Capital of the state of New South Wales, Sydney is the largest and oldest city in Australia. One of the most bustling metropolises in the world, it is often referred to as the ‘Harbour City’. When it comes to art, architecture, cuisine, culture, and fashion, this Australian city is second to none. Tourists can enjoy a wide variety of Sydney events during their visit to this picturesque destination.

If you happen to be an art connoisseur, adventure lover, or culture expert, Sydney is just the place to be in. The following list mentions some of the most popular events and festivals held in this city:

The Sydney Festival
This arts festival is held in January every year to popularize arts at a global level. Acclaimed international artists are invited to exhibit their work or perform here. During the course of the festival, you can enjoy two concerts - Jazz in the Domain and Symphony in the Domain – that are hugely popular with artists all over the world.

The Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
This event is dedicated to and organized by the gay and lesbian communities in Sydney. It began as a street protest, and grew into a huge celebration comprising sports, cultural and arts events that run throughout February. The festival culminates in the Mardi Gras Parade in Darlinghurst on the first Saturday of March every year.

The Royal Easter Show
One of the prominent agricultural shows in New South Wales, it is annually held around Easter at the Sydney Olympic Park. Farmers from all across the state come to showcase their produce here. Visitors can also enjoy all kinds of amusement rides and savor an amazing variety of junk food during this event.

The Sydney Film Festival
Held in June every year, this Sydney event shows more than 200 movies in a span of 16 days. A huge number of Australian movies premiere during this festival.

Sculpture by the Sea
In the month of November, you can admire numerous larger-than-life sculptures set up along the walk between Bondi Beach and Tamarama Beach. Tens of thousands of locals and tourists go for this leisurely walk to take snaps of the wonderful exhibits put up here.

New Year's Eve
The celebration of New Year at Sydney is undoubtedly amongst the finest in the world. The fireworks show here is simply mesmerizing and includes displays of pyrotechnics around the Sydney Harbour and near the Harbour Bridge. The breathtaking Harbour of Light Parade begins immediately after the fireworks. More than 50 vessels pass through a 15km circuit around the Harbour, featuring illuminated emblems representing the Sydney New Year's Eve theme. You can book your place on board one of the participating vessels and be a part of this lifetime experience.

As a tourist in Sydney, you can pick the festival or event of your choice, based on your preferences and visit time. Take a Break is a popular online travel portal providing detailed information on all kinds of Sydney events.