Here's what to do this weekend if you're still scratching your head for plans

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s nearly weekend time again. And with a new month having kicked off, we’re being spoiled with a whole new roster of fun.

Okay, so what do you need to know? Everywhere is heaving, with honourable mentions to the The Old Fitzroy Hotel, who’s pulling through this weekend in hosting a Wolloomooloo street party. And as far as live music goes, where do I start? Even if you didn’t manage to nab a Laneway ticket, there’s W PRESENTS on Friday, Dreamstate on Saturday, and Oxford Art Factory’s Official Laneway Afterparty on Sunday. Those looking for a bender should take note.

Like I said, you’re in for a bloody good treat. So go on, get those Google calendars out and get planning.

SPECIALS

A Street Party Named Fitz

Image: TheMusic.com.au

Ahh summer, the time for street parties, spritzes and now, the fitz. Yes, you’re correct, The Old Fitzroy Hotel is pulling the heavy weights this month in hosting the ultimate inner city street party. Kicking off at 12pm on Sunday 9, the historic streets around Woolloomooloo will play host to live entertainment, food stalls and drink stands – all in support of the iconic Old Fitz Theatre. This will mark the second year of the celebration, and if last year is anything to go by, it’ll be a goodie.

WHEN: Sunday 9 February, from 12pm
WHERE: The Old Fitzroy Hotel, Woolloomooloo
HOW MUCH: Free
CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Dreamstate

Image: Sydney Showground

Trance and techno lovers listen up, because Dreamstate festival is back and final release tickets are still available. Sydney Showground will be hosting the massive lineup, which features the likes of Juliet Fox, Sunset Bros, Billy Gillies and AVAO, just to name a few. This one’s for serious ravers, so grab your nearest TM’s and get over there.

WHEN: Saturday 8 February, from 2pm
WHERE: Exhibition Halls, Sydney Showground
HOW MUCH: Final release tickets are $187
CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Antenna Documentary Film Festival

Reas by Lola Arias | Image: Supplied

Antenna, Australia’s leading non-fiction film festival, is back again this month with a jam packed program. Celebrating its 13th year, the documentary film festival will showcase some of the best international and local talent. Must-watches include Errol Morris’ Separated, which documents family separations at the US-Mexico border; and Piotr Winiewicz’s Australian premiere of About A Hero. You’ll have to be quick though, the festival only runs for 11 days, and with 50 documentaries screening, it’s bound to keep you busy.

WHEN: Thursday 6 to Sunday 16 February
WHERE: Multiple locations
HOW MUCH: Single tickets start at $19.50
CHECK IT OUT HERE.

W Presents

Image: Supplied

This month, W Hotels are launching a new series – W PRESENTS – and lucky for us, they’re starting right here at W Sydney. The live music initiative will see breakthrough duo Night Tales take over the Living Room bar for an evening of synth-driven R&B and cracking views of Darling Harbour. Having just come off the back of their North America and Europe tours, Night Tales have emerged as ones to watch. They’ve played at Coachella, and toured with the likes of Channel Tres, Neil Frances and Aluna to name a few. In other words, you know it’ll be good.

WHEN: Friday 7 February, from 5pm
WHERE: W Sydney, Darling Harbour
HOW MUCH: Tickets from $33
CHECK IT OUT HERE.

BrookieFest

Image: Northern Beaches Living

Northern Beaches goers are in for a treat this month, with BrookieFest bringing some epic live music, food deals and games over three days. Kicking off on Friday 7 February, the community event is entirely free to enter, and promising over 30 fun and quirky events (dachshund races included). Of course, it wouldn’t be a true BrookieFest without some of Brookie Trail’s best distilleries, breweries and eateries also coming together to serve up some serious food and wine.

WHEN: Friday 7 to Sunday 9 February
WHERE: 9 Powells Road, Brookvale
HOW MUCH: Free entry
CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Laneway Festival Official Afterparty

Image: Music Feeds

Most of Sydney might be reeling that they didn’t nab a ticket to the highly coveted Laneway festival happening this Sunday, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get in and amongst at least some of the fun. Kicking off at 10pm, Oxford Art Factory will be hosting the official afterparty with a lineup including Fcukers, RONA, DJ Ivan Berko and Loosie Grind. Tickets are also only $40, which is a fraction of what you’d be spending if you actually are heading to Laneway.

