Free event
To celebrate the Opera House’s 50th birthday, we’re throwing open our doors for a free weekend of exploration and discovery.
If you’ve registered for Open House Weekend but are no longer able to attend, we ask that you return your tickets so that we may pass these on.
| Date | Time |
| Saturday 21 October | 9am - 3pm |
| Sunday 22 October | 9am - 3pm |
Open House Weekend will run across two days and will be admitting audiences into the House approximately every 30 minutes.
Open House Weekend is a free ticketed event and bookings are essential.
Run time
The tour can take up to 90 minutes depending on your pace and how long you would like to take to explore the Opera House.
Age
This event is for all ages.
Cloaking
Some cloaking facilities will be available, however it is strongly recommended that you travel light to minimise queuing. Please leave your large belongings at home as any bags larger than an A4 piece of paper will not be permitted.
Pram parking
Limited pram parking will be available outside the building.
Livestream
Experience Open House Weekend wherever you are on Stream as part of the 50/50 Birthday Festival streaming season.
Step inside and see our house
The whole community is invited to wander through the corridors of this World Heritage-listed masterpiece, to explore our famous venues, witness the magic that takes place at the House*, including:
- Access to behind-the-scenes of the House
- Roving performances
- Special exhibits by the Opera House’s resident companies including Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Bell Shakespeare and Opera Australia
- First Nations dance performances by Bangarra Dance Theatre and Mornington Island Dancers
- John Coburn’s Curtain of the Sun which will be hung in the Joan Sutherland Theatre.
This special edition of Open House Weekend — the first of its kind in eight years — is an opportunity to immerse yourself in a building that continues to inspire artists and audiences alike.
Join us to celebrate half a century of wonder as we set the stage for another fifty years of unforgettable experiences.
*Programming subject to change
Visiting during Open House Weekend
When visiting Open House Weekend please follow the signage, security screening and bag check procedures. All attendees must hold a valid ticket, including children. Please be ready to show your ticket to help our staff get you into the queue for the Opera House.
How do I get to the Opera House?
We strongly encourage you to leave the car at home and use public transport where possible. The Opera House Wilson car park will operate as usual, however it’s expected to reach capacity early. Please plan ahead and allow extra travel time as there is planned track work on some train lines. Visit Transport NSW’s website for more details on service changes.
Accessibility
The Opera House will be offering dedicated time slots for people who have mobility support needs or are wheelchair users who require an accessible route. A low sensory ‘Quiet Hour’ for those who prefer a reduced sensory experience is scheduled from 4pm on 21 October. Bookings can be made by calling +61 2 9250 7250.
Accessible toilets and adult changing room facilities are available. For further information, please contact our accessibility team at accessibility@sydneyoperahouse.com
The Opera House Wilson car park located at 2 Macquarie Street includes 11 accessible parking spaces on level 1, and 12 accessible parking spaces on level 6. Both levels have access to lifts. The Opera House Wilson car park will operate as usual, however it’s expected to reach capacity early.
Eat and drink
Food and drink will be available to purchase from the Opera House’s Foyer Bars, House Canteen, and Opera Bar. Vegan and vegetarian options will be available.
Security
The safety and security of our visitors, patrons and staff is our highest priority. The Opera House works closely with the NSW Police and other relevant authorities to ensure a safe and secure environment.
As a condition of entry into the venue, bag inspections and electronic screening will be carried out at security checkpoints upon entry to the site. We strongly encourage patrons to leave bags at home and to avoid bringing any large items to the Opera House (anything larger than an A4 sheet of paper).
