ISSUE 31. What’s on in Sydney this week: Club 77 reopens and live music is taking over (finally)

Sydney in the thick of winter usually requires a touch of negotiation. Plans are made, temperatures are checked, and by 6pm the couch has mounted a fairly strong counteroffer.

This weekend, however, the city is putting forward a rather convincing argument.

For starters, Club 77 is reopening, Suntory House is taking over Sakura House and Genesis Owusu is playing a free set at The Bat & Ball Hotel. Deadwax in Enmore is also stretching its first birthday across an entire weekend, so there’s really no excuse to whinge about nightlife for the next few days.

On top of that, there’s actually a decent amount of shit going down. So, grab the calendars, here are the best things to do in Sydney this week.

HIGHLIGHTS

Club 77 Reopening

After more than three months behind closed doors, one of Sydney’s staple nightlife institutions is officially back. Club 77 will “reopen for everyone” this Thursday following some major accessibility upgrades, with Rydeen and SOVBLKPSSY taking stage of the newly revamped dance floor until 3am.

• WHEN: Thursday 30 July, from 8pm
• WHERE: Club 77, Darlinghurst
• HOW MUCH: Free entry on guest list before 10pm
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Suntory House Takeover

Suntory House is returning to Sydney for its third rendition, taking over Sakura House in the CBD from this week until early October. Inspired by Japan’s nomikai tradition of post-work drinking, the limited-time residency will serve highballs, sours, beer on tap and bespoke cocktails like the ‘Mazda Zoom Zoom’ melon float. Of course, it comes alongside all the elevated izakaya snacks Sakura House has become well-known for.

• WHEN: Friday 31 July to Saturday 3 October
• WHERE: Sakura House, Martin Place
• HOW MUCH: Free entry
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Genesis Owusu at The Bat & Ball Hotel

ARIA Award-winning artist Genesis Owusu is taking over The Bat & Ball Hotel this Wednesday for a free live performance as part of Spotify’s Turn Up Aus series. Known for his theatrical performances and genre-bending mix of hip-hop, punk, funk and neo-soul, the Canberra-raised artist will be performing his recently released third album, Redstar Wu & the Worldwide Scourge. Consider yourself lucky if you managed to score these tickets.

• WHEN: Wednesday 29 July, from 7pm
• WHERE: The Bat & Ball Hotel, Redfern
• HOW MUCH: Free
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

T2 x A.P Bakery Launch Giveaway

T2 is celebrating 30 years with the opening of its new Pitt Street Mall store this Saturday, and there are plenty of freebies for early arrivals. The first 250 customers will score a T2 x A.P Bakery tea-infused dot cake and a complimentary drink from the new T2GO Brew Bar, with the first 50 also receiving a T2 goodie bag. Expect matcha, sparkling tea lemonades and plenty of freshly brewed creations from the brand’s new tea-on-the-go concept.

• WHEN: Saturday 1 August, from 9:30am
• WHERE: T2 Store, Pitt Street Mall
• HOW MUCH: Free
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Deadwax First Birthday Weekend

Deadwax is turning one this weekend, and to celebrate, they’ve organised three days of live music, food takeovers and vinyl digging festivities. Kicking off on Friday, the weekend will include the launch of its new Deadwax Live Sessions series and a Radio Taco takeover on Saturday. On Sunday, the bar will host their official birthday bash complete with over 40 crates of vinyl records for sale, live sets, resident DJs and merch giveaways. Not a bad first year either, with the bar recently being named the seventh best in NSW.

• WHEN: Friday 31 July to Sunday 2 August
• WHERE: Deadwax, Enmore
• HOW MUCH: Free entry
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

FASHION & CULTURE

Desire Lines at Curatorial & Co Gallery Launch

If you’re looking to sneak in some culture this week, consider checking out the new exhibition Desire Lines from emerging artist Jasmine Mowbray. Launching on Wednesday night, the showcase explores the unplanned paths created through collective movement and the instinct to follow something less prescribed. Mirroring that idea in her own practice, Mowbray lets materials and processes shape the final work rather than beginning with a fixed outcome.

• WHEN: Opening night Wednesday 29 August, from 5:30pm
• WHERE: Curatorial & Co Gallery, Woolloomooloo
• HOW MUCH: Free entry
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Cafe Creamy by Glow Lab

If you’re in the market for a good ol’ fashioned freebie, then look no further than Glow Lab, who’s taking over Blackwood Bondi this weekend. You’ll be able to sample the brand’s new Creamy Body Wash range and take home complimentary products, all while sipping on free Parisian-style whipped cream hot chocolates.

• WHEN: Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August
• WHERE: Blackwood Bondi, Bondi Beach
• HOW MUCH: Free entry
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

No Flowers Mahjong Club

No Flowers Mahjong Club is hosting two beginner-friendly sessions this week, so consider this your sign to fit in some screen-free time over a traditional game. Head to PS40 on Wednesday for Mahjong After Dark alongside some of the CBD bar’s world-class cocktails. Alternatively, take your tiles to Saint Peters on Friday for three hours of play at Wondercade, complete with a drink, snacks and arcade tokens.

• WHEN: Wednesday 29 and Friday 31 July
• WHERE: PS40, CBD and Wondercade, Saint Peters
• HOW MUCH: Tickets from $20
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Black Myth at White Rabbit Gallery

Our favourite Sydney art gallery is officially back in action with its newest exhibition, Black Myth. Drawing from the wildly successful video game, the exhibition explores how ancient mythology can still tell us things about the modern world. Inspired by Journey to the West, Black Myth brings together artists including Sun Xun, Zong Ning and Hou Chun-Ming to explore transformation, transcendence and the darker side of myth through woodcuts, ink painting, photography and plenty of strange, otherworldly figures.

