What’s On in Bondi Beach: Spring and Summer 2026–27

Spring is when Bondi stops being merely a famous beach and becomes an open-air stage. Kites fill the sky, sculpture takes over the sandstone path and ocean swimmers trace the coastline. By high summer, the Pavilion has shifted the focus to film, performance and long evenings beside the sand.

Every dated event below was checked against an organiser or Waverley Council source on 31 August 2026. That distinction matters: several much-loved summer traditions had not yet published their 2026–27 programs, and a good travel guide should tell readers what is confirmed rather than decorate an old date as new.

September 2026

Festival of the Winds — Sunday 13 September

Australia's colourful kite festival returns to Bondi Beach and its surrounds from 10.30am to 4pm. Expect giant feature kites, cultural performances, live music, creative activities, workshops and food stalls. Waverley Council warns of heavy congestion and very limited parking; staying within walking distance is a considerable advantage.

ARTEXPRESS — until Sunday 25 October

Bondi Pavilion Art Gallery is showing selected works by the next generation of NSW artists. The exhibition is free and scheduled from 10am to 5pm, making it an easy cultural stop before or after the beach.

The Pavilion also has a rolling performance program in September, including dance, comedy, author events and family work. Check the Pavilion program because ticket availability and session times vary.

October and November 2026

Sculpture by the Sea — Friday 16 October to Monday 2 November

The free exhibition transforms the two-kilometre Bondi-to-Tamarama coastal walk into an outdoor sculpture park with around 100 works by Australian and international artists. Weekday mornings are the calmest time to see it; weekends can be extremely busy.

Bondi to Bronte Ocean Swim — Sunday 8 November

The swim celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026. This is a one-off November date, not the event's traditional early-December weekend. Courses start in Bondi Bay, with the main swim following the coast to Bronte and a five-kilometre option returning for experienced ocean swimmers.

Bondi Books & Ideas Weekend — Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November

Bondi Pavilion will host a weekend of writers, ideas and conversation. Program details and tickets are available through the Pavilion as sessions are announced.

100 Women 100 Stories — late November and December

Workshops and a performance are scheduled at Bondi Pavilion from 26–29 November, followed by a free exhibition in the Yalagang Room from 4–20 December.

January 2027

Flickerfest — Friday 22 to Sunday 31 January

Australia's leading international short-film festival returns to Bondi Pavilion for its 36th year. It is Academy Award and BAFTA qualifying, with Australian and international competitions and special showcases. The full program had not been released at the time of writing, so reserve your stay first and check the official festival site for ticket announcements.

Every weekend

The Bondi Farmers Market runs at Bondi Beach Public School every Saturday from 9am to 1pm. The same grounds become Bondi Markets every Sunday from 10am to 4pm, with fashion, jewellery, art, vintage pieces and homewares.

Events still awaiting confirmed 2026–27 dates

Sunset Cinema normally runs at Dolphin Court beside Bondi Pavilion, and Carols by the Sea is an annual December event. The February North Bondi ocean swim is also on the seasonal watchlist. Do not book around dates copied from a previous year: official 2026–27 details were not sufficiently confirmed on 31 August 2026.

Where to stay for Bondi events

North Bondi gives visitors a beach base without requiring them to stay directly above the busiest part of Campbell Parade. Our private two-bedroom apartment accommodates up to four guests, includes an undercover space for a small or medium car, has lift access and is approximately a 10-minute walk from Bondi Beach.

For Festival of the Winds, Sculpture by the Sea and summer weekends, walking is often easier than trying to find parking near the sand.