What's On in Sydney: Your Ultimate Guide for September & Beyond
Here's what's on in Sydney this month.
As the cool days fade away, we're embracing the start of spring with visits to breezy rooftop bars and charming waterside restaurants. With Sydney buzzing with vibrant festivals and exciting events, there's no better time to explore the city.
To help you make the most of September (and beyond), we've curated the best happenings around Sydney this month.
What's On in Sydney: Eat & Drink
Enjoy an Exclusive Japanese-Inspired Feast at Botanic House
In a special collaboration between Roku Gin, renowned chef Luke Nguyen and celebrated floral designer Saskia Havekes from Grandiflora, this exclusive one-day-only event will fully immerse you in the vibrant essence of spring.
Kicking off at Palm House with signature serves of Roku Gin and a stunning floral installation by Grandiflora to capture the ephemeral beauty of Sakura, the event continues at Botanic House for a bespoke, Japanese-inspired three-course menu. - complete with specially curated Roku Gin cocktails.
It's all to celebrate the spring season and Roku Gin's first seasonal, limited-edition release: Roku Gin Sakura Bloom Edition.
$145 per person, book your spot here
Thursday September 26, 12:30 pm or 6:30 pm
Botanic House, 1 Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney
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
Book In for This Divine In The Round House x Chiswick Collab Bringing Euro Summer to Sydney
We do so love when two of our favourites come together to collaborate. This August, Chiswick and In The Round House have teamed up to craft the ultimate dining experience. Inspired by the flavours of the Mediterranean, the menu highlights include the likes of scallop with herb butter and charred corn, rigatoni with roasted tomato and salted ricotta pangrattato and a very exciting Amalfi lemon dessert. This will be served alongside the limited-edition range of Med-inspired Chiswick x In The Round House dinnerware (available for purchase on the day). Heaven!
$105 per person
Bookings available for groups of four or more from 1st August
65 Ocean Street, Woollahra
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
Enjoy an Exclusive Chef's Counter Experience 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. Indulge in an unparalleled culinary journey with the newly introduced Chef's Counter experience. Seated at the intimate kitchen bar, the chef crafts a personalised dining experience that is guaranteed to tantalise all your senses as you watch your food being prepared, cooked and plated right in front of your eyes.
The exclusive experience is available on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights for between 2 and 4 people. Choose from a 5:30 PM or 7:45 PM setting and get ready to enjoy an interactive and immersive evening.
Tuesday to Thursday, 5:30pm or 7:45pm
$120 per person
Matching wines for an additional $60 - $80 per person
Level 2, Queen Victoria Building, 455 George Street, Sydney
Interrogate the Truffle with The Sanderson and St Hugo
Tis the season to dine on as many truffles as you can get your hands on. Head Chef of The Sanderson, James Green, has popped together a decadent six-course menu featuring our favourite fungi and its one of our favourite menus yet. Nibble on handcrafted pasta, with truffle shaved tableside, all the way through to black truffle gelato (that we promise you is 10/10 incredible). Feeling fancy? The wine pairing is the way to go.
$169 per person and $120 per person for beverage pairing
Thursday 1st August to Saturday 31st August
285 George Street, Sydney
From Grain to Kettle: Chuck & Son's Brewing Co., Archie Rose Distilling Co. and Voyager Craft Malt Team Up for the Ultimate Four-Course Feast
Three Sydney institutions are teaming up this August to host a night of excellent banter, food and, of course, drinks. Your evening will involve sipping on a selection of beers and whisky that will be paired with four delish courses. Oysters, chicken skewers, lamb ribs and tacos are the kinds of treats you have to look forward to. As for drinks, it's highballs, pilsners, whisky, IPAs and more!
$95 per person, tickets available here
Wednesday 28th August, 6:30pm
Unit 3E-3F 1-7 Unwins Bridge Road, St Peters
Treat Dad to a Seat at Australia's Biggest Whiskey Tasting Event
If Dad isn't keen on dinner, why not treat him to a ticket at Australia's biggest whiskey tasting event? Buffalo Bourbon will be hosting the event which will involve a 100-metre tasting table seating 200-200 attendees. Each ticket holder will be able to taste four whiskeys during the course of the event. There will also be delicious BBQ for purchase from Black Bear BBQ and beers from Philter Brewing. We have a hunch he's going to love it.
