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Annual events
The 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 21 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 athleticism of Hoopla.
Below are our 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
Darling Harbour Christmas
Christmas concert and lighting of the tree: 7.30pm - 9pm 28 November 2009
Carols by the tree: 7pm - 9pm Thursday - Sunday evenings in December 2009
Share in the Christmas spirit at Darling Harbour with fantastic FREE entertainment for the whole family to enjoy throughout the festive season.
Christmas festivities kick-off on Saturday 28 November with the Darling Harbour Christmas concert and lighting of the spectacular Christmas tree and continue throughout December, with carols by the tree by some of Sydney's finest a cappella groups. Find out more about Christmas in Darling Harbour.
Darling Harbour New Year's Eve
31 December 2009
This year, head to Darling Harbour for an unforgettable New Year's Eve.
Celebrating in the New Year as only Sydney can, a kaleidoscope of breathtaking fireworks and effects will explode over Darling Harbour at 9am and midnight marking the start of 2010!
Live performances will help you celebrate the New Year and party into 2010.
Find out more about New Year's Eve 2009 in Darling Harbour.
Australia Day Darling Harbour
11.30am - 6pm
7pm - 9pm Australia Day Spectacular
Tuesday 26 January 2010
Meet your family and friends at Darling Harbour to celebrate our national day.
A day of family entertainment, Darling Harbour celebrates the diversity of our community from our first peoples to the 200 different cultures who today contribute to the vibrancy and colour of contemporary Sydney.
The day starts with free live music and entertainment before the focus moves to Cockle Bay for the culmination of the city's celebrations, the Australia Day Spectacular. Find out more about Australia Day 2010 in Darling Harbour.
Hoopla
2 - 5 April 2010 (Easter long weekend)
A long weekend of partying with some of the world's best acrobats, stunt performers, street artists and circus entertainers.
Hoopla, the only annual circus festival in Australia brings performers from across the world to Darling Harbour for a weekend of tight ropes, trapeze, fire eaters and stunt daredevils.
Hoopla - it's a crazy, quirky, madcap, dangerous, awe-inspiring and a captivating weekend of fun.
To find out more about Hoopla.
Darling Harbour Jazz & Blues Festival
21 - 23 May 2010
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.
Darling Harbour Fiesta
1-4 October 2010
Experience the rhythm, passion and taste of Latin America over three festive days and three sultry nights at Darling Harbour Fiesta - Australia's hottest Latin American music and dance festival!
Fiesta features high-energy bands, salsa and tango experts, Brazilian Carnivale girls, sultry flamenco dancers, capoeira masters, DJs and much more!
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