WHAT'S ON Spring has sprung: wellness saunas are out, deep house music and pasta overconsumption is in
BY: Kartya Vucetic
This weekend marks the start of spring, and boy oh boy are we r-e-a-d-y. As far as I’m concerned, summer is here, and it’s sip-and-yap time. I need a reservation with the girls, stat.
In other good news, there’s plenty happening in Sydney this weekend. From deep house electronics to First Nations bands, some great music acts are definitely worth catching. The first Sunday of the month also tends to bring some solid market options, so it’s time to spend the morsels left in your weekly budget.
Alright, all set? Here are the best things to do in Sydney this weekend.
$35 Bottomless Fajitas
Image: Supplied by 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 basic bitch 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.
- When: Every Friday
- Where: SoCal, Neutral Bay
- How much: $35
- Check it out here.
Keep Hush Live Sydney
image: Mincy via instagram @mincy.aus
Sort your Friday night out at The Abercrombie this weekend, with Keep Hush hosting their Extra Spicy x Hardwire takeover of the venue. The UK platform is bound to deliver a cracking lineup of UK underground and bass. The likes of Mincy, Jungist and Ekzander plus more will all be in attendance, so you can expect a good one. Would skip this one out if you want to be a functional human come Saturday.
- When: Friday 30 August, from 8pm
- Where: The Abercrombie
- How much: From $21
- Check it out here.
YALGALI for Sydney Fringe Festival
Image: Coloured Stone via ABC
The arrival of spring this weekend might bring warmer weather, but it also signals the return of the Sydney Fringe Festival for another lap around the sun. This weekend kicks off the month-long shenanigans, with YALGALI taking the stage to showcase an array of First Nations music, workshops, and markets. Our top pick? Saturday evening, when Klub Koori hosts the iconic band, Coloured Stone.
- When: Friday 30 August to Sunday 1 September
- Where: Made in Sydney – PACT Centre for Emerging Artists
- How much: Free entry.
- Check it out here.
Trespasser XII by Pharmaceutical Sound
It wouldn’t be a proper weekend in Sydney without some underground and obscure rave happening in Marrickville, right? Well, this weekend is bound to be a cracker. Trespasser XII by Pharmaceutical Sound is back for an outdoor (and BYO) party featuring deep house and minimal tunes. Tickets will cost you about the same as entry to most places in Sydney, but the difference is you won’t be paying $15 for a watered-down tequila soda here.
- When: Saturday 31 August, from 10pm
- Where: Inner West Location TBA
- How much: From $33
- Check it out here.
Maroubra Beach Markets
Image: Via Cambridge Markets
If you’re scrambling on Sunday for a Father’s Day gift for your old man, head over to the Maroubra Beach Markets. From 9am, over 120 vendors will be setting up shop, selling everything from artisanal food products to homewares and art. This time around, Maroubra Beach Markets is also partnering with the Eco Living Festival. In other words, sustainability is on the menu, so you’ve got no reason to feel buyer’s guilt.
- When: Sunday 1 September, 9am to 3pm
- Where: Broadarrow Reserve, Maroubra Beach
- How much: Free entry
- Check it out here.
a’Mare Pasta Sundaes
Image: Via Crown
We all know I’m an absolute sucker for a bougie deal on a (relative) budget. If you are too, then listen up: the a’Mare Pasta Sundaes special kicks off this week. For $55, you’ll score a generous serving of various pastas, a scoop of gelato, and a glass of wine. Are there cheaper places to grab dinner? Sure. But a’Mare scores high in my books, and it’s almost impossible to leave with change from a $100 note. In other words, consider this your time to pounce.
- When: Every Sunday, dinner
- Where: a’Mare at The Crown
- How much: $55
- Check it out here.
Second Life Archive
Image: Via Second Life
If retail therapy is on the cards this weekend, look no further than the Second Life Archive market happening in the CBD. Hosted by the same team behind Second Life Markets in Sydney, you’ll have the chance to score some of the best vintage and archive designer pieces around town. Shopping this way isn’t just a whole lot cheaper—it’s also much more sustainable. Consider this your sign to treat yourself, just a little.
- When: Sunday 1 September, 10:30am to 4pm
- Where: Alpha, 238 Castlereagh Street
- How much: From $10.
- Check it out here.
