ISSUE 21. What’s on in Sydney this week: Vivid is back and so is your winter social calendar
BY: Kartya Vucetic
As the temperature continues its rude little descent, Sydney has decided to compensate by throwing approximately 400 things at us at once.
This week, Vivid Sydney is officially back to turn the city into one big glowing group assignment. More importantly, Vivid LIVE is taking over the Opera House. Other highlights include the Sydney Symphony Orchestra quite literally setting sail aboard The Jackson, the return of the Sydney Writers’ Festival, and the first birthday party of Paddington local staple, Caness.
If that’s not enough to drag you out of the house, Pyrmont Festival is also bringing wine, food and live music back to Pirrama Park. So yes, despite the cold, there is once again plenty to do. Put on a jacket and act accordingly.
WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
King Stingray at Vivid Live
Image: Art Gallery of NSW
Vivid LIVE is upping the ante this year, delivering a music and film program that’ll almost have you forgetting the whole thing is technically still supposed to be a light show. This weekend’s highlight has to be King Stingray playing at the Concert Hall on Friday night. The Yolŋu surf rock band straight from Arnhem Land have risen to ARIA-Award winning success for good reason. Of course, there’s still plenty to choose from, so it’s really dealers choice.
- WHEN: Friday 22 May to Saturday 13 June
- WHERE: Sydney Opera House
- HOW MUCH: Varies
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
Sydney Writers’ Festival
Image: Carriageworks
Returning to Carriageworks from tomorrow, Sydney Writers’ Festival is back and bringing with it a civilised week of big books and bigger ideas. Running until Sunday, there are over 140 events in the packed program. Our pick? Brave Conversations: When Words Offend on Thursday, which sees Waleed Aly, Cordelia Fine, Antoinette Lattouf, Greg Sheridan and Amy Thunig-McGregor unpack offence, free speech, hate speech and who gets to decide where the line sits.
- WHEN: Tuesday 19 to Sunday 24 May
- WHERE: Carriageworks
- HOW MUCH: Varies
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
Caness’ First Birthday Party
Image: Supplied
Caness is turning one on Sunday and naturally, they’re celebrating with bocadillos, cellared wine and a touch of civic responsibility. Four Sydney chefs will take over the kitchen with their own $15 loaded Spanish sandwiches, alongside halva Basque cheesecake, G&Ts, $12 Spanish beers and live jazz. Some proceeds from the day will also go to OzHarvest, meaning you can eat a very serious sandwich and still call it charity.
- WHEN: Sunday 24 May
- WHERE: Caness, Paddington
- HOW MUCH: Varies
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
Ned Bennett at Liberty Hall
Pictured: Ned Bennett | Image: Liberty Hall
Yes, Ned Bennett is in Sydney playing Liberty Hall this weekend. And yes, surprise, surprise, the show is already sold out. The Naarm/Melbourne producer is once again bringing his fast-rising blend of 90s groove techno, garage and bouncy house to town on Saturday. He’s backed by names liked Kettama and Tommy Holohan, so you can be guaranteed it’ll be a cracker set. Perhaps consider this your sign to try your luck with the resale gods.
- WHEN: Saturday 23 May, from 9pm
- WHERE: Liberty Hall
- HOW MUCH: Sold out, resale only
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
Archibald, Wynne & Sulman Prizes
Image: Richard Lewer’s portrait of Iluwanti Ken
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.
FASHION & CULTURE
Vivid Sydney
Image: Sydney, Australia
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. We’ll be covering in more depth later this week, but ironically, Vivid’s increasingly becoming known for its music events rather than the actual show itself. 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.
Paddington Ceramics Pop-Up
Paddington Markets is getting a little more clay-core this Saturday, launching its new Ceramics Pop-Up Market. Kicking off from 10am, the curated one-day activation will showcase handmade local ceramics, from functional homewares to one-of-a-kind art pieces. Basically, it’s the perfect excuse to buy another slightly wonky mug and call it supporting the arts.
