Oh Sydney. You glorious city with an eternal list of awesome things to do. And just when you’ve (kind of) settled into the working week, up pops another weekend full of epic adventures, crazy feasts, massive festivals and art fairs.
On the down low, except to everyone reading this article, this weekend calls for cocktail syringes (because Halloween, duh), lots of southern fried chicken wings (because balance) and your chance to experiences graffiti in virtual reality.
You’re only mission is to figure out how the hell you’re going to tick off all these activities before next week (hint: start now). Here are 23 things to do this weekend in Sydney!
All Weekend
JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Like we needed another excuse to binge on movies. The Jewish International Film Festival is back which means it’s your time to get super cultured. There’s 65 films from across the world that follow the Jewish culture and storytelling (you should be trying to watch as many as possible) and just a heads up—some sessions include drinks and canapes. You heard it here first.
Where: Event Cinemas, Bondi Junction and Hayden Orpheum, Cremorne
When: Thursday until November 22, various session times
Cost: Various pricing
HALLO SCREAM
Sydney, you’ve just scored yourself not one, not two, not even three but five nights of epic Halloween antics. And no, this isn’t for the faint-hearted. Not even slightly. It’s the handful of nights where Luna Park is completely abandoned and transforms into a freaky AF locale. Think freak shows, mutant beauty salons (so you’ll totally look the part), a putrid playhouse and a real-life ‘trapped’ game. Like we said, it’s not for the faint-hearted. For details head over here.
Where: Luna Park
When: October 27-31
Cost: $69.95 per person
THE OTHER ART FAIR 2017
It’s one of the biggest creative events of the year so you better get on it. The Other Art Fair is back for the third time (it’s obvs a hit) showcasing some of the best emerging talent from around Australia, which is hand-picked by a bunch of art industry experts. On top of this, The Guardian and The Australian Film Radio and Television School will be showcasing a number of different virtual reality experiences over the weekend so you can kidult like a champ.
Where: Australian Technology Park
When: October 26-29
Cost: $7.26-$30.25 per person
SEAFOOD THURSDAY SPECTACULAR @ HARVEST BUFFET
Your Thursday just got a whole lot better thanks to the crew at Harvest Buffet who are putting on a seafood buffet every week for only $55. You read that right. Every Thursday night from now until 9 November you can stuff yourself silly with oysters, prawns, crabs, mussels, fish dishes, sushi and more minus the judgey eyes. The best part? There’s an OTT dessert station with three chocolate fountains so you can end your night on a sugar high (just the way we like it). More info here.
Where: Harvest Buffet, The Star
When: Thursdays until 9 November, from 5pm to 9:30pm
Cost: $55 per person
‘Taste of Taiwan’ Food Festival Shangri-La
Treat yo’ self by heading to the Taste of Taiwan food festival. Eats include bua bao, spicy hotpots and oyster omelette, to name a few. And before you ask, yes there’s dessert. Expect a fruity bubble tea and and insane Taiwanese dessert station. The best part? These guys are open for lunch AND dinner (but we all know you’re going to do both). More info here.
Where: Shangri-la Hotel
When: Until the October 28, 12pm-2:30pm and 6pm-10pm
Cost: $55-$85 per person
Thursday 26 October
deFrost featuring Anthony Lister
If there’s an event we’ve been looking forward to, it’s this one. Behold, Anthony Lister’s (who is a complete contemporary creative mastermind and disruptor BTW) absolute virtual reality adventure. As the super cool audience, you’ll be immersed into his adventure painting where he creates a live, 3D, graffiti execution on the night using Tiltbrush. Book your tickets here.
