Whether you’re still recovering from last weekend’s Mardi Gras (guilty as charged) and keen for round two, or in need of some serious R&R and feelin’ more low key, we’ve got your back. This weekend is all about YOU.
Think retail therapy, workshops, and wine—here are eight awesome things to do this weekend in Sydney.
Thursday 8 March
The Urban List’s Love.Food For International Women’s Day
We’re beyond excited to share some—if we do say so ourselves—epic news: we’re launching our new Love.Food event this International Women’s Day (ahem, that's today) and taking over the Sydney Opera House to do it! We’ll be lunching to support the legends from Dress For Success and their (nothing short of epic) Empower Hour, working to empower women at every stage of their life and career.
We’ve joined forces with the best in the biz, Solotel Hospitality Group to bring this event to life. Boss chef Laura Baratto (of Aria and Paddo Inn notoriety), will be dishing up a bespoke menu especially, and we'll be 'gramming throughout. If you want to see our panel of seriously impressive ladies on deck to help spread those IWD vibes, then you'll want to keep an eye out for our Instagram Live at lunch time. We’ve teamed up with some of the fashion industry's biggest hitters, namely: the designers behind Bec & Bridge, Tanja Gagic the model-mindfulness-extraordinaire and Pip Edwards.
Frenchies Feast
The team at Frenchies Bistro & Brewery has introduced a weekly feast for all beer-loving and food-loving people (does that really exclude anyone though?). Imagine yourself around a big French oak table eating the best produce paired with the perfect bevvy...could life get any better (no, the answer is no)? And the best part, it's bottomless beer, so you might want to call in late to work Friday morning...find out more here.
When: Thursday 8 March, 6:30pm Where: 6-7/61-71 Mentmore Ave, Rosebery Cost: $95pp
KITX Sydney Sale
If you’re anything like us, this will sound more than a little bit familiar to you. Oh yeah, when your heart says designer and, well, your wallet says otherwise. But that all changes when we hear the magic word…SALE. Ticking off Melbourne last weekend, the KITX warehouse sale is coming to Syd and we are so ready. All KITX pieces are completely sustainable, using ethical material sourcing, not to mention bloody gorgeous. So you can save the environment, your money and look fab at the same time.
When: Thursday 8 March – Saturday 10 March (time depends on day) Where: 17 Oxford St, Paddington Cost: FREE
Vineyard to the Sea: Tyrrell’s Wine Dinner
Five-course degustation with paired wines… we’ve got your attention now, don’t we? Aussie wine legend, Bruce Tyrrell of Tyrell’s Wines is pairing up with award-winning Chef Nick Whitehouse to create the ultimate foodie experience this Thursday. Aged cheddar twice baked soufflé with honey caramel? Yep. We’ll just leave you with that. Check out the full menu and reserve a table here.
When: Thursday 8 March, 7pm Where: The Epping Club, 45 Rawson St, Epping. Cost: $84 members, $89 non-members
International Women’s Day at the Bucket List
Women are pretty freakin’ excellent, so what better way to celebrate International Women’s Day than by acknowledging those gals who have made an impact on the Bondi community? You’re right, there is nothing better. The Bucket List is hosting their own people’s choice awards for women with cultural and social achievements over champagne and nibbles. While nominations are closed, voting and registration are still open! More info here.
When: Thursday 8 March, 6:30pm Where: The Bondi Pavilion, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach Cost: FREE
Free Haircuts For International Women’s Day
We’ll forgive you for thinking the barber shop is only for the men, but ladies, it’s time we put that notion to bed. This International Women’s Day, Stanley & Co is welcoming every woman down for a cheeky (and free) haircut because girl, you’re damn worth it. FYI, they welcome ladies every single day, but this Thursday it’s free.
When: Thursday 8 March Where: Stanley & Co, Chippendale Cost: FREE
Friday 9 March
The Comedy Store Showcase
Tough week? Forget the wine, the best way to take the edge off is with a good ol’ laugh. Offering up a smorgasbord of comedians (think Tom Ballard and Amelia Jane Hunter) you’ll be guaranteed 90 minutes of LOLs. Not that you need anything else to convince you, but they’ll be serving bevvies and eats straight to your table. Ticket on sale here.
When: Friday 9 March, 8:30pm – 10pm Where: The Comedy Store, 122 Land Rd, Moore Park Cost: $27
Saturday 10 March
Westfield’s Fashion Weekend
It’s that time of year again, and we are so ready. Westfield’s Fashion Weekend is any shopping lover’s dream, with special two-day offers on new season trends, complimentary styling and free samples (our fave bit). Buzzing with all things fashion and beauty, a full weekend of shopping is a weekend well spent. More details here.
When: Saturday 10 March – Sunday 11 March Where: Participating Westfield Centres Cost: FREE
Sunday 11 March
Puppy Love Gay & Lesbian Speed Dating
Grindr grinding your gears? Put your phone down and pick up your pooch, because Newtown Hotel is hosting an afternoon of gay and lesbian dating this Sunday. Expect to break up your 15+ mini dates with beer and burgers because hell yeah that’s the dream. All doggos are welcome, plus Rocky's K9 Rescue will be bringing over some freakin’ adorable puppies to steal your heart (should your date fail). Grab your tickets here.
When: Sunday 11 March, 4pm – 7pm Where: The Newtown Hotel, 174 King Street, Newtown Cost: $20
Back Yourself Workshop
We’re all for a lil’ self-love, and you should be too! Presented by Vashti Harpe, this workshop will teach you how to be your own support system by creating positive self-talk, setting clear goals and gettin’ back on the horse after a couple of setbacks.
When: Sunday 11 March, 3pm – 5pm Where: Yogala, 1/142 Maroubra Rd, Maroubra Cost: $55
Art Gallery NSW Film Series: The Swimmer
Escape the 21st century for the 60s with the Art Gallery’s ‘Cinema ’68’ Film Series. The series gives a snapshot of the radical changes society faced during this time, through the lens of cinema. Sunday’s showing is Frank Perry’s The Swimmer, based on a bizarre decision a well-off New York advertising man makes at a friend’s house. Cryptic, we know, but you’ll have to head down to figure out the rest. Tickets are issued at the Domain Theatre one hour before the screening.
When: Sunday 11 March, 2pm – 3:35pm Where: Yogala, 1/142 Maroubra Rd, Maroubra Cost: FREE
Another cheese festival is headed to Sydney.
Frenchie's Bistro & Brewery | Image credit: Caitlin Hicks