Best Things To Do In July- Masterclasses, Ramen, Free Festivals & More

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Best Things To Do In July- Masterclasses, Ramen, Free Festivals & More

While the temperature keeps dropping, Sydney’s event calendar is turning up the heat this July.

The chill might be setting in, but Sydney is heating up with delicious events, immersive pop-ups, and cosy experiences all through July. Whether you’re mastering dumplings with one of Australia’s top chefs, sipping bold reds in a heritage suite, wandering through a French village of mulled wine and crêpes, or snuggling by a fire pit under the stars, this month is stacked with flavour, fun, and a whole lot of winter magic.

Dinner Party, Chin Chin Style

Cooking with Cooper returns to Chin Chin Sydney this winter with its sell-out masterclass, Throw a Dinner Party the Chin Chin Way. Running for one day only on Sunday 27 July, join Executive Chef Benjamin Cooper for a hands-on cooking session where you’ll master dumplings, relishes and more, before sitting down to a signature Feed Me feast. Tickets are $145 per person and spots are limited- don’t miss out.

Where: Chin Chin Sydney, 69 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills.
What: Cooking with Cooper: Throw a Dinner Party the Chin Cin Way
When: Sunday 27th July 12 pm.
Price: $145 pp.
Book It: HERE

AusFitness Expo Hits Sydney This September

Mark your calendars, the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest fitness event is flexing its way into Sydney from September 19th–21st. The AusFitness Expo is back with three action-packed days of high-energy workouts, live comps, and major inspo. Expect world-class talent across eight competitions (including the World Powerlifting Champs and CrossFit EXPO Games), exclusive product drops, and meet-and-greets with your fave athletes. Plus, catch a live taping of Search4Hurt, test your skills on YOHKA’s Olympic-style sprint obstacle course, and stock up on gear with epic discounts. Whether you’re a gym regular or just love the buzz, this is your sign to get amongst it.

Where: ICC Sydney Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour
What: AusFitness Expo 2025
When: Friday 19 – Sunday 21 September
Price: From $35 (kids under 12 free)
Book It: ausfitnessexpo.com.au

The Red Affair at The Porter House Hotel

Embrace the chill with the Red Affair, a luxe winter escape at The Porter House Hotel Sydney MGallery. Start with a curated tasting of bold red wines like Merlot, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, and aged port at the Handpicked Cellar Door, paired with international cheeses. Afterwards, you can retreat into your elegant heritage suite.

Where: The Porter House Hotel Sydney MGallery, 203 Castlereagh St, Sydney CBD.
What: Wine Tasting and an elegant hotel stay.
When: July until 31st August.
Price: From $390 per couple (includes wine tasting + overnight stay).
Book It: HERE

Itō’s Winter Ramen Menu

Itō is turning up the heat this winter with a refined, cold-weather lunch worth ducking out of the office for. Available Wednesday to Friday from now until August 1st, Head Chef Erik Ortolani’s limited-time ramen is at the heart of Itō’s new $49 set menu. What to expect? A delicate shio kohaku broth with chicken, beef, and sesame layu. Plus, edamame, vegetable tempura in ginger dashi, and mochi sorbetto to finish.

Where: Itō, 413-415 Crown St, Surry Hills.
What: New Winter Ramen Menu
When: Lunch, Wednesday- Friday, from now until 1st August.
Price: $49 set menu.
Book It: Walk-ins are welcome or book it HERE.

Loco Markets Bring Big Winter Vibes to South Eveleigh

This July, South Eveleigh transforms into a vibrant hub of colour, creativity, and community with the launch of its brand-new Loco Markets. Running from 19 June to 27 July, this six-week series brings a rotating lineup of design-led market stalls, handmade goods, tasty eats, live music, and themed weekends—from NAIDOC Week celebrations to a Christmas in July wonderland. Expect jazz harpists, gingerbread decorating, slow fashion, and even snow globe workshops. There’s something new every week, with family-friendly activities every weekend and heritage tours for the curious.

Where: South Eveleigh, Locomotive St, Eveleigh
What: Weekly themed markets, workshops, music + more
When: 19th June – 27th July (Thu–Sun weekly)
Bonus: Free entry. Some workshops ticketed. visit HERE.

Bondi Festival Warms Up the Winter Coastline

From 4th to 20th July, Bondi Festival is back and bigger than ever, bringing a jam-packed program of laughs, live music, theatre, art, and iconic winter fun to the beach. Think ice skating by the sea, the towering Vista Ferris Wheel, and 17 days of shows and surprises across Bondi Pavilion and beyond. Highlights include ARIA-winner Meg Washington’s soulful one-night gig, re:group’s chaotic live-filmmaking performance POV, and the return of the Waverley Art Prize. This year also sees the launch of Blue Sky Markets, a feel-good Daytime Dance Party, and Queer Compost—a no-filter storytelling night in the Seagull Room. And yes, there’s a dog parade.

Where: Bondi Pavilion & surrounds
What: Comedy, music, theatre, markets + more
When: 4th – 20th July
Bonus: Free and ticketed events for everyone. visit HERE.

Willy Wonka’s World Comes to Life in Sydney

This July, step out of the cold and into a sweet, scent-filled wonderland at Sydney’s Queen Victoria Building. From 3rd to 13th July, Dusk is teaming up with Warner Bros. Discovery to transform the QVB into Whiff & Wonder—an immersive Willy Wonka-themed experience celebrating their new limited-edition fragrance collection. Visitors can wander through a mini chocolate factory, explore interactive scent zones, and discover whimsical fragrances like “Lickable Wallpaper” and “Scrumdiddlyumptious.” It’s free, family-friendly, and perfect for school holiday magic or anyone who’s ever dreamed of tasting the air in Willy Wonka’s world.

Where: Queen Victoria Building, Sydney CBD
What: Willy Wonka-themed scent experience by dusk
When: 3rd – 13th July
Bonus: Free entry. Bring your kids—or your chocolate dreams.
More info

Christmas Under the Stars – Fire Pit Cinema at The Rocks

This July, Sydney is getting its own winter fairytale. As part of the Christmas in July Festival, the Fire Pit Cinema is landing at The Rocks for 10 nights only—running from 11th to 20th July. Set beneath the stars and beside historic Cadmans Cottage, this cosy pop-up brings your favourite festive flicks to life with crackling fire pits, mulled wine, hot chocolates, and marshmallow toasting. Guests can snuggle under blankets and watch Elf, Love Actually, Home Alone and more—all from their own private fire pit. It’s the ultimate winter movie night for couples, families or Christmas lovers chasing that European winter vibe.

Where: Cadmans Cottage, The Rocks
What: Outdoor cinema with private fire pits + classic Christmas films
When: 11th – 20th July
Bonus: Fire pits are limited—book early for the coziest night out. Visit HERE

Champagne, Crêpes & Cabaret: A French Winter in Sydney

Crêpes, Champagne, mulled wine, and joie de vivre—Bastille Festival is back this July for a harbourside celebration of all things French. From 17th to 20th July, The Rocks and Circular Quay will transform into a bustling village of food stalls, fire pits, and fairy lights. Sip your way through a self-guided Wine Walk, catch live French music, and savour winter comfort food from tartiflette to canelés. Whether you’re here for the cabaret, the croissants, or a cozy deck chair at the Fire Pit Cinema, this is Sydney’s ultimate Euro-style winter escape.