$35 per person, tickets available here
Saturday 31st August, from 5:30pm
Newtown Jets Field, Henson Park
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
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
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
Enjoy Smooth Sips with a View at Zephyr Sky Bar
Belvedere Vodka and Zephyr Sky Bar have teamed up to bring you the ultimate winter pop-up in celebration of Belvedere 10. This ultra-smooth 100% diamond rye vodka is a little bit lovely. Indulge in a tasting experience that includes curated Belvedere cocktails and premium snacks, including wagyu caviar, vodka-cured salmon, lobster truffle popcorn and Pacific Oysters.
Tuesday July 16th to Saturday August 31st
Hyatt Regency, Level 12/161 Sussex Street, Sydney
Forage The Rocks
One of our fave annual celebrations is back in the form of Forage The Rocks. Running for the month of August, there are plenty of free and cheap events to get involved in. Swing by on a Thursday for free jazz sessions, peruse happy hour offers, cocktail masterclasses, conscious connection events, markets and cheap eats. You can get the full lowdown here.
Thursday 1st August to Saturday 31st August
Various locations
Gather Your Pals for a Cause and Host a Soiree as Part of Big Blue Table
Beyond Blue is used by over 800 Australians every day. For those not in the know, it's a service that provides free 24/7 counselling, advice and referrals for those in need.
What can you do to get behind and support this incredible and essential service? Host a meal and invite your friends, family and colleagues to gather and have a chinwag about mental health. You can host your table anywhere and serve up whatever you fancy. All you've got to do is register your table here. Register early and you'll receive a free host kit inclusive of decorations, conversation starters and mental wellbeing topics.
Throughout October
The Ultimate Whisky Dinner Has Touched Down in Sydney for One-Night Only
Do you love whisky or know someone who does? This one-off luxury dins is the gift you (or they!) deserve. Hosted by The Macallan's brand ambassador Josh Varna, the three-course dining experience will be paired with the finest Scotch whisky on the market. You'll deep-dive into the history and craft of the drink with Josh whilst taking in sweeping views of the harbour. Magnificent!
$349 per person, bookings can be made here
Thursday 22nd August, 6pm to 10pm
Shangri-La Sydney
Enjoy This Limited-Edition Chiswick x Opera Bar Pre-Theatre Dining Experience
If you're heading to the Opera House for a show this month, be sure to book a limited seat at this two-course pre-theatre menu curated by Matt Moran and served at the iconic Opera Bar. Kick things off with a glass of Chandon Rose sparkling alongside a selection of shared entrees. Think Sonoma sourdough with tomato butter; barra-masalata with vegetable chips; and beef tartare with pickled king brown and crisps. Then choose your main from rigatoni with roasted tomato and salted ricotta pangrattato; pan roasted snapper with fennel and sauce gribiche; or roast chicken with braised brassicas and Jerusalem artichoke. You'll also get to feast on shared sides.
$80 per person, bookings can be made here
Monday 5th August to Thursday 29th August (Mondays to Thursdays from 5pm)
Opera Bar, Lower Concourse, Sydney Opera House
Asado Sundays at Casa Esquina
Fond of Argentinian BBQ? Well, your dream Sunday feast has just dropped at Casa Esquina. Throughout winter this new dining gem is transforming their alfresco courtyard into a fire-cooking arena with meats cooked over the open flame. There will also be live music to complete the vibe. Gather the gang and book it in! You can peep the full menu here.
$150 per person
Sunday 30th June, Sunday 28th July, Sunday 25th August
79 Elliott Street, Balmain
Festival of Fire at Gin Lane
What's better than a cocktail? A cocktail on fire! This winter, Gin Lane is celebrating the season with a limited-edition menu celebrating fire, spice and smoke. This is your chance to order the Goblet of Fire (shoutout to our HP fans) as well as a hot gin and tonic made with an original 1850s recipe.
Monday June 10th to Saturday August 31st
16 Kensington 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
What's On in Sydney: Fun
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
Sydney Dog Lovers Festival
Can't get enough doggos in your life? We feel you. Luckily The Dog Lovers Festival is hitting town this month and you can engage in all the dog-adjacent activities you can dream of. The two-day festival offers a great chance to chat to experts, shop the latest doggy products and services, enjoy the Optimum dogwalk, watch some doggy parkour, grill some vets and enjoy pat-a-pooch zones. Heaven? It may well be.
