Sydney Festival
January
Art, open-air concerts and theatre performances.
Various venues
Website: www.sydneyfestival.com.au

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
February/March
The world's largest gay festival, climaxing in a costume parade and an all-night party.
Various venues, parade on Oxford Street
Website: www.mardigras.org.au

Tropfest
February/March
The world's largest short film festival.
The Domain
Website: www.tropfest.com

Royal Easter Show
March/April
Traditional farm show held over 12 days.
Sydney Olympic Park
Website: www.eastershow.com.au

Australian Fashion Week Spring/Summer
May
Runway shows by leading Australian designers featuring international guests.
The Rocks
Website: www.afw.com.au  

Sydney Writers' Festival
May
Includes panel discussions, lectures and readings by local and overseas authors.
Various venues
Website: www.swf.org.au  

Biennale of Sydney
June-September
International art festival held in even-numbered years.
Various venues
Website: www.biennaleofsydney.com.au  

Sydney Film Festival
June
Film festival held over 14 days.
State Theatre & Dendy cinemas
Website: www.sydneyfilmfestival.org  

City To Surf
August
A popular 14km (9-mile) run that sees around 50,000 participants pound the pavement.
From Hyde Park to Bondi Beach
Website: http://city2surf.sunherald.com.au

Sydney Design Week
August
A celebration of design featuring exhibitions, master classes, forums and tours.
Various venues
Website: www.sydneydesign.com.au  

Manly Jazz Festival
October
Three days of jazz held over the Labour Day weekend.
Various venues
Website: www.manly.nsw.gov.au/manlyjazz  

Good Food Month
October
Fairs, talks, workshops and markets celebrate Sydney's culinary delights.
Various venues
Website: http://gfm.smh.com.au  

Sculpture By The Sea
November
A 10-day sculpture exhibition along the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk.
Bondi to Bronte
Website: www.sculpturebythesea.com  

Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
December
The world-famous 2,000km (1,240-mile) yacht race departs Sydney Harbour on 26 December.
Sydney Harbour
Website: www.rolexsydneyhobart.com  

New Year's Eve
December
Extravagant and colourful fireworks display over Sydney Harbour.
Sydney Harbour