What’s On This Weekend in Sydney: Our Sydney Editor’s Top Picks

No plans? Here's what's on in Sydney this weekend...

Image: Destination NSW

Winter is well and truly here which means our social outings are starting to shift gears. In fact, we’re swapping out festivals and sunny beer gardens for cosy indoor activities and making the most of Sydney’s entertainment scene.

Stuck for plans? Catch our top six picks of what to do in Sydney this weekend below. 

What’s On This Weekend


Free Matcha at Libertine Parfumerie’s One-Day Pop-Up

Fragrance fans, this one’s for you. For one morning only, cult scent house Libertine Parfumerie is teaming up with Obvious Parfums to celebrate the launch of their dreamy new fragrance ‘Milk & Matcha‘ — and you’re invited to sip, sniff and indulge.

Happening at their beautiful Paddington store, the pop-up promises complimentary matcha lattes (yes, really), Sweet Splits cookies, and fragrance samples that’ll have you rethinking your signature scent. Whether you’re a perfume devotee or just love the smell of a good match, this is a pop-up worth dropping into.

Saturday 12 July, 10am–1pm

Libertine Parfumerie, 140 Oxford Street, Paddington

Free Pastries at Lode Pies

An excuse to indulge in a flaky French delicacy? We’re there.

To celebrate the reopening of their Surry Hills outpost, Lode Pies is offering free pain au chocolat with every purchase across Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Whether you’re picking up the usual stock or popping in for a catch up with friends, be sure to take advantage of this delicious deal.

But don’t dawdle, only the first 50 through the door each day get a taste of the free goods.

487 Crown St Surry Hills

$1 Hot Chips at Chargrill Charlies

This Friday, Chargrill Charlie’s is turning up the heat with a crispy, golden offer you won’t want to miss. In celebration of National Hot Chip Day (yes, it’s a thing), all locations across Sydney are serving up their signature hot chips for just $1. Yes, you read that right — $1! Whether you’re a Bondi beachgoer or a city slicker, it’s the perfect excuse to indulge in those perfectly seasoned, chicken-salt-dusted delights.

But wait, there’s more! Keep your eyes peeled for a ‘Golden Chip’ QR code nestled among your fries, scan it, and you could win free chips for a whole year! Mark your calendars, you don’t want to miss this one.

Friday July 11

Various locations across Sydney

Free Coffee and Croissants at The Rusty Rabbit

The Rusty Rabbit is making its Inner West debut this weekend with a brand-new café in Concord, opening its doors on Saturday, 12 July. Following the success of its Darlinghurst and St Leonards locations, the beloved café collective is bringing its signature warmth and crowd-pleasing brunch menu to a whole new neighbourhood. Located at the corner of Brays Road and Mortlake Street, the new 100-square-metre space promises a welcoming atmosphere and a menu that will have you hopping back for more.

To celebrate the grand opening, The Rusty Rabbit is teaming up with Son of a Baker for a pop-up event on Saturday and Sunday. The first 50 customers each day will be treated to a complimentary plain croissant and coffee — because who doesn’t love a freebie? Expect an array of SOB’s signature pastries, including cannoli, danishes, and croissants, all served with a side of community spirit.

Saturday July 12, from 8am to 12pm

58 Mortlake St, Concord

Plump Up Your Lip Game at the YSL Beauty Pop-Up

Looking to refresh your beauty routine? YSL Beauty has you covered. This month, the cult-fave brand adored by our fave celebs including Dua Lipa, is popping up in Sydney bringing its viral Loveshine Plumping Oil Gloss to Paddington.

On the day, expect masterclasses from celebrity makeup artists, luxe samples and complimentary makeup touch-ups for a high-shine start to your weekend. Plus, the first 200 to stop by each day will score a free Harrys iced strawberry matcha latte. Is there a more perfect way to kick off your weekend plans? We think not.

Friday 11 July and Saturday 12 July, 9am–6pm

410 Oxford Street, Paddington

Get Your Skates on at Darling Harbour’s Ice-Skating Rink

Looking for a fun way to make the most of winter? Head down to darling harbour this month and hit the ice! A massive open-air ice skating rink has popped up at Palm Grove to bring a little winter magic to the harbourfront.

Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a total newbie, this one really is perfect for everyone, and just in time for school holidays!

Until July 20

Palm Grove Forecourt, Sydney

Tickets here

Zephyr Sky Bar

Zephyr Sky Bar Takes on Winter With a Decadent Cocktail Pop-Up

Who says rooftop bars are reserved for summer? Soak up harbour views at Zephyr Sky Bar this Winter and you’ll also be able to enjoy a curated menu of Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky cocktails that will warm you to your core. Sip away as you revel in the last light and plush velvet interiors. There’s a little something for everyone on the menu from the Earl Grey-infused The Highlander cocktail to the fruit-forwad The Blushfire cocktail. Date night sorted!

View details plus the full menu here

Until Monday 11th August

Blu Bar on 36, Shangri-La Sydney

Elevate your weekend plans with skyline views and sky-high cocktails at Blu Bar at the Shangri-La Sydney. Sitting 36 floors above the city, it’s the best seat in the city for drinks with a side of dreamy harbour views. Kick off your evening with cocktails from their premium menu or wind down in style with a late-night aperitif. No bookings required — just head up, grab a seat, and soak it all in. Feeling fancy? Book in for their cocktail-making masterclass, where you’ll shake, stir and sip your way through a curated selection of the bar’s most iconic creations.

176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks

Gin & Jazz at The Apollo

Monthly Sunday Sessions are back at The Apollo kicking off this week with live jazz and pink martinis to accompany the Potts Point mainstay’s iconic Greek menu.

The popular Gin & Jazz is returning for five sessions across five months from May to September starting this weekend with smooth grooves delivered within the intimate dining lounge. Whether you’re settling in for a regular feast or keen to try out the exclusive Gin & Jazz menu (available only on the day for $95pp), gather the group and kick back with the soothing sounds of the sax. Now that’s a Sunday well spent.

12pm–4pm, the last Sunday of every month May-September

The Apollo, 44 Macleay St, Potts Point

Level 12, 161 Sussex Street, Sydney

Haven’t found your perfect weekend plans yet? Check out the best new restaurant openings in Sydney, or our monthly guide to read about everything else that’s happening this month in Sydney.

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