Where: 16 Eveleigh Street, Redfern
Where: October 26, 6:30pm
Cost: $40 per person
Tins of Glory
Shuffleboard just got injected with steroids, beer and a little aluminium. And before you ask, yes this is a real, competitive sport (mate against mate style). But hey, if your hand-eye coordination is a shocker then you can just spectate with a cold one in your hand. Teams of two get 4 tinnies and 20 seconds to slide them down a 6m long bench, aiming to get closest to the aptly named ‘pleasure zone’ at the end. The winners will receive a Balter pack valued at $1000 and enjoy the prestige of being flown to Good Beer Week, Melbourne 2018 and compete at the World Championships. So we think that’s a damn good reason to jump on the tinnies. Details are here.
Where: Beach Road
When: October 26, 7pm-11:30pm
Cost: $20 per team, free for spectators
ONE NIGHT IN MOVEMBER AT Beresford Hotel
Inspired by ABC’s ‘Man Up’, The Movember Foundation is making it easy for you, your mates, brothers and Dad to talk about being a better Aussie bloke. The team want to take off the steel cap boot stereotype and uncover what it really means to be a man in 2017. Guided by experts and guest speakers, no topic will be left off the table. For more info head over here.
Where: Beresford Hotel, Surry Hills
When: October 26, 6pm-9pm
Cost: $20 per person
Friday 27 October
October Halloween edition of Red Bull Sound Select
Red Bull Sound Select returns to Sydney this Friday night with a dedicated Halloween edition, curated by Laneway Festival’s Travis Banko. Catch the latest in emerging music with All Are We, Blessed and Exhibitionist all making appearances. And just so you know, it’s first in best dressed—so make sure you round up your crew early! For details head here.
Where: Freda’s, Chippendale
When: October 27, 8pm-12am
Cost: $10 per person
Long Lunch With Will & Steve
Calling all MKR fans (and general lovers of delicious food)! Our mates, Will and Steve are hosting a couple of workshops at Butcher and the Farmer this month and obviously, you’ll want to be there. You’ll pick up all the tricks of the trade before settling in for a loooong lunch. Think a grazing table piled with all of their signature cured meats, plus scotch eggs and a lemon tart to end. That’s not even the half of it either, so book your spot here.
Where: Butcher and the Farmer
When: 27 October, 11am - 2pm
Cost: $120 (long lunch), $135 (long lunch & workshop)
Argyle celebrates Halloween
This weekend brings a heap of creepy shenanigans down to The Argyle. Firstly, the Argyle will transform into an Asylum with roving performers, including fire breathers, stilt walkers and cocktails served in syringes. Secondly, did we mention the cocktail syringes? You’ll also score performances by Jesabel, DJ I-Dee, The Faders, MINX, BROOKLYN, TASS, Yoji and Mike Champion.
Where: The Argyle
When: October 27-28, entry before 9pm
Cost: $30-40 per person
Saturday 28 October
SAKE FESTIVAL
Fried chicken, fried chicken everywhere. And not just one type Sydney, but two types of the crispy good stuff will be up for grabs. There’ll also be all the free saké samples from the likes of Nihonshu Australian, Black Market Sake and Sakeshop. Yep, this festival is set to be one massive feast so come prepared with an empty stomach and your stretchiest pants. More deets here.
Where: Elston Room, Carriagworks
When: October 28, 1pm-6pm
Cost: $60 per person
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Riley Street Garage is hosting a the three-course menu with canapes and Laurent-Perrier champagne on arrival, all for an epic cause. There will be incredible auctions and raffles on the day with all proceeds going to The Garvan Research Foundation and breast cancer awareness. And P.S the menu includes fish and chips tartare with miso dressing… yeah.
Where: Riley Street Garage
When: October 28, 12pm
Cost: $185 per person
Crown Street School Food Fete
This is no average school fete. Paper mache is cute and all but Crown Street Public School knows how to throw a fair for the kiddies, adults and naturally… the kidults. There will be chef demonstrations, gourmet food stalls (with everything from Chinese dumplings to Dutch poffertjes), DJ sets from The Dolphin Hotel and a heap of vintage goods. More info here.
