Sydney launches Summer events program: Concerts, food experiences, markets and sporting events

Sydney has launched a summer event calendar full of unique dining experiences, star-studded concerts, and fun Christmas markets.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has launched Sydney’s event program ahead of a bumper festive season featuring never-before-seen dining experiences, concerts, and markets.

The Summer in Sydney event series will aim to revitalise the city after two years of lockdowns and is expected to attract almost 300,000 people over the month-long program.

George Street will shutdown on December 2 to host a one-day only ticketed Open for Lunch event including a three-course meal cooked by chef Luke Mangan of Glass Brasserie.

Merivale favourites Totti’s and Mimi’s will feature in the Open for Lunch series. Picture: Supplied

Merivale favourites Mimi’s and Totti’s will feature live music and city-stopping theatrics expected to draw a crowd.

Another iteration of the Open for Lunch event will take place in Parramatta, where chef Matt Moran will take over Commbank Stadium to bring people together over a three-course menu.

“We’ll have entertainment, open air and long tables with three delicious courses, fresh from paddock to your plate,” Mr Moran said.

“It’s exciting to be a part of this event, exciting to try something new, mix things up, and most of all it‘s exciting to be collaborating with a number of outstanding restaurants from Western Sydney.”

Australian restaurateur Luke Mangan will cook a three-course meal for diners on George St. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

Chef Matt Moran will cook a three-course-meal at Commbank Stadium in Parramatta. Picture: John Feder/The Daily Telegraph.

Tickets will go on sale on November 15.

From December 9, Sydneysiders can take part in the NOEL Christmas markets in the Royal Botanic Garden that will run all the way to Christmas Eve.

The garden will be illuminated with Christmas lights marking a path all the way to Macquarie Street. Dancing drones will light up the night sky over Farm Cove from December 16.

The NOEL Christmas Markets will start from December 9 and run until Christmas Eve. Picture: iStock

The Cahill Expressway will shut down for four days from January 4 with a line-up of major Sydney musicians making the most of the jaw-dropping views of the Harbour.

Mr Perrottet said Summer in Sydney is expected to inject at least $500m into the city's economy.

“Whether you’re keen to dine at the city’s longest ever lunch, watch a harbourside concert on the Cahill Expressway, or soak up the festive spirit at Christmas markets in the Botanic Gardens, there will be something for everyone,” he said.

A harbourside concert will take place on the Cahill Expressway from January 4. Picture: Supplied

“These events will be so important to our state – injecting millions into the local economy and supporting local hotels, bars, restaurants, tourism operators and small businesses, while bringing people together at this special time of year.”

Other major events to look forward to include the reopening of the Art Gallery of NSW, Opera performances on Cockatoo Island, and Sydney World Pride festivities.