What's On This Weekend in Sydney: The Sitchu Edit

Sydney is turning it up with one of the most packed event schedules we've seen to date. As summer starts to roll in early, we're channelling cocktails, beaches and weekend road trips. Make the most of these sunny days! From Sydney's incredible foodie scene to cocktails with a view, this is the best of what's on in Sydney this weekend...

Enjoy a Free Film at The Rock’s Laneway Cinema this Summer 

It’s back! And we’re mighty pleased. This summer, Laneway Cinema is back, screening free movies every Wednesday night between October and March. Head to Playfair Street to discover the giant screen surrounded by bean bags and deck chairs. For just $2, you can also score a bag of popcorn with all proceeds going to charity. This October, you’ll have the chance to catch some classics: Bridesmaids, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Anchorman and Austin Powers The Spy Who Shagged Me. Best of all, you’re surrounded by plentiful eateries so you can score some tasty snacks for your free-movie viewing. 

Register for your free tickets here

Playfair Street, The Rocks

Enjoy a lunch at Woodcut with a Glass of Veuve for Under $50 

Looking for a luxe bargain Chrissie catch up? Veuve Clicquot has teamed up with Woodcut's Hickory Bar for a fun summer collab and it's just the ticket. Score a Moreton Bay bug roll with a glass of Veuve for $30 or half a dozen rock oysters and a glass of the good stuff for $40. 

Until January 7th 

Crown, 1 Barangaroo Avenue 

Goldfield & Banks Pop-Up with Complimentary Engraving 

If you're stuck for gift ideas for the fragrance lover in your life, you'll want to high tail your way over to Bondi Junction Westfield where Australia's first luxury fragrance house, Goldfield & Banks, has set up their holiday pop-up. You'll be able to sample the whole Native & Botanicals collection before discovering you or your giftees signature scent. Complimentary engraving is also available on selected days. 

Westfield Bondi Junction, Level 3 (near Sephora & Myer)

Enjoy this Free Two-Day Concert at The Rocks ft. Beloved Aussie Talent

Get into the Christmas spirit at The Rocks with live tunes from some of Australia's most loved musicians. Jack River and Dan Sultan will be headlining the Homegrown Christmas Concert on Friday whilst Josh Pyke and Lisa Mitchell will be taking centre stage on Saturday. You can expect fun renditions of Christmas classics alongside new releases and fan favourites from the artists - all this topped off with sweeping views of the harbour! 

Friday 15th December to Saturday 16th December 

Martin Place Christmas Markets 

Get in the Chrissie spirit with a trip to the towering Martin Place Christmas tree and the Martin Place Christmas Markets. The markets will be taking place each Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the lead-up to Christmas and offer a gorgeous alfresco shopping experience bursting with festive vibes. Each day will see an array of different stallholders set up shop so more than one visit is highly encouraged! You'll also be able to enjoy yummy street food and a spot of live music.

Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until Christmas, 11am to 8pm 

Martin Place, Sydney 

Santorini Sundays at Sofia 

Missing summer in Greece? Pop by Sofia on Cleveland for the ultimate throwback. This summer, Sofia will be slinging shared mezze plates, bottomless spritz cocktails, Greek board games and traditional live music for the dreamiest lazy Sunday imaginable. Snack on Greek dips before moving into larger plates of Mediterranean lamb shoulder and Harissa roasted eggplants and finishing with decadent loukoumades. 

From 12pm every Sunday 

433 Cleveland Street, Sydney 

Kick Off 2024 in Style and Enjoy a Day on the Harbour Veuve Clicquot Onboard The Jackson 

We think this could very well be the single best way to enjoy a Sydney summer. Come 2024, The Jackson and Veuve Clicquot are giving you the chance to enjoy a luxe day out on the harbour filled with champagne moments, canapes, DJs, gelato and a deluxe oyster bar. Want to elevate your experience even further? Opt to purchase a 1.5L magnum for you and your pals. What a day. 

