What’s On Newtown

Your guide to the best theatre, food, entertainment and live music happening in Newtown, Enmore and other nearby neighbourhoods.

More on Netown

🎤 Newtown Open Mic Night

📍 8:52 Hong Kong Restaurant, 503 King St

📅 Thursdays, 6 - 9pm

Register from 5:30 pm for one of 15 performer slots, with the show starting at 6 pm. Bring your own instruments - mic stand and microphone provided, plus Bluetooth connection for backing tracks. Each performer gets five minutes or two songs, and a complimentary drink. All ages welcome with a guardian. 

Details: whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/newtown-social-club 

🍸 Snacky Hour

📍 Bank Hotel, 324 King St

📅 Thursday from 4pm

Thursdays just got an upgrade with iconic snack-and-drink pairings to kick off the weekend early. Choose from Classic Margarita & Empanadas, Martini & Oysters, or Negroni & Arancini - each just $15 from 4 pm. Live music completes the evening, creating the perfect Thursday vibe for food, drinks and fun.

Details: bankhotel.com.au/snacky-hour 

🎸 Live Band Karaoke

📍 The Duke of Enmore

📅 Fortnightly, Thursday (Till April 20)

Presented by Doom Juice, this isn’t your average karaoke. Born from a decade of chaos and camaraderie, the Duke-a-fied edition brings you Sydney’s finest local musicians together for unhinged energy and unforgettable performances. Hosted by Will Vaughn, with Blake Cateris, Jase Canelas and Pierre Ishak, the night kicks off at 8 pm sharp.

Details: oddculture.group/event/duke-s-live-band-karaoke 

🎓 The Athena School Open Day

📍 28 Oxford St, Newtown

📅 May 20th, 10am - 12pm

You're invited to experience a morning of fun and discovery at the Athena School’s upcoming Open. Kids can enjoy pony rides, meet friendly farm animals and get creative with face painting, while parents explore the school grounds and learn more about the Athena community. Tea, coffee and light snacks will be available. 

Details: athena.nsw.edu.au/upcoming-events 

🇮🇪 Dancing At Lughnasa

📍 New Theatre, 542 King St

📅 April 21st - May 16th

Set in rural Ireland during the summer of 1936, join young Michael as he remembers a fleeting season with his five spirited aunts. Moments of joy, love and freedom flicker through the household, even as hardship looms. Widely regarded as Brian Friel’s masterpiece, this poignant memory play captures family, resilience and the fragile nature of nostalgia.

Details: newtheatre.org.au/dancing-at-lughnasa/ 

🍽️ Refugee Chef Dinner Banquet

📍 632 King St, Newtown

📅 June 3rd

Experience a unique 3‑course banquet at Bohemian Café Parliament on King, sampling dishes from the homelands of asylum seekers and refugees. Each night features a different chef and menu, with stories shared about their journeys to Australia. All proceeds support Parliament on King’s mission to provide work, training and community.

Details: localsaucetours.com.au/tour/refugee-chef-dinner-banquet/

Nearby Neighbourhoods

🛍️ Finders Keepers Market

📍 Carriageworks, Eveleigh

📅 May 1st - 3rd

Showcasing more than 150 independent designers, makers and foodies, the Finders Keepers Sydney Design Market returns to Carriageworks 1-3 May. Explore unique, thoughtfully made homewares, fashion and small-batch food and drink in this festival-style celebration of contemporary craft - perfect for design lovers and last-minute Mother’s Day finds

Details: thefinderskeepers.com/sydney-markets/ 

🎟️ Sydney Sticker Expo

📍 Sydney Street Gallery, Marrickville

📅 May 23rd - 25th

TV favourites Lisa McCune, Belinda Giblin and Debra Lawrance lead a sparkling ensemble in this heartwarming play, set inside a lively beauty salon. Full of laughs, tears and unforgettable friendship, it’s a witty, feel-good treat celebrating resilience, love and the bonds that carry us through all of life’s highs and lows.

Details: steelmagnoliasplay.com 

🌸 Steel Magnolias

📍 Theatre Royal, Sydney

📅 May 13th - 31st (Various Showtimes) 

TV favourites Lisa McCune, Belinda Giblin and Debra Lawrance lead a sparkling ensemble in this heartwarming play, set inside a lively beauty salon. Full of laughs, tears, and unforgettable friendship, it’s a witty, feel-good treat celebrating resilience, love, and the bonds that carry us through all of life’s highs and lows.

Details: steelmagnoliasplay.com 

🩰 Engine (Sydney Dance Company)

📍 Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House

📅 June 24 - July 12

Bringing together three visionary choreographers, Rafael Bonachela, Melanie Lane and Fran Diaz, Engine is a bold and fearless dance program. Bonachela premieres The Journey Itself Is Home, Lane returns with the vibrant Love Lock, and Diaz presents the hypnotic The Mass Ornament, exploring collective movement in its Australian debut.

Details: sydneydancecompany.com/performance/engine/ 

ENGINE by Sydney Dance Company