WHAT'S ON Stuck on what to do for the Easter long weekend? Grab out your Google calendars, because we’ve got you covered
BY: Tahlia Pritchard
There’s something special about April in Sydney and if we’re being honest, the Sydney Easter long weekend is completely underrated. It could be the perfectly sunny days, the cooler nights, the lack of humidity, and the fact a lot of people like to vacate the city for a few days away from the hustle and bustle, so there’s more playtime and opportunity for those of us who stay behind.
So if you’ve got that glorious stretch of four days off ahead of you and looking for a little something-something to do in this glorious city, you’ve come to the right place.
To kick things off…
Nothing tastes as good as a beer, wine, cocktail or mocktail of your choice on a Thursday when you know work isn’t calling your name on Friday.
If you’re really ready to kick things off with a bang, the Big Night Out Pub Crawl taking place on Thursday, April 17, may be calling your name. The crawl starts at World Bar at 8pm, and tickets give you four free drinks (across four different venues), free pizza, and free Easter candy. Tickets currently are retailing at $32.75 here.
And if you’re single and ready to mingle, Thursday Dating has a whole plethora of events stocked up over the weekend, with a Public Holiday Eve party at the Abercrombie Hotel kicking it all off on, you guessed it, Thursday night. Find out more here.
For the foodies and seafood lovers
Easter long weekend and eating and drinking basically go hand-in-hand, and while I haven’t been a practicing Catholic since I learned to read, it doesn’t mean I won’t use Easter as an excuse to indulge in some good seafood.
Sydney Fish Markets in Pyrmont are open for extended trading, from 5am – 5pm on Friday, April 18, so you’ll have plenty of time to go stock up.
But if you’re less about buying fresh seafood to cook, and more about treating yourself to a dining experience, we’ve rounded up three great places to put on your list.
- Long lunch at Kingsleys, Woolloomooloo: Includes a 2-course feast with a 2-hour drinks package from $139/pp.
- Easter seafood menu at Little Pearl, Manly: starting from $79/pp, from Friday through to Monday
- Bottomless brunch at Arturo’s: From $99/pp, enjoy a 2-course menu and 2 hours of bottomless drinks all weekend long!
Cheap and cheerful daytime activities
If you feel like chilling at night, but up for a little adventure to embrace the perfect 27-degree days we look to be getting this weekend, here’s our top three picks for daytime activities that won’t break the bank*.
*Depending on how excited you get about chocolate treats, of course.
1. The Royal Easter Show
What’s Easter without a visit to the Royal Easter Show? Embrace the nostalgia, dodge the screaming kids, and indulge your inner child and buy a showbag or two. Go on, you know you want to.
- WHEN: Friday 11 to Tuesday 22 April
- WHERE: Olympic Park
- HOW MUCH: Adult tickets from $45
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
2. Forrester’s Annual Easter Dog Show
Kicking off at 2pm on Saturday April 19, you won’t want to miss the cutest Easter parade to grace Sydney. Plus, there’s an adult easter egg hunt too!
- WHEN: Saturday April 19, with the festivities kicking off from midday and the parade at 2pm
- WHERE: Forrester’s pub, Surry Hills
- HOW MUCH: Free! Minus all the drinks and food you want to consume, that is.
- MAKE A BOOKING HERE.
3. The Rocks markets
The Rocks is going Easter-themed all long weekend, with the famous markets on with the usual unique art, beats, and eats that you’re used to, with many restaurants and cafes around the hood getting into that long weekend spirit. Try a Hot Cross milkshake at The Tea Cosy, or if you want a bit of culture with your sweeties, the Emporium of Chocolate is slinging Brazilian-inspired handmade chocolates all weekend.
And if you do want to indulge a little, the Alice in Wonderland High Tea at the Shangri-La will be sure to tickle your tastebuds.. but just remember to book!
- WHEN: Friday 18 April – Monday 21 April
- WHERE: The Rocks Sydney
Sunday seshes
Just like Jesus, we’ll all rise again on Sunday to see what else Sydney has to offer.
For Easter Sunday, here are our top picks.
1. Sip & Slay Drag Brunch
Hop on down to The Winery in Surry Hills on Easter Sunday for a fabulous time including bottomless spritzes, and a high-energy show by some of Sydney’s most stunning Queens.
Find out more here.
2. Harbourfest @ Cargo
Featuring headliner Alex Hayes, this will be the biggest and most chaotic Sunday sesh so if you’ve been relatively well-behaved all weekend, Harbourfest is the ultimate way to kick things up a notch, so put those dancing shoes on!
Find out more here.
3. Heaps Gay
If you’re feeling like a naughty little bunny, Heaps Gay & GiRLTHING are taking over the Abercrombie Hotel from the rootftop down to the basement to give us an Easter Sunday we’ll never forget (or maybe never remember. Up to you!).
Find out more here and a warning! They’re onto their last release tickets already.
