ICYMI, summer is here to stay (wellll, at least for a few more months anyway). This weekend is jam packed with all of Sydney’s summer feels. Think rooftop terraces (with all the drinks), pop-ups (with all the food), live music, and exhibitions to boot. Yep, there really is something for everyone. You can dance till the sun goes down, get cultured, and eat your weight in food in the meantime.
Fit as much in as you physically can team—you don’t want to miss anything. Here are the best things to do in Sydney this weekend.
All Weekend
Rembrandt Live
This weekend, you can travel back in time to the ‘Dutch Golden Age’ because it’s all about 17th Century Dutch masterpieces at the Art Gallery NSW, aka Rembrandt Live. There are still life works, impressive landscapes, and portraits galore on display and it’s all to the soothing sound of the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra. Directed by John Bell and with music curated by Paul Dyer, this theatrical pairing has come straight from Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum and FYI, you’re going to love it.
When: Throughout the month of January Where: Art Gallery of NSW Cost: $59 - $66
Sydney Hills Outdoor Cinema
Calling all film buffs! It’s time to ditch the tired old movie night and head to The Hills Outdoor Cinema instead. Grab your crew and settle in for a night of feasting on pizza (FYI, they're giant pizzas from Epic Pizza) with a glass of Pimm’s in each hand. Bean bags are bringing the comfort but you can also upgrade to Cabana Class or a Bell Tent for VIP treatment. Returning for its 4th year with a killer line-up (helllooo Daddy’s Home 2) you’d better snag a ticket ASAP.
When: 11 January – 18 February, on Thursday through Sunday Where: Castle Hill Showgrounds Cost: Various Prices, GA $21.70
Frosé Rosé Happy Hour @ Sky Terrace
ICYMI one of our absolute fave rooftop bars has reopened with giant Jenga and frosé just in time for summer. We’re talking about Sky Terrace at The Star, of course. Every Friday from 5pm to 7pm, you can wrap your lips around Frosé Rose cocktails while overlooking the oh-so-famous Sydney skyline, for only $10 a pop. There’ll be Jenga, croquet, dominoes and Connect Four so you don’t get bored, and plenty of foodie options downstairs when you’re ready for a feed.
When: Every Friday, 5pm – 7pm Where: The Star Sydney Cost: Get all the deets here
Louis Vuitton Kombi Van Pop-Up
Listen up men, Louis Vuitton is releasing their new sporty spring-summer collection at a pop-up shop in Bondi Junction and it’s cute AF. This tropical-themed space will have exclusive (to Australia) leather goods along with ready-to-wear, accessories, watches and even surfboards. Because ‘Straya. Oh, and it’s all happening in a freaking Kombi van.
When: 17 January – 4 February Where: Westfield Bondi Junction Cost: Free entry
Thursday 18 January
TWILIGHT THURSDAYS
Warm summer evenings call for seafood and chilled wine—you know we’re right. Hit up the MCA café for just that this season because their menu has things like bouillabaisse made from white fish, crab, mussels, clams and prawns, served with a roasted chilli aioli and crisp sourdough. We know, we want it in our bellies riiiiiight now. It’s handy the MCA galleries, café, store and Colour Fields pop-up bar are all keeping their doors open every Wednesday and Thursday evenings until 9pm. More time to eat.
When: 18 January to 18 February Where: MCA cafe Cost: varies
Friday 19 January
ARTBAR At The MCA
And because the MCA is the gift that keeps on giving this week, it’s stepped it up a notch with ARTBAR and we’re here for it. Activities include exploring the galleries after dark, discussing cultural identity, educating yourself about ethical fashion with The Social Outfit, and learning how to dancehall. Yes. Now take those new moves up to the rooftop and get lost in the rhythm. This event will also score you free access to the Pipilotti Rist: Sip My Ocean exhibition which is open until 9.30pm.
When: Friday 19 January Where: MCA Cost: $24
Courtyard Sessions @ The Seymour Centre
Courtyard Sessions is kicking off the epic line up this weekend with electronic dream pop, folk, and soulful sounds along with LGBTQ artists. Because the Mardis Gras 40th Anniversary Festival is coming, people, and this is your first chance to get amongst it. As the sun sets over the Seymour Centre make the most of the bar, BBQ and vintage games whilst looking out for your new favourite band. Bring friends, family or your dog and support these up and coming artists, why don’t ya.
