Winterfest: Hay St Market Transforms Into Sydney’s Ultimate Winter Escape

Hay St Market is redefining what it means for Sydney to be a ‘seasonal city’ this winter with Winterfest, a month-long indoor experience giving Sydneysiders a reason to enjoy the colder months.

Bringing together immersive experiences, international comfort food and cosy entertainment under one roof, Winterfest is the perfect excuse to leave the house, whatever the weather.

Whether it’s skating with the kids, catching the snowfall at Central Market, sipping mulled wine with friends while enjoying live jazz, or discovering winter flavours from around the world, there’s something for everyone throughout the month-long festival.

Winterfest will also play host to Hay Hay It’s Thursday, Hay Street’s new weekly Thursday night tradition. From 5pm–9pm each week, guests can expect a rotating line-up of new experiences, entertainment, food, drinks and surprises to discover, with just $5 entry.

Inspired by the iconic American college party aesthetic, Off Campus transforms Hay St into Sydney’s ultimate social destination, bringing together DJs, themed performers, game-day energy, food from $5 and happy hour drinks.

Entry to Hay St is free, with select experiences such as ice skating available to book online. Highlights of Winterfest at Hay St include:

– Ice Skating: From 9–19 July, Winterfest brings a pop-up ice rink to the city with 45-minute sessions daily for $10, offering a family favourite winter activity in the heart of Sydney.

– Snowfall Spectacle: Regular snowfall transforms Hay St into a winter scene of lights, music and seasonal styling, creating one of Sydney’s most immersive visual moments.

– Off Campus Party: Winterfest will host Off Campus Party, a student night inspired by American college culture, featuring DJs, themed entertainment, $5 food and drink specials.

– Jazz by Candlelight: On Saturday, 25 July and 1 August, Hay St becomes a candlelit live music venue for Jazz by Candlelight, from 6pm – 9pmpairing live jazz, winter dining and cocktails for the perfect date night.

– Winter Feast Menu: Across Winterfest, traders will present a rotating Winter Feast menu of comfort dishes and winter drinks, from raclette and truffle gnocchi to porchetta, desserts and mulled wine, making the Market as Sydney’s top winter food destination.

Alongside Winterfest, Hay St will be introducing monthly themed experiences throughout the year, keeping things fresh and giving people a new reason to visit each time.

Hay St is Sydney’s newest destination for food, culture and entertainment, bringing together global food and beverage experiences, vibrant bars, and year-round events under one roof.

Located in the heart of Haymarket next to Paddy’s Market, this dynamic 3,000sqm precinct is designed to bring people together through exceptional hospitality, immersive experiences and unforgettable moments.

From long lunches and after-work drinks to live entertainment, seasonal festivals and late-night celebrations, Hay St is where Sydney comes to eat, drink, connect and discover something new.