Check out the Carriageworks Summer Program

Carriageworks is bringing the heat this January with a packed Summer Program of free art, music and community events:

• Free dance classes with leading choreographers
• Roller disco sessions in the public space
• Vinyl listening parties curated by local DJs
• The Annual Christmas Markets with over 100 stalls
• Art installations and pop-up performances throughout the precinct
  

Celebrate Christmas at St Mary’s Cathedral with its spectacular light and projection show from 17–25 December, 5:30–10:30 pm. Bring a picnic and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Embrace the art of summer at Sydney Festival

Sydney Festival returns 8–25 January 2026 with a city‑wide program and more than 50 free events, including outdoor installations, live music and interactive experiences. Explore the festival’s free (and affordable) highlights, ranging from a symphony under the stars at Darling Harbour to a Blacktown Block Party.

Swap or pick up books at community‑run book exchanges:

• Redfern Community Centre (29–53 Hugo St, Redfern) operates a free book exchange during centre hours (typically Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm). 
• Maybanke/Pyrmont Community Centre also runs a free book exchange with weekday hours in Pyrmont.

Explore Infinite Scroll at the Chau Chak Wing Museum

Dive into the world of digital culture at Infinite Scroll, a free exhibition running at the University's very own Chau Chak Wing Museum until 26 July 2026.

Presented in collaboration with 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art, it features works by Xia Han, Gao Hang and Ye Funa that remix online aesthetics and question the politics of the endlessly refreshing scroll.

Use the NSW Government’s volunteering portal to find free, flexible ways to give back across community, arts, environment, health and more over summer. 

Celebrate Lunar New Year

Welcome the Year of the Horse at the Sydney Lunar Festival from 14 February to 1 March 2026. Expect dazzling lantern installations, cultural performances, dragon boat races and vibrant street parties, all free to enjoy!