ISSUE. 19 What’s on in Sydney this week: activewear raves, archive sales and thanking your mum for tolerating you

Another week, another collection of Sydney events politely guilt tripping you to leave the house.

This week, we’ve got Mother’s Day arriving right on schedule to punish anyone who forgot to book lunch. Set Mo is turning North Bondi into a 7am activewear rave, St. Agni is launching their first-ever Sydney archive sale, and Baker Boy is giving the Northern Beaches a Thursday night rare dose of actual culture.

Basically, it’s a solid week for good music, good shopping, and perhaps less good decision-making. Here’s what’s on.

WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS

Mother’s Day

Yes, Mother’s Day is this Sunday, which means consider this is your official sign to stop pretending you’re “still thinking about it” and start scrambling for a last-minute card, flowers or an overpriced candle. Whether you’re booking lunch, panic-ordering a bouquet or emotionally outsourcing the whole thing (wise), now would be the time. Godspeed.

• WHEN: Sunday 10 May
• WHERE: Across Sydney
• HOW MUCH: Varies

Baker Boy at Dee Why RSL

Baker Boy heads to Dee Why RSL this Thursday night to bring his new album, Djandjay, to the stage. Named after his late grandmother and rooted in Yolŋu culture, the record marks a more personal, defiant era for the six-time ARIA-winner, blending ancestral influence with global production. Basically, one of the country’s most exciting live acts on the Northern Beaches for a casual Thursday night set.

• WHEN: Thursday 7 May, from 7:30pm
• WHERE: Dee Why RSL, Dee Why
• HOW MUCH: $59 tickets
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Morning Rave ft. Set Mo

Set Mo are taking over North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club this Saturday for ‘Hit The Club’, a free morning rave for anyone mildly insufferable person who thinks sleeping in is a character flaw. Expect sunrise beats, activewear, wellness shots, protein balls and a crowd that has definitely already done 8,000 steps before 9am.

• WHEN: Saturday 9 May, from 7am
• WHERE: North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club, Bondi
• HOW MUCH: Free (RSVP essential)
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

St. Agni Archive Sale

St. Agni is bringing its first-ever archive sale to Sydney this week, which is excellent news for anyone who may be in desperate need of a little retail therapy. The Byron-born label will be taking over Paddington with past-season ready-to-wear, footwear and accessories, all very minimal, very refined, and very likely to form part of your ‘capsule collection’, whatever that really means.

• WHEN: Thursday 7 to Sunday 10 May
• WHERE: 410 Oxford Street, Paddington
• HOW MUCH: Free entry
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Sydney Comedy Festival

Sydney Comedy Festival is back and, as usual, it’s taking over basically every stage in the city for the next five weeks. With a stacked program spanning from local favourites, to international names and emerging talent, expect everything from stand-up and satire to the slightly unhinged fringe-style stuff that somehow still sells out.

• WHEN: Monday 13 April to Sunday 17 May
• WHERE: Across Sydney
• HOW MUCH: Varies
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

FASHION & CULTURE

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.

Cupid’s Court at The Chippo Hotel

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It’s official: dating apps are out, public judgement is in. This Thursday, Cupid’s Court lands at The Chippo Hotel, turning the entire room into a live jury for a chaotic, interactive dating show. One hopeful takes the stand while three suitors pitch themselves (intro songs and all), with audience questions, red flags and unsolicited opinions flying in real time. It’s part improv, part reality TV, and fully unhinged.

• WHEN: Thursday 7 May
• WHERE: The Chippo Hotel, Chippendale
• HOW MUCH: From $27.50
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

The Hooligans at White Rabbit Gallery

The Hooligans is a timely exhibition unpacking how dissent, nonconformity and “troublemaking” have been policed in modern Chinese history. Referencing the now-abolished Mao-era crime of “hooliganism”, the gallery brings together contemporary Chinese artists responding to censorship, obedience and quiet acts of resistance.

• WHEN: Until Sunday 17 May
• WHERE: White Rabbit Gallery, Chippendale
• HOW MUCH: Free entry
• 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

Yolanda Be Cool at Ivy

Yolanda Be Cool are heading to Above at ivy this Saturday, bringing the kind of house music night that may very well end with you making several poor but rhythmically sound decisions. They’ll be joined by Halfzip, Mixed Methods and Jean-Claude.

