March

Sydney's "vibrant" visual art scene will be out to draw you in as Gallery doors are "flung open" allowing visual masterpieces to "vibrant" safely outside. It's going to be a treat for the eyes in March. During Art Month you can see 100 commercial and public galleries hosting 200 events with contributions from 300 artists. That's a lot of vibrant stuff to look at. The scheduled events include talks, tours, performances, art bars and late night gallery openings.

Picasso - National Art Gallery of NSW to 25th March 2012
"Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris"

This exhibition has only been made possible by the closure of the Musée National Picasso for renovations and the brilliance of the National Art Gallery of NSW in persuading the French to let us look after them. You won't see anything like this again in Australia. The exhibition will attract people from far and wide but thankfully we have the masterpieces - that's over 150 paintings, sculptures, prints and drawings - until March.

Annie the Musical - Lyric Theatre, Star City - Friday, 5th January - Sunday, 25th March

Starring Alan Jones no less! No, no sorry - I mean Anthony Warlow - but Alan is in it. Little orphan Annie is just a great musical filled with great songs like "Tomorrow, Tomorrow, we love you, Tomorrow, your always a day away" and many more but that's the song you walk out with in your head.

How to Train Your Dragon - Allphones Arena (formerly Acer Arena) - Friday, 16th March - Sunday, 25th March

Being the year of the Dragon, there has never been a better time to slay your Dragon into shape. No more eating of guests at the dinner table and burning down of houses, it's time to bring your Dragon to heel. Be warned though that, during the training process, fire-breathing dragons are likely to soar overhead, the trainers will get physical and all up, it could be quite pyrotechnical.

Sydney St Patrick’s Day Parade and Family Day - Sunday, 18th March

It may come as a surprise to know that Sydney St Patrick’s Day Parade (and Family Day) is the largest Irish Event in the Southern Hemisphere. Only New York, Dublin, Boston and London are ahead of Sydney, with over 30,000 people expected to attend.

Pre-parade entertainment will feature music and dancing on George Street, opposite Town Hall (10.20am - 11.50am). The parade marches off from the corner of Bathurst Street and George around midday. The Family Day starts about an hour later in Hyde Park. The Main Stage will host several local Irish bands, musicians and the winners of the 2012 Gaels Got Talent competition. There will also be a children's area. The Family Day wraps up around 6.30pm with the odd glass of Guinness sure to be consumed nearby. Should be good craic.

Cronulla Shark Island Swim - Cronulla - Sunday, 18th March

Ummm, I wonder how Shark Island came by its name. Never mind, I'm sure you'll be fine. There are two choices, the serious 2.3km Cronulla Shark Island Swim or the less serious 1km Cronulla Beach Swim. It costs $45 for the former and $35 for the latter. If you want to take part in both events it will set you back $60. Enter before 16th March or pay more.

Sharks, Snakes and Spiders

If you are worried about being chewed up by Aussie Jaws click the link below. The stats are a little dated but the point is still valid.

Sharks, Snakes and Spiders

Sydney Mardi Gras Parade - Saturday, Oxford Street - 3rd March

If you are anywhere near Oxford Street this Saturday night watch out! An army of thousands of people will be parading down Oxford Street on colourful floats with even more people cheering on in support.

Mardi Gras Party

Once the parade has paraded, thousands will party till the early hours at the official Mardi Gras Party, held at the E.Q. in Moore Park. International artists and DJs including Wynter Gordon, Alexis Jordan, Larry Tee and Calvin Harris along with many talented Aussies will make it a night to remember and you will, no doubt, be able to read about the nights activities on Sunday, but more likely, on Monday morning.

Sydney Mardi Gras

10,000 free pot plants - Cathedral Square in front of St Marys Cathedral - 8am Sunday, 18th March

In a move that is bound to "please" Sydney's florists and garden centres, Sydney's premier council is giving away more than 10,000 pot plants. It's on a first-come first-served basis. So get up early on Sunday and give some petunias, celosia, ornamental chillies, marigolds, impatiens, apple mint, and oregano a good home.

Bard on the Beach - Balmoral Beach, Mosman - ends 4th March

As the sun sets amidst the tranquil setting of Balmoral Beach, do not be fooled into thinking all is well. What Passion, Love, Deceit and even Death awaits any man or woman who dares to tread the sands of Balmoral. Beware the eyes of Rotunda.

