Sydney festival was started in 1977 by state government and Sydney committee to attract people with various events during holiday season. Soon it becomes largest festival in Australia with 1 million visitors and more than 50 performances like dance, music, circus, drama, arts exhibition and lot more. Most of theater including Sydney Theatre, Carriage Works, City Recital Hall and venues at the Sydney Opera House are booked full during this festival.

The 2009 festival will be directed by Fergus Linehan as in last four year. There will be lime green theme for the festival. There will be Robert Lepage, Grace Jones, MORPHOSES, FAITH HEALER, Brian Friel, Misha Alperin, Matthew Herbert, Martin Hayes, The Pianist, NO DICE, BON IVER, The Cinematic Orchestra, Reggie Watts, LA CLIQUE, Bill Callahan, Joe Henry's, Kristin Hersh, SAMSUNG MOBILE SECRET SHOWS, Z Trip, Camille shows and artists in the Festival.

Online tickets and brochure are available for the visitors. The following events are free for all.
FESTIVAL FIRST NIGHT on 10th January
DAWN CHORUS on 10, 17, 24, 31 January
PLAY ME, I'M YOURS on January 11-31
RUN LOLA RUN WITH THE BAYS on 14,15 January
MOVIES IN THE OVERFLOW on January 3-4, 7-11, 14-18
EAT DRINK TALK ART on January 15 – 29
KIDS IN THE GARDEN on January 14 – 29
LATE AT THE GARDEN on January 13-31