ISSUE 27. What’s on in Sydney this week: faux fur, football and other good excuses to leave the house

Okay, so we’re properly in the thick of winter. I understand that at this stage, leaving the house requires either strong motivation or a very convincing coat.

Thankfully, Sydney has both this week. Unreal Fur is popping up in Paddington, Slip Gallery is hosting Press Release 2 in Darlinghurst, Ninajirachi takes over Enmore Theatre and the Socceroos are back in 4am World Cup alarm territory.

Add in Bondi Festival, RAFI’s Winter Arbour and a few very legitimate wine-related excuses, and there are still plenty of reasons to go outside. Annoying, but true.

So, like always, here are the best things to do in Sydney this week.

HIGHLIGHTS

Unreal Fur Pop-Up

Unreal Fur is popping up in Paddington this week with four days of faux fur, vegan outerwear and winter layers, all on sale. The Melbourne-founded label has developed a cult-following for its cruelty-free coats, jackets and accessories that really are quite the moment. We think it’s a good excuse to sneak in some retail therapy.

• WHEN: Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 July
• WHERE: 300 Oxford Street, Paddington
• HOW MUCH: Varies
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Press Release 2 at Slip Gallery

Slip Gallery is hosting Press Release 2 this Saturday, bringing together zines, magazines, prints and books from local artists in Darlinghurst. It’s the perfect outing for those who still feel nostalgia for the good ol’ paperback days. Coffee Supreme will be pouring all day, with sunset drinks from Beyond The Glass and Grifter Brewing Co.

• WHEN: Saturday 4 July, from 12pm
• WHERE: Slip Gallery, Darlinghurst
• HOW MUCH: Free entry
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Ninajirachi at Enmore Theatre

Ninajirachi brings her sold-out Dark Crystal V tour to Enmore Theatre this Friday, joined by Lucy Bedroque and daine. It follows an insane run for the Central Coast producer, whose debut album I Love My Computer picked up the Australian Music Prize, triple j’s J Award for Australian Album of the Year and multiple ARIAs. Official tickets are gone, meaning this is strictly a resale-and-pray kind of situation.

• WHEN: Friday 3 July, from 8pm
• WHERE: Enmore Theatre, Enmore
• HOW MUCH: Resale only
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Australia VS Egypt FIFA World Cup

After a nail biting game against Paraguay, the Socceroos have thankfully made the World Cup knockouts. Unfortunately, however, it does mean that we are back in 4am alarm territory again. Australia faces Egypt this Saturday morning in Round 32, with a spot in the last 16 on the line. And while Tumbalong Park might be noticeably quieter at such an early time of day, fair warning that your neighbours probably won’t be.

• WHEN: Saturday 4 July, 4am kickoff
• WHERE: Tumbalong Park, SBS Live
• HOW MUCH: Free-to-air
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Bondi Festival

Bondi Festival is officially back this week, turning Bondi Beach into a 17-day packed winter program. Naturally, all the festival favourites are back, including the ice rink and ferris wheel. Other highlights include the Waverley Art Prize, the Bondi Comedy Gala, NAIDOC Week live music and the large-scale Accordion light installation celebrating Bondi’s postcode year. Because yes, Bondi is 2026 in 2026. Of course we must celebrate it.

• WHEN: Friday 3 to Sunday 19 July
• WHERE: Bondi Beach
• HOW MUCH: Free entry
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

FASHION & CULTURE

Winter Cellar Door at Carriageworks

Winter Cellar Door is returning to Carriageworks this Sunday, and bringing over 120 NSW wines all under one very convenient roof. You can taste your way through the lineup, meet the makers and even pretend to find a new regional favourite, all while counting it as ‘supporting local agriculture’. Anyone heading to the Incognito Art Show can also pick up a $15 tasting glass to receive 10% off artworks and frames.

• WHEN: Sunday 5 July, 11am to 6pm
• WHERE: Carriageworks
• HOW MUCH: $15 tickets
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Minkpink & Staple The Label Warehouse Sale

Staple The Label and MINKPINK are clearing out the warehouse in Surry Hills this week, with literally nothing priced over $50. There’ll be fresh stock dropping every hour, and the first 100 shoppers on Saturday will score a free Gelato Messina. Anyone spending $120 will also receive a complimentary gift. Dangerous information for anyone trying to save money before tax time.