From $37.50, tickets available for purchase here
Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th August. 9:30am until 5pm
Sydney Showground
What's On in Sydney: Arts & Culture
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
Sydney Underground Film Festival
Snag some culture points this September with a trip to the Sydney Underground Film Festival. There will be a little something for everyone from feature films to documentaries, all with the common goal of pushing boundaries. Hollywood melodrama Female Trouble (1974) will be kicking off the festival with the audience able to immerse themselves with scratch 'n' sniff cards which release specific scents and are designed to be used at key moments during the film. Fun! You can catch the full lineup here.
Thursday 12th September to Sunday 15th September
Dendy Newtown
Festival of Dangerous Ideas
A stimulating conversation goes a long way and these are set to be some of the most thought-provoking speakers you've seen yet. This year, the Festival of Dangerous Ideas is back in Sydney for a weekend with an incredible lineup of academics, thought leaders, authors and experts. There will be 87 speakers and 88 sessions over the two days so be sure to peruse the full lineup here. Highlights include Roxanne Gay on 'how to have dangerous ideas', Any Mills and Megan Phelps-Roper on 'the witch trials of JK Rowling' and journalist Masha Gessen on 'who is on the Kremlin's most wanted list'.
Saturday 24th to Sunday 25th August
Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh
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 that 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)
339 Pitt Street, Sydney
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
Naala Badu, North Building, Lower Level 2, Art Gallery of NSW
Get a little 'Hygge' with it at Ovolo Woolloomooloo
Ovolo Hotels has a winter sale deal we're craving this month in Sydney - and it's the Hygge package. 'Hygge' in Danish means to create a calm, comfortable time with the people you love, which is why Ovolo is offering 20% off stays of two nights or longer in any of their hotels across Australia.
Each guest will receive a pair of slippers to take home. But the best part? For those cosy nights in, you'll enjoy 10% off Booktopia, so you can snuggle up with a good read while sipping on Ovolo's signature winter cocktails.
From 1st July to 29th August
Book here
Ovolo Woolloomooloo, 6 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo
Unwind with Free Jazz Sessions in The Rocks Every Thursday
We can't think of a better way to welcome the end of the week. Free to attend, this weekly soiree is ideal for an affordable night out this winter. Wet weather? There's a plan for that! Each week will see a new artist take the stage. You can find the lineup here. Sessions will kick off at 6:30pm before a short break between 7:30pm and 8pm and a second set from 8pm to 9pm. Kick back with a cocktail from Hickson House and let the tunes nudge you through to the weekend.
From 6pm, every Thursday until Thursday 29th August
The Rocks Square, Playfair Street
What's On in Sydney: Get Outside
Go Whale watching
Pack a thermos of tea and head out for a whale spotting adventure this month - it's prime time! With whale spotting ops plentiful throughout June and July, you'll have loads of chances to make your way through our edit of the best whale watching spots here. Best part? It's free!
What's On in Sydney: Road Trip
Soak Up Spring with This Glorious Flower Festival
After a long winter, it's time to get in the spirit of spring, soaking up blooms, picnic bites and outdoor markets. Tulip Time 2024 is combining all of these things for its annual flower fest. Head to Corbett Gardens to view over 80 000 tulips in bloom alongside other springtime blossoms. Across the three weeks, they'll be hosting a number of dedicated special celebrations including a garden party (complete with markets), a doggo day out and the very popular tulips after dark. Here, you'll be able to enjoy the illuminated gardens whilst sipping on drinks from the bar and listening to live music.
We recommend making a day of it and exploring the charming Southern Highlands villages as well as the open gardens hosted each weekend.
From $14 per person, tickets available here
Thursday 12th September to Monday 30th September
Wingecarribee Street, Bowral
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
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.
Make a Weekend of it at Floriade
Spring is just around the corner which means Canberra's annual Floriade festival is too. Make a weekend of it and head down to the capital to celebrate the change in season. There's plenty to do with entertainment, celebrations, food, wine, workshops and market stalls onsite, on top of the incredible displays of florals. It's running for a full month so there's no excuses if you miss it! You can catch the full program here.
Free
Saturday 14th September to Sunday 13th October, 9:30am to 5:30pm daily
Commonwealth Park
Looking for more fun things to do in Sydney? We have plenty to keep you entertained. From Sydney's best new degustation menus and best bottomless brunches to the best Mexican restaurants in town and where to go for a dreamy Sydney staycation, here's all you need for a weekend in the city.
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