Whether you just spent all your money on a Euro-trip or you stayed in Sydney and splashed out on brunch and music gigs, your savings has probably taken a beating recently. But fear not, there are plenty of amazing events coming up in Sydney that won’t cost you a single cent. From movie nights to food festivals as well as plenty of arty events to get your culture fix, there's a huge line-up of epic antics that won’t break the bank.
Here are 10 free things to do in Sydney this August.
The Soda Factory Movie Nights
Move over Netflix, The Soda Factory is coming for your crown with their movie nights this August. Every Monday this month the Soda Factory is screening some absolute classics starting with Forrest Gump, then Napoleon Dynamite the following week, Snow White and then finishing the month with Crazy Rich Asians. Entry to the film screening is free and includes unlimited popcorn. Head here for more info.
When: Every Monday in August, from 5pm Where: The Soda Factory, 16 Wentworth Ave, Surry Hills
Mystery Tours At The MCA
If you’re craving a spot of culture then the MCA has got you covered. The best part? There’s absolutely zero planning required. No bookings required, all you have to do is rock up to the information desk at 7pm and a trained MCA guide will take you on a one-of-a-kind ‘mystery’ tour focusing on a mystery them, artist or exhibition. Head here for more.
When: Every Wednesday in August, 7pm - 7:45pm Where: Museum of Contemporary Art
Carriageworks Farmers Market
Head down to Carriageworks for their weekly Farmers Market featuring the best fresh, seasonal produce from all over NSW. Much more fun than your regular grocery shop, the atmosphere at these markets is bussing and you’re guaranteed to be tempted by the artisan bread, boutique wines, single-origin coffee and fresh flowers. Head here for more.
When: Every Saturday 8am – 1pm Where: Carriageworks, Eveleigh
Late Night Laughs
Head on down to Late Night Laughs, part of the Art Gallery of NSW’s Art After Dark program to witness the perfect marriage of art and stand-up comedy. Don’t lie - one of your favourite parts of attending an art exhibition is unleashing your witty yet brutal inner art critic. Head to the art gallery this Wednesday to walk through the Archibald exhibition with award-winning stand-up Rose Callaghan and hear her commentary. Free and a license to have a little laugh at the art? Sign us up! More info here.
When: Wednesday 7 August, 6:30pm Where: Art Gallery of NSW
Ferragosto
An Italian street festival with over 300 retailers, live entertainment and free rides? This festival designed to celebrate the Italian ties of the local community is in its 21st year. There’ll be musical performances, displays of Italian vehicles and of course, lots of pizza, pasta and gelato. Head here for more.
When: Sunday 18 August, 10am - 4pm Where: Great North Road, Five Dock
Chilli Festival
To quote pop stars and philosophers the Spice Girls: “spice up your life!” Head to Northies any time this month to take on their chilli festival. With speciality food and beverage offerings such as the Hellamelon with watermelon, basil, fresh chilli and house-infused chilli vodka and Old Joes’ Bloodiest Mary with a range of chilli-infused vodkas that run the gambit from mild to “stupid hot.” Check out here for more details.
When: All throughout August Where: Northies Cronulla Hotel, Cnr Kingsway & Elouera
Film Series: Merrily We Go To Hell
Celebrate the work of badass female directors with this free film festival. Introductions to the films are presented by female film academics and critics. In August the films on offer are Ratcatcher, Movern Callar, Orlando, The Headless Woman and Marlina The Murderer in Four Acts. The sessions are free but bookings are essential so head here for more.
When: All through August Where: Art Gallery NSW, The Domain
Chinatown Night Markets
There are very few things in this world that can’t be improved by dumplings. Every Friday the main strip of Chinatown converges with stands selling street food, yum cha, deserts as well as the occasional phone case. There are stalls from Chinatown favourites such as East Ocean and Mamak as well as smaller family-run shops. There’s guaranteed to be a little hustle and bustle but that just adds to the experience. Head here for more.
When: Every Friday, 4pm – late Where: Dixon St, Sydney
Verge Gallery’s 10th Birthday
Verge Gallery is turning 10 and are opening the celebration up to the public with the opening of two new exhibitions. In Character is an exhibition by Australian and International artists which explores the themes of identity and social relations. Biting Morsel is an exciting new one time performance piece and installation which will take over the galleries courtyard and will feature artists offering their hopes and dreams for the future. Head here for tickets and more info.
When: Thursday 9 August, 5:30pm – 9pm Where: Verge Gallery, Camperdown
QVB After Dark
See a whole new side of one of Sydney’s most recognisable buildings with QVB After Dark. Make sure to check out the interactive art installation by artist ØFFERINGS and if you’re looking for a bit of a fright hit up one of the ghost tours run every Thursday evening to hear about the building’s supernatural history. Head here for more.
When: Thursday 1 August – Tuesday 3 September, 5-9pm Where: The Queen Victoria Building
And check out everything you need to know about Sydney's next Moon Festival.
Image Credit: Charlotte Coneybeer