When: 19 January - 13 March Where: Seymour Centre Cost: Free entry
Saturday 20 January
So Frenchy, So Chic
One of our favourite summer festivals is bringing the south of France to Sydney's Bicentennial Park in Glebe this weekend and we can smell the baguettes, and more importantly taste the champagne, from here. Otherwise known as the fairy-tale estate in Provence your instafeed needs, with wine barrels, hay bales and of course, you and your mates looking fab as you throw back a glass or two of French rosé. There will also be some seriously great beauty stalls happening too—think a Kérastase Braid Bar, Lancôme Parisienne Lip Suite and La Roche-Posay Croquet Club. So Frenchy, So Chic, why aren’t we as cool as you? For more details, head here.
When: Saturday 20 January, from 12pm Where: Bicentennial Park, Glebe Cost: $45 - $89
Free Live Entertainment Hub at Gateway’s Summer Sessions
Each weekend in January you can be dazzled by musicians, acrobats, performers and jumbo games at Gateway’s Summer Sessions. Gateway has locked down talent like the professional street artist, Hendrick, and ‘Kids of Leo’, aka the World’s youngest sibling pop group from Australia’s Got Talent. Bring the kids, bring the adults, and most importantly, head here for more details.
When: Every weekend in January 11am - 4pm Where: Jessie Street Gardens (next to Gateway) Cost: Free
The Love Brunch at Pelicano
The team from London’s Love Brunch are teaming up with Pelicano this weekend to bring their delish event to Sydney. After hitting London, Ibiza, Verbier, LA and New York (no biggie) in 2017, Sydney is the first cab off the rank for 2018. Expect loads of entertainment throughout the day, with a stellar brunch, cocktails, bubbles, music and even more. Grab your ticket here.
When: Saturday 20 January, 12pm – 6pm Where: Pelicano, Double Bay Cost: $53.80 per person
Social Serve Australian Open Party
Calling all tennis players (beginners and pros), Social Serve is serving up (see what we did there?) gourmet eats, beats, and a free drink upon your arrival this weekend. Toss back some cocktails and bask in the sunlight on the sidelines or channel your competitive side and get yo’ game on. There’ll also be a raffle on the day and all profits will be donated to The Primary Club, just make sure you dress the part because the best dressed guy or gal will score a prize (or just bragging rights, either way). Head here for more info.
When: Saturday 20 January Where: Lyne Park Tennis Centre Cost: Varies
Sunday 21 January
Sunday Sundown At Coogee Pavilion
Sunday sessions are our favourite way to forget all about Monday and this weekend, you’ll be distracting yourself with great drinks and even better music on the Coogee Rooftop. This weekend, SWICK and Linda Marigliano will be bringing the tunes so you can say goodbye to your freedom in style. We know, we’re dramatic. Deets over here.
Where: Coogee Rooftop When: Sunday Cost: Free entry
Explore North Head at the Inaugural Discovery Day
This Sunday, there’ll be free talks, tours and workshops happening at the first every Discovery Day at North Head. This is one big collab between Manly Art Gallery and Museum, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Q-station, AND the Harbour Trust so you know it’ll have a little bit of everything. Be honest, when was the last time you set out to learn about your backyard. That’s what we thought—head here for more info.
When: Sunday 21 January, 10am – 4pm Where: North Head Cost: Free
Don't Miss...
Australia Day @ The Star
Your fave long weekend of the year is already here and The Star Sydney wants to make sure you’re doing it right, by bringing Chingy (yes, really) to Rock Lily to celebrate. With free entry for everyone, you’re guaranteed good times–but if you’re not a fan of the hip-hop legend, stuff yourself silly with vegemite chicken wings at 24/7 Sports Bar, or take down the all-Australia-everything buffet at Harvest Buffet (we’re talking pies, barramundi and lamingtons, people!). Get all the deets here.
When: Friday 26 January – Sunday 28 January Where: The Star Sydney Cost: Get all the deets here
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Image credit: So Frenchy, So Chic