Artist Information
Forecourt
Terrapin Puppet Theatre - Tip Duck
Icarus Productions - Seagulls
Erth Visual & Physical Inc - Dinosaurs
C’Darz - Lebanese Drummers
Bindi Bosses
Erth Visual & Physical Inc - Deep Sea Diver
Icarus Productions - Lifeguards
Foyers
Pop Up Shakespeare - Bell Shakespeare Company
Born in a Taxi - The Fops
Joan Sutherland Theatre
Curtain of the Sun
Opera Australia - Imogen-Faith Malfitano with Brian Castles-Onion
Microwave Jenny
Opera Australia - Rebecca Gulinello with Brian Castles-Onion
Kamahl
Blanche
Opera Australia - Andrew Williams with Brian Castles-Onion
Concert Hall
The petals
Stacey Yang
Mornington Island Dancers
Vatche Jambazian
Sydney Symphony Orchestra
David Drury
River City Voices
Playhouse
Dimanche set
Studio
From the Sails: Light Years
Drama Theatre
Bangarra Dance Theatre – Excerpt from Yuldea 2023
Mornington Island Dancers
Lingalayam Dance Company Dancers
Centre for Creativity
Wilay Gillang (Possum Story) by Bianca Caldwell. Artists: Bianca Caldwell, Dior’Rose, Denzel'James, Dallas'Livai, Jordan, Sam, Manima, Mary,Naomi, Bella.
Forecourt
Terrapin Puppet Theatre - Tip Duck
Icarus Productions - Seagulls
Erth Visual & Physical Inc - Dinosaurs
C’Darz - Lebanese Drummers
Bindi Bosses
Erth Visual & Physical Inc - Deep Sea Diver
Icarus Productions - Lifeguards
Foyers
Pop Up Shakespeare - Bell Shakespeare Company
Born in a Taxi - The Fops
Joan Sutherland Theatre
Curtain of the Sun
Opera Australia - Rebecca Gulinello with Brian Castles-Onion
William Barton
Opera Australia - Christian Haotian Qi with Brian Castles-Onion
Microwave Jenny
Concert Hall
The petals
Kurt Ison
Mornington Island Dancers
Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Vatche Jambazian
Simon Niemiński
River City Voices
Playhouse
Show bump in
Studio
From the Sails: Light Years
Drama Theatre
Bangarra Dance Theatre – Excerpt from Yuldea 2023
Mornington Island Dancers
Lingalayam Dance Company Dancers
Centre for Creativity
Wilay Gillang (Possum Story) by Bianca Caldwell. Artists: Bianca Caldwell, Dior’Rose, Denzel'James, Dallas'Livai, Jordan, Sam, Manima, Mary,Naomi, Bella.
This program is proudly supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW’s Blockbusters Funding initiative
Other information
Getting here
The Sydney Opera House Car Park, operated by Wilson Parking, is open and available to use. Wilson Parking offer discounted parking if you book ahead. Please see their website for details.
Please check the Transport NSW website for the latest advice and information on travel and COVID-19 safety measures. You can catch public transport (bus, train, ferry) to Circular Quay and enjoy a six min walk to the Opera House.
We strongly encourage you to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and use public transport wherever possible.
Yes. Transport NSW has planned trackwork on a number of train lines on 21 and 22 October. Visit Transport NSW’s website for more details on service changes and please plan ahead.
We strongly encourage you to leave the car at home and use public transport where possible. The Opera House Wilson car park will operate as usual, however it’s expected to reach capacity early.
Alternative parking locations are available:
- One Farrer Place (43 Phillip St) – entry via Young & Phillip Streets. 800 metres walk to the Opera House which takes about 12 minutes’.
- The Domain (St Mary’s Road) – 1.8km walk to the Opera House via the Botanic Gardens which takes about 20 minutes’.
- Sofitel Wentworth (61-101 Phillip St) – entry via 2 Bligh Street. 1.1km walk to the Opera House which takes about 14 minutes.
There is a drop off zone at the end of Macquarie Street (adjacent to the roundabout).
Covid-safe information
The health and wellbeing of everyone attending the Opera House is our top priority. We’re committed to making your experience safe, comfortable and enjoyable, with a number of measures in place including regular cleaning of high-touch areas, air conditioning systems that maximise ventilation, and hand sanitiser stations positioned in all paths of travel. We remind our audiences and visitors to please stay home if you feel unwell. If you need to discuss your ticketing or booking options, contact our Box Office team on 02 9250 7777.
