ISSUE 18. A Shrek-themed burlesque show and a Guy Sebastian national tour are just the beginning of this week in Sydney
BY: Kartya Vucetic
Short week, big expectations. Thanks to that very well-timed long weekend, we’re easing into things with one less day and absolutely no intention of slowing down.
The Sydney Comedy Festival is still going strong (as are the crowds), Jordan Brando is set to pack out Oxford Art Factory, and the Sydney Design Market is back for a weekend of spending money you didn’t plan on spending. Add Guy Sebastian’s national victory lap and Swamplesque 2’s gloriously chaotic return (IYKYK), and you’ve got a lineup that doesn’t exactly encourage a quiet week at home.
Consider this your official warning. Here’s what’s on this week in Sydney.
WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
Sydney Comedy Festival
Image: Supplied
Sydney Comedy Festival is back and, as usual, it’s taking over basically every stage in the city for the next five weeks. With a stacked program spanning from local favourites, to international names and emerging talent, expect everything from stand-up and satire to the slightly unhinged fringe-style stuff that somehow still sells out.
- WHEN: Monday 13 April to Sunday 17 May
- WHERE: Across Sydney
- HOW MUCH: Varies
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
Jordan Brando at Oxford Art Factory
Melbourne’s Jordan Brando lands in Sydney this weekend for a late-night Oxford Art Factory takeover. It comes off the back of a very strong run with Not Without Friends (alongside Luke Alessi and William Kiss). If you’ve been anywhere near a dancefloor recently, chances are you’ve heard We Like To Party or HBFS doing the rounds. Tickets are already sold out (shocker), so be willing to play the resale lottery.
- WHEN: Saturday 2 May, from 11pm
- WHERE: Oxford Art Factory, Darlinghurst
- HOW MUCH: Resale only
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
Guy Sebastian
Image: Ticketek Australia
Guy Sebastian is back on the road this week, bringing his 100 Times Around The Sun tour through for a run of all-ages shows from Thursday to Saturday. Expect a very solid hit parade (Battle Scars, Choir, Before I Go) alongside newer material from his tenth album. It’s the kind of crowd that will absolutely sing every word back to him.
- WHEN: Thursday 30 April to Saturday 2 May
- WHERE: TikTok Entertainment Centre
- HOW MUCH: Tickets from $104
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
Finders Keepers Design Market
Image: Finders Keepers, Samee Lapham
With Mother’s Day around the corner, we know you’re all in the process of scrambling for a last minute gift that isn’t completely and utterly lame. And thankfully, this is where the return of the Sydney Design Market this weekend comes in. Expect over 150 local designers and makers selling anything from limited drops, to exclusive pieces and items slightly more interesting than a candle.
- WHEN: Friday 1 to Sunday 3 May
- WHERE: Carriageworks
- HOW MUCH: Entry from $7
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
Swamplesque 2 at Enmore Theatre
Everyone’s favourite swamp-adjacent fairytale is getting the full chaotic remix this week, with Swamplesque returning to Sydney for a burlesque, drag and circus parody that’s very loosely based on a certain ogre universe. Expect magic potions, a suspiciously fabulous cast of characters, and a level of camp that borders on completely unhinged. It’s chaotic, it’s nostalgic, and it’s almost certainly not the version of your childhood you remember.
- WHEN: Thursday 30 April and Friday 1 May
- WHERE: Enmore Theatre, Enmore
- HOW MUCH: Tickets from $59
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
FASHION & CULTURE
Biennale of Sydney
Image: Biennale of Sydney
The 25th Biennale of Sydney is back, once again turning the city into a sprawling contemporary art trail. This year’s edition is themed rememory, which explores how personal and collective memories can shape the stories we carry into the present. Expect large-scale installations, boundary-pushing works and the kind of thought-provoking art that might leave you nodding along while quietly wondering if you fully understand it.
- WHEN: Saturday 14 March to Sunday 14 June
- WHERE: Across Sydney
- HOW MUCH: Free
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
Cupid’s Court at Beach Road Hotel
It’s official: dating apps are out, public judgement is in. This Thursday, Cupid’s Court lands at Beach Road, turning the entire room into a live jury for a chaotic, interactive dating show. One hopeful takes the stand while three suitors pitch themselves (intro songs and all), with audience questions, red flags and unsolicited opinions flying in real time. It’s part improv, part reality TV, and fully unhinged.
- WHEN: Thursday 30 April
- WHERE: Beach Road Hotel, Bondi
- HOW MUCH: From $27.50
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
Phantom of the Opera
Image: Opera Australia
A masked man, a dramatic love story, a giant chandelier and a stage floating over Mrs Macquaries Point. Yes, Phantom of the Opera is back for its 40th anniversary, and as expected, it’s a full spectacle. There are fireworks, themed bars and a live orchestra, so even if you don’t fully understand what’s going on, you’ll still have a nice time.
- WHEN: Friday 27 March to Sunday 3 May
- WHERE: Fleet Steps, CBD
- HOW MUCH: Tickets from $108
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
The Hooligans at White Rabbit Gallery
Image: Supplied
The Hooligans is a timely exhibition unpacking how dissent, nonconformity and “troublemaking” have been policed in modern Chinese history. Referencing the now-abolished Mao-era crime of “hooliganism”, the gallery brings together contemporary Chinese artists responding to censorship, obedience and quiet acts of resistance.
- WHEN: Until Sunday 17 May
- WHERE: White Rabbit Gallery, Chippendale
- HOW MUCH: Free entry
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
Art After Hours at NSW Art Gallery
Image: Art Gallery of NSW
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
- HOW MUCH: Free
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
Stand Out Comedy at The Chippo Hotel
Image: The Chippo Hotel
There’s a reason The Chippo Hotel’s underground comedy club remains steadfast on our weekly guide. Stand Out Comedy Club runs every Wednesday in Chippendale’s subterranean, sunflower-filled lair, with a new lineup of emerging and established comedians performing each week. Tickets at just $25, making it the perfect excuse to rally the group chat, drag along a mate, or take a date who you’d like to test under pressure.
