Annual events

The Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority produces a hugely successful program of FREE annual events in Darling Harbour.

Even prior to European settlement, Darling Harbour was known to the local Aboriginal people, the Cadigal, as a meeting place.

And today if you ask a Sydneysider where the centre of our city's festivities and celebrations is, the chances are they will say 'Darling Harbour'.

Since its transformation 22 years ago, Darling Harbour has quickly became synonymous with major events and festivals, whether it is the fireworks of Australia Day, the compelling dance grooves of Fiesta or the death defying stunts and acrobatics of Hoopla.

Below are the major festivities in Darling Harbour for the next 12 months. Jot them down so you don't forget.

To find out about other events in Darling Harbour, check out our online calendar.

Australia Day Darling Harbour
FREE EVENT
11.30am - 9pm
Thursday 26 January 2012

There's nowhere better to take the family on Australia Day than Darling Harbour! Get everyone together to celebrate our cultural diversity with a huge day of free entertainment by the harbour including the official NSW Australia Day Spectacular.

View photos from Darling Harbour Australia Day 2011

Hoopla Festival
6 — 9 April 2012 (Easter long weekend)

Hoopla is an annual circus, sideshow and street theatre festival which brings some of the world's best acrobats, stunt performers, street artists and circus entertainers to Darling Harbour for a weekend of tight ropes, trapeze, fire eaters and stunt daredevils.

View photos from the 2011 Hoopla Festival

Jazz Festival

Darling Harbour Jazz & Blues Festival
FREE EVENT
9 — 11 June 2012 (June long weekend)

A stellar line up of blues, soul, funk and swing talent from big open air sets to intimate jazz sessions.

The Darling Harbour Jazz & Blues Festival showcases legendary names in jazz and blues, rubbing shoulders with emerging and young Australian musicians.

The Festival's eclectic programming reflects the broadening of the contemporary jazz music scene incorporating funk, soul, big band swing, hip pop, jazz-rock, R&B and New Orleans jazz sounds.

View photos from the Darling Harbour Jazz & Blues Festival 2011

Darling Harbour Fiesta
FREE EVENT
29 September - 1 October 2012 (October long weekend)

Close your eyes in Darling Harbour and wake up in Latin America with three passionate days and nights of free Latin music and dance at Fiesta.

Turn up the heat with a huge line-up of bold and sexy performers on three outdoor stages.

Watch the hottest Latin dance stars rip up the floor, feel the intensity of Latin big bands, discover your own rhythm on the open-air dance floors and taste unique flavours at the Latin American food fair.

View photos from Darling Harbour Fiesta 2011

Fiesta Dance Off Competition 2011
Latin dance groups, couples and solo acts battled it out for a share in prizes worth more than $13,500 at the live Fiesta Dance Off.

AND THE WINNERS WERE... 

Groups  
1st Prize: Modus Vivendi Project
2nd Prize: Samba Swat
3rd Prize: Dancexcite

 

Couples  
1st Prize: Capoeira Topazio
2nd Prize: Dan and Camila

 

Solos  
1st Prize: Steve Fernandez
2nd Prize: Rayson Santana de Jesus
3rd Prize: Katrina Quintal
Santa Fest
FREE EVENT
Saturday 26 November 2011

On 26 November Santa Fest kicks off the Christmas season and takes over the waters, skies and surrounds of Darling Harbour. You want Santas? You've got Santas! Santas on stilts, Santas on jetskis, Santas on buildings, even a Santa parade. Plus, enjoy fireworks, the lighting of the Darling Harbour Christmas tree, competitions with great prizes and much more. So dig out your big red suit, don a beard or throw on a Santa hat and join in the fun. The more Santas, the merrier!

View photos from Darling Harbour Santa Fest 2011

Darling Harbour Christmas
FREE EVENT
Santa Fest: Saturday 26 November 2011
Carols by the Tree: Thursdays to Sundays, 2-24 December, 7pm
Christmas Eve Carols and Fireworks: Saturday 24 December 2011

Soak up the Christmas spirit in Darling Harbour. On Saturday 26 November join in the festive fun of Santa Fest. Throughout December enjoy evening carols by the tree with some of Sydney’s best a cappella groups every Thursday to Sunday and marvel at the explosive series of Harbourside Fireworks every Saturday at 9pm, culminating in a New Year’s Eve display of epic proportions! 

New Year's Eve
FREE EVENT
Saturday 31 December 2011 

This year, head to Darling Harbour for an unforgettable New Year's Eve.

Celebrating the New Year as only Sydney can, a kaleidoscope of breathtaking fireworks and effects will explode over Darling Harbour at 9pm and midnight marking the start of 2012!

Live performances will help you celebrate the New Year and party into 2012.

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