WHEN: Sunday 9 February, from 10pm
WHERE: Oxford Art Factory, Darlinghurst
HOW MUCH: Tickets are $40
CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Sunset Sessions at Cockatoo Island

Image: Sydney, Australia

We know that Sydneysiders love to complain about the lack of live music in the city, but this weekend definitely marks the exception. Cockatoo Island have introduced a new summer Sunset Sessions series happening every Saturday until early April, so you can lap up the rest of daylight savings. Kicking off at 5.30pm this Saturday, Misty Lanes and Toby Martin will be taking over the Biloela lawns where you can bask, picnic and catch the cracking harbour sunsets.

WHEN: Saturday 1 February, from 5.30pm
WHERE: Biloela Lawns, Cockatoo Island
HOW MUCH: Adult tickets $35
CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Mov’In Bed Beach Cinema

Image: Supplied

Just because we’re no longer in oodie season doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be able to snuggle up for a good movie. Sure, I’ll take a rooftop aperol any sunny day of the week, but sometimes a good chick flick is exactly what’s needed. If you’re in agreement, then it’s probably worth heading down to Barangaroo to check out the Mov’In Bed Beach Cinema that’s come back to town. Wondering what it is? Exactly what you think, really. Hundreds of queen size beds parked up on the sand right next to the harbour. Honestly, this one’s putting any other standard outdoor movie cinema to shame in Sydney, 10/10 recommend.

WHEN: Until Sunday 9 February
WHERE: Sydney Harbour Park, Barangaroo
HOW MUCH: Sand tickets $12, bed tickets $89
CHECK IT OUT HERE.

LAST WEEKEND FOR: Cirque du Soleil’s Luzia

Image: Supplied, Anne Colliard

Dinner and a show just got a whole lot more exciting thanks to Cirque du Soleil’s all-new performance, Luzia. After getting a little BTS sneak peak into the production, we can definitively say that as far as circus acts go, this is the one to beat. Inspired by an imaginary and surreal vision of Mexico, expect to be transported to a world of vibrant butterflies, dreamlike colour, and of course, one where being able to do a triple backflip is entirely normal. It’s also Cirque du Soleil’s 25th anniversary, so are we surprised that they’re going all out? Not really.

WHEN: Until Sunday 9 February
WHERE: Big Top, Entertainment Quarter
HOW MUCH: Tickets from $90
CHECK IT OUT HERE.

REGULARS

All You Can Spritz

Image: Supplied

I don’t make the rules. Springtime calls for bottomless Aperol fuelled brunches with the girls. And I know I’m not the only one who will go actually feral for a sunny day and an outdoor dining space. So thank god PIER Dining at Pier One Sydney Harbour is playing make-a-wish, because they’re slinging an epic Friday and Saturday all-inclusive special that shouldn’t be missed.

For $89, they’re treating guests to a 1.5-hour experience filled with Freemantle octopus, crisp potato scallops, pistachio and asparagus malfadine and pavlova. Of course, we can’t forget the spritz cocktails they have on offer – from your classic Aperol to a Dockside sparkling with Davidson plum. In other words, you’ll know where to find us.

WHEN: Every Friday and Saturday at 12.30pm
WHERE: PIER Dining, Pier One Sydney
HOW MUCH: $89
CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Jazzhaus Fridays at The Winery

Image: Supplied

Jazz lovers listen up. The Winery is officially launching its Jazzhaus Fridays event this week, and they’re promising to sling some of the best apertivo beats in town. From 6pm every Friday, the Surry Hills institution will boast soulful, smooth sounds from pianists and three-piece bands until 11pm in the evening.

If you’re clever, head in slightly earlier to cop the $12 Aperol spritzes, Americanos and Negronis during their 4pm to 6pm happy hour. Alternatively, night owls can also nab a great deal post 9pm, where The Winery is hosting their very own Supper Club special.

WHEN: Every Friday, from 6pm
WHERE: The Winery, Surry Hills
HOW MUCH: Varies
CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Ramen Fridays at Cho Cho San

Image: Cho Cho San

If you’re looking for a little lunchtime treat come the end of the week, look no further than the Ramen Fridays special currently going down at Cho Cho San. From 12pm to 3pm (or until stocks last), they’re slinging pork gyoza and prawn katsu ramen bowls for just $30. It’s also not just any ol’ bowl of ramen you’re getting. You’ll have to crack through the crispy gyoza netting in order to score strands of silky noodles, chicken shoyu broth and shiitake tare. I’m drooling just writing this.

WHEN: Every Friday, 12pm to 3pm
WHERE: Cho Cho San, Potts Point
HOW MUCH: $30
CHECK IT OUT HERE.

$35 Bottomless Fajitas at SoCal

Image: SoCal Neutral Bay

All I’ll say is: Friday’s, fajitas, fiestas. That’s it. Thank god SoCal gets it, because they’re hosting a $35 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.