The summer vibes are here! January is jam packed with social goodness, which means it’s time to get planning.
We’re calling it, January truly is the best month of them all. With so much going on, from free summer music sessions to social tennis, pop-up bars and Australia Day parties, get the lowdown on what’s happening with this ultimate summer guide.
Sydney Festival 2019
Nothing says summer like Sydney Festival, the three-week cultural event returning to the city from 9-27th January. Featuring a dynamic line up of theatre, dance, visual arts and more, the 2019 program is set to be bigger and better than ever. To catch the full list of events running during Sydney Festival 2019, click here.
Della Hyde DOWN FOR GOOD LAUGHS – Wednesday 23rd January
Della Hyde’s Comedy Night DOWN FOR GOOD LAUGHS is back in 2019, promising another hilarious line up on Wednesday 23rd January. Teaming up with the LaughMob crew, you can expect an intimate evening of laughs, the stellar lineup including Marty Bright, Rowan Thambar, Jack Wright, Robin Reynolds, Brad Austin and MC: Pat Doherty. Tickets are $10pp online, or $15pp on the door. You can also purchase a ‘Snacks & Show’ package for $39 per person, which includes entry, reserved seating and a snack menu.
Electric Gardens Festival – Saturday 26th January
Electric Gardens is back in 2019, promising an epic day of tunes, dancing and pyrotechnics. The Sydney leg kicks off on Australia Day in Sydney’s leafy Centennial Parklands, with 20,000 revellers able to experience the best of locally grown and overseas music artists. With four stages to choose from, you’ll be dancing the day away, with world-class act Sigma headlining the event. You’ll want to be quick, with final release tickets available at $158.80.
Those looking to take things up a notch can otherwise opt for the VIP Garden Party Experience. For $259.68, you’ll enjoy 2 x complimentary drinks, entry into the exclusive VIP Garden Party area, express entry into the festival, a private bar, complimentary canapés and catering, private toilet facilities, hair & blow dry stations, make up stations, lawn games areas + more. For more information and to secure your tickets, click here.
Merivale Presents ‘See Sound’ – free live music event series
Who doesn’t love a dose a free live music? This summer, the Merivale crew are encouraging music lovers near and far to get amongst See Sound, a series of free live music events. Presented by Furphy, catch an epic line-up of live music sessions at Coogee Pavilion Rooftop, Vic on the Park and The Royal at Bondi, with genres covering everything from house to Innie Rock, Psych Garage, Psychedelic and more.
The Rocks Pop-up Summer Laneway Bar
What better way to celebrate the warmer months than with a visit to an open-air laneway bar. Situated in Kendell Lane, The Rocks Pop-up Summer Laneway Bar encourages thirsty after-workers to cool off with a variety of summer appropriate tipples every Thursday and Friday from 4-9pm. Head to the Aperol Bar to nab a spritz, or otherwise check out the Tinnies Bar for beer or wine. To make the most of the longer days and warmer nights, the Friday Foodie Market is also extending its trading hours to 6pm over summer. It comes with chill-out zones as well as outdoor games, including ping pong and mini-golf.
Australia Day/Triple J’s Hottest 100 Parties
The Argyle, The Rocks
The Argyle is turbocharging its long weekend celebrations by transforming its two floors, six bars and outdoor courtyard into an Australian-themed extravaganza. The Potbelleez kick-start the weekend festivities on Friday 25th January, taking to the stage at midnight to play an all-star set. Come Australia Day, Saturday 26th January, head along to enjoy a summer BBQ in The Argyle’s courtyard from 11am, featuring snags, burgers, prawn skewers and more. Then come Saturday eve, Australia’s very own DJ Tigerlily will hit the decks at midnight with a fusion of house, dance and electronic hits.
The Fernery, Mosman – Sunday 27th January
This long weekend, the Fernery is hosting a house and disco rooftop party, Feels Good at The Fernery, featuring killer beats from DJs Sessions, Sweat and Odyssey. Graze on $10 eats all Sunday afternoon, including BBQ duck spring rolls, New York cheeseburgers, chipotle lamb tacos and more. From 4-6pm, sip on some refreshing craft beer and tap wines for just $7. Entry to this event is $15, and tickets can be purchased by clicking here.
The Australian Heritage Hotel
This long weekend, pay a visit to The Australian Heritage Hotel and join the team for the ultimate weekend-long party. Saturday brings with it a Stone & Wood garden party with live music, while Sunday sees the hotel countdown with Triple J’s Hottest 100. Come Monday its all about recovery at The Aussie, with a Bloody Mary Bar popping up to set you straight for the week. The team will be serving down under themed bites which can be washed down with a national drink paddle celebrating a beer from each state for $17.50.
The Tudor, Redfern
Redfern’s The Tudor gets set to transform into an all-Aussie hangout this long weekend with music, Aussie snacks and drink specials. Think everything from sausage sizzles to backyard games and $5 VB tinnies, plus a range of bigger eats including the Pitt Street burger – made with a beef patty, bacon, cheese, tomato, lettuce, beetroot, relish, mustard and pickles. You can also get your hands on The Tudor’s iconic Sunday roast for just $20.
The Royal Leichhardt, Leichhardt
The Royal Leichhardt is celebrating Australia Day all weekend long with meal deals, entertainment and good vibes. Bring along a crew and enjoy a feast from the summer menu including Aussie classics such as bangers and mash with peas and onion gravy; chicken parmi with homemade tomato marinara, cheese, coleslaw and chips; or a steak. If the classics aren’t your style, treat yourself to the Australia Day burger and schooner special that will keep everyone going for karaoke, which kicks off in the main bar from 9.30pm. Come Sunday 27th January, settle in the for the Triple J Hottest 100 countdown, which will play across the venue all day.
Manly Wharf Hotel, Manly
Iconic waterside venue Manly Wharf Hotel wants you to take advantage of the long weekend, with a beachside party. On Saturday, gather a squad and enjoy cocktails on the jetty before local DJs Alex Preston and Graham Mandroules hit the decks. Come back for round two on Sunday with the Triple J Hottest 100 playing live before DJs Dollar Cub and Friendless taking over the decks to keep the party going afterwards. Enjoy the Aussie classic cheese