One of Australia's largest arts festivals is preparing for a summer takeover, promising everything from inflatable surf installations to parade floats - without breaking the bank.
Sydney Festival director Kris Nelson wants audiences to embrace the program without worrying about the price, as cost-of-living pressures continue to bite.
"We're committed to making sure the people's festival is accessible," Mr Nelson said.
To help keep the event within reach, 10,000 tickets priced at $49 will be available, offering some of the best seats in the house across venues.
There will also be a host of free and interactive events, including a project bringing Filipino artist Leroy New together with members of the Filipino community in Blacktown to create costume parade floats for a procession through Darling Harbour.
At Barangaroo, a festival garden will invite visitors to gather over food and harbour views.
The commitment to accessibility comes after the festival previously faced concerns about rising costs and financial pressures, with documents submitted to the charities regulator in 2025 showing expenses of $20.4 million against revenue of $18.6 million.
Just under half of that revenue came from government funding.
Despite these challenges, the festival has expanded its 2027 program to 94 events, 73 of them ticketed, 21 free and more to be announced.
By comparison, the 2026 Sydney Festival featured 67 shows and events, including 16 world premieres and 10 free events.
Mr Nelson promises it will be "a festival to cross town for".
"It's all about celebrating Sydney as an international city, as a city that draws people from all across Australia, all across the world, a deeply global city," he said.
"I want a festival that's going to transform the city and I want people to be involved in that transformation."
First Nations-led work will be at the heart of the program, including Waipuny Pools, an art project led by youth that will convert discarded cars into hot tubs, saunas and spas at Barangaroo's Stargazers Lawn.
Mr Nelson said honouring First Nations art was "a tradition I'm really proud to carry forward".
"I think it's something Sydney Festival's done well for years and years and in this climate, in this moment in time, we take reconciliation to heart," he said.
"It's a value everyone shares in this organisation and as its artistic leader, I'm shaping that conversation."
The festival will also bring international artists to Sydney, including Brazilian cabaret performer Jessica Taschera and Indian performer Kapilavénu.
To ensure audience reach beyond those who live close to the city, programming will extend from Penrith to Bondi.
Powerhouse Parramatta will host a major two-week program.
Natural Habitat, a new work featuring music group One Four and the Penrith Chamber Orchestra, will also bring together artists from across western Sydney.
At Bondi, audiences can dive into Wave Rider, an inflatable installation celebrating surf culture.
Sydney Festival runs from January 7 to 25, 2027.