A list of things you shouldn’t do this weekend if you hate fun or spending money

It’s another winter weekend here in Sydney, and whilst the colder months might feel like they’re dragging on, there are more than a few things to help keep you distracted in the meantime.

To be perfectly honest, Mary’s Underground is seriously carrying this weekend. On Friday, they’ve got a Charli XCX Brat Release Party, which they’re backing up with an intimate show by Boo Seeka on Saturday night. Either (or both) are definitely worth checking out. A bit of retail therapy is surely also on the cards, with the Glebe Markets running their regular course, and bougie furniture store McMullin & Co hosting a sale for items at actually affordable prices.

Either way, we’ve got you covered for this weekend in Sydney. Check the recs below.

Charli XCX Brat Release Party @ Mary’s Underground

Charli XCX may have single-handedly destroyed the virtue-signalling, ‘wellness era’ that’s pervaded the entire globe for far too long now. Mary’s Underground is here for it, and thus the fabulously seedy venue will be celebrating the iconic album release with a party that the pop star would be proud of. Goodbye clean girl aesthetic and hello rat girl era.

When: Friday 19 July, from 9 pm
Where: Mary’s Underground, Circular Quay
How much: $23, final release only
Check it out here.

McMullin & Co Warehouse Sale

Let’s be honest with ourselves, that $50 couch you scouted on Facebook Marketplace really isn’t all that. In fact, I’ll tell you right now that your mates are judging you for those funky stains that, despite multiple Napisan attempts, you still can’t get out. It’s fucking disgusting, and time to treat yourself, say I. Thankfully, McMullin & Co are hosting their bi-annual warehouse sale this weekend, so you can nab a deal and an actually decent piece of furniture, all in one. Please babe, trust me on this one.

When: Friday 19 July and Saturday 20 July
Where: 15 Salisbury Street, Botany
How much: Depends on the damage you’re willing to do
Check it out here.

Glebe Markets

Obvi we can’t run a weekend guide without a single mention of the Glebe Markets. The iconic weekend staple was under threat for a decent portion over the last year but has since been taken over since its former founders retired. Not to fret, this is the place for

When: Saturday 20 July, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Derby Place, Glebe
How much: Free entry
Check it out here.

Yung Gravy and BBNO$ @ Hordern Pavilion

Best friends and supposed ‘musical soulmates’, Yung Gravy and BBNO$, are coming together once again for their very own Baby Gravy concert at our very own Hordern Pavilion. If brainrot music is your kind of thing, then look no further than nabbing a last-minute ticket. We’re just joking, but either way, the event is all ages and we really have no idea what the vibes will be like.

When: Saturday 20 July
Where: Hordern Pavilion
How much: From $81
Check it out here.

Boo Seeka – Raw Files @ Mary’s Underground

Sydney’s beloved electropop duo, Boo Seeka, will be making an appearance at Mary’s Underground this Saturday for a not-so-ordinary kind of show. It’ll be all sit-down, chill vibes as you move through the raw and unedited clips from the iconic band’s music. For sure it’ll be giving sexy wine in the lounge room energy, which we love. We’re genuinely surprised this event hasn’t sold out already, and it’s the perfect place to start the night.

When: Saturday 20 July, from 7 pm
Where: Mary’s Underground, Circular Quay
How much: $51
Check it out here.

Norco Free Ice Cream Giveaway

It’s a scientific fact that ice-cream makes you happy. Boom. Done. Time to get over to Westfield Bondi Junction and sort yourself out. That’s right, Norco is hosting a free ice cream giveaway, where they’re slinging 30,000 sticks across the country until stocks run out. And before you ask, no, this isn’t a paid plug, we just really love ice cream and assume you do to. Note it does come at a lick-for-like cost (you do have to be following them), but that’s a fair trade I say.

When: Sunday 20 July, from 10am till COB
Where: Bondi Junction Westfield, outside Coles
How much: Free.
Check it out here.

LAST CHANCE FOR: King Lear by Bell Shakespeare

Might be the English nerd in me but low-key this hits. A Shakespeare tragedy, especially one performed by Bell Shakespeare, has never disappointed. Tickets also start at $42, which is less than two Aperols at Thursday post-work drinks. Peter Evans directs this iconic classic on filial ingratitude (look it up), and you’ll probably learn a great Victorian insult to keep up your sleeve.

When: Until Sunday 20 July
Where: The Neilson Nutshell
How much: From $42
Check it out here.

Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett

It’s official, Bernie Dieter is back to hosting her opulent eastern Berlin kabarett at the Sydney Spiegeltent. Think debauchery, theatrics, and circus acts all in one show. It feels as if cabaret has suddenly become trendy again this year, and we’ll be the first to admit that we’re here for it. Besides, I’ve personally always wanted to see a hair-hanger. This one’s not for your weak-stomached mates.

When: Until Sunday 28 July
Where: The Entertainment Quarter
How much: From $50
Check it out here.

Dracula at the Sydney Theatre Company

Go on, have your goth moment. If you feel like treating yourself to some culture this month, book a ticket to Kip Williams’ theatrical adaptation of Dracula. The director’s latest iteration of the hybrid genre ‘cine-theatre’ should be interesting at the very least. Besides, if you’re going to go into full angsty mode you might as well do it under the guise of dinner and a show.

When: Until Sunday 4 August
Where: Roslyn Packer Theatre
How much: From $70
Check it out here.