The best gigs to see in Sydney this winter

The Twilight at Taronga 2026 Summer Concert Series ticks off a hefty amount of Sydney summer ideals – harbour views at dusk, alfresco live music and a zoo-fringed lawn to sprawl out on with shared treats and mates. Add in a diverse line-up of top Aussie artists, and you've got yourself a pretty great way to spend a waterfront sunset.  Running over five back-to-back weekends from February 6 to March 7, Twilight at Taronga will complement the growls, roars and hisses of the menagerie with old-time faves and newer artists. Things kick off on February 6 with indie folk-rock band The Paper Kites, followed by every toddler's favourite Emma Memma who's performing for 'Lil’ Twilight' – a special morning shows at 10am on February 7. February 20-22 is all about performances by singer, songwriter, musician and multi-instrumentalist Xavier Rudd. Other drawcards include Sons of the East, Vera Blue, The Reubens, Dope Lemon and more, ending with Bjorn Again on March 7 (yep, it's sold out already).  What's more, every ticket purchased before Christmas will go into the draw to win an overnight stay at Taronga Zoo’s Roar and Snore for two, valued at $800.  Every ticket does more than give you a fun night out – it helps protect Australia’s precious wildlife. By attending Twilight at Taronga, you’re supporting the Wildlife Veterinary Teaching Hospital that provides care for thousands of animals. Ticket prices start at $79 for adults, and you can add on optional extras like picnic rugs,...

Golden hour in Sydney is a magical time; when the glare of the day fades and the dropping sun coats the city in a buttery glow. And there’s one particular spot in Sydney that seems to catch the light perfectly – a fail-safe sunset spot with views across the Harbour, and one of the best places to stargaze when daylight disappears entirely. We’re talking about Sydney Observatory, and for five Fridays this summer, golden hour at this spot is ramping up to the next level – elevated by a series of three-hour live music sets programmed by the creative people behind Powerhouse. Sunset Variations will kick off on Friday, January 30 with an ambient Afrofuturist performance by Ethiopian Australian sound artist, Nū, to set the tone as the light disappears from the sky above the Harbour City.  Next up, on Friday, February 6, experimental electronic artist e fishpool will soundtrack sunset with a mesmeric performance. Friday, February 13 will welcome the cinematic compositions from the Aarti Jadu Ensemble, performing alongside Emma Ovenden and George Worthy. Then, on Friday, February 20, Luritja singer-songwriter and visual artist Keanu Nelson will take over the heritage site with a spell-binding performance as an ode to his Papunya roots. The series will come to a close with a powerful set from the Setwun: Celestial Bodies on Friday, February 27. The soulful, percussive showcase, led by composer and multi-instrumentalist DJ Josh Panakera-Molony, will blend jazz, groove and dance music...

If there’s one thing Sydney does spectacularly well, it’s slow summer evenings – the kinds that see the sky turn sherbet-pink and the whole city look a little softer around the edges. This summer, Cockatoo Island/ Wareamah is handing us a very solid excuse to make the most of it: Sunset Sessions is back, taking over the lawn of historic Biloela House with a weekly dose of live music in the open air. Running on Saturday evenings from January 10 2025 to April 4 2026 (except from Saturday, March 7), the island’s curated open-air gig series is one of those annual events that reliably sells out – and for good reason. The formula is foolproof: pack a picnic rug, stretch out on the grass and let a line-up of emerging local artists soundtrack the slow fade into night as the sun sets behind the city. RELATED READ: These are the best sunset spots in Sydney This year brings a particularly juicy mix of genres and rising talent to Sydney Harbour’s largest island. Expect lush vocals from Charlie Collins, dreamy pop by Mia Lovelock, and globe-spanning grooves courtesy of Immy Owusu and Dom Diaz. You’ll also catch Bella Amor, Mina Siale, PA777IENCE, Skyscraper Stan, Lady Lyon and Lucienne – with more artists still to be announced. If you’re not the type to pack your own snacks, Biloela House will have refreshments ready to go – or you can pre-order a hamper of treats when you book your ticket. And if you’ve ever entertained the fantasy of running away to an island for the night, Cockatoo...