Best outdoor Covid safe events in Sydney for Summer 2022
Want to remain Covid free while still enjoying a spectacular Sydney summer? We’ve rounded up the best outdoor events and activities from across the city.
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Keep both Covid and the stay at home blues away with our ultimate list of outdoor events in Sydney this summer.
ERTH‘S PREHISTORIC PICNIC
Where: Pioneer Garden – Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
When: On now until Sunday January 30
Cost: Tickets $30, children 2 and under free
Never in a million (or is that 65 million?) years did we expect to find something like this in our favourite gardens.
Globally renowned dinosaur recreationists Erth will amaze the whole family with this immersive experience.
Part of Sydney Festival, the event will also serve as the world premiere of the latest addition to the Erth menagerie – three metre tall Thunderbirds!
Pack a picnic and your hat and stretch out on the grass to enjoy the hour long show.
NIGHT OF THE SOUL
Where: The Cutaway, Barangaroo Reserve
When: January 20-22
Cost: $55
Reclining on a supplied yoga mat, you’ll be in awe as the voices of the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs’ Chamber Singers fill the natural acoustics of the raw sandstone.
Curated and conducted by Brett Weymark, the evening includes Norwegian Ola Gjeilo’s Dark Night of the Soul and Luminous Night of the Soul, American Eric Whitacre’s translucent Nox Arumque and Lux Arumque, Arvo Pärt’s mesmerising Spiegel im Spiegel, all centred around Samuel Barber’s immortal Agnus Dei.
The 85 minute Sydney Festival show is timed at the magical hour of dusk to enhance the spiritual experience.
GREEN PARK
Where: Green Park, Darlinghurst
When: February 5 to March 13
Cost: $72
This captivating play by Elias Jamieson Brown will be performed by the very talented Griffin Theatre Company in the actual park where it is set.
It’s after dark in Green Park and a potential May- December couple are meeting up after making a match online.
Directed by Declan Greene and starring Joseph Althouse and Steve Le Marquand, the audience – much like the characters – will leave the park profoundly changed.
FLICKERFEST
Where: North Bondi Park
When: 21-30 January
Cost: From $22
While daytime sessions will take place inside the famous spiegeltent, after 9pm the 31st annual short film festival moves outdoors.
Flickerfest is Australia’s only Academy and BAFTA Qualifying short film festival and this one is an absolute cracker.
If you’re feeling peckish, there’s a Mexican Cantina food truck on site.
PIXAR PUTT
Where: Entertainment Quarter Moore Park
When: Until February 6
Cost: An adult pass for nine holes is $29.90
Hang out with your favourite characters from Disney’s hit movies while you take on your friends and family in a serious game of mini golf.
Choose between nine or 18 holes and putt your way through a world filled with wonder.
And if you want to ditch the kids, it’s adults only after 7pm Thursday to Saturdays.
HARRY POTTER INSPIRED SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN CRUISES
Where: Nepean River
When: Last chance January 20
Cost: $29
The Nepean Belle‘s school holiday Cruises are back again these School Holidays and this time they’re visiting Hogwarts via Penrith’s favourite river.
AImed at children between 3 and 12 years old, kids are encouraged to come dressed as their favourite Harry Potter character and jump on the Nepean Belle Muggle Ship for two hour cruise.
It’s a dream come true for Potter heads with plans for games, colouring in and plenty of prizes.
Mum, dads, grandparents and carers can relax while taking in the views of the Nepean Gorge on Penrith’s favourite paddlewheeler.
Food is available for adults and kids, pre-purchased during booking.
There are only two sessions on January 20 so be sure to get in quick.
PENRITH HIP HOP DANCE WORKSHOPS
Where: Anywhere
When: January 20
Cost: Free
Penrith city library is hosting a hip hop workshop for people across the LGA. Get ready to throw your head, shoulders and hips into the dance session.
Go out into the backyard or your front driveway if you dare and show the neighbours how it’s done.
The event is geared towards kids between 8 to 14 years old.
Just bring yourself in a comfortable outfit.
The event is free but bookings are essential if you want to get an exclusive Zoom link which is available on Penrith council’s website.
WATERWORLD
Where: Entertainment Quarter Moore Park
When: Until January 26
Cost: Kids from $25
Remember when mum used to hose you down in the backyard? This is like that – only epic.
These amazing inflatable water slides have special sections for everyone from tiny tots to the biggest of kids.
Thrills and spills include the Epic Racer slide, an 80-metre water tubing ride and chilled out wading pools.
OUTDOOR CINEMAS
There’s never been a better time to take in an outdoor movie and luckily for us we’ve got four of the best open air cinemas right here in Sydney.
WESTPAC OPEN AIR CINEMA
Where: Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquarie’s Point
When: Until February 22
Cost: From $34
You’re spoiled for choice between the incredible views of Sydney Harbour and the cinematic experience.
The giant 350 sqm screen dramatically rises from Sydney Harbour and stands three-storeys-tall.
Never fear if you’re hungry as the events are catered by none other than CBD culinary sensation Mike McEnearney of Kitchen by Mike.
His offerings include grilled lamb rump, dandelion, rosemary and fermented honey dressing – a cut above popcorn and choc tops!
MOONLIGHT CINEMA
Where: Centennial Parklands
When: Summer screenings start at 8.30pm until the end of February
Cost: From $20
Catch the latest flicks in immersed in the serenity of our favourite parklands.
Bring the whole family – even dogs are welcome!
NORTH SYDNEY SUNSET CINEMA
Where: North Sydney Oval
When: Until March 26
Cost: Adults $21
Hire seating and beanbags or BYO blankets for evening of fun and fresh air.
There’s food trucks and a licensed bar on site and you can even use your Discover NSW vouchers to book tickets.
SKYLINE DRIVE-IN
Where: Cricketers Arms Rd, Blacktown
When: Every night
Cost: Cars $35 each
If you don’t mind cozying up with the kids, tickets are a bargain as you pay per car and can squeeze in up to six.
If you book online, use your Discover NSW voucher.
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