Sydney has a lot on offer this weekend, so we wouldn’t be surprised, or judgemental, if you’ve already started mentally preparing for it. From dumpling discos (yes, you’ve read correctly) to glow-in-the-dark cocktail—we’ve got you well and truly covered.
Let the weekend commence!
All Weekend
Dr Denim And Royal Republiq Warehouse Sale
It seems like the Scandinavians are pretty much great at everything. Especially when it comes to fashion labels like Dr. Denim and Royal Republiq. Whether you’re staying in Sydney for the winter months or heading over to the European summer (we’re not jealous at all, really) this sale has got you covered. Dr. Denim jeans will be starting from $20 and Royal Republiq’s beautiful handcrafted leather shoes just $100—those are both HUGE discounts, FYI. Get in quick guys, you don’t want to miss this!
When: Wednesday 31 May- Sunday June (varying times)
Where: 120 Pitt Street, Sydney
Japanese Bites & Beers
Japanese food will never let you down—fact. Especially when it comes to our pals at Sake Jr, who’ll be open late for dinner all throughout the Vivid festivities. Tokyo-inspired street food is up for grabs here, with dishes like Japanese fried chicken (obvs) and warm ramen for those extra cold nights. Accompany any meal with a refreshing Sapporo craft beer, or for bonus points, hit up the happy hour (5pm – 7pm) for $5 dranks. FYI Ramen is just $10 every Tuesday. Winner, winner, chicken dinner.
When: Open every day during VIVID (excluding The Rocks markets, which will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday)
Where: Westfield Sydney, Grosvenor Place and The Rocks Markets
The Tilbury Hotel's Vivid Early Bird Dinner
We’ve never really understood people who eat dinner at 9pm, because we would be far too hangry by then to function. Thankfully for us early bird eaters, The Tilbury is serving up dinner from 5pm - 6pm and we couldn’t be happier about it. Dishes include chestnut pappardelle with portabella mushroom ragu, chestnuts and 24-month aged grana podana, or 200g rangers valley hanger steak served with watercress and black garlic aioli. Plus, all meals come with a glass of wine—need we say more?
Where: The Tilsbury, Woolloomooloo
When: 26 May - 17 June, 5pm - 6pm, Tuesday - Saturday
Price: $40
Belvedere Bar at BANKSII for Vivid
You know what’s lit? cocktails with glow in the dark swizzle sticks and house-made light up cotton candy. Thanks to the Belvedere Bar at BANKSII, this is what they’ll have on offer throughout the Vivid festival. An early dinner is also an option during the evenings from 5pm-6:30pm. Imagine the next level your Insta photo’s will go to with these light-up props (that means double digit likes peeps).
Where: BANKSII at Baranagaroo
When: Throughout Vivid
Price: $50
Thursday 1 June
Dumpling Disco
Dumplings, Disco and Dance. Probs our ultimate idea of a great night out. Cha Li Boi in Bondi are making our wildest dreams a reality, with a bonus of free dumplings. Yes, calling all you broke-a$$ uni students, travel savers or the people who are after a good freebie. The yum-cha hall will serve up free dumplings from 10pm, with DJ Boogie Monster (aka Alex Dimitriades) on the decks, playing some bangin’ tunes to get us in the mood. Yeeeeaaaahhhhhh boooiiiii
Where: Cha Li Boi
When: Thursday 1 June, from 7pm
Cult Sinema Australiana
Cult Sinema is so hot right now. Jay Katz & Miss Death, icons of Sydney’s cultural underground, are leading the way by presenting some of Australia’s most beloved cult classics. With special guests and insights after every film, you’ll feel more alternative than ever and brag about your new outlook on life #cultured.
Where: Kings Cross Hotel
When: June 1st to June 17th
Price: $15
Friday 2 June
New Beginnings Fair Sydney
No, this event is not held by your friends on Facebook who tell you their life story and end with #newbeginnings. This fair is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and small businesses by hearing from inspiring speakers, connecting with like-minded individuals and undertaking practical workshops to learn the tricks of the trade. Let’s get down to business!
Where: Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks
When: Friday 2 June
Price: $98.60 - $148.60
I Love Free Souvla at Zeus Surry Hills
The name essentially speaks for itself. I Love Free Souvla is a community lunch that will be hosted by Zeus in Surry Hills, who’ll be serving up free pitas for anyone in need of some pocket-filled glory from 12-3pm. A chance to meet & greet with the local community but also for Zeus Street Greek to “give back”- with $2 donations going to a local charity, Weave Community & Youth Services. You’ll be supporting young people and their families who are dealing with tough situations, by providing access and opportunities to break the disadvantage cycle. A pita help never goes astray!
Where: Zeus Street Greek, Surry Hills
When: Friday 2 June
Saturday 3 June
Saturday Sessions (Jamaican Style) At The Dock
If you’re heading south (we mean Canberra) this weekend you’ll want to head straight for The Dock—come Saturday, the Jamaican cocktails and entertainment will be in full swing. Order the Appleton Estate dark and stormy, then settle in for the entertainment, which will keep you relaxing with your mates (cocktail in hand, obvs) all afternoon.
When: Saturday 17 June 8pm - 10pm & Saturday 24 June 7pm - 9pm
Where: The Dock, Canberra
Burning Of The Barrel
If there’s something us Aussies understand, it’s fire, and we sure know how to make a damn good one. The Burning of the Barrel will highlight this talent, with one of (if not) the best events of the Hunter Valley Food & Wine Festival. Enjoy locally made chesses and drink some of the tastiest wines the Hunter has to offer in front of a massive fire. Andy, from the Cellar Restaurant will also be serving up some up some classic dishes from the fireside menu. P.s there’s a marshmallow fire for the kids. We’re still researching what age bracket ‘kids’ falls under. As soon as we know we’ll get back to you.
Where: The Hunter Valley
When: Saturday 3 June
Price: $32.50 - $ 98.50
Sugarcane Restaurant’s South East Asian Brekkie With A Twist
Need to change up your breakfast game? Sugarcane Restaurant is helping us do just that. Putting a spin on classics like bacon and egg rolls and avo toast, their new breakfast menu is inspired by south east Asian flavours – think 64-degree eggs, sautéed mushrooms and their infamous roti bread. Healthy ops are also featured like the egg white omelette with prawns, snow pea and corn and fresh green cold-pressed juices. Brunch=sorted.
Where: Sugarcane Restaurant, Coogee
When: Saturdays and Sundays, 8am
The Blue Picnic
Sydney’s beaches won’t be the only thing blue this weekend. The Blue Picnic is dedicated to all things blue to initiate the start of Winter. Guests are required to wear blue attire *pulls out 80’s prom dress*, and bring additional blue-ish coloured food and drinks. A complimentary blue drink will be provided on arrival and a percentage of all ticket sales will be donated to beyond blue. We promise you won’t be feeling blue at this picnic!
Where: CBD
When: Saturday 3 June
Price: $39.70
Sunday 4 June
The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes
If anyone judges you for going to this event, erase these people from your life, you don’t need that kind of negativity. The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes is coming to Sydney and fans are rejoicing! Be transported back to Victorian London, and crack cases (just like old mate holmesy does) in an interactive exhibition full of historical and pop-culture items surrounding the hit T.V and movie franchise. Whether you’re a sleuth or a Benedict Cumberbatch admirer, this one’s for you!
Where: The Powerhouse Museum
When: June 2 to October 8
Price: $16 - $27
Editor's Note: Appleton Estate's event is proudly sponsored by Campari and endorsed by The Urban List. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make The Urban List possible. Click here for more information on our editorial policy.
Image credit: Zeus Street Greek