Tickets are $155 per person and available here 

Selected Saturdays through January, February and March, 12pm to 4pm 

Swing by this Delish Summer Pop-Up Al Fresco Dining Destination

A day in The Rocks is always a good day but it's set to get even better! This summer, the George Street Food Gallery has popped up opposite the MCA with some very tasty options., Malaysian street food favourite Ho Jiak, authentic Mexican Los Fridos and newbie Love Child (from the team behind Chat Thai). Perfect for an outdoor lunch, quick dinner by the harbour or date night! 

Until Thursday 1st February 2024 

Score Some Limited-Edition Festive Bakes from Black Star Pastry

We all thought the strawberry watermelon cake from Black Star Pastry couldn't get any better. Wrong. A twist on the most Instagrammed cake in the world has just dropped and you best get your hands on it. Entitled the White Strawberry Watermelon Cake, this festive beauty is adorned with rare white strawberries, hand-carved snowflakes and a dusting of sweet snowfall - how spesh. If watermelon isn't your thing, the Gingerbread Chiffon Cake awaits. Layers of molasses buttercream meet white chocolate and lemon drizzle, mini gingerbread ninjas and handmade white chocolate and strawberry chocolate candy canes. 

Do Good Next Time you Dine with Refettorio's Pay It Forward Dinners 

For those of you not in the know, Refettorio OzHarvest Sydney is doing incredible things for the people of Sydney. They've created a unique community space where people in need can come for a nourishing three course lunch for free, made and served by a team of volunteers. If you'd like to get in on the action, head on in of a Thursday night to experience the menu and your meal price will also go towards feeding four people for free during their lunch service. Looking for a venue for the group Christmas party? Head here! 

481 Crown Street, Surry Hills 

All You Can Eat Sushi at Nobu 

This is not a drill, friends. Nobu has just announced their all-you-can-eat sushi offering and we've concluded that dreams really do come true. Get onboard before it's gone. For $95 a person, you can score access to Nobu's 10m-long sushi counter where all-you-can-eat sushi, sashimi, tacos and ceviche are waiting for you. 

$95 per person 

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, lunch bookings only 

Level 2, Crown Sydney, 1 Barangaroo Avenue, Sydney

Create Your Own Dried Christmas Wreath 

Fancy a road trip? Head down to Jamberoo this festive season for a wreath-making class under the fig trees. Be guided through crafting your own festive wreath by Leanne of Rose Bud Farm before heading into the Twin Figs Farm kitchen and cooking up some festive treats under the guidance of Suzanne. The perfect way to kickstart the season! 

$297 per person 

Thursday 14th, Saturday 16th, Sunday 17th &Thursday 21st December 

Jamberoo 

Satisfy Your Full-English Cravings

Expats and Anglophiles-alike, we've got good news! The Old Fitz has just introduced the ultimate classic Sunday fry-up. We're talking all the trimmings - fried eggs, bacon, beans, sausage, black pudding, hash browns and toast. Pair with a $15 Fitz bloody Mary if you're Sunday situation is calling for the hair of the dog. 

Available from midday Sundays, from 12pm to 4pm 

129 Dowling Street, Woolloomooloo 

M.Y. Sea Raes 

Ever fancied cruising the harbour on a super yacht complete with private chef? M.Y. Sea Raes has just arrived in Sydney for their second season, and you can score day, overnight and private charters all throughout summer. You'll be able to explore some of the most beautiful and secluded destinations accessible by water whilst enjoying 101ft of pure luxury. As for food, you'll be dining on a stellar menu curated by Executive Chef Jason Saxby. Whether you're planning on hosting a long lunch, couples' weekend or end of year celebration, this beauty is bound to up the ante on the luxury front. 

Score Some Healthy Christmas Treats from MessySpoon 

If you're looking for a guilt-free way to indulge this festive season you'll be thrilled with MessySpoon's 2023 Christmas collection. Being gluten-free, refined sugar-free and plant-based goodies, these festive bakes are perfect for bringing along to events. Choose from a rich, alcohol-free Christmas cake, fruit mince tarts, gingerbread biscuits, bake-at-home gingerbread dough and Christmas tree cake. 

