It’s heating up in Sydney this weekend, with South Carolina’s pitmaster Rodney Scott bringing the low and slow to Surry Hills while a ramen war takes place down the road. You will have a hard time deciding where to spend the afternoon, so we recommend you get planning now—we wouldn’t want to see you go hungry, after all.
To cool things down, there are ice cream and cocktail events happening around Sydney and pop-up sales for the in between I’m-almost-too-full-to-move moments.
If you’re looking for what’s on in Sydney this weekend, you’ve come to the right place.
Thursday 12th May
Häagen-Dazs™ House At The Rocks
Calling all ice-cream lovers... That's everyone, right?! Grab a spoon and get yourselves down to Häagen-Dazs™ House, the fantastic pop-up featuring the world’s tastiest ice-cream, which is at the Overseas Passenger Terminal at The Rocks all weekend. Fresh from its sell-out stint in Melbourne, the venue is home to a host of flavours to try, as well as unique ice-cream experience, The. Ultimäte. Tasting, which you will need to book in advance.
The team will also be on hand to serve you scoops from $6 a pop and take-home tubs for $15 but you'd better be quick—there are limited numbers. Weekend dessert plans = Sorted.
What: Häagen-Dazs™ House At The Rocks
Where: Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks
When: Saturday 7th—Saturday 21st May
Cost: From $6
‘Culture Collective’ Charity Event
If you like it fast and loud, then the ‘Culture Collective’ Charity Event will deliver in spades. Young Henrys, Sailor Jerry and Gasoline Motor Co. are joining forces with the Kings Cross Hotel to raise money for non-profit organisation, Sea Shepherd. Working to put a stop to the destruction of habitats and slaughter of sea wildlife, Sea Shepherd is a cause worth supporting. Complete with barbershop, raffles and Rockabilly group the Cruisin’ Deuces, the event spans across multiple levels to ensure an epic night out. Get your ticket here.
What: ‘Culture Collective’ Charity Event
Where: Kings Cross Hotel, 244-248 William Street, Potts Point
When: Thursday 12th May
Cost: $30 + bf
Maker’s Mark Old Fashioned Week
Fans of the classic Old Fashioned cocktail will be spoilt for choice this week. Maker’s Mark are hijacking Sydney Fashion Week and offering an alternative to the influx of sartorial eye candy with their Old Fashioned Week (get it?). The week kicked off at Earl’s Juke Joint in Newtown on the 11th and a workshop will round out the week at The Wild Rover in Surry Hills on the 18th. Bars all over Sydney are getting in on the bourbon action, specifically The Commons, Riley St Garage, The Roosevelt, The Clock Hotel and more.
What: Maker's Mark Old Fashioned Week
Where: Various locations
When: Thursday 12th May - 18th May
Cost: Varies
Friday 13th May
Sample The Fog Horn Leg Horn At Ramblin’ Rascal
Get your weekend off to a cracking start with a big ol’ drink of whisky. Head to Ramblin’ Rascal and sip on a Fog Horn Leg Horn. This drink isn’t just your average cocktail though, it’s made with Lot 40 – a Canadian whisky hand-crafted through a traditional small-batch copper pot still, to meticulously follow a 7th generation family recipe. That means it’s damn delicious FYI. Named Canadian whisky of the year twice over the past 3 years, it has a big, bold punch in the face of rye flavour with hints of vanilla and toffee behind it, so you know it’s gonna be damn tasty. It’s also go fried chicken fat washed infused cognac, peppercorn syrup and pimento bitters. Plans = sorted.
What: Fog Horn Leg Horn cocktail
Where: Ramblin' Rascal Tavern, CBD
When: Available now
Cost: $20
Utopia Goods Winter Store Sale
There is nothing quite like the feel of sliding between fresh bed sheets at the end of a long day, especially when transitioning into a new season. Hey, any excuse will do right? Well, we are about to give you another reason to freshen up your sheets, with the Utopia Goods Winter Store Sale launching this Friday. Hand-finished and organic, each piece is designed by Bruce Slorach and Sophie Tatlow, celebrating Australian flora and fauna. There will be up to 50% off all luxury items—quilts that were once $335 are now going for $175. Cushions for $25 and table linens are now $95. All of the bargains are also available through their online shop.
