ISSUE 25. What’s on in Sydney this week: good food, good wine and great music

It may be winter, but Sydney’s events calendar appears to have kind of missed that memo.

This week is surprisingly stacked. For starters, MODA is taking over White Bay Cruise Terminal for a major waterfront emerging designer show that also doubles as a club night. Paula’s Choice, frank green and EAU Bags are also all popping up across the city to assist with your retail therapy needs. And last but certainly not least, we’re scoring a strong run of music moments including Sultry & Sample’s final Oxford Art Factory show, and Ben Gerrans’ WEAVER tour at Metro Theatre.

Like I said, stacked. So grab your Google calendars, because here are the best things to do in Sydney this week.

HIGHLIGHTS

MODA Designer Sydney AW26

Perhaps our top pick for the week is MODA Designer, the emerging fashion event taking over White Bay Cruise Terminal this Saturday. The AW26 showcase brings together 13 emerging and independent designers, live electronic music, and a 200-metre waterfront runway. It’s essentially part runway, part nightclub, and it’s making us question why Sydney doesn’t do this more often?

• WHEN: Saturday 20 June
• WHERE: White Bay Power Station, Rozelle
• HOW MUCH: $69 tickets
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

frank green Warehouse Sale

The viral frank green warehouse clearance is back in Sydney this weekend, which means yes, it may be time to justify buying another emotional support water bottle. Taking over The Venue Alexandria for three days, most stock will be available for under $40. There’ll also be lucky bags, on-site monogramming and mis-monogrammed stock up for grabs. Even better, if you find an item with your actual name or initials on it, it’s yours for free.

• WHEN: Friday 19 to Sunday 21 June
• WHERE: The Venue, Alexandria
• HOW MUCH: Under $40
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Sultry & Sample ft. thando

After 13 sold-out shows, Sultry & Sample is returning to Oxford Art Factory for one final night before taking a break this Friday. The live, improvised soul and R&B session will bring thando back from Melbourne, joined by Roman MC, Suè and Yawdoesitall for a lineup that feels like a proper closing chapter. And while it’s technically sold out, we recommend crossing your fingers for a sneaky resale ticket.

• WHEN: Friday 19 June, from 8pm
• WHERE: Oxford Art Factory, Darlinghurst
• HOW MUCH: Resale only
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Paula’s Choice Paddington Pop-Up

Paula’s Choice is popping up in Paddington this weekend with a free BHA-focused skincare event for anyone currently like me and having a winter skin crisis. The pop-up is built around the brand’s cult BHA exfoliants, while also celebrating the launch of their two new formulas. Expect consultants on hand at the Express Exfoliation Bar, claw machine with Paula’s Choice prizes, a photo booth, and, crucially, free Exfoliation Icons Sets for the first 300 guests each day.

• WHEN: Friday 19 and Saturday 20 June
• WHERE: 300 Oxford Street, Paddington
• HOW MUCH: Free entry
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

House Of The Dragon Experience

Wynyard’s underground tunnels are getting a brief Westeros rebrand this weekend, with a free House Of The Dragon experience taking over the city. The Dragon’s Lair will send guests beneath Wynyard Park and through a series of hidden passages, guided by Dragon Keepers, before determining whether they possess the ancient Valyrian spark. Very normal winter activity. Tickets are free but limited, so booking ahead is probably wise.

• WHEN: Friday 19 and Saturday 20 June
• WHERE: Wynyard Park
• HOW MUCH: Free
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

FASHION & CULTURE

FIFA World Cup: Australia V USA

After a very tidy 2-0 win over Türkiye to kick off their World Cup campaign, the Socceroos are back this Saturday morning for a much less sleep-friendly clash against the USA. Kick-off is at 5am Sydney time, which means if you hear your neighbour screaming next door, you now know why. Is it a normal and reasonable hour to be emotionally invested in sport? Probably not. Will we still be watching? You bet.

• WHEN: Saturday 20 June, 5am kickoff
• WHERE: Live on SBS and SBS Demand
• HOW MUCH: Free to air
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Taste the Music Festival

Leichhardt is leaning properly into its Little Italy status this weekend, with the inaugural Taste the Music festival taking over Norton and Marion Street. Across Friday and Saturday, the suburb will be serving up the likes of $7 Aperol spritzes, window-side pizza slices, fresh pasta, and enough cannoli and gelato to have you rolling out. It’s the kind of loosely Mediterranean street chaos Sydney frankly needs more of, and the perfect alternative if you’re skipping the whole Euro summer moment this year.

• WHEN: Friday 19 and Saturday 20 June
• WHERE: Norton and Marion Street, Leichhardt
• HOW MUCH: Free entry
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

EAU Bags Warehouse Sale

EAU Bags is bringing its warehouse sale to Sydney for the first time ever this weekend, with up to 70% off best-selling stripes, past and recent collections, and sought-after styles from its ‘Perfectly Imperfect’ range. The brand has developed somewhat of a cult-status for their sustainable and recycled nylon bags, so consider this a dangerous event for anyone with good taste.

