What's On This Weekend in Sydney: The Sitchu Edit
No plans? Here's what's on in Sydney this weekend...
Farewell, winter. Hello, spring! We're officially one week into spring (even though Sydney has been turning it on ahead of schedule), and our harbour city is packed with fun things to do.
From Sydney Fringe Festival events, long lunches, wine bars and weekend road trips. Make the most of these warmer days! From Sydney's incredible foodie scene to cocktails with a view, this is the best of what's on in Sydney this weekend...
Plan a Date to This 10-day Rosé Festival at Opera Bar
Get ready for the ultimate rosé experience! The Rosé All Day Festival is back at Sydney’s Opera Bar, turning the harbourside hotspot into a pink paradise. Enjoy a trio of rosé drinks, from classic wines to creative cocktails like frozen rosé margs and the refreshing spring kiss. Nibble on rosé-themed bites like Sydney Rock oysters with rosé mignonette and strawberries and cream pavlova, sip your way into spring!
$45 per person, book your ticket here
Friday September 6 - Sunday September 15, 11.00 am until late
Opera Bar, Lower Concourse Level, Sydney Opera House
Discover Sydney's Secret History Whilst Enjoying a Progressive Lunch in Sydney's East
Led by Sydney Historian Elliot Lindsay, this progressive lunch is the stuff dreams are made of. You'll make your way through three of the East's finest dining establishments, Bistro Moncur, Civico 47 and Ursula's, whilst being regaled with Paddington and Woollahra's fascinating past.
Each date will offer different routes with different courses, but you can look forward to the likes of Bistro Moncur’s famed Chicken Liver Pâté with seasonal chutney and brioche, Civico 47’s go-to Mafalde pasta with king prawn, bok choy and tomato, and Ursula’s delectable Chocolate soufflé with coconut crème anglaise. The perfect date!
$315 per person, bookings can be made here
Friday 6th September, Friday 4th October and Friday 1st November
Multiple locations
Check Out Luna Park's Newest Attraction: LITE BRITE
After the great success of Sonic Neon, Luna Park is once again introducing a fun new addition. The new immersive experience, LITE BRITE: Worlds of Wonder, is a 40-minute cinematic journey that will take you through three themed worlds. Illuminated by thousands of colourful lights, you'll travel through deep ocean, dinosaur-filled rainforests and straight into the future in an experience filled with wonder and delight.
From $12.50, tickets can be booked here
From Saturday 17th August
1 Olympic Drive, Milsons Point
Catch a Show at the Sydney Fringe Festival
The Sydney Fringe Festival is back with a bang, serving an impressive schedule of over 400 events across theatre, music, comedy, dance, visual art, and more. Attendees can explore exciting festival hubs like the Queer Hub at Qtopia and the Off Broadway Hub in Ultimo, which showcase diverse voices and performances.
The festival offers immersive experiences set against iconic Sydney locations, including a takeover of The Rocks with pop-up performances and the return of the Sydney Fringe Sideshow. The full schedule is available here.
Sunday September 1st - Monday September 30th
Various locations across Sydney
Catch a Movie With a View at Taronga Zoo's Harbour View Cinema
For the perfect October long weekend activity, head to Taronga Zoo's Harbour View Cinema, which is back for another year. Whether it's a springtime date night, a wholesome hang with the girls or a family-friendly activity, you can watch your favourite flick amongst the stunning grounds of Taronga Zoo with the breathtaking backdrop of the iconic Sydney Harbour.
From Thursday 3rd October to Sunday 6th October, bring a picnic rug and enjoy a night under the stars (with 4,000 animals that call Taronga home as your companions), complete with movie snacks, sweet treats, hot food and drink - and of course, a fan-favourite movie.
Thursday 3rd October to Sunday 6th October
Tickets from $27 (include free Zoo entry from 2pm)
Book here to ensure you don't miss out
Taronga Zoo Concert Lawn
Friday Plans Sorted: 170 Grammi Launches a Truly Bottomless Lunch
Yep. We're talking unlimited carbonara pizza, antipasto, marritozi and drinks for a cool $69. You've got 90 minutes to fill your tum with a menu designed weekly by owner of 170 Grammi Luigi Esposito. There will be Aperol Spritzes, a selection of wines, beer and soft drinks on tap whilst you feast on speciality and one-off dishes. The perfect way to end the week!
$69 for 90 minutes
12pm to 4pm every Friday
428 Crown St, Surry Hills
Celebrate Negroni Week with a $12 Tipple at Italian Street Kitchen
Mark your calendars, because Negroni Week (September 16 - 22) is almost here, and to celebrate Italian Street Kitchen is putting this beloved drink in the spotlight.
For the next few weeks, choose from FOUR Negroni flavours - think Classic, Hazelnut, Sbagliato and a Naked Non-Alcoholic version - for just $12 each.
The perfect accompaniment to also enjoy the restaurant's new and improved pizza dough with two new flavours for just $20 each, or pair your cocktail with a cheeky (and decadent) Black Forest Tiramisu for $15.
$12 Negronis are available until October 6, 2024.
