There's never a shortage of fun things to do in Sydney/Eora, and this weekend is no exception with heaps of exciting events to stack your calendar with.
Pack your weekend with a jaw-dropping after-dark light festival at Sydney Zoo, a doggie disco rave, a massive two-day food and wine festival, flash tattoos from one of Newtown's best bars, line dancing at an Inner West brewery, and so much more.
Here are Urban List's picks of best things to do in Sydney this weekend.
Spotify Woof Doof
Doglateria, 82 Bronte Road, Bondi Junction | Saturday 17 May, 9am–12pm
Spotify is throwing Australia’s first-ever Woof Doof at Bondi Junction’s dog-friendly gelato cafe, Doglateria. The mini morning rave is made for four-legged friends, with renowned DJ Adam Thomas spinning scientifically backed, dog-friendly beats at soft, pooch-approved volumes.
Doglateria is also launching a new acai-bowl-inspired, pup-approved gelato with whipped coconut cream, a house-made muesli bar, peanut butter, honey, and carob powder sprinkles. There’ll also be coffee and glow sticks for owners, plus exclusive Spotify merch for the first 50 attendees. It’s completely free to attend—check out more info here.
Bar Planet’s Third Birthday
16 Enmore Road, Newtown | Saturday 17 May, 2pm–5pm
Image credit: Bar Planet | Instagram
Newtown’s beloved Bar Planet is turning three, and they’re (permanently) marking the moment with a one-off tattoo pop-up hosted by Sydney-based artist Onnie O’Leary (of Lighthouse Tattoo in St Peters).
Pick from the custom Bar Planet-inspired flash sheet, including the off-menu seven-olive Skyscraper martini, David Humphries’ psychedelic terrazzo bar pattern, their iconic seasoned popcorn bags, and dripping candlesticks—designs start at $100.
BP’s opening earlier at 2pm so you can jot your name down for a tat (first-in, best-dressed), then swig back a couple of martinis and stay for the chaos. See details on Insta.
Pyrmont Festival
Pirrama Park, Pirrama Road, Pyrmont | Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 May
Image credit: Pyrmont Festival | Tim Pascoe
A massive two-day festival is filling up Pirrama Park with gourmet food, local vino, artisan market stalls and live music across two festival stages. Feast on fresh seafood, fried chicken, dumplings, souvlaki, acai bowls and more from top vendors like Cheeky Naked Oysters and Mighty Bird.
Sample and purchase over 100 drops from award-winning NSW winemakers like Petersons Wines and Savannah Estate, or try bold gins and real fruit-infused liqueurs from Scylla Distilling Co.
There’ll also be art classes, outdoor games and face painting to keep the kids busy. Don’t forget to bring your pup along too, entry is free for all.
Inner West Country Fest
Various locations | Friday 16–Sunday 18, and Saturday 24–Sunday 25 May
Image credit: Inner West Ale Trail | Website
A mega three-weekender Country festival is blazing through the Inner West Ale Trail with live music, standout eats, and free, walk-in-friendly events.
This weekend, enjoy a Rockin’ Rodeo Concert at Mixtape on Friday from 7pm, followed by a First Nations Festival with live music, traditional basket weaving and storytelling at Young Henrys on Saturday, 12pm–8pm.
On Sunday, there's a Texan BBQ at Wildflower Brewing, a rockabilly picnic concert at Willie The Boatman, line dancing at Chuck And Son's, and so much more. Check out the full program here.
Naturellement
Galleria Ettalong Beach, 189 Ocean View Road, Ettalong Beach | Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 May
Image credit: Naturellement | Supplied
Naturellement is a huge food and bev fest that’s heading to the Central Coast with over 120 wine, beer, spirit and non-alc tastings, one-off experiences, live talks, music and masterclasses.
The two-day event brings together 30 small-scale, Aussie winemakers like Sabi Wabi and Majama Wines, plus drops from leading Sydney-based importers Giorgio de Maria and Andrew Guard. The food lineup boasts names like Alanna Sapwell-Stone (Eltham Hotel, Saint Peter), Jake Kellie (Arkhe, Burnt Ends), Matt Stone (You Beauty, Ciao Mate) and some of the Central Coast's local faves serving up limited-edition dishes.
Three-hour entry tickets are $65, or all-day sessions are $80, and include unlimited wine tastings, and a PLUMM glass to take home. Get tickets online.
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Wingstop's Australian Launch
1/111 Darlinghurst Road, Potts Point | Saturday 17 May, from 11am
Image credit: Wingstop | Supplied
American chicken wing chain Wingstop is celebrating the launch of its first Australian store by giving away 2500 chicken wings to the first 500 people to visit the Kings Cross store.
