Here's your weekly rundown on what's good in Sydney

It’s Monday. You’re sad, I’m sad. It’s going to be dark in about t-minus one hour. Sure, there’s a lot to have a pity party over. But does that mean we’re going to? Absolutely not.

Fret not Sydney, for our weekly guide is officially back and serving up your mid-week plan itinerary so you really don’t have to do anything. After all, Autumn is the time we overcompensate for the loss of summer with plenty of events, shows and other random shit to do.

With all that being said, we’ll be the first to admit that Sydney’s on the slightly slower side this week, and it’s most likely because every man and their dog is tied up with Australian Fashion Week 2025. But with that being said, you best believe we’re sneaking in one of the final shows of the Sydney Comedy Festival for the year, and will probably also make a Thursday night stop at The Rocks for the free jazz.

Alright, it’s that time again. Here are the best things to do in Sydney this week.

SPECIALS

Australian Fashion Week

Image: Romance Was Born, Australian Fashion Week 2024

It appears that the town has come to a grinding halt this week, and we’re betting that it’s all thanks to the return of Australian Fashion Week. Kicking off today until Friday, countless designers will be showcasing their latest collections at Carriageworks and a range of off-site venues. In other words, Sydney will be packed to the brim with influencers, socialites and others adjacent to the industry. Even if you can’t score a ticket to one of the shows, just taking in the fashion and atmosphere at Carriageworks is kind of a vibe if you’re into that.

WHEN: Monday 12 to Friday 17 May
WHERE: Carriageworks and offsite locations
HOW MUCH: Closed to public, free to go to Carriageworks
CHECK IT OUT HERE.

$4 Taco Tuesday at SoCal

Image: Supplied

Northsiders who are reluctant and unwilling to cross the bridge, it’s time you listen up. Iconic Mexican institution SoCal in Neutral Bay is treating us to yet another special running for the whole month of May, and it’s definitely worth the check out. Kicking off Saturday 3 May and running until the end of the month, they’re bringing back their Taco and Tequila Fiesta. Think launch parties, chilli eating contests and taco eating competitions alongside some pretty competitive weekly specials. On Tuesdays, they’re slinging $4 tacos and $15 margs, which sounds like exactly what I need in my life rn.

WHEN: Friday 3 May to Saturday 31 May
WHERE: SoCal, Neutral Bay
HOW MUCH: Varies
CHECK IT OUT HERE.

FINAL CALL FOR: Sydney Comedy Festival

Image: Sydney Comedy Festival

Our favourite annual festival, the Sydney Comedy Festival, is back again to tickle all our funny bones. Having kicked off last month, this year marks the festival’s largest program to date – with over 340 shows taking place across multiple venues including Enmore Theatre, Sydney Opera House and Bondi Pavilion. The festival will also be celebrating its 20th anniversary, so you can be guaranteed they’re going all out. And if you’re looking for our highlighted picks, best to head over here before booking your tickets. It’s the final week of shows, so best to get in quick.

WHEN: Monday 21 April to Sunday 18 May
WHERE: Multiple venues
HOW MUCH: Varies
CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Free Jazz at The Rocks

Image: City of Sydney

Back by popular demand, The Rocks has announced the return of its iconic free jazz sessions every Thursday night from now until September. Kicking off at 6pm in The Rocks Square every week, SIMA has put together a new a new program filled with homegrown Australian talent who’ll be bringing some serious soul to the town. What’s more? As far as drinks go, Hickson House is sorting us out. So whether you’re looking for an inexpensive night out or new date idea, this one’s really a no brainer.

WHEN: Every Thursday, 6 to 8.30pm
WHERE: The Rocks Square, Sydney CBD
HOW MUCH: Free
CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Titanique: The Musical

Image: Australian Arts Review

We love Celine Dion. We love the movie Titanic. But honestly, never in a million years did we think we’d be combining the two icons in the one sentence, let alone the same show. If you’re confused, let me explain. Titanique: The Musical is the weird, wild and wonderful musical, where the story of Jack and Rose is told from Celine Dion’s perspective. It was originally a one-night-only production in LA back in 2017, but quickly took off from there. The show hit the Grand Electric in Surry Hills late last year, and production has consistently extended due to popular demand. Anyways, we reckon it’s worth giving it a shot.

WHEN: Until Sunday 22 June
WHERE: The Grand Electric, Surry Hills
HOW MUCH: From $75
CHECK IT OUT HERE.

THE REGULARS

Golden Hour at The Butler

Image: Supplied

Snagging a wine for less than $10, or margie for less than $15, is basically unheard of in Sydney nowadays. That’s except for The Butler in Potts Point, of course, which is dishing up the happy hour to end all happy hours. From 4pm to 5.30pm on Monday and Tuesday, and 3pm to 5.30pm on Wednesday through to Sunday, they’re slinging $8 wines and $14 margs as part of their ‘Golden Hour’ special. Of course, it wouldn’t be a true Golden Hour at The Butler without a fair dose of their iconic tostadas to also keep us going. If you live or work nearby, consider this your sign to make a trip asap.

WHEN: 4pm to 5.30pm Monday and Tuesday, 3pm to 5.30pm Wednesday to Sunday
WHERE: The Butler, Potts Point
HOW MUCH: Varies
CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Wednesday Bottomless Steak Frites

Image: Supplied

Ladies and gents, it’s time to run, not walk, to The Winery in Surry Hills this Wednesday, because you’ll score bottomless frites and steak for just $65.Usually with these types of specials, restaurant’s will ply you with chips until you’re full, but that’s definitely not the case here. The staff are super generous in topping you up with steak too, which let’s be real, is the reason why we’re all here. For an additional $8 you can also nab bottomless tiramisu (because obviously there’s a different stomach for dessert).

WHEN: Every Wednesday dinner service
WHERE: The Winery, Surry Hills
HOW MUCH: $65
CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Oyster Happy Hour at The Morrison

Image: Food Network

I see no reason why the cost of living should get in the way of good taste, and neither does The Morrison. 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. Plus they’ve just unveiled their very new and very fancy oyster cabinet (yes, that’s a thing). Every Wednesday from 6pm to 7pm, you’ll be able to snag those little gems for $1.50 each, which is kind of insane. If you can score a table, it’s the perfect spot to clock off work with your mates. Or head over here if you want to check out the other oyster happy hours currently happening around town.

WHEN: Every Wednesday, 6pm to 7pm
WHERE: The Morrison, CBD
HOW MUCH: $1.50 per oyster
CHECK IT OUT HERE.

$5 Tacos and Free Palomas at El Primo Sanchez

Image: Via Instagram @elprimosanchezsydney

Forget Taco Tuesday, Wednesday’s where it’s at (at least according to El Primo Sanchez). The Paddington institution is serving up $5 tacos from 5pm every Wednesday, which is a pretty damn good deal if you ask me. What’s more? If you’re one of the first five customers, they’ll throw in a free Paloma cocktail too. In other words, you’ve now got a great excuse to clock off work right on time.

WHEN: Every Wednesday from 5pm
WHERE: El Primo Sanchez, Paddington
HOW MUCH: From $5
CHECK IT OUT HERE.

The Waratah $20 Steak and Chips

Image: The Waratah via Instagram @thewaratah

Every instagrammer 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 new-ish institution is slinging some of the best and ‘most elevated’ pub food in town (if that’s a thing).