About
FEEL THE CITY MOVE
Marathon week in Sydney is getting bigger. And you're invited.
Welcome to Motion Festival.
Proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program, in association with the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS, this August Circular Quay becomes the place to be.
For four days, the city comes alive with music, movement, food, conversation and good people. Whether you're chasing a marathon dream, cheering from the sidelines, or simply looking for somewhere with a great atmosphere, Motion Festival is where it all comes together.
About
Think of it as marathon week's meeting place.
A spot to start your morning, spend your afternoon, stay for sunset, and come back again tomorrow.
With Alfred & Young Street closed for the festival, the area transforms into a vibrant, people-first hub right in the heart of Circular Quay.
Set against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour at Customs House Forecourt, Motion Festival brings runners, families, locals and visitors together in one of the most iconic locations in the country.
The best part? It's completely free. Come for five minutes. Stay for five hours.
The Experience
MOVE. SOUND. TASTE. CONNECT.
No two days look the same.
One minute you're joining a shakeout run as the city wakes up. The next you're grabbing a bite with friends, listening to live music, hearing stories from some of the biggest names in running, or soaking up the atmosphere as Circular Quay starts to buzz.
Across four days, you'll find:
- Sunrise shakeout runs and community meet-ups
- Recovery sessions and wellness experiences
- Live DJs and performances
- Great food and local flavours
- On-stage conversations with athletes, personalities and special guests
- Evening sessions as the city shifts from race mode to festival mode
There's always something happening. And always a reason to stay a little longer.
The Schedule
Whether you've got an hour or a whole day, there's plenty to explore.
From Aussie artists and carb-loading celebrations to recovery sessions and endorphin-inducing sounds with REALM, Motion Festival is packed with experiences across all four days.
Check out the full schedule here and start planning your visit.
Who is it for?
Running the marathon? This is your home base.
Supporting someone who is? This is where the atmosphere lives.
Not running at all? Perfect. Motion Festival is your chance to experience the energy of marathon week without running a single kilometre.
And if you're visiting Sydney, there may not be a better time to be here.
Location & Details
Motion Festival
Customs House Forecourt, Circular Quay
27-30 August
Free Entry
Getting Here
Getting here couldn't be easier.
Located in the heart of Circular Quay, Motion Festival is surrounded by trains, ferries, buses, walking routes and cycling connections.
Leave the car at home and make the journey part of the experience.
Whether you're arriving by ferry across the harbour, hopping off a train, walking through the city or riding an e-bike along the foreshore, there are plenty of ways to get here sustainably.
Plan Your Journey
During event week, you’ll be able to map your visit directly through our website and event app, with real-time information to help you plan the best route to Circular Quay.
Whether you’re coming from your hotel, the marathon course, or another part of the city, you’ll be able to:
- Find the fastest public transport options
- Explore walking and running routes into the Quay
- Discover bike and e-bike access points
- Plan around peak marathon moments
Keep the city Moving
We're encouraging visitors to choose public transport, walking or cycling wherever possible.
It's better for the city, better for the environment, and helps everyone enjoy marathon week a little more.
A city moves best when everyone moves together.
See you there
Feel the city move.
For four days, Sydney feels different.
The streets are buzzing, the harbour is alive and the city has a pulse you can feel.
This is Sydney at its absolute best.
So what are you waiting for?
Come down, bring your friends, bring your family, and be part of it.
Feel the city move.