• WHEN: Friday 19 and Saturday 20 June, from 8am
• WHERE: 410 Oxford Street, Paddington
• HOW MUCH: Up to 70% off
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

No Flowers Mahjong Club at Ace Hotel

No Flowers Mahjong Club is back again at Ace Hotel this Thursday for another round of low-pressure, high-vibe Back Alley Mahjong in Surry Hills. The night is designed for both seasoned players and total beginners, with table assistance on hand and the bar open throughout. Basically, a midweek social activity that doesn’t involve pretending to enjoy run club.

• WHEN: Thursday 18 June, from 6pm
• WHERE: Ace Hotel Sydney, Surry Hills
• HOW MUCH: $30 tickets
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Archibald, Wynne & Sulman Prizes

The Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes have returned to the Art Gallery of NSW, which means Sydney’s annual portraiture pilgrimage is officially back on. Having kicked off earlier this month, the exhibition brings together the 59 finalists and winners across portraiture, landscape, sculpture and subject painting. This year’s winner? Richard Lewer’s portrait of Pitjantjatjara Elder, artist and healer, Iluwanti Ken.

• WHEN: Until Sunday 16 August
• WHERE: Art Gallery of NSW, Darlinghurst
• HOW MUCH: From $25
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

COME ALIVE! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular

COME ALIVE! has officially landed at the Hippodrome in the Entertainment Quarter, so consider this your sign to go if you’ve ever enjoyed the movie, a circus performance, or really any kind of theatre for that matter. Inspired by The Greatest Showman film, the production features an all-Australian cast led by Des Flanagan and Ruby Clark. We scored a BTS sneak peak into production and fair warning, this is actually a seriously impressive show.

• WHEN: From Tuesday 19 May
• WHERE: Hippodrome at Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park
• HOW MUCH: Tickets from $69
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Biennale of Sydney

The 25th Biennale of Sydney is back, once again turning the city into a sprawling contemporary art trail. This year’s edition is themed rememory, which explores how personal and collective memories can shape the stories we carry into the present. Expect large-scale installations, boundary-pushing works and the kind of thought-provoking art that might leave you nodding along while quietly wondering if you fully understand it.

• WHEN: Saturday 14 March to Sunday 14 June
• WHERE: Across Sydney
• HOW MUCH: Free
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Art After Hours at NSW Art Gallery

If you’re looking for a midweek date night that’s not just drinks and discussing your favourite colours, the Art Gallery of NSW has you sorted. Every Wednesday, the gallery stays open late for Art After Hours. Think free exhibitions, guided tours, live music, films, and enough dim lighting to make you look very cultured. Grab a drink, stay for dinner, or join one of the interactive workshops. It’s also free, which is always a win. 

• WHEN: Every Wednesday, from 6-10pm
• WHERE: Art Gallery of NSW
• HOW MUCH: Free
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE

Ben Gerrans at Metro Theatre

Eora/Sydney-based DJ and producer Ben Gerrans is bringing his WEAVER tour home this week, landing in Sydney as part of a national run presented by Untitled Group and triple j. Known for euphoric electronic sets that have been steadily pushing him beyond local favourite territory, Gerrans will be joined by Josh McMillan and Tokyo Sexwale before taking over the decks at 10:30pm. 

• WHEN: Friday 19 June, from 8pm
• WHERE: Metro Theatre, CBD
• HOW MUCH: $50 tickets
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Wongo at Chinese Laundry

Chinese Laundry is continuing its community-led Chinese Laundry Invites series this week with ENTITY taking over the full venue, and Wongo leading the charge. The Kombumerri/Gold Coast DJ and producer is known for high-energy house sets, with his Box of Cats label and collabs tied to the likes of A-Trak, Pnau, Client Liaison and Beyoncé (just to name a few).

• WHEN: Friday 19 June, from 9pm
• WHERE: Chinese Laundry, CBD
• HOW MUCH: Tickets from $11
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Jazz Sessions in The Rocks

Jazz Sessions are back again for June, transforming The Rocks Square into a free open-air jazz spot every Thursday night. Curated in collaboration with the Sydney Improvised Music Association, the upcoming lineup includes the Magdalena Mira Quartet, Murmations, Driftwood and Lisathe across the next month. There’ll also be a pop-up bar pouring mulled wine, and $10 pizza slices up for grabs. Consider this your new go-to date night idea.

• WHEN: Every Thursday night, 6:30-8:30pm
• WHERE: The Rocks Square
• HOW MUCH: Free
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

FOOD & DRINK

Good Food & Wine Show

The Good Food & Wine Show is back at ICC Sydney this weekend, bringing three days of snacks, sips and some optimistic “I could make this at home” energy. Think wine pavilions, cheese corners, live demos and free daily tastings. New for 2026 is Bakers Alley, a dedicated bakery precinct with exclusive baked goods, plus a hands-on cooking school where guests can cook alongside celebrity chefs in intimate sessions.

