WHAT'S ON A list of everything you should be doing this week if you have friends and enjoy fun

Ladies and gentlemen, the sun is shining and the temperature is hitting an average of over 20 degrees. That can mean only one thing. It’s time to unfurl yourself from the oodie, turn off those Game of Thrones reruns, and re-enter society like the normal and non-vampiric person you are. Come on, you and I both know it’s time.

If you ask me, I’d tell you that Sydney officially reopened this week. There’s shit going down, and the vibes are high. Special mentions to the start of the infamous Sydney Fringe Festival, which is bringing a month of freaky and fabulous shows to town. It’s also your last chance to catch the Archibald Art Prize for this year before the exhibition closes. In other words, there’s lots to do and not a lot of time.

Ok, ready to go? Check below for the best things to do in Sydney this week.

Sydney Fringe Festival

Whoever said there’s nothing on in Sydney has clearly never heard of the Fringe Festival. That’s right, Sydney’s wildest month is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever. This year, the program has had a serious upgrade, now spread across four separate precincts and 12 hubs throughout the city. With over 400 events on the schedule, the world is truly your oyster this month. Some of our personal highlights include Machine Hall’s ‘Just Desserts’ multi-sensory dinner, the Soweto Gospel Choir’s residency at the Spiegeltent, and Kings Cross Hotel’s Cabaret Hub.

• When: Sunday 1 to Monday 30 September
• Where: Multiple locations across Sydney
• How much: Varies
• Check it out here.

Icebergs Lasagna, Vino + Tiramisu 

Ladies and gentlemen, I’ve done it this time. I’ve found the ultimate dinner spot for your graveyard shift date. Icebergs Bar in Bondi has announced their indefinite Tuesday night special of lasagna, vino and tiramisu that’s running for not cheap, but not crazy prices either. They’ll even be decking out the entire restaurant in those cheesy, red chequered tablecloths and serving wine carafes (how very romantic). Perfect place to impress someone you hardly know. 

• When: Every Tuesday 
• Where: Icebergs Bar
• How much: Depends on your taste :/ 
• Check it out here.

LAST CHANCE FOR Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes

If you haven’t yet made your way over to the NSW Art Gallery for this year’s Archibald Prize, this week will be your last chance. It’s arguably Australia’s most prestigious art award, so it’s definitely worth the check out. Given the cracking weather, it’s also the perfect place to start before a mid-week stroll in the Botanical Gardens. This year’s Archibald winner, Laura Jones, paints renowned Australian author and conservationist, Tim Winton. 

• When: Until Sunday 8 September.
• Where: NSW Art Gallery
• How much: From $22
• Check it out here.

Barangaroo House of Martinis

Our newest addition to the happy hour lineup has got to be none other than our beloved Barangaroo House. For the entirety of September, this three-level institution will be slinging $10 mini martinis all day, every day. And if Friday post-office drinks weren’t already dangerous enough, House Bar will be whipping out the classic martini ice luge from 4pm each week. In other words, it’s a great place to get fired.

• When: Sunday 1 to Monday 30 September
• Where: Barangaroo House
• How much: From $10
• Check it out here.

The Waratah $20 Steak and Chips

Everyone in town is talking about The Waratah’s $20 steak and chips special. And unlike the typical hype that might not live up to expectations, we think this one might be well deserved. If you’re done with home cooking for the week and in need of an outing, the new-ish institution is slinging some of the best and ‘most elevated’ pub food in town (if that’s a thing).

• When: Every Thursday.
• Where: The Waratah, Darlinghurst
• How much: $20 a feed
• Check it out here.

Sydney Contemporary 

Get some culcha into you this month with Sydney Contemporary, the largest and most diverse contemporary art fair in the area. Expect gallery presentations, impressive large-scale installations, live performances, and of course, plenty of champagne sipping and wanky conversations. Our highlight of the four-day event? The giant gibbon that’ll be artistically positioned on the roof of Carriageworks. And when we say big, we mean fucking massive (see here).

• When: Thursday 5 to Sunday 8 September
• Where: Carriageworks
• How much: Tickets from $30
• Check it out here.

$12 Paella Lunches @ Quay Quarter Lane 

Calling all Sydney CBD corporates in North Face puffer vests, this one’s for you. Whoever said it was impossible to find a solid and reasonably priced lunch in the city just wasn’t trying hard enough. This month, the Basque-style pintxos bar in Circular Quay is slinging generous takeaway portions of seafood paella for just $12. Now you know.

• When: Every Thursday and Friday, lunchtime
• Where: Deux Frères, Quay Quarter Lanes 
• How much: $12
• Check it out here.

LAST WEEKEND FOR PICKLED ﻛﺑﯾس

No one said dinner and a show had to break the bank, and thank god Belvoir St Theatre gets that. This month, they bring Najee Tannous’ new production Pickled ﻛﺑﯾس to stage. The story tracks two brothers, Sammy and Yousif, who both work to navigate their Middle Eastern and queer identities after the death of their mother. The dramedy sold out during its work-in-development season, which is typically a good sign. The show also forms part of Belvoir’s 25A initiative, which supports independent and emerging artists. An honest show, reasonable prices and small theatre, what more could you ask for people. 

• When: Tuesday 20 August to Sunday 8 September
• Where: Belvoir St Theatre
• How much: $25
• Check it out here.