• WHEN: From Wednesday 24 June to Sunday 5 July
• WHERE: 103 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills
• HOW MUCH: Nothing over $50
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

The Incognito Art Show at Carriageworks

The Incognito Art Show has returned to Carriageworks with around 20,000 original artworks. Every piece is A5-sized and costs exactly $100, but you won’t find out whether you’ve bought the work of a school student, an emerging artist or an Archibald Prize winner until after it’s yours. Better yet, every purchase helps fund professional development programs supporting artists living with disability.

• WHEN: From Wednesday 24 June
• WHERE: Carriageworks
• HOW MUCH: Free entry
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Archibald, Wynne & Sulman Prizes

The Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes have returned to the Art Gallery of NSW, which means Sydney’s annual portraiture pilgrimage is officially back on. Having kicked off earlier this month, the exhibition brings together the 59 finalists and winners across portraiture, landscape, sculpture and subject painting. This year’s winner? Richard Lewer’s portrait of Pitjantjatjara Elder, artist and healer, Iluwanti Ken.

• WHEN: Until Sunday 16 August
• WHERE: Art Gallery of NSW, Darlinghurst
• HOW MUCH: From $25
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

COME ALIVE! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular

COME ALIVE! has officially landed at the Hippodrome in the Entertainment Quarter, so consider this your sign to go if you’ve ever enjoyed the movie, a circus performance, or really any kind of theatre for that matter. Inspired by The Greatest Showman film, the production features an all-Australian cast led by Des Flanagan and Ruby Clark. We scored a BTS sneak peak into production and fair warning, this is actually a seriously impressive show.

• WHEN: From Tuesday 19 May
• WHERE: Hippodrome at Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park
• HOW MUCH: Tickets from $69
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Art After Hours at NSW Art Gallery

If you’re looking for a midweek date night that’s not just drinks and discussing your favourite colours, the Art Gallery of NSW has you sorted. Every Wednesday, the gallery stays open late for Art After Hours. Think free exhibitions, guided tours, live music, films, and enough dim lighting to make you look very cultured. Grab a drink, stay for dinner, or join one of the interactive workshops. It’s also free, which is always a win. 

• WHEN: Every Wednesday, from 6-10pm
• WHERE: Art Gallery of NSW, CBD
• HOW MUCH: Free
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE

Andrew Tuttle and Darren Cross for House/Music

Historic Houses of NSW is turning The Mint into an intimate live music venue this Friday, with Andrew Tuttle and Darren Cross performing in the upstairs Clerk’s Room. It’s all part of their winter House/Music program that we’re seriously here for. Expect experimental banjo and processed electronics inside a wood-panelled, stained-glass room. There’ll also be a pop-up bar from Redfern’s The Noble Hops to help send you into the weekend.

• WHEN: Friday 3 July, from 6pm
• WHERE: The Mint, CBD
• HOW MUCH: $35 tickets
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Jazz Sessions in The Rocks

Jazz Sessions are back again for June, transforming The Rocks Square into a free open-air jazz spot every Thursday night. Curated in collaboration with the Sydney Improvised Music Association, the upcoming lineup includes the Magdalena Mira Quartet, Murmations, Driftwood and Lisathe across the next month. There’ll also be a pop-up bar pouring mulled wine, and $10 pizza slices up for grabs. Consider this your new go-to date night idea.

• WHEN: Every Thursday night, 6:30-8:30pm
• WHERE: The Rocks Square
• HOW MUCH: Free
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

FOOD & DRINK

Winter Arbour at RAFI

RAFI’s Winter Arbour is back by popular demand for its second season, turning its North Sydney entrance into a moody winter dining space with botanical installations, immersive lighting and a menu built around Westholme Wagyu. The $128pp banquet includes Wagyu tartare, toothfish with koji, crispy eggplant, slow-braised Wagyu cheek and several other very serious sides.

• WHEN: Until Sunday 6 September
• WHERE: RAFI, North Sydney
• HOW MUCH: $128 per person
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Zaffi Bottomless Pasta Party

This one’s for the CBD corporates working from home on Friday because “it just makes more sense”. Zaffi’s Bottomless Pasta Party has just launched and is tempting us with free-flowing drinks and chef-selected pasta for just $69 per person. It’s also perfect for bottomless enthusiasts who are frankly sick and tired of another burrata and garlic bread moment. Built on late-night Lebanese hospitality, Zaffi’s also offering DJ’s throughout the night and the option to kick on after the 1.5 hours has timed out, so you can avoid the impending “where do we go now” predicament that we all know far too well.