• WHEN: Until Sunday 15 November
• WHERE: White Rabbit Gallery, Chippendale
• HOW MUCH: Free entry
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Cold Dip Club Sydney

The Cold Dip Club has officially landed in Sydney, and it’s bringing Copenhagen-coded discipline to anyone willing to enter the Coogee surf mid-winter. The community club meets every Wednesday for a sunrise swim, followed by $2 post-dip coffees at Bathers Coogee. Perfect if you’re into making new friends, moving your body and mild suffering.

• WHEN: Every Wednesday, from 6:30am
• WHERE: Coogee Beach
• HOW MUCH: Free
• 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.

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

Apres Ski Party at Woollahra Hotel ft. Harvey M

Woollahra Hotel is bringing Europe’s apres-ski party culture to Sydney this Saturday, transforming its Upstairs Terrace into an alpine-style chalet complete with faux snow, winter cocktails and late-night jaffles. Harvey M (one half of Client Liaison) will be headlining and bringing his solo dance project to the stage, with your $18 ticket also including a welcome cocktail on arrival.

• WHEN: Saturday 1 August
• WHERE: Woollahra Hotel, Woollahra
• HOW MUCH: $18 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

All’Antico Vinaio Sydney Launch

Florence’s world-famous sandwich shop, All’Antico Vinaio, has officially opened its first Sydney store in Circular Quay, bringing its famously stacked schiacciata sandwiches to the city after over three decades in Italy. Expect queues, generous fillings and its cult-favourite Paradiso from $23 (which, while over $20, is still considerably cheaper than a flight to Florence).

• WHEN: From Monday 27 July
• WHERE: All’Antico Vinaio, Circular Quay
• HOW MUCH: Varies
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Island Radio Bottomless Yum Cha

As Sydneysiders, we’re almost all well-versed by now in the weekend bottomless brunch session. But bottomless yum cha, however, is something that we hadn’t tried until now. Introducing Island Radio’s bottomless Dim Sum Saturdays, which serves up the likes of dumplings, steamed buns, wagyu nigiri and other yum cha classics alongside 90 minutes of bottomless booze for $90 a head. Honestly, after trying it for ourselves recently this one has instantly shot up to the top of our list.

• WHEN: Every Saturday and Sunday
• WHERE: Island Radio, Redfern
• HOW MUCH: $90 per person
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Bottomless Lunch & Burlesque at Bistro Grenier

In the spirit of bottomless brunch and lunches, Bistro Grenier is pairing bottomless lunch with a little burlesque this Saturday. The Odd Culture Group venue will be serving French-inspired dishes alongside free-flowing prosecco and spritzes for $99 per person, while burlesque artist Hannah Raven will perform with a suitably theatrical edge to your usual long lunch.

• WHEN: Saturday 1 August,
• WHERE: Bistro Grenier, Newtown
• HOW MUCH: $99 per person
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

LoDe x Sana One-Day Collab

Sweet treats are sorted this weekend thanks to Sana Mediterranean, who’s celebrating the opening of its new Rozelle restaurant this Saturday with $10 bowls all day and a limited-edition collaboration with new neighbour, LoDe. The Sana x LoDe cookie combines tahini, date molasses and white chocolate, with the first 200 bowl orders receiving one for free. I’ll also be available to buy from LoDe’s Rozelle, Surry Hills and Chatswood stores for one day only.

• WHEN: Saturday 1 August
• WHERE: Sana Mediterranean, Rozelle
• HOW MUCH: Free for first 200 customers
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Locals Table at Caness

There’s a reason we keep coming back to Caness, and it’s because the food really is that good. The Paddington restaurant’s new $95 Locals Table menu includes dishes like tuna tartare, jamón croquettes and seared tuna Andaluz, with residents of the 2010, 2021 and 2025 postcodes also scoring a complimentary carafe or bottle of wine for the table. It’s available Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday nights, which is pretty exceptional value for this part of town.

• WHEN: Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday night
• WHERE: Caness, Paddington
• HOW MUCH: $95 per person
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Après Harbour at Pier One Sydney

Pier One has launched Après Harbour, the perfect option for anyone who likes the idea of après skiing but not enough to actually go near a mountain. Running daily from 3pm, the harbour side winter setup comes with fire pits, mulled wine, table side s’mores and Wildbrumby tasting flights. From 5-6pm on weeknights, you’ll even score $2 oysters and $18 cocktails for their ‘Schnappy Hour’, which is far cheaper than heading to Thredbo.

• WHEN: Daily from 3pm
• WHERE: Pier One Sydney, Walsh Bay
• HOW MUCH: Free entry (minimum spend for groups)
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

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.

Bottomless Frites Wednesdays at Hamsi Taverna

Hamsi Taverna has launched Bottomless Frites Wednesdays at Sydney Fish Market, which is exactly as sensible as it sounds. For $55, choose between a lobster roll, mussels, steak or snapper, then keep the fries coming all night, with $15 Martinis and Negronis, $12 house wine and $8 beers from 5pm.

• WHEN: Every Wednesday, from 5pm
• WHERE: Hamsi Taverna, Sydney Fish Markets
• HOW MUCH: $55 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.

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.

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.