WHAT'S ON Here’s what to do this weekend if you didn’t win the 100m sprint

I think we all noticed the collective shift that happened on Wednesday when Sydney decided to throw us temperatures over 20 degrees. As far as I’m concerned, summer is officially back and it’s time to end our hibernation period. 

That starts this weekend. 

There’s so much to see and do in Sydney, too. Notably, the Festival of Dangerous Ideas is back for another year of challenging, confronting and awkward conversations (love). There’s also some epic happy hours and freebie giveaways to take advantage of. Whatever your prerogative, it’s time to get out your google calendar and start locking shit in. 

Ready? Ok, here are the best things to do in Sydney this weekend. 

Festival of Dangerous Ideas

Australia’s most dangerous festival is back for another year of provocative, uncomfortable and insightful talks. That’s right, the Festival of Dangerous Ideas is back this weekend and making TED Talks look PG-rated. You can really choose your own adventure with this one, opting for single tickets or multi-passes. Standout speakers include Jordan van de Berg (aka Purple Pingers), Waleed Aly from The Project, and internet gyno Jen Gunter. There are still some tickets left, consider this your sign.

• When: Saturday 24 to Sunday 25 August
• Where: Carriageworks
• How much: Tickets start at $30
• Check it out here.

LAST CHANCE FOR: Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival

If you’re looking for that Instagram final boss spot, head over to Auburn this weekend for the Cherry Blossom Festival. The winter flower will be in full swing in the traditional Japanese garden, making for a picture perfect spot. What’s more? The festival goes beyond flowers, as you’ll also be able to celebrate Japanese culture, food and music, too. If meeting Hello Kitty live was ever on your bucket list, this is your time. 

• When: Saturday 17 to Sunday 25 August
• Where: Auburn Botanic Gardens
• How much: Free for Cumberland residents, otherwise $15
• Check it out here.

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.

Canned Heat @ Yullis Brews

There’s nothing quite as good as rounding out the work week with some live music. And no, this time we’re not talking about crushing techno (although each to their own). If you’re looking for a more chill vibe on Friday night, head over to Yullis Brews in Alexandria for their Canned Heat event. This week’s lineup includes Sloan Peterson (she’ll also be at Lost Paradise later this year), Ned Olive and Boyfriend Material. Leighton Hewitt’s daughter will also be debuting her band, Father’s Favourite, which is kind of random but kind of cool. 

• When: Friday 23 August, from 8pm
• Where: Yullis Brews Alexandria
• How much: Free entry.
• Check it out here.

Chinese Laundry Invites Anastasia Kristensen + Anthony Naples

Ready to lose yourself in an unpredictable soundscape? That sounds slightly terrifying, but that’s exactly what Chinese Laundry is promising from Anastasia Kristensen’s headline set this Friday night. The Copenhagen-based DJ is teaming up with Anthony Naples for an evening of serious electronic and dance music. The nightclub has honestly been going from strength to strength since its recent reopening, so it’s definitely one of the stronger music options going into the weekend.

• When: Friday 23 August, from 9pm
• Where: Chinese Laundry
• How much: $26
• Check it out here.

Free Ice Cream Cromboloni’s

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good ol’ freebie. And I know myself, like most of us, are pretty much willing to jump through any hoop to get one. That might even include skipping your Saturday morning sleep in and waking up early just to nab a free ice cream cromboloni from Top Impressions Bakery. If you fall into said category, make sure to make your way over to North Sydney to score some of that flaky, ice creamy, pastry goodness. While you’re there, check out the new Metro station that opened this week. 

• When: Friday 23 and Saturday 24 August, 8:30am and 1:30pm
• Where: Top Impressions Bakery, Victoria Cross Station
• How much: Free.
• Check it out here.

Suitcase Rummage 

Listen up op-shopaholics. If you’re into a weekend market stall, then this is your final and ultimate destination. Hosted only every second month, the Suitcase Rummage is back in Ultimo this weekend for a no-fuss market like you’ve never seen. If the name hadn’t given it away, it’s literally suitcases of people’s shit on the floor that you rummage through. In other words, the market is giving new life to the whole ‘one man’s trash is another’s treasure’ saying. 

• When: Sunday 25 August, 11am to 4pm
• Where: The Goods Line, Ultimo
• How much: Free entry to market.
• Check it out here.

LAST CHANCE FOR: $5 @ 5 at Franca

Without a doubt, the best happy hour currently in town has to be at Franca. From 5pm to 6pm each evening, they’re slinging martinis, negronis, cheeseburgers and their famous chicken liver parfait tarts all for just $5. Yes, you read that right. This is the ultimate bougie on a budget moment, because let’s be real, this place outside of happy hour is expensive. Sadly, the birthday celebration special will be wrapping up this Sunday, so time to take advantage of the deal or accept missing out. 

• When: Until Sunday 25 August, 5pm to 6pm
• Where: Franca, Potts Point
• How much: From $5.
• Check it out here.