• WHEN: Saturday 9 May, from 9pm
• WHERE: Club Above at ivy, CBD
• HOW MUCH: Tickets from $21
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Osmosis Jones at Oxford Art Factory

Melbourne UK garage producer Osmosis Jones is in Sydney this week, bringing his crate-dug, 90s-and-00s-influenced sound to a room that has already sold out (naturally). He’s become one of the key names pushing Australia’s growing UKG scene, so your best bet at this point is to pray to the resale gods.

• WHEN: Saturday 9 May, from 9pm
• WHERE: Oxford Art Factory, Darlinghurst
• HOW MUCH: Sold out, resale only
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Babylon Nights

A new Saturday night party has landed at Babylon Rooftop, with Babylon Nights bringing DJs, live performers and late-night energy to the CBD rooftop each week. Expect dinner and drinks early, then a gradual shift into a full rooftop party as the night goes on. Entry is free and bookings are available if you want to lock in a table before things get busy.

• WHEN: Every Saturday, from 6pm
• WHERE: Babylon Rooftop, CBD
• HOW MUCH: Free entry
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

FOOD & DRINK

Moana: Origins on a Plate

The Butler’s Chef’s Dinner Series returns this Wednesday with Moana: Origins on a Plate. It’s a one-night-only seafood dinner led by chef Amber Doig, seafood advocate Umar Nguyen (aka the ‘fish girl’), and guest chef Carolyne Helmy. Expect a five-course shared feast spanning raw and cured seafood, seasonal shellfish, vibrant veg and a whole fish centrepiece, with the night built around ocean, culture and sustainable sourcing.

• WHEN: Wednesday 6 May, from 7pm
• WHERE: The Butler, Potts Point
• HOW MUCH: $95 per person
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

70s Disco at Yo-Chi Chippendale

Your midweek frozen yoghurt run is receiving a full personality shift for the next three months, with Yo-Chi Chippendale having launched their newest DJ series. Every Wednesday from 3-7pm, the store will be transforming with a 70s disco takeover. In other words, expect even longer lines than usual (we all know it’s worth it).

• WHEN: Every Wednesday until July, from 3-7pm
• WHERE: Yo-Chi, Chippendale
• HOW MUCH: Varies
• 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

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.

$25 Lunch Special at Door Knock

Sydney’s OG hidden bar is letting daylight in again. That’s right, Door Knock is now open for lunch, serving up one of head chef Joe Slakey’s Mediterranean-inspired mains and a glass of wine for just $25 every Thursday and Friday. The menu rotates weekly with dishes like scotch fillet, pork belly, crab cakes and beef sliders, plus a side salad and your pick of white, rosé or red.

• WHEN: Every Thursday and Friday, 12-3pm
• WHERE: Door Knock, CBD
• HOW MUCH: $25
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

$40 Bottomless Fajitas at SoCal

All I’ll say is: Friday’s, fajitas, fiestas. That’s it. Thank god SoCal gets it, because they’re hosting a $40 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. 

• WHEN: Every Friday, from 3pm
• WHERE: SoCal, Neutral Bay
• HOW MUCH: $40
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

tqm. Happy Hour

If you haven’t already heard, we’re lowkey obsessed with the relaunch of Tequila Mockingbird into tqm. in Paddington recently. In fact, hot take but they might just be slinging the best margs in the Inner East. So lucky for all of us that tqm. has just launched their new Happy Hour special from 4.30-6pm Tuesday through to Sunday, featuring $12 spicy and regular margies, $9 house wins and their iconic $8 ceviche tacos. Cost-of-living say who?

• WHEN: Tuesday to Sunday, 4.30-6pm
• WHERE: tqm., Paddington
• HOW MUCH: Varies
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

$12 Bloody Mary’s at Bar 26

Feeling a little spiritually misaligned? Bar 26 has a fix for that, and it’s rimmed with celery salt. Every Saturday from 2pm to 10pm, they’re slinging handcrafted Bloody Mary’s for just $12 a pop, aka half price. That’s cheaper than a green juice (and way more effective). Whether you’re hair-of-the-dogging or just here for the spice, consider this your new weekly ritual.

• WHEN: Every Saturday, 2pm to 10pm
• WHERE: Bar 26, Lilyfield
• HOW MUCH: $12
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.