The health and wellbeing of everyone attending the Opera House is our top priority. We have a number of safety measures in place including regular cleaning of high-touch areas, air conditioning systems that maximise ventilation, and hand sanitiser stations positioned in all paths of travel. While face masks are no longer required, we ask all our patrons and visitors to practise good hygiene. Please stay home if you feel unwell and read more about our flexible ticket options.
The Sydney Opera House no longer requires patrons to show that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Frequently asked questions
Attending this event
Booking a time slot is essential and must be made in advance via the Opera House website. An eTicket which will be emailed to you on Monday 16 October and must be presented to Opera House staff at check-in via your mobile or print out.
You can book a time slot for up to six people. Larger groups will need to be made over multiple bookings.
The ticket is valid on the day indicated, and is the time you enter the queue for the Opera House. Entry to the queue will be allowed within 30 minutes following the selected time slot. If you are late, we may not be able to accommodate you. We recommend you arrive at least 15 minutes before your time slot, and please follow the advice of Opera House staff when on site. We’re expecting large crowds, so you may experience some queuing and would like to thank you for your patience.
If you've registered for Open House Weekend but are no longer able to attend, we ask that you return your tickets so that we may pass these on to someone else.
We’re unable to amend your booked time slot.
Opera House staff on the day will be able to notify you of the approximate wait time, which may be up to 60 minutes.
Open House Weekend is an all-weather event. We encourage you to check the weather and come prepared. If it’s a hot day, please wear a hat, protective clothing and sunscreen. If it’s raining, please wear a raincoat. Small umbrellas will be allowed on the Forecourt, however will need to be checked in upon entry to the building and collected upon departure.
The designated tour route is 1.5km and has 273 stairs. The tour can take up to 90 minutes depending on your pace and how long you would like to take to explore the Opera House.
Patrons are encouraged to leave bags at home and to avoid bringing any large items to the Opera House (anything larger than an A4 sheet of paper) to avoid delays.
A list of prohibited items can be found on our Conditions of Entry.
In accordance with our venue security procedures, Opera House security will be scanning and checking bags at the entry to the site, prior to entering the queue. Minimal cloaking facilities will be available, however it is strongly recommended that you travel light to minimise queuing.
As the tour route isn’t pram accessible, pram parking will be available outside the building.
Open House Weekend is suitable for all ages. Children aged 15 years and under will need to be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Yes, there will be plenty of photo and filming opportunities throughout your tour. You will be advised by Opera House staff where filming is not permitted.
We don’t have a dress code at the Opera House. Come dressed in what you’re comfortable wearing.
Keep in mind you will be on your feet, and there are over 273 stairs along the 1.5km route. We recommend wearing flat, comfortable walking shoes.
Food & beverage
House Canteen will be open from 7:30am and Opera Bar will be open from 11am. Both venues will be open to the general public all day. Bennelong and Midden will be open and bookings are strongly recommended.
Please note that Midden will be operating at reduced hours over the weekend. More details can be found here.
Food and drink will be available to purchase from the Opera House’s Foyer Bars, House Canteen, and Opera Bar. Vegan and vegetarian options will be available.
You’re welcome to bring your own water bottle and small snacks but other food, drink and glass items will not be permitted inside. The Opera House. Opera Bar, and House Canteen are available for you to enjoy. Find out more about our restaurants.
Accessibility
The Opera House will be offering dedicated time slots for people who have mobility support needs or are wheelchair users. We will also have a ‘relaxed tour’ for those who prefer a reduced sensory experience.
Bookings can be made by calling +61 2 9250 7250.
Accessible toilets and adult changing room facilities are available. For further information, please contact accessibility@sydneyoperahouse.com.
The Opera House Wilson car park located at 2 Macquarie Street includes 11 accessible parking spaces on level 1, and 12 accessible parking spaces on level 6. Both levels have access to lifts.
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