ISSUE 23. What’s on this week: Sydney gets cultured just in time for winter

Sydney appears to be choosing culture this long weekend, which is considerate given it is also the first weekend of winter and therefore time to develop an indoor personality.

Between S.A.S.H taking over Thomas Street in Ultimo, Human Movement throwing an album launch party at Carousel, Wong Kar Wai screenings at the Opera House, and the Sydney Film Festival kicking properly into gear, the city has gone heavy on music, cinema and the general act of seeming interesting.

There’s also plenty happening across Vivid, live shows and the odd retail detour, so staying home in your oodie was never going to be the vibe.

Here’s everything worth doing in Sydney this week.

HIGHLIGHTS

Sydney Film Festival

Sydney Film Festival is officially back this week for its 73rd lap around the sun, meaning it’s time to make room in your calendar for more than 200 films on the program. Highlights include 19 films direct from Cannes, alongside standouts including The Death of Robin Hood with Hugh Jackman and Jodie Comer, Sundance comedy The Invite, Jane Schoenbrun’s Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma and Australian horror Leviticus. If we’re honest, getting around it is a tried and tested shortcut to just being better than everyone else.

• WHEN: Wednesday 3 to Sunday 14 June
• WHERE: Across Sydney
• HOW MUCH: Single tickets from $23
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

S.A.S.H in the Street

S.A.S.H is bringing its open-air street party back to Thomas Street in Ultimo this Sunday after its sold-out Easter edition. Kicking off at 2pm, the June long weekend showcase will feature Quest, Anthea, Junki Inoue and Lizz taking over the street for session that makes you question whether you’re really in Sydney. This one will almost certainly sell out, so consider this your sign.

• WHEN: Sunday 7 June, from 2pm
• WHERE: Thomas Street, Ultimo
• HOW MUCH: $91 tickets
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Chunking Express Screening at Sydney Opera House

Sydney Opera House is screening Chungking Express in 4K this week, with Wong Kar Wai’s 1994 classic back on the big screen. It’s the film that cemented the Hong Kong director into the 90s hall of cinema fame, tracing the love story of two jilted cops who cross paths at the Midnight Express food stand. Perfect for those who love drama, romance, or just good movies really.

• WHEN: Wednesday 3 June, 8:45pm
• WHERE: Playhouse, Sydney Opera House
• HOW MUCH: Tickets from $26
• 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.

Human Movement Album Party

Human Movement is throwing an album party this weekend to celebrate the launch of his debut album 50/50. Expect a full night of new music, special guests and the kind of dance floor energy that, by his own words, involves loud engines, big elevators and extra lemon on your tabbouleh. Not exactly sure what that means but consider us interested.

• WHEN: Saturday 6 June, from 10pm
• WHERE: Carousel Bar & Ballroom
• HOW MUCH: $38 tickets
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

FASHION & CULTURE

White Story Archive Sale

Retail therapy is sorted this weekend thanks to White Story, who’s bringing their archive sale to Sydney for three days only. Known for minimalist silhouettes and local craftsmanship, the Melbourne label will be offering up past-season pieces, samples, outerwear, knitwear and anything else that might be considered a wardrobe staple. Perfect for those wanted to curate a capsule wardrobe (or just want to shop).

• WHEN: Thursday 4 to Saturday 6 June
• WHERE: 300 Oxford Street, Paddington
• HOW MUCH: Varies
• 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.

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.

Vivid Sydney

If hating Vivid was a full time sport, we’d probably be the reigning champions. And while it’s historically be known to be just a little bit, well…lame, this year’s program is shaping up to hopefully prove us wrong. Ironically, Vivid’s increasingly becoming known for its music events rather than the OG favourite light and drone shows (lol). It’s as if the town has collectively realised that nightlife does get better when you add live gigs, free activities, and events that run past 9pm.

• WHEN: Friday 22 May to Saturday 13 June
• WHERE: Across Sydney
• HOW MUCH: Free entry
• 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

Teletech ft. 999999999

Teletech is officially returning to Sydney this Sunday so you can once again attempt to hack the long weekend. The Manchester-born party will be bringing back its ninth edition with 999999999, Cara Elizabeth, DJ Cringey, Natte Visstick and Onlynumbers. Expect hard techno and shirtless, sweaty men (if that’s your vibe).

• WHEN: Sunday 7 June, from 5pm
• WHERE: Carriageworks
• HOW MUCH: Tickets from $123
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Saint Levant at City Recital Hall

Saint Levant is bringing his trilingual contemporary pop to the City Recital Hall this weekend. The Jerusalem-born artist moves between Arabic, French and English in music that grapples with identity, memory and belonging. Expect an intimate show with a crowd that probably knows every word.

• WHEN: Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June
• WHERE: City Recital Hall, CBD
• HOW MUCH: Resale only
• 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 & DRINKS

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.