Everything you need to know about what’s going down in Sydney this week

Despite seemingly popular belief, there’s actually no reason you need to be in your oodie come 5pm every weeknight this week. Last time I checked, the majority of us aren’t over the age of 70, and 15 degrees really isn’t THAT cold. Time to put your party pants on and make the most of the weeknights, I say.

I’ll stop my whining. Check below for the best mid-week events happening in Sydney. All of them are under $50 FYI.

Volume Festival x NSW Art Gallery After Hours

This week, NSW Art Gallery’s weekly after-hours program is getting a revamp. Coinciding with their Volume Festival as well as NAIDOC Week, the gallery will stay open late this Wednesday night for its Blak Country special. The evening will see both icons and rising stars of Aboriginal Australian country music take to the stage, including Jarrod Hickling, Kathryn Kelly, and Roger Knox.

When: Wednesday 10 July, from 5pm

Where: Art Gallery of NSW

How much: Free

Check it out here.

The Darkest Show by Kraken

There’s nothing quite as good as a mildly fucked up joke. If you don’t agree, then you’re probably just a boring type anyway. There’s something about being humoured by uncomfy conversations that we believe is incredibly healthy. So does Kraken rum, which is why they’re putting on a twisted and dark comedy special at Mary’s Underground this month. Rhys Nicholson, Anne Edwards and Greg Larsen will all be there on their worst behaviour. The $46 ticket also includes a special menu and cocktail on arrival, which we think is pretty decent bang for buck. 

When: Wednesday 10 July, from 6.30pm

Where: Mary’s Underground, Circular Quay

How much: $46

Check it out here.

Kamellia Presents Thursday’s Jazz

It’s official, a new hidden gem has been unlocked. Introducing Thursday’s Jazz by Kamellia Presents – the ultimate cool person spot if you’re anywhere around Marrickville (or even if you’re not). Tickets are cheap, the crowd is fun, and the music is pretty fucking good. There are also artists painting and commissioning pieces while you boogie. You’ll only get the location two hours before the event, so this one’s not for your a-type mate. I’m already preparing for the alternative crowd onslaught for spilling the beans on this one.

When: Thursday 11 July, from 8.30pm

Where: TBC 2hrs before event

How much: From $20

Check it out here.

Bondi Fest x Gladdy Drawing Club

Nothing like starting your weekend early with some upfront and hardcore nudity, I say. Thankfully, The Gladstone Hotel feels the same way. Their performative life-drawing sessions have become an iconic staple to the Sydneysiders’ weeknight calendar. This week, they’re pairing up with Bondi Festival to deliver an uber-exclusive Gladdy Drawing Club special, featuring Andrew Yee. Nothing like bumping uglies with your favourite artists (maybe not quite, but it’s funny regardless).

When: Thursday 11 July, from 6pm

Where: The Gallery at Bondi Pavilion 

How much: From $24

Check it out here.

The Waratah $20 Steak and Chips

Every influencer in town is talking about The Waratah’s $20 steak and chips special. Unlike any review in the history of reviews, they might actually be onto something here. If you’re done with home cooking for the week and in need of an outing, the newly established 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.

Bastille Festival @ Circular Quay 

Forget the dickheads already posting about their Euro summer this month. Why spend all that money when you can get a taste of France here? Look, it might not be exactly the same, but we’re all here for living in a little delusion. This month marks the return of the Bastille Festival at Circular Quay. We could talk to you about all the masterclasses and ticketed events happening during the program, but we’d be lying if we weren’t just going for the market food. You’ll get enough of a raclette and crepe fix to see you through until next year. 

When: Thursday 11 July to Sunday 14 July

Where: Circular Quay 

How much: Free to attend

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.

$15 Marg Month @ Salty’s Bondi 

Last time I checked, it wasn’t a crime to be basic, and thank god for that, because Salty’s is exactly where I’ll be having every post-work drink this month. The Bondi institution will be serving up $15 margaritas everyday, all day, for all of July. It’s also timed perfectly with National Tequila Day on July 24, just in case you hadn’t already marked it in your calendar.

When: All of July

Where: Salty’s Bondi

How much: $15 margs

Check it out here.