Available until Wednesday 22nd November 

4/2 Farnell Street, Surry Hills 

Re-Gift for a Good Cause at The Galeries (and Snag a $20 Voucher Whilst You're at it)

If you've already received some unwanted gifts or are looking for somewhere to donate this Chrissie, swing by The Galeries to contribute to the Australian Red Cross gift drive. All gifts donated to the drive will be sold in Red Cross stores across Australia with proceeds supporting programs across Australia and Asia. The Galeries are even offering a $20 The Galleries gift card for a reward from participating stores. 

Whilst you're there, be sure to check out the immersive Christmas Tree conveyor belt installation and art by Mikka Byrugaba. 

500 George Street, Sydney 

Head to Bar Luca for the Viral Willy Wonka Burger 

Just in time for the greatly anticipated film, Bar Luca has brought their iconic Willy Wonka Burger back for a week only. Inspired by the three-course bubble-gum, the burg boasts a Bar Luca beef patty, popping cheese, tomato soup jelly, blueberry and onion jam and Bar Luca's Wonka sauce. But that's not all! If you're lucky, you might find a golden ticket with complimentary store credit hidden in your meal with one lucky person scoring a year's worth of burgers. 

CBD, Darlinghurst, Paramatta 

Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular

If you fancy a road trip for your Christmas light hunt, head on up to the Hunter Valley for the Southern Hemisphere's largest light display. There are eight acres of lights to explore as well as rides, performances and food stalls. And if you can't squeeze it in before Chrissie, not to worry! It makes for the perfect mini adventure for those funny days between Christmas and New Year's. 

Tickets from $38, available here 

Until 28th January 2024 

Broke Road, Pokolbin 

Order From Humble's Christmas Range 

What could be more special than a Humble bake for the centre of your Christmas table? The year, Humble's Chrissie collection is bigger and better than ever. Choose from a traditional Christmas cake (full of 12-month brandy-soaked fruit), spiced gingerbread cookies, stout and brand-soaked fruit mince pies, Linzer cookies and a chocolate cherry Yule log. Don't forget to order ahead if you don't want to miss out! 

Surry Hills, Circular Quay, Newtown 

See Kandinsky at the Art Gallery of NSW 

Known as one of the great innovators of modern Art, Vasily Kandinsky's work will be arriving at the Art Gallery of NSW this November. The exhibition will be the largest presentation of Kandinsky's work ever seen in Australia and will trace his life from his humble beginnings in Munich to his final chapter in Paris. Curated with the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York, this is a one-off not to be missed art event. 

Tickets from $32, available here 

Saturday November 4th 2023 to Sunday 10th March 2024 

South Building, Art Gallery of NSW

Escape the Heat with a Bit of Old-School Fun 

It's going to be a hot summer! If you're due to take a break from the sun and are looking for a large venue to hang with pals, head to Kingpin. With full air conditioning cranked up, you'll find all the old-school fun of your younger years. Challenge the group to a game of bowling or a laser gun battle or try your hand at an escape room, karaoke or a range of arcade games.

North Strathfield and Macarthur Square 

Challenge Yourself to the Ultimate Psychological Experience 

Think you've experienced it all? Think again. DARKFIELD is hitting town in November and if you're keen to challenge your mind to the extreme, this is the experience for you. DARKFIELD consists of a collection of multi-sensory audio experiences designed to challenge your senses and explore the depths of perception. Each experience plays out from inside a purpose-built shipping container and uses binaural audio, sensory deprivation and effects to place you in the centre of a strange and mysterious narrative. 

This year, after sell-out seasons, they'll be bringing two new containers, bringing the total to four: Coma, Eulogy, Seance and Flight. Intrigued? Head over here for more details. 

Tickets from $23, available here 

Thursday November 23rd 2023 to Sunday January 21st 2024 

Harbour Park, Barangaroo 

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