Above : Sydney Symphony Orchestra. photo by Wendell Teodoro
To celebrate 50 years of Sydney Festival, the beloved Sydney Symphony Under the Stars will take centre stage in a spectacular new lo\cation in 2026: Tumbalong Park at Darling Harbour. Taking place over the festival’s middle weekend on Saturday 17 January, this special anniversary edition promises an unforgettable evening of music and community.
Kris Nelson, Sydney Festival Director, said: “We are thrilled to be presenting a 50th anniversary special edition of Symphony Under the Stars in this year’s program. It’s a cherished free event where Sydneysiders can gather with friends and family to soak up the very best of our country’s classical musicianship. Being in Darling Harbour, at the heart of one of the city’s most iconic and favourite locales makes it all the more special.”
Craig Whitehead, Sydney Symphony Orchestra CEO, said: “The Sydney Symphony Orchestra is honoured to join in celebrating 50 years of Sydney Festival with this special edition of Sydney Symphony Under the Stars. A highlight of Sydney’s summer calendar, this free event brings people together through the shared joy of live orchestral music. We’re delighted to continue this much-loved tradition and invite everyone to enjoy an unforgettable evening under the stars.”
Against a backdrop of archival footage and historical imagery on screen, the evening will celebrate the remarkable international artists and local luminaries. As has become tradition, the evening will conclude with a rousing fireworks finale, lighting up the harbour as audiences reflect on half a century of extraordinary artistic achievement. Sydney Symphony Under the Stars has become a flagship of the annual Sydney Festival program each January, with the free event attracting thousands of punters each year. Produced in partnership with Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
Festivalgoers are encouraged to arrive early to secure a spot on the beautiful Tumbalong Park lawn for what promises to be a truly special evening. Bring a picnic blanket, relax, and enjoy an unforgettable night of stirring orchestral music and the magic of live performance beneath Sydney’s skyline.
Sydney Festival is one of Australia’s largest international arts festivals, with a stellar reputation for bold, inventive and intelligent programming. Its vibrancy reflects the confidence, creativity and vigour of one of the world’s most beautiful cities. The festival’s mission is to deliver an exhilarating summer of art, drawing stories from Sydney’s 65,000-year history through to its contemporary zeitgeist. Sydney Festival stages the world’s best artists whilst nurturing its homegrown talent; many of Australia’s most memorable theatrical productions have stemmed from its premieres and commissions. The buzz of summer wouldn’t be the same without the festival’s spectacular installations, immersive experiences and live events splashed across Sydney each January.
- The event is free with no booking required
- Sydney Festival runs 8-25 January 2026
- The 2026 program is the first under the direction of Festival Director Kris Nelson
- The full program will be launched on Thursday 6 November
- Tickets for all shows on sale from 9.00am AEDT Thursday 6 November 2025
- Visit sydneyfestival.org.au for more details