Where: Crown Street Public School
When: October 28
Cost: Free entry
Joh. Jos. Prüm Yum Cha Lunch
There’s nothing mediocre about this feast. Here, your belly will score a heap of dumplings, roast duck and side dishes paired with all the Kabinett and Spätlese-style Riesling wines. Basically it’s just a massive night of pure indulgence and we’re totally okay with that. Book your table here.
Where: Jade Temple
When: October 28, 12:30pm
Cost: $165 per person
Cycle Speed Dating
Yes it’s a thing and yes all the cool kids are doing it. Forget swiping right, speed-dating by bike is the new way for single pringles who are ready to mingle. It’s already been a massive success in London and Queenstown and TBH we’re imagining a lot of romantic and strategic stacks. Deets are over here.
Where: Centennial Park
When: October 28, 5pm
Cost: $20 per person
Light the City
Sydney’s two-wheeled twilight event returns to a traffic-free Mrs Macquarie’s Point for a Halloween-inspired community celebration this Saturday. Friends and families can fancy dress to impress and enjoy spectacular harbour views, gourmet food trucks, epic illuminations and the popular silent disco as the sun goes down and trees light up (and yep, you can hire some wheels and helmets if you don’t have any of your own!).
Where: The Domain, Mrs Macquarie’s Road
When: October 28, 6pm-11pm
Cost: Free entry
Sunday 29 October
BOCCONCINI AND BUBBLES AT CAMPERDOWN COMMONS
We know we don’t really have to convince you anymore (because cheese and wine guys, cheese and wine). There really isn’t a better way to spend your evening than making your very own homemade Italian cheese. You’ll get to make this golden gooey deliciousness from scratch so expect turning the curds into oozy and stretchy goodness. Plus, you’ll be sipping on bubbly the whole time which is a major win. Info here.
Where: Common Pavilion
When: October 29, 5:30-7pm
Cost: $90 per person
My Australia Lunch
The Unicorn Hotel is hosting their second 'My Australia' lunch, cooked by 10 William Street's Enrico Tomelleri (ie. the Italian chef extraordinaire). And who can say no to a solid night of stuffing their face with some of the best Aussie fare around? Answer: no one. You’ll score a five-course meal with an epic curated wine list by Jake Smyth. For more info and to book your table head here.
Where: The Unicorn Hotel
When: October 29, sittings between 12:30pm-2pm
Cost: $65 per person
Devil Sago Delights @ Chefs Gallery
Chefs Gallery (the iconic Chinese eatery) has conjured up a brand spankin’ new addition to their menu this Halloween. We’re talking an indulgent meringue laid to rest atop chocolate soil and silky coconut sago, finished with a Chinese-spiced pumpkin sponge and chocolate bone and cross. Yeah.
Where: Available at Chefs Gallery restaurants in Town Hall, Macquarie Centre, Bankstown, Parramatta and Hurstville.
When: October 29-31
Don't Miss
BUTCHER AND THE FARMER SPRING LAMB LUNCH
Spring has sprung and you know what that means—it’s long lunching season. Make the most of it by pulling up a seat at Butcher and The Farmer and settling in for a full on Spring Lamb Feast with your best mates. We’re talking a breadboard, roast potatoes, delicious veggies and exclusive cuts of only the best meat to share. The best part? You get to walk away with a cute AF Butcher and The Farm tote bag! Book your seat here.
Where: Butcher & The Farmer, Tramsheds
When: Daily until sold out
Cost: $240 for group of four
Margaritas At The Dock
Head south this month (that’s to Canberra, FYI) because The Dock is all about Espolon tequila. There’ll be ice-cold margaritas available for the next four weeks so don’t forget to bring your whole crew down to enjoy and make the most of the sunshine. Drink Responsibly.
When: Daily until 17th November
Where: The Dock
Editor's Note: Espolon's events are proudly sponsored by Campari, The Butcher & The Farmer Lamb Lunch by Seagrass and the Harvest Buffet by The Star Sydney, all 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: Riley St Garage