• WHEN: Friday 19 to Sunday 21 June
• WHERE: ICC Sydney, Darling Harbour
• HOW MUCH: Tickets from $50
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Zaffi Bottomless Pasta Party

This one’s for the CBD corporates working from home on Friday because “it just makes more sense”. Zaffi’s Bottomless Pasta Party has just launched and is tempting us with free-flowing drinks and chef-selected pasta for just $69 per person. It’s also perfect for bottomless enthusiasts who are frankly sick and tired of another burrata and garlic bread moment. Built on late-night Lebanese hospitality, Zaffi’s also offering DJ’s throughout the night and the option to kick on after the 1.5 hours has timed out, so you can avoid the impending “where do we go now” predicament that we all know far too well.

• WHEN: Every Thursday, from 5:30pm
• WHERE: Zaffi, CBD
• HOW MUCH: $69 per person for 1.5 hours
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Chiswick Lasagne Series

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Chiswick is leaning into cosy Sunday dining this winter with a six-week lasagne series, bringing a different chef-created take on the comfort classic to the restaurant each week. Running every Sunday, the series includes a rotating lineup of lasagne-takes, including pumpkin, truffle and fior di latte, wagyu beef and pine mushroom. We think it’s the perfect antidote to the Sunday scaries.

• WHEN: Every Sunday night until Sunday 19 July
• WHERE: Chiswick, Woollahra
• HOW MUCH: $55 per person
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Greek Month at Yulli’s

Yulli’s Surry Hills is going full Greek every Wednesday in June, and while it might not be exactly the same as a trip to the Aegean, we think it’s a nice second prize. For $48 you can expect a Greek-inspired vegan feast with live bouzouki, and of course, an optional $47 drinks pairing. A dangerously good mid-week food option.

• WHEN: Every Wednesday in June, from 12pm
• WHERE: Yulli’s, Surry Hills
• HOW MUCH: From $48 per person
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Disco Yum Cha at NBF

You’d be surprised that Bondi in winter is a surprisingly elite combination, especially when dumplings and disco balls are involved. Thankfully, North Bondi Fish is going full throttle on weekend lunches thanks to them bringing back their renowned Disco Yum Cha serie. The bottomless-style event will be running every Saturday and Sunday from 12pm, and include the likes of soy cured ocean trout, prawn toast, and of course, 70s DJs.

• WHEN: Every weekend from 12pm, until Saturday 1 August
• WHERE: North Bondi Fish, Bondi
• HOW MUCH: From $65 per person
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Burwood Chinatown Night Markets

Newsflash: the best Chinese food in Sydney isn’t coming with a $38 price tag. Instead, it’s more likely found at the Burwood Chinatown Night Markets. Here, a mere $10 goes a lot further: think dumplings, skewers, desserts and a crowd that’s very committed to the cause. This might as well be regarded a Sydney institution.

• WHEN: Every Thursday to Sunday, 5-10pm
• WHERE: Burwood Chinatown
• HOW MUCH: Varies
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Velvet Hour at the Razz Room

@sosydneyau

Order the dirty daiquiri and thank us later 🤤 📍Razz Room, CBD #sosydney #sydney #razzroom #discotheque #sydneybars

♬ Disco Sole – Nu Genea

York Street just scored a daiquiri discotheque, and it’s leaning fully into the bit. Odd Culture Group’s Razz Room has opened underground in the CBD, pairing a retro-leaning bar upstairs with a sunken dance floor below, plus live entertainment from 7pm to late. The real draw, though, is the daily “Velvet Hour” from 4-6pm, where classic, dirty or strawberry daiquiris go for $13. Frankly, we think that’s reason enough to show up.

• WHEN: Every day from 4-6pm
• WHERE: Razz Room, CBD
• HOW MUCH: $13 daiquiris
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Sakura Sandos

CBD workers, this one’s for you. Sakura House is launching a limited-run sandos menu that is beyond. It’s a three-sando lineup by ex-Cho Cho San head chef Nick Sherman, featuring a ramen egg sando, fried chicken sando and ebi katsu prawn sando. They’ll be available Thursday and Friday from 12pm until sold out. Honestly, it’s a strong lunch proposition.

• WHEN: Every Thursday and Friday, from 12pm
• WHERE: Sakura House, CBD
• HOW MUCH: From $19
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Oyster Happy Hour at Morrison’s

I see no reason why the cost of living should get in the way of good taste, and neither does Morrison’s. 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. Every Wednesday from 6-7pm, you’ll be able to snag those little gems for $2 each, which is kind of insane. Or if you want to check out the other oyster happy hours currently happening around town, head over here.

• WHEN: Every Wednesday, 6pm to 7pm
• WHERE: Morrison’s Oyster Bar & Grill, CBD
• HOW MUCH: $2 per oyster
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

$28 Steak and Chips at The Waratah

Anyone actually in the know will tell you Thursday nights are for The Waratah. The Darlinghurst pub, which won Australian Pub of the Year last year, slings some of the best steak and chips in town for the measly price of $28. Yes, you heard me correctly. The catch? None really, other than the fact that they sell out most nights, so it’s best to book an earlier table.

• WHEN: Every Thursday, until sold out.
• WHERE: The Waratah, Darlinghurst
• HOW MUCH: $28 
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.