Bondi Open Air - Bondi Beach - also ends 4th March

Lets all celebrate breathing! Not really, Bondi is one of the better open air cinemas in terms of location and a consolation if you couldn't get tickets to the Open Air Cinema at Mrs Macquaries Point.

Sydney Cellar Door (part of the NSW Wine Festival) Hyde Park - 25th - 26th February

The Sydney Cellar Door is Sydney’s biggest outdoor wine festival. Just think of the petrol you'd save sampling NSW's best wines without having to leave Sydney. It's the environmentally friendly thing to do.

14 NSW Wine Regions

Around 90 wineries are expected and you'll be able to meet the winemakers from all over NSW’s 14 wine regions (no I didn't realise there were that many either). Thanks to the weather, the current crop of grapes are expected to produce a classic year of fine wine so this is a great chance to get the insiders opinion on what to buy before it disappears on release.

Wine and Cheese

Other reasons for going? Well there's the cheeses and smallgoods, terrines, delicious barbecued meats on a roll and the opportunity learn a little, drink a little and relax a lot. Maybe leave the car at home for this one.

Free Movies Under the Stars (with any luck) - Red Dog - Forest Park, Forest Grove, Epping - Saturday - 18th February - 8.15pm

Red Dog is based on the true story of a small town of miners who develop a close bond with a stray dog. This heart warming story stars Josh Lucas, Rachael Taylor and, of course, a dog (Koko). Red Dog won seven 2011 Inside Film Awards including Best Feature Film.

Sydney Royal Wine Show, Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park - Saturday, 18th February, 11am-4pm

'Drink in Moderation' I believe is the slogan but it might prove to be challenge with the "opportunity to experience over 2,000 new and established Australian wine styles from across the country. Head to the Southee Pavilion at Sydney Showground to learn from [the] expert judges and be one of the first to taste the Macquarie Group Sydney Royal Wine Show medal and trophy winners at the Sydney Royal Cellar Tasting."

Sydney Mardi Gras - Sunday, 12th February - Sunday, 4th March

Happy Mardi Gras all round as the Sydney Mardi Gras makes it's slightly subdued start to it's calendar of events. Sit in the park and catch up, meet, plan for headier days and nights ahead or just watch as the "largest parade and celebration of its kind in the world" gets off the grass.

Sydney Mardi Gras

Open Air Cinema - Mrs. Macquaries Point - ends Saturday, 18th February

The general admission pre-sales tickets for the Open Air Cinema have all sold out. This is unfortunate if you haven't been yet, but no great surprise. The season for this top 10 thing to do in Sydney is clearly too short and should be extended. You can still get tickets as a limited number of will be made available at the Open Air Cinema box office from 6:30pm for that night’s movie.

The number of available tickets should be disclosed on the Open Air Cinema website around midday. So if the queue is longer the number promised don't waste your time. The Open Air Cinema Box Office is located at the entrance to Mrs. Macquaries Point.

The expensive InterContinetal Hotel package deal is also still available (at the time of writing) priced from $330. See website for details.

Open Air Cinema - Link No. 7

The Underground Lovers - Oxford Art Factory, Darlinghurst - Friday 17th February

If you have seen the Undies before, all you are probably interested in is where and when they are playing. If it's little inconvenient, perhaps you are already booked, just consider this could be the last time you'll ever get to see them. If you have never heard of the Undies before, here is your chance:

Dinosaurs Alive! Luna Park - ends 12th February

Much research and no observations have confirmed that dinosaurs became extinct many millions of years ago.

Yet, a mere 3.5 million dollars later, the big boys are back! Stegosaurus, Velociraptor and Tyrannosaurus Rex and friends have to come to Sydney in the biggest come back in 65 million years. This interactive exhibit also deals with climate change, robotics and has games, fossil pits, dinosaur footprints and loads of other big stuff. Opening times vary, see website for more details.

Free Movies Under the Stars (hopefully) - Mr Popper's Penguins - Westleigh - Saturday, 11th February, 8.15pm

I know it's likely to be a long way to go but Mr Popper sounds fun. This family comedy tells the story of Mr. Popper (Jim Carrey), a businessman who's life undergoes a dramatic transformation when he inherits six penguins. In order to make them feel at home he transforms his apartment into a winter wonderland. As a result, Mr Popper's life away from his penguins ends up on thin ice. The movie is rated PG. Light refreshments and coffee will be available. If it's still raining rent out the DVD and watch it at home.

