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As one of Australia’s most popular cultural festivals, the Sydney Festival is a must see if you are visiting the city in January. The festival was first held in 1977, and has since grown to include performances in music, theatre and dance, and also showcases the visual arts. Over the course of the three week festival, over one million people will attend shows and performances. In addition to such celebrities as Philip Glass and Ian McKellen, the festival showcases native Australian talent and provides an excellent forum for the arts in such a vibrant city.

The Sydney Festival’s opening night is a huge outdoor party with a wide range of activities occurring in many different venues. Families are important to the festival, and opening night includes a family friendly event just for kids. Family theatre is also showcased throughout the festival with innovative water shows occurring on Darling Harbour. Arrive early to get a good seat. The outdoor movie screenings are also a popular attraction for families.

A vast array of musical styles are represented in performances, and the festival often attracts artists known throughout the world as well as traditional Australian artists. For those who enjoy dance, shows ranging from the traditional to the contemporary are available for very reasonable ticket prices. Innovation is the key to this festival, and this is no more evident than in the visual arts presentations, where technology is fused with old time storytelling to create a wondrous experience for visitors. If you enjoy meeting the artists and discussing what you’ve seen with others, then you’ll want to join in on the free conversations offered at the Mint.

If you plan on visiting the festival, tickets can be purchased online, by phone, or in person. Every box office will release a small number of $25 tickets on the day of the event, however be aware that restrictions are in place of only two tickets per person, and the tickets must be purchased in person at the Tix for Nix box office.