What: Utopia Goods Winter Store Sale
Where: 70 Oxford Street Paddington and online
When: Friday 13th May – Wednesday 8th June
Cost: Free Entry
Photo Walk: Sydney Street Style with Men In This Town
Walk and talk with Guiseppe Santamaria (creator of style blogs Men In This Town and Women In This Town) this Friday to learn the tricks of the trade of shooting street style. There’s definitely an art to capturing the sartorial highlights of inner city thoroughfares, but after this free event, you should be well on your way. They will provide the lenses, tripods and other necessary accessories so as long as you bring along your fully charged iPhone, you will be ready to shoot.
What: Photo Walk: Sydney Street Style with Men In This Town
When: Friday 13th May at 3:30 pm
Where: Apple Store Sydney - 367 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
Cost: Free, however you will need to RSVP beforehand here
Saturday 14th May
Making as Meditation Workshop at Koskela
If you have tried and failed to sit still for long enough to meditate, then perhaps Making as Meditation is your gateway to zen. As part of the Fix and Make workshop series by Hotel Hotel in Canberra, Australian designer Tom Skeehan will teach you how to whittle your own chopsticks from salvaged wood with a philosophical, experimental and practical approach. The idea is that making objects is a form of meditation. Sencha green tea and small plates of Japanese pickles will accompany the workshop, so you can take your chopsticks for a test drive.
What: Making as Meditation Workshop at Koskela
Where: Koskela – 1/85 Dunning Avenue, Rosebery
When: Saturday 14th May, 9.30am – 1pm
Cost: $130
Herb Armstrong at The Swinging Cat
For one night only, Herb Armstrong, grandson of late jazz musician Louis Armstrong, will be paying homage to classic New Orleans jazz at The Swinging Cat this Saturday. Along with his band, The Royal Street Krewe, he will take you through memories of his grandfather, bringing you along for the emotional journey through his childhood. Having performed at the infamous Bourbon St and French Quarter clubs, Herb is a class act and is ready and raring to go. He has been excitedly posting to The Swinging Cat Facebook page for weeks.
What: The Legacy of Armstrong
Where: The Swinging Cat – 44 King Street Sydney
When: Saturday 14th May from 5pm
Cost: $64.40
Dear Pluto Vintage Pop Up Shop
Showcasing their latest collection of 1950-1990 finds; Dear Pluto is hosting a vintage pop-up to help fling you into the winter spirit. Each and every pattern, polka dot and colourful jumper has been handpicked and the best part is that nothing will be priced over $100. If you aren’t sure how to style your new vintage threads, don’t stress because Dear Pluto’s Emma Daniels will be there to lend a hand, offering tips and styling advice over both days. There will also be artworks from local artists Hooray Hayley and Akisiew available to purchase.
What: Dear Pluto Vintage Pop Up Shop
Where: 50 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills
When: Saturday 14th – Sunday 15th May, 10am – 6pm
Cost: Entry is free and clothing ranges from $5 - $99
Sunday 15th May
Harpoon Harry Presents Barbeque Pitmaster Rodney Scott
We are REALLY excited for this one. Rodney Scott, aka the legendary BBQ pitmaster is joining Morgan McGlone to take over Harpoon Harry’s for two gloriously meat filled days this weekend to bring you the low and slow, smoky pulled pork of your dreams. This is not a drill people. Hailing from South Carolina, Scott will be cooking up traditional whole hog barbeque, cooked over the coals for 24 hours, mopped with his legendary vinegar and pepper-based sauce and served on squishy white bread. I could go on, but the bottom line is that you will be to get in fast; because we have no doubt that it’ll sell out.
What: Harpoon Harry Presents Barbeque Pitmaster Rodney Scott
Where: Harpoon Harry’s Public Bar, 40-44 Wentworth Avenue, Surry Hills
When: Sunday 15th May (3pm until sold out) and Monday 16th May (6pm until sold out)
Cost: Free entry
Ramen Wars
This Sunday Salaryman will be transformed into a broth battleground for the Ramen Wars Volume One. Head Chef Stephen Seckold will be leaving his kitchen in the capable hands of Noma veterans; Silvereye’s Head Chef Sam Miller and Sous Chef Tom Halpin who will be facing off against Master’s Head Chef John Javier. From Miller and Halpin, you can expect a left of centre smoked eel and ox tongue ramen, while Javier will work with traditional Asian flavours. We recommend you book your seat so you don’t miss out.
What: Ramen Wars Volume One
Where: Salaryman, 52-54 Albion Street, Surry Hills
When: Sunday 15th May, 3pm – 8pm
Cost: $60 per person (includes ramen, dessert and a cocktail)
Need more things to do and places to go in Sydney? Check out our Directory!
Image credit: Federica Portentoso at Ramblin' Rascal Tavern