Bondiesta (formerly South American Festival) - Bondi Pavilion - Sunday, 12th February, 1pm - 8.30pm

Headline acts include Mi Tierra “The best Latin band in Australia” and Club Havana Band, aka “La Bomba de Sydney”, with special guest Carlos C-Major. In addition, three DJs will be performing back to back with the able bodied assistance of exotic dancers to keep things moving. Free open dance workshops are there to help get everyone going. A selection of South and Central American dishes will be available to maintain energy levels. There will be art and craft stalls for lasting memories and unique gifts and an exhibition of remarkable photographs by Franco Brazilian photographer, Emmanuelle Bernard.

Sydney Shakespeare Festival - Bicentennial Park, Glebe Foreshore - 5th January to 12th February, Thursday to Sunday 8pm

Hamlet and The Taming of the Shrew will be performed on alternate nights under the stars, clouds, rain, whatever the weather brings. So pack a picnic, umbrella, a friend or two or several. Free for kids and oldies.

Tickets priced at $29 / $23 conc / $17 high school students

Chinese New Year Festival - The Year of the Dragon - 20th January - 5th February

Soon, we will enter the Year of the Dragon. There will be Kung Fu, Tales of the Dragon, Dragon Boat Races and even dancing (just the odd lion though). The Chinese markets will be colourful, there will be crafty stuff and something for lovers and slayers of Dragons everywhere. More than 100,000 people are expected to line the streets from Sydney Town Hall to Darling Harbour on Sunday night, 29th January, as Sydney experiences its biggest-ever Chinese New Year Twilight Parade to ring in the Year of the Dragon.

The Art of the Brick - Sydney Town Hall - Druitt St Entrance - 12th December - 5th February

Oh no! not a boring exhibition about bricks! But these are no ordinary bricks, these are Lego bricks that look like this:

The Art of the Brick is open daily (10am – 6pm) and the organisers expect it to book out.

World Wetlands Day Walk - Education Centre in Bicentennial Park, Sydney Olympic Park - Saturday, 4th February 2012 - 10:00am - 11:00am

Given the weather we have been 'enjoying', a walk in the wetlands seems like an appropriate thing to do. Go for this guided tour for an educational and enjoyable experience in the wet-lands. Bookings are required as is a phone call 02 9647 1033 or email southernnsw@birdlife.org.au

Australia Day - Thursday, 26th January

"Australians all let us rejoice, for we are here in Sydney" isn't that how it goes? Anyway. here we are in the greatest city on the planet - seemingly designed for bit of rejoicing on Australia Day.

Australia Day in Sydney

Circus Oz - Darling Harbour - Wednesday, 4th January - Sunday, 29th January

Circus Oz are back in town - oh how we have missed you. They will be performing in the Big Top in Darling Harbour in their new show 'Steampowered'. Expect to see some amazing acrobatics and old fashioned knock-about comedy combined with superb music that brings the whole act to life. Should be good, these guys are world class performers.

Croc Stars (Australian Outback Experience) - Hunter Valley Gardens - to Sunday, 22nd January

Ever wondered, over a glass of wine, whether the kids should experience just a little of Australia's great outback? Well fear not, you can do both. Croc Stars lets the reptiles loose with a meet and greet for the kids, then there's the snakes, lizards and turtles and, of course, no 'Outback Experience' would be complete with a bouncy castle, a face painting fairy and art and craft activities. There's more, including train rides, and it's not that expensive, This is an opportunity to take the family to an almost outback winery with educational values, such as, where does wine comes from(?), and maybe even try some and then let someone else drive home.

Flickerfest - Bondi Pavilion - ends Sunday 15th January

Flickerfest is where you can get to see a 100 of the best short films from Australia, and around the globe, at the world famous Bondi Beach. If that's not enough, the panoramic festival bar is a great place to hangout and discuss what you have seen, what's to come and to check out everybody else. The bar opens daily, serving organic food and drinks.

Go West of Sydney (Blue Mountains)

Go West. Head for The Blue Mountains. For families, a small tip if I may, visit Selwood's Science and Puzzles at Hazelbrook and the nearby Wentworth Lake for a great playground and kiddies 'Pirate Ship' with some pleasant water views for the upgrowns.

Things To Do In The Blue Mountains

What's Happening South of Sydney

Perhaps South is the go. Kangaroo Valley has an almost English countryside look to it mixed in with gum trees and Aussie bush. The civilised Fitzroy Falls is also well worth a visit. The beautiful coastal scenery of Jervis Bay invites exploration and extending out from the Royal National Park is one of Australia's great coastal drives.

Things To Do On The NSW South Coast

More What's On In Sydney