Head in to try the famed ranch dip, with flavours ranging from mild picks like lemon pepper or garlic parmesan to spicy stunners like the Atomic. Read more about Wingstop coming to Australia.
GLOW At Sydney Zoo
Sydney Zoo, 700 Great Western Highway, Eastern Creek | Until Saturday 31 May, 5.30pm–10pm
Image credit: Sydney Zoo | Supplied
A major after-dark light festival is taking over Sydney Zoo with over 200 animal lanterns and immersive installations. On the colourful GLOW Light Walk, you’ll stroll inside a huge crocodile’s jaws, wander beneath glowing butterflies, and squeeze through a giant octopus’ tentacles, which kids can slide down.
For fun rides and free activities, check out the GLOW Zone. There are flying chairs, a Ferris wheel, dodgem cars, a massive playable piano and more. Then tuck into a food truck feed and drinks from the GLOW Bar.
You can buy tickets online or at the gate. Online prices are $10 cheaper, starting at $34.99 for adults, $24.99 for children (3–15 years), and free for infants (0-2 years). Book online here.
Pleasure Hour
Pleasure Club, 6 Wilson Street, Newtown | Wednesdays–Sundays, 5pm–7pm
Image credit: Pleasure Club | Ethan Smart
To mark one year of late-night tipples, Newtown basement cocktail bar Pleasure Club is pleasing the people with a month-long happy hour starring $2 Sydney rock oysters, $6 gildas, and $12 Grey Goose martinis, plus live entertainment every Wednesday to Sunday from 6pm.
There’s also $12 prawn cocktail sliders dressed in rosé sauce and an elevated sausage sanga for $21, which goes down a treat with $6 beers, $9 mocktails, $10 glasses of wine. Or, try the $15 signature 'Floating in Space' cocktail, blending Grey Goose vodka, Aperol, rosé, strawberry, lychee, white chocolate, and ginger. Check out the full Pleasure Hour menu and book online here.
Grumpy Donuts Night Shift
379B Princes Highway, St Peters | Fridays and Saturdays, 5pm–9pm
Image credit: Grumpy Donuts | Supplied
Ever wanted to build your own donut? Well, now you can at Grumpy Donuts' St Peters venue. Every Friday and Saturday from 5pm to 9pm, you can grab a Night Shift DIY donut fix from $8.50. Pick between vanilla, chocolate, cinnamon, caramel, strawberry and maple donut flavours, then add one of 30 different fillings and two toppings with extras from 50 cents.
Fillings include Nutella, peanut butter, berry jam, passionfruit curd, and marshmallow fluff, with toppings like crushed waffle cones, fresh fruits, white choc drizzles, brownie bites, cookie pieces, a cereal of the week, soft serve, and premium bacon—don’t knock it ‘til you try it.
MJ The Musical
Sydney Lyric Theatre, 55 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont | Until Sunday 22 June
Image credit: Sydney Lyric Theatre | Website
Legendary king of pop, Michael Jackson, is brought back to life in the four-time Tony Award-winning MJ The Musical. After mesmerising audiences on Broadway the musical finally arrives at Sydney Lyric Theatre, where MJ’s moves and vocals are flawlessly captured by theatre star Roman Banks in an incredible depiction of the 1992 Dangerous World tour on and off-stage.
Packed with hits like Thriller, Smooth Criminal and Billie Jean—plus plenty of moonwalking and hehes—the musical feels like attending an actual Michael Jackson concert. With tickets starting from $70, you just can’t beat it. Book online here.
Moët & Chandon Experience
Zephyr Sky Bar, Hyatt Regency Sydney, 161 Sussex Street, Sydney CBD | Daily
Image credit: Zephyr Sky Bar | Supplied
Sunset destination Zephyr Sky Bar has partnered with Moët & Chandon for a bubbly celebration of champagne on level 12. Swing in for sunset sessions spent with signature Champagne cocktails like a basil and limoncello spritz, paired with Zephyr's seasonal menu offering indulgent dishes like lobster popcorn with smoked salt and secret sauce, and Wagyu with torched foie gras and cured egg yolk.
You'll have a front-row seat to Darling Harbour's Saturday night fireworks, and live DJs are providing the tunes Thursday–Saturday evenings. To amp things up for groups of 13–55, you can even book the Moët & Chandon Sky Lounge experience for a private bar section, dedicated waiter, and Champagne tower. You can walk in, or plan ahead and make a booking.
Now, fill your calendar with
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Main image credit: Bar Planet | Instagram
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