- WHEN: Saturday 23 May, 10am to 4pm
- WHERE: Paddington Markets, 395 Oxford Street
- HOW MUCH: Free entry
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
Biennale of Sydney
Image: 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
Image: Art Gallery of NSW
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
Art After Dark: Africa Day Showcase presented by BEKADE Entertainment
Image: Biennale of Sydney
Art After Dark is continuing its takeover of White Bay Power Station all thanks to the continuing Biennale of Sydney. This Friday, BEKADE Entertainment is curating a showcase of Afro and Afro-Caribbean artists including BLISSMAN, Timomatic, Jayson Lewis, Mike Champion and Lihini Rose, just to name a few. There’ll also be Afro-inspired eats from Africa Fusion and Cafe Tanja,
- WHEN: Friday 22 May, from 6pm
- WHERE: White Bay Power Station, Rozelle
- HOW MUCH: $35 tickets
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
Off The Decks at The Gladdy
Image: Resident Advisor
Off The Decks is landing at Lord Gladstone this Sunday, and bringing with it 14 of the town’s most exciting emerging DJs. It’s essentially a rapid fire round of talent, with each artist getting only 20 minutes to show off what they’ve got. Doors open at 4pm and the music shuts off at 9pm, so you can still expect to rock up to work half-decent the next morning.
- WHEN: Sunday 24 May, from 4pm
- WHERE: The Lord Gladstone, Chippendale
- HOW MUCH: Free entry
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
Sydney Symphony Orchestra on The Jackson
Image: Supplied
The Sydney Symphony Orchestra is taking to the harbour for the first time this Vivid season, performing live aboard The Jackson across two nights only. Guests will cruise past the full Vivid skyline while enjoying a five-course dinner paired with Penfolds wines (because apparently simply looking at pretty lights with a chip-on-a-stick is no longer enough). If you’re like us and loathe the Vivid crowds, this might just be the solution.
- WHEN: Saturday 23 and Saturday 30 May
- WHERE: King St Wharf, Barangaroo
- HOW MUCH: $350 per person
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
FOOD & DRINK
Pyrmont Food & Wine Festival
Image: Pyrmont Festival
When the Berry Donut Van comes to town you know it’s about to get good. Pyrmont Festival returns to Pirrama Park this weekend, and it’s bringing NSW wine, craft beer, gin, cocktails, food trucks, produce stalls, art, live music (you get it). Across the two days, over 25 wineries, breweries and distilleries will be pouring glasses, and you’ll be able to chow down on everything from paella and gnocchi to dumplings and wagyu. It’s free entry and also dog-friendly.
- WHEN: Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May
- WHERE: Pirrama Park, Pyrmont
- HOW MUCH: Free entry
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
Parra Leagues Food Fest
Parra Leagues Food Fest is taking over the club’s outdoor carpark this weekend, bringing over 25 food vendors together for a very serious weekend of eating. Expect everything from Sydney’s best banoffee and tiramisu to chicken sandwiches and loaded fries. Honestly, the impression we’re getting from this event is that restraint is non-existent (in the best way possible). There’ll also be live DJs and acoustic performers if you’re not already preoccupied with stuffing your face.
- WHEN: Friday 22 to Sunday 24 May
- WHERE: Parra Leagues Club, Parramatta
- HOW MUCH: Free entry
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
Roll 8 and Eat for Free at Taphouse
Image: Supplied
Taphouse Darlinghurst is letting fate pick up the bill with Lucky 8, a daily dining deal where you could score your entire meal for free (yes, you heard us correctly). Order from the menu before 6pm, head to the bar and roll the die and if you land on 8, the whole order is on the house. Think wok-fried lobster, noodles, dumplings and ice-cold taps, with a one-in-eight chance of walking out smug and suspiciously well-fed.
- WHEN: Every day before 6pm
- WHERE: Taphouse, Darlinghurst
- HOW MUCH: Varies
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
Burwood Chinatown Night Markets
Image: Burwood Chinatown
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
Image: Supplied
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
Image: Sydney, Australia
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
Image: Instagram @thewaratah
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.