Various Italian Street Kitchen locations
Book a Winter Escape with Bannisters by the Sea
Just because it's winter doesn't mean you can't have a magical coastal sojourn. Bannisters by the Sea is offering the perfect two-night package for anyone looking to escape the mundane.
Wake each morning to a delicious a la carte breaky before heading down to the spa to enjoy 25% off treatments of an hour or more. You can then while away the rest of the day spotting whales, popping out for beach walks and sipping a welcome cocktail and sharing a pizza at the pool bar. You can view further details and book your stay here.
Available Sunday to Thursday until the end of September
Astronomy Nights at Bar Aster
Fancy something a little different for your next date night? Bar Aster, 32 levels above the city, is offering the sweetest night out. The 'astronomy nights' series involves stargazing, paired cocktails and delicious small plates set to a backdrop of the night sky. You'll be able to peer through high-powered telescopes whilst listening to intergalactic music and being guided by astrophysicist Dr. Ángel Lopez-Sanchez.
$140 per person
Dates throughout August
Level 32/117 Macquarie Street
Frolic in Golden Fields of Canola
For those who love a 'gram moment or are simply keen to celebrate the arrival of spring, there's never been a better time to jump in the car and take a road trip to Cowra. The Canola season starts in August and extends to October and is an absolute delight to take in. There are loads of ways to soak up these golden fields, from guided bus tours and sunset tours to balloon flights and even a twilight dinner in the canola. Sound like a bit of you? Head over here for more details.
Horizon of Khufu: An Immersive Expedition to Ancient Egypt
History lovers gather up. Virtual travel experts Excurio and Egyptologist Peter Der Manuelian have teamed up to craft the ultimate immersive experience. Prepare to journey back 4500 years to the Great Pyramids of Egypt via cutting-edge tech. You'll be able to explore corridors and burial chambers as well as take a boat trip on the Nile and a sunrise flight over to Giza.
From $27, tickets available here
Fever Pavillion, Sydney Olympic Park
Enjoy a Hearty Sunday Roast at ESQ
If you haven't yet had the chance to pop by the QVB's 1920s-inspired dining destination ESQ, you're in for a real treat. Kicking in September, they'll be doing a Sunday roast.
Savour their signature Stone Oven Roast, and pick either chicken or leg lamb, and enjoy the trimmings of Yorkshire pudding, roasted brussel sprouts, mushrooms, carrots and chat potatoes. So hearty! So wholesome!
Starting Sunday, September 1st from 12pm until sold out
Level 2, Queen Victoria Building, 455 George Street, Sydney
Make a Night of it with a Themed Sister Act the Musical Dining Deal
Going to the theatre is a special occasion and it deserves to feel like one, too. Five-star Hotel Kimpton Margot's Luke's Kitchen agrees and has announced the perfect dining package, complete with themed cocktails, to get you on your way. Grab two courses for $55 or three for $65 and enjoy the very short walk over to Capitol Theatre afterwards.
You'll get to select your favourite dishes from the menu, which includes the likes of blessed beef bresaola, Mother Superior's mushroom ravioli and heavenly deep-fried ice cream. Fancy upping the ante? Book a stay inclusive of dinner and ticket for two for just $400.
From Monday 5th August (available Mondays and from Wednesday to Saturday) until Sunday 27th October
339 Pitt Street, Sydney
Enjoy a Meal Overlooking the Lagoon at RAFI URBNSURF
Been hanging for your chance to check out URBNSURF? Well, we've got one more reason for you to plan a visit, stat. RAFI URBNSURF have just opened their doors and it's giving elevated dining at its best. Swing by for lunch or dinner or, better yet, pop in Wednesday to Sunday between 3pm and 6pm and you can sip your way to sunset with some fab Happy Hour deals.
15 Hill Road, Sydney Olympic Park
Pier One Sydney x Pottery Boy
The collab of dreams! Pier One Sydney and Pottery Boy have teamed up to elevate Pier's Glass Room experience even further. A pop-up on Pier's luxury Balcony Suites, each room has been designed in collaboration with Guy Vadas aka Pottery Boy and decked out with his bespoke ceramic pieces.
Enjoy share plates and cocktails whilst kicking back with your favourite people in a private dining experience highlight or book as a romantic retreat and sleep out under the stars. You can even book a package inclusive of a pottery experience or a private guided ceramic class from Pottery Boy himself. Head over here for all the details on the pop-up suites.
Thursday 23rd May to Sunday 29th September
11 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay
Alphonse Mucha: Spirit of Art Nouveau
Opening in mid-June, Alphonse Mucha: Spirit of Art Nouveau is set to be one of the best art exhibitions in Sydney to see this year. Mucha, a pioneer of modern European art, mesmerised late 19th-century Paris with his seductive, sinuous creations, defining the essence of art nouveau.
Curated in collaboration with the Mucha Foundation in Prague and supported by Destination NSW, this exhibition unveils treasures from the Mucha Family Collection. Explore Mucha's illustrations, jewellery, and more, witnessing his enduring influence on today's art scene.
From iconic posters to his quest for 'art for the people,' Mucha's legacy unfolded throughout the years, guided by his political and spiritual fervour.
15th June to 22nd September, 2022
Naala Badu, North Building, Lower Level 2, Art Gallery of NSW
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.
