Bondi Festival lights up this winter with a kaleidoscope of local talent, culture, and creativity

Published by: Waverley Council | 20-May-2025
Bondi Festival returns with its biggest program yet
Venue: Bondi Beach and surrounds
Address: Queen Elizabeth Dr, Bondi Beach NSW 2026
Date: Friday 4 July – Sunday 20 July 2025
Time: 10am - 9pm daily
Ticket: Open-access sites and ticketed events ranging from free to $55.00
Buy / Ticket: https://www.bondifestival.com.au
Web: https://www.bondifestival.com.au
EMail: bondifestival@waverley.nsw.gov.au
Call: 02 9083 8723
Bondi Festival lights up this winter with a kaleidoscope of local talent, culture, and creativity
Bondi Vista Ferris Wheel
Waverley Council is thrilled to announce this year’s Bondi Festival, its biggest-ever program featuring a fresh line-up of world-class music, theatre, comedy, visual arts and interactive performances from the best in local talent, from Friday 4th to Sunday 20th July 2025.

The 17-day, all-inclusive festival makes its triumphant return to Bondi Pavilion and surrounds, with a smorgasbord of vibrant shows, free community events, and cutting-edge, night-time arts programming – all in one place.

Alongside the exciting arts program, visitors can enjoy festival favourites, including Bondi’s famous ice-skating rink and the beloved Bondi Vista Ferris Wheel, a 25-metre-high structure with 360-degree views of the breathtaking Bondi Beach.

In 2025, there is also a new offering for the foodies-at-heart; the Festival’s Blue Sky Markets make their debut at Bondi Park over three big Saturdays, bringing together delicious dishes from local businesses in Sydney’s East.

Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh is delighted to bring back the Council’s annual beachside celebration of arts and community for another year, following the immense success of last year’s festival which brought performers and audiences from all over Australia to Bondi’s shores.

“Bondi Festival provides a unique and distinct offering: it elevates the beachgoing experience with fun activities everyone can enjoy, from markets, an ice rink and the Ferris wheel in Bondi Park to incredible art displays across our community and at Bondi Pavilion,” he said. “And that’s before you get to the Bondi backstreets for more shows and our Bondi Festival Locals program.”

Tanya Goldberg, Waverley Council Executive Manager, Arts, Culture and Events, added:

“Bondi Festival celebrates the intersection of contemporary performing and visual arts, community connection and beachside fun. Our festival is designed for everyone, and offers experiences that surprise your senses, delight your tastebuds and uplift your spirit. I can’t wait to get back to it this year, with an expanded offering in Bondi Park on Saturdays and an incredible line up of shows at the Pav!”

Bondi Festival kicks off on Friday July 4th with the highly anticipated 2025 Waverley Art Prize winners’ announcement at Bondi Pavilion Art Gallery. Now in its 39th year, the awards evening is a staple on the local and national contemporary arts calendar and is a must-see for Sydney’s art aficionados.

Prepare for two big opening nights of laughs hosted by Bondi Beachside Comedy Club’s resident funnyman Pat Doherty as the Bondi Festival Comedy Gala makes its debut at Bondi Pavilion Theatre on Friday and Saturday. Experience a hilarious line-up of Sydney’s best comics including Will Gibb, Jess Fuchs, Edan McGovern, Alia Lievore and Sath Nadesan.

The first Saturday of the Fest also sees the return of two fan favourites: Bondi’s free, family-friendly celebration of man’s best friend, Pavilion Paw Parade, and Sydney’s standout art class, Gladdy Drawing Club. Humans and canines unite for a day of dog-themed art activities, stalls, and, of course, a procession of pooches across the Pav Courtyard. In the afternoon, GDC bring their iconic inclusive and body-positive life drawing classes back to Bondi Pavilion Art Gallery, with a number of guest artists, including the iconic Wendy Sharpe.

On Saturday evening, live music takes over the Seagull Room in celebration of NAIDOC week, with an outstanding line-up of First Nations talent featuring Sydney’s own R&B soul artist Mi-Kaisha, with special guest, 2024 Triple J Unearthed winner, RIAH. Hear Australia’s most exciting emerging music artists in a one-night-only, stellar showcase.

Later in the week, POV by re:group delivers a “hilarious mash-up of theatre and film” (Time Out) to Bondi Pavilion Theatre with their latest experiment in onstage filmmaking. Over three nights (10-12 July), a young performer works with two unrehearsed adult actors for the very first time, negotiating questions about parenting, agency, mental health, and how we speak to children.

Rounding out week one are two highlights of the Fest: the Sydney premiere of Alternative Facts’ unexpectedly intimate new theatrical experience Sincere Apologies (10-12 July) in the Seagull Room, and the Bondi Festival debut of the award-winning comedian and disability advocate, Madeleine Stewart (10-12 July). Bondi From The Barber’s Chair sees famous Bondi locals (like an artist, or model, surfer or restaurant owner) join the much-loved comic for three intimate evenings of interviews and diverse storytelling, at the renowned Badlambs Barbershop.

Week Two launches with the all-inclusive, fully accessible, free Daytime Dance Party with aerobic icon Betty Grumble and special guest DJ Hiphophero in the Pavilion Courtyard on Saturday July 12th. Get your boogie on and connect with your community in this surreal and delightful dance and aerobics masterclass for the masses.

On Saturday evening, buckle up for a night of good old-fashioned storytelling with Queer Compost by Fruitbox Theatre (12 July) in the Seagull Room. Experience five featured storytellers spinning tales from their queer lives, inspired by unique and heartfelt encounters.

Quadruple ARIA award-winning Australian singer/songwriter Meg Washington takes centre stage for an electrifying and soulful live performance at Bondi Pavilion Theatre on Friday July 18th. The platinum-selling recording artist has just released her highly successful single ‘Shangr-La’ in advance of her fifth studio album, which arrives later this year.

Throughout the Festival, visitors can also experience live paintings of new murals from some of Australia’s leading and emerging street artists at the Bondi Beach Sea Wall. Wander along the Bondi Promenade to check out existing artworks and new creations.

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