Welcome, listeners, to Things to Do in Sydney! I’m Oly Bennet—your globe-trotting, sports-mad explorer—and today is Thursday, November 6, 2025. Sydney’s looking lively, with a soft blue sky and temps rocking a pleasant 22 degrees. The Harbour is shimmering, the jacarandas are going full purple explosion, and the energy is high as the city preps for a bursting run of festivals and events—seriously, it’s a day made for epic adventures.

The spotlight’s on the Sydney Festival, which just dropped its enormous 50th anniversary program this morning. Tickets, including $49 early-bird specials, have just hit the market, so Sydneysiders are already plotting which wild cabarets, electrifying concerts, and neon roller derby shows to catch in January. There’s a buzz everywhere about major headliners like Hot Chip rocking the Opera House and global voices mixing with local legends on stages citywide. For those counting the days, this fest runs January 8–25, but today’s the time to knab those golden tickets.

Now, if you’re itching for something contemporary, the Affordable Art Fair kicks off at Carriageworks today, running until Sunday. Expect crowds of art lovers, vibrant installations, and works from fresh faces as well as seasoned creators. It’s an unbeatable spot for anything from thoughtful stares to frantic purchases—come hungry for visual treats.

Culture aficionados will want to hit the Art Gallery of NSW, where the dazzling “Dangerously Modern: Australian Women Artists in Europe 1890–1940” opens today—adventurous, provocative, and fearless, this show promises masterworks and a slice of secret history.

If you’ve got the family in tow or a crew of music maniacs, Sydney’s live music scene is wild this week. Catch Canadian duo Ocie Elliott at City Recital Hall with harmonies so sweet they might just melt your gelato. Fancy something more theatrical? The Opera House is buzzing with “Hansel & Gretel,” so there’s a witch, a house made of treats, and a fairy tale for all ages. Top tip: Opera Up Late drops tonight for those who want to hear arias with their cocktails—high notes and high spirits.

If you’re more about the future of city life or maritime drama, the 2025 Indo Pacific Conference opened this morning at ICC Sydney, welcoming international naval delegations and defence tech wizards. Expect streets nearby a bit busier, starchy uniforms galore, and the occasional submarine factoid floating around.

Let’s talk eats and city tips. Can’t-miss newcomer: Keep eyes peeled for a sizzling Thai street food spot buzzing in Surry Hills—the opening’s the talk of lunchtime. Getting around? Transit officials say light rail is running smoothly, but expect extra buses near Darling Harbour thanks to the conference crowds and art fair goers. Grab an Opal card if you fancy zipping about; you’ll pass for a local.

No trip to Sydney is complete without a dash to Barangaroo for harborside snacks or a wander through Hyde Park, where the kookaburras seem determined to out-laugh every tourist. And here’s a local gem: Sydney’s street festivals light up Stanley Street in Darlinghurst and Redfern this week, serving up food, open-air markets, and proper doses of local banter.

Before I let you dash out the door, listen up: tomorrow is bringing even more chaos and charm—night markets spring up in Newtown, while the 25th Biennale of Sydney launches its art-bomb at White Bay Power Station. I’ve got my running shoes ready and my calendar set to maximum whiplash mode.

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