• WHEN: Every Thursday, from 5:30pm
• WHERE: Zaffi, CBD
• HOW MUCH: $69 per person for 1.5 hours
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Chiswick Lasagne Series

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Chiswick is leaning into cosy Sunday dining this winter with a six-week lasagne series, bringing a different chef-created take on the comfort classic to the restaurant each week. Running every Sunday, the series includes a rotating lineup of lasagne-takes, including pumpkin, truffle and fior di latte, wagyu beef and pine mushroom. We think it’s the perfect antidote to the Sunday scaries.

• WHEN: Every Sunday night until Sunday 19 July
• WHERE: Chiswick, Woollahra
• HOW MUCH: $55 per person
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Disco Yum Cha at NBF

You’d be surprised that Bondi in winter is a surprisingly elite combination, especially when dumplings and disco balls are involved. Thankfully, North Bondi Fish is going full throttle on weekend lunches thanks to them bringing back their renowned Disco Yum Cha serie. The bottomless-style event will be running every Saturday and Sunday from 12pm, and include the likes of soy cured ocean trout, prawn toast, and of course, 70s DJs.

• WHEN: Every weekend from 12pm, until Saturday 1 August
• WHERE: North Bondi Fish, Bondi
• HOW MUCH: From $65 per person
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Burwood Chinatown Night Markets

Newsflash: the best Chinese food in Sydney isn’t coming with a $38 price tag. Instead, it’s more likely found at the Burwood Chinatown Night Markets. Here, a mere $10 goes a lot further: think dumplings, skewers, desserts and a crowd that’s very committed to the cause. This might as well be regarded a Sydney institution.

• WHEN: Every Thursday to Sunday, 5-10pm
• WHERE: Burwood Chinatown
• HOW MUCH: Varies
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Velvet Hour at the Razz Room

York Street just scored a daiquiri discotheque, and it’s leaning fully into the bit. Odd Culture Group’s Razz Room has opened underground in the CBD, pairing a retro-leaning bar upstairs with a sunken dance floor below, plus live entertainment from 7pm to late. The real draw, though, is the daily “Velvet Hour” from 4-6pm, where classic, dirty or strawberry daiquiris go for $13. Frankly, we think that’s reason enough to show up.

• WHEN: Every day from 4-6pm
• WHERE: Razz Room, CBD
• HOW MUCH: $13 daiquiris
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Sakura Sandos

CBD workers, this one’s for you. Sakura House is launching a limited-run sandos menu that is beyond. It’s a three-sando lineup by ex-Cho Cho San head chef Nick Sherman, featuring a ramen egg sando, fried chicken sando and ebi katsu prawn sando. They’ll be available Thursday and Friday from 12pm until sold out. Honestly, it’s a strong lunch proposition.

• WHEN: Every Thursday and Friday, from 12pm
• WHERE: Sakura House, CBD
• HOW MUCH: From $19
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Oyster Happy Hour at Morrison’s

I see no reason why the cost of living should get in the way of good taste, and neither does Morrison’s. If you didn’t already know, they’re kind of the go-to place for happy hour oysters in town. In fact, they sell a minimum of 6,000 oysters every week. Every Wednesday from 6-7pm, you’ll be able to snag those little gems for $2 each, which is kind of insane. Or if you want to check out the other oyster happy hours currently happening around town, head over here.

• WHEN: Every Wednesday, 6pm to 7pm
• WHERE: Morrison’s Oyster Bar & Grill, CBD
• HOW MUCH: $2 per oyster
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

$28 Steak and Chips at The Waratah

Anyone actually in the know will tell you Thursday nights are for The Waratah. The Darlinghurst pub, which won Australian Pub of the Year last year, slings some of the best steak and chips in town for the measly price of $28. Yes, you heard me correctly. The catch? None really, other than the fact that they sell out most nights, so it’s best to book an earlier table.

• WHEN: Every Thursday, until sold out.
• WHERE: The Waratah, Darlinghurst
• HOW MUCH: $28 
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.