- WHEN: Every Wednesday night
- WHERE: The Chippo Hotel, Chippendale
- HOW MUCH: Tix are $25
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE
Art After Dark: Inner West Music Presents Boy Soda and Anieszka
Image: The Music Network, Satoru Takamatsu
Local favourite Boy Soda is taking over Art After Dark this Friday, bringing his genre-blurring mix of R&B, soul and experimental groove to a very lofty setting (yes, the Boiler Room ceiling is involved). Fresh off an ARIA win and a sold-out run of shows, he’s joined by Anieszka, whose dreamy, introspective sound makes her a very fitting opener.
- WHEN: Friday 1 May, from 6pm
- WHERE: White Bay Power Station, Rozelle
- HOW MUCH: $35 tickets
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
Club Amalfi at Watson’s Bay Hotel
Image: Supplied
If a European summer isn’t on the cards for this year, this may just be your next best option. Club Amalfi is taking over the Watsons Bay Hotel Top Deck this Sunday with a Mediterranean-style day party that leans heavily into Riviera energy. Think share plates, DJs, harbour views and a healthy amount of serviette-swirling.
- WHEN: Sunday 3 May, from 2pm
- WHERE: Watsons Bay Hotel, Watsons Bay
- HOW MUCH: $89 per person
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
Kamellia Presents: Thursday Jazz
Image: Instagram @kamelliapresents
Those in the know are well-versed with Kamellia Presents. It’s a weekly late-night jazz and live art series with rotating acts each Thursday, soundtracked by live sets and late selections in an intimate, off-grid space. Expect phones off, BYO water vessel, no fixed address until the day of, and an audience that understands the assignment.
- WHEN: Every Thursday, from 9pm
- WHERE: Announced to ticket holders day-of
- HOW MUCH: Tickets from $20
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
Babylon Nights
Image: Supplied
A new Saturday night party has landed at Babylon Rooftop, with Babylon Nights bringing DJs, live performers and late-night energy to the CBD rooftop each week. Expect dinner and drinks early, then a gradual shift into a full rooftop party as the night goes on. Entry is free and bookings are available if you want to lock in a table before things get busy.
- WHEN: Every Saturday, from 6pm
- WHERE: Babylon Rooftop, CBD
- HOW MUCH: Free entry
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
FOOD & DRINK
70s Disco and 70% off at Yo-Chi Chippendale
Image: Sydney Fish Market
Your midweek frozen yoghurt run shall be receiving a full personality shift this Wednesday, with Yo-Chi Chippendale launching a three-month DJ series with a 70s disco takeover. Not only will you score 70% off if you’re a Chi Club member (who isn’t), but vinyl DJs will be taking over the store from 3-7pm.
- WHEN: Wednesday 29 April, from 3-7pm
- WHERE: Yo-Chi, Chippendale
- HOW MUCH: 70% off for Chi Club members
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
Burwood Chinatown Night Markets
Image: Burwood Chinatown
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
Image: Supplied
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
Image: Sydney, Australia
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
Image: Instagram @thewaratah
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.
$25 Lunch Special at Door Knock
Image: Supplied
Sydney’s OG hidden bar is letting daylight in again. That’s right, Door Knock is now open for lunch, serving up one of head chef Joe Slakey’s Mediterranean-inspired mains and a glass of wine for just $25 every Thursday and Friday. The menu rotates weekly with dishes like scotch fillet, pork belly, crab cakes and beef sliders, plus a side salad and your pick of white, rosé or red.
- WHEN: Every Thursday and Friday, 12-3pm
- WHERE: Door Knock, CBD
- HOW MUCH: $25
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
$40 Bottomless Fajitas at SoCal
Image: Supplied
All I’ll say is: Friday’s, fajitas, fiestas. That’s it. Thank god SoCal gets it, because they’re hosting a $40 bottomless fajita special from 3pm till late every Friday. The Neutral Bay institution will let you have at it for about 2-hours, which should hopefully be enough time to make yourself feel more than slightly ill. After all, it’s all about value adding in this economy, right? Perhaps wash it down with a margarita. Perhaps more than one.
- WHEN: Every Friday, from 3pm
- WHERE: SoCal, Neutral Bay
- HOW MUCH: $40
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
tqm. Happy Hour
If you haven’t already heard, we’re lowkey obsessed with the relaunch of Tequila Mockingbird into tqm. in Paddington recently. In fact, hot take but they might just be slinging the best margs in the Inner East. So lucky for all of us that tqm. has just launched their new Happy Hour special from 4.30-6pm Tuesday through to Sunday, featuring $12 spicy and regular margies, $9 house wins and their iconic $8 ceviche tacos. Cost-of-living say who?
- WHEN: Tuesday to Sunday, 4.30-6pm
- WHERE: tqm., Paddington
- HOW MUCH: Varies
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
$12 Bloody Mary’s at Bar 26
Feeling a little spiritually misaligned? Bar 26 has a fix for that, and it’s rimmed with celery salt. Every Saturday from 2pm to 10pm, they’re slinging handcrafted Bloody Mary’s for just $12 a pop, aka half price. That’s cheaper than a green juice (and way more effective). Whether you’re hair-of-the-dogging or just here for the spice, consider this your new weekly ritual.
- WHEN: Every Saturday, 2pm to 10pm
- WHERE: Bar 26, Lilyfield
- HOW MUCH: $12
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
