Image credit: Lucy Parakhina
Midway through winter’s most creative takeover, here’s what you’ve missed and what’s worth clearing your weekend for.
What do you get when you drop an ice rink, a Ferris wheel, a queer storytelling night, and a body-positive life drawing class into Bondi Pavilion in the middle of July?
You get Bondi Festival. Waverley Council’s annual reminder that winter doesn’t mean hibernation. It means gloves off, lights on, and culture dialled up to eleven.
It also happens to be the ultimate mood-lifter. A perfectly-timed antidote to isolation, overthinking, and weeknights that blur into the couch. Whether you’re skating with strangers, dancing in daylight, or watching something that cracks you open a little, this is connection therapy with a better view.
Now halfway through its 17-day run, the festival has already delivered award-winning comedy, back-to-back art openings, and more than a few mulled wine moments. But don’t worry- there’s still plenty left to see, do, skate through, or get goosebumps from.
Here’s your insider rundown.
What’s on today – Saturday 12 July
Daytime Dance Party
12pm–4pm | Pavilion Courtyard
Aerobics meets dancefloor meets community jam. Led by Betty Grumble and DJ Hiphophero, this is not your average group class. It’s free, unfiltered, and guaranteed to leave you warmer than your puffer jacket ever could.
Sincere Apologies
6pm | Seagull Room
A raw, minimalist piece of theatre that explores the things we don’t say—and the consequences when we try to. Quietly powerful and unexpectedly funny.
Queer Compost by Fruitbox Theatre
8:30pm | Seagull Room
Five storytellers. Five unfiltered moments from queer life. Intimate, bold, and beautifully human. No set dressing required.
Bondi From the Barber’s Chair
7:30pm | Badlambs Barbershop, Glenayr Ave
It’s part comedy, part conversation, all heart. Madeleine Stewart interviews Bondi’s most interesting locals from inside a working barbershop. Last chance to see it live.
What’s still happening all week
Bondi Ice Rink + Ferris Wheel
Daily until 20 July | Bondi Park
Skate in the sea air or take a 360° spin above the beach. The rink runs till 8:45pm, the wheel till 9pm, and yes, the view really is worth it.
Waverley Art Prize Exhibition
Daily until 17 July | Bondi Pavilion Gallery
Now in its 39th year, the Waverley Art Prize is a standout on the national arts calendar. This year’s finalists are on show daily—go see what Australia’s emerging and established artists are putting on the walls (before they end up in private collections you’ll never get invited to).
Blue Sky Markets
Next up: Saturday 19 July | 11am–9pm
Local food, DJs, and enough handmade ceramics to redecorate your whole kitchen. Bondi Park turns into a pop-up paradise.
Live mural painting – Bondi Sea Wall
Running daily | Bondi Promenade
Some of Australia’s top street artists are transforming the Bondi promenade in real time. You bring the stroll, they bring the spray cans.
Gladdy Drawing Club
18 July, 6pm | Pavilion Gallery
Life drawing, minus the pretension. Expect big energy, good lighting, and guest artists who know how to make a room.
Meg Washington
18 July, 7:30pm | Pavilion Theatre
Four ARIAs. One new album. One night only. If you’ve ever wanted to see Meg Washington in an intimate setting before the next stadium tour—this is it.
Need-to-knows
Location
Bondi Pavilion, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach NSW 2026
(plus select venues nearby including Badlambs Barbershop)
Tickets & program
www.bondifestival.com.au
Events range from free to $55. Book early. Or late. Just book.
