Oxford Street’s history, culture and creative spirit will be celebrated in spring with a free 3-day event befitting one of Sydney’s most distinctive neighbourhoods.
From Friday 23 to Sunday 25 October, more than 40 hours of free creative programming will transform Oxford and surrounding streets with dance, music, drag, performance, visual art, workshops, markets and light installations.
The event is part of the City of Sydney’s year-round Art & About program and its broader goal to revitalise Oxford Street as a dynamic cultural and creative precinct.
The weekend will begin with Bourke Street closed to traffic from 5pm to 10pm on Friday, creating an inspiring space for dance performances, DJs, drag and roving entertainment.
Highlights across the weekend include a 24-hour light installation in Taylor Square, themed banner galleries honouring the area’s history, arts and creative workshops, cabaret and comedy, a one-woman play, interactive artworks and pop-up performances along Oxford Street.
Visitors can also explore the Saturday farmers market with fresh produce, artisan goods, coffee, fresh flowers, retail, art and gourmet street food.
Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO said the event has been designed to invite people to experience Oxford Street in new ways – to stop, explore, discover its stories and remember the people and creative communities that have shaped its identity.
“Oxford Street has long been a place where culture, creativity and community come together. The Art & About weekend brings that spirit to life while creating new reasons for people to visit and experience the precinct,” the Lord Mayor said.
“This is an opportunity for people to see the area like never before, with free performances, art, markets and creative experiences to explore.”
The event is part of the City of Sydney’s broader renewal program for Oxford Street, which includes streetscape upgrades, funding for cultural initiatives such as Qtopia, and support for development that respects and celebrates the street’s distinctive heritage character.
A recent restoration of 3 prominent buildings at 56-122 Oxford Street has created more than 12,000 square metres of floor space for a mix of contemporary retail and commercial residences that have brought new life to the strip.
Complemented by Foley Street, which now offers a lively mix of public art, dining venues and retail experiences, the area has become a more dynamic and welcoming neighbourhood.
The Art & About weekend will build on this momentum, bringing art and creativity into the streets and inviting locals and visitors to rediscover a revitalised Oxford Street.
