It’s set to be a sizzling summer for the NSW visitor economy as Destination NSW supports a blockbuster line-up of 23 sporting and cultural events tipped to generate more than $200 million in visitor expenditure.

The events calendar is part of the NSW Government’s strategy to cement NSW as a world-class events destination, driving visitation while diversifying the state’s tourism offering.

Sydney Airport is forecasting 5.84 million passengers will travel through its terminals from 12 December 2025 to 26 January 2026, and Greater Sydney and regional NSW are welcoming them with an unbeatable events calendar.

Sydney’s New Year’s Eve fireworks will be followed by an action-packed week, with the United Cup at Ken Rosewall Arena from 3-11 January, followed by the New Year’s Ashes Test from 4-8 January. The 50th anniversary program for Sydney Festival will follow from 8-25 January, with a city-wide celebration of culture and creativity.

The line up of events is expected to draw more than 250,000 visitors to the state, and regional NSW will welcome tens of thousands of attendees at the Parkes Elvis Festival from 7-11 January and Tamworth Country Music Festival from 16-25 January.

February will be another winner, with NSW Government-supported events including:

  • UFC 325 on 1 February
  • Bathurst 12-hour from 13-15 February
  • Street League Skateboarding Sydney from 14-15 February
  • Sydney 500 from 20-22 February
  • Tropfest on 22 February
  • Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade on 28 February
  • Women’s NSW Open Golf Championship from 26 February-1 March
  • SailGP on Sydney Harbour from 28 February-1 March

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said: “Domestic and international visitors are set to fill the stands at the New Year’s Ashes Test, pull on their blue suede shoes for the Tamworth Country Music Festival and Parkes Elvis Festival and shine at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade.

“Our refreshed Visitor Economy Strategy highlights the importance of having a year-round calendar of world-class events that drive visitation, support jobs and boost businesses.

“This summer’s line up cements our state’s reputation as the home of world-class cultural and sporting experiences, and ensuring restaurants, hotels, cafes, pubs and clubs are packed and buzzing.”

Tourism and Transport Forum CEO Margy Osmond said: “The results of our annual Summer Travel Survey show travel has become an increasingly important spending priority for Australia after essentials.

“NSW is the top choice with almost a third of these travellers – 27 per cent of Australians who are holidaying domestically plan to holiday in the state over summer and a strong events line-up is fantastic news for tourism operators.

“Live events are a crucial part of Australia’s cultural fabric and economy. Australians are willing to travel for the moments that matter, and our research shows big events continue to draw people across the country.

“Sydney is the most popular capital city among Australians, with 10 per cent of travellers heading there this summer.”

Business NSW CEO Daniel Hunter said: “Hundreds of thousands of NSW businesses rely on the visitor economy, either directly or indirectly. Every major event is powered by dozens of small and medium enterprises – from caterers and transport operators to local retailers.

“These events aren’t just entertainment; they’re economic engines that must be supported. For every $1 spent on tourism, another $1 of indirect economic activity is generated across the NSW economy.”

Commbank iQ CEO Makenna Ralston said: “As we saw with the British & Irish Lions, Oasis and State of Origin decider earlier this year, major events see thousands of fans spend up on travel, entertainment and accommodation.

“Households are increasingly prioritising experiences in their budgets, and our data reinforces this shift. After several years of cautious spending, expenditure on tourism, entertainment, and dining out has risen 8 percent since last year.”

“Through Commbank iQ’s partnership with Destination NSW, we are putting real-time data into the hands of decision makers to help them make faster and more confident decisions to maximise the opportunities that major events bring to Sydney and regional areas across the state.”

Summer events supported by Destination NSW include:

  • The Book of Mormon, closing 25 January
  • Back to the Future: The Musical, closing 25 January
  • Sydney International Art Series: Data Dreams: Art and AI
  • Sydney International Art Series: Ron Mueck: Encounter
  • United Cup
  • New Year’s Ashes Test Match
  • Parkes Elvis Festival
  • Sydney Festival
  • Tamworth Country Music Festival
  • Australia Day in Sydney
  • UFC 325
  • Bathurst 12 Hour
  • Street League Skateboarding Sydney
  • Snowies Multisport Festival
  • Sydney 500
  • Women’s NSW Open Golf Championship
  • Adrenalin Quest
  • Shuck And Shell, Barrington Coast Sustainable Seafood Festival
  • Tropfest
  • Tweed Enduro
  • Shellharbour Food and Wine Festival
  • Sow Good Ulladulla
  • SailGP on Sydney Harbour
  • Cobargo Folk Festival
  • Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade