WHAT'S ON

Here’s a list of things that’ll impress your mates when they ask you what you’re doing this weekend

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and it’s officially the weekend. Could it get any better than this? I think not. 

Oh, wait, I’m wrong. It actually can. Because I’ve literally just done all the work and research you’ll need as you go into making those weekend plans. You’re welcome in advance. 

From free ice cream, to art gallery openings and Sydney’s famous Fringe Festival, you really are spoiled for choice this weekend. Time to whip out that diary and get planning my friend. 

Ok, all set? Here are the best things to do in Sydney this weekend. 

Free Ice Cream at Gelatissimo

You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream, right? Well, you definitely will be this Friday because Gelatissimo is giving away free scoops to the first 100 customers! Yes, you heard that right. The beloved ice cream store has teamed up with Transformers ONE to offer a sneak peek at their four new, limited-edition flavours.

You’ll get to sample flavours inspired by Optimus Prime, Megatron, Bumblebee, and Elita—although, I have absolutely no idea what they taste like. I guess you’ll just have to find out for yourself.

• When: Friday 6 September, from 3pm
• Where: Multiple Gelatissimo locations
• How much: Free for the first 100 people
• Check it out here.

OPENING NIGHT: Guy De Jong’s Fragments

Getting some culture into you this weekend is easy with the opening night of Fragments, the latest exhibition of Guy De Jong’s work. Hosted by Outsider Gallery in Surry Hills, the exhibit will feature unseen pieces that delve into Jong’s personal experiences as a Belgian outsider living in the Italian Alps.

But don’t expect a stuffy art scene. Outsider Gallery itself is making its debut alongside the exhibition. The curators actually met Jong by chance on a trip to Bellagio, sparking the whole event. Talk about serendipity.

• When: Friday 6 September, 6pm to 8pm
• Where: Outsider Gallery, 144 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills
• How much: Free entry
• Check it out here.

The Unusual Commoners

If you’ve ever considered yourself a Wiggles fan, now might just be your moment. Introducing The Unusual Commoners, the brainchild and folk banks of Anthony Field and Lachlan Gillespie (both ex-Wiggles). The band has garnered a cult following for hosting sporadic performances across the country in between touring, and yes, they sing more than just Wiggles anthems. All proceeds from tonight will also go to the Kibebe Tsehay Orphanage Center, so it’s fun for a good cause.

• When: Friday 6 September
• Where: Ramblin Rascal
• How much:
• Check it out here.

Thelma Plum Concert at Apple

Good live music that’s also free is hard to come by in Sydney, so when it does pop up, you’ve gotta take advantage. Enter Thelma Plum, performing live at… Apple George Street this Saturday. Yes, it’s a bit of a random venue, but we’re not complaining—it’s Thelma Plum after all. Not only is she gracing us with her incredible voice, but she’ll also be chatting with Apple Music radio host Anna Lunoe about her journey and influences. It’s a double whammy and a super cute way to kick off a night in the city, if you ask me.

• When: Saturday 7 September, 6pm to 7pm
• Where: Apple Sydney, George Street
• How much: Free (registration essential)
• Check it out here.

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.

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.

Sydney Contemporary 

The largest and most diverse contemporary art fair in the area is coming to Sydney this weekend. 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.

Bondi Festival of the Winds

If you’re looking for a wholesome Sunday activity this weekend, look no further than the Bondi Festival of the Winds. After 45 years, the festival still showcases some of the best professional kite flying known in the world (random hobby, I know). Aside from the skies being lit up with the beautiful displays, you’ll also be treated to market stalls, entertainment and kit making workshops. Perfect place to park up a picnic rug and enjoy the warmer weather.

• When: Sunday 8 September, 11am to 4pm
• Where: Bondi Beach
• How much: Free
• Check it out here.