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 Gadigal, 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.
Darling Harbour Fiesta FREE EVENT 12 - 13 October 2013
Close your eyes in Darling Harbour and wake up in Latin America with a weekend 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.
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!
New Year's Eve FREE EVENT Tuesday 31 December 2013
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.
Australia Day Darling Harbour FREE EVENT Saturday 26 January 2014
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.
Hoopla Festival Friday 18 April - Monday 21 April 2014 (Easter long weekend)
Roll up! Roll up! Hoopla Australia's annual circus, sideshow and street theatre festival-is coming to Darling Harbour this Easter long weekend, 18 - 21 April.
See large-scale acrobatics, intimate comedy and antics, fire-breathing busking acts and top roving performers. Plus test your family's circus skills with juggling, plate spinning and stilt walking in our non-stop kids' zone Circus Works.
Darling Harbour Jazz and Blues Festival The Darling Harbour Jazz and Blues Festival will not be held on the June long weekend in 2013.
The Authority is currently refreshing the activation and events plan for Darling Harbour in line with the precinct’s transformation over the coming years.
It is a very exciting time for the Darling Harbour precinct and while the Jazz and Blues Festival has been a fabulous addition to our events’ calendar for the past 22 years, there will be other opportunities to incorporate jazz and blues music in our new activation plan.
We have enjoyed our 22-year association with the Darling Harbour Jazz & Blues Festival as event producer and look forward to continuing to work with the jazz and blues industry as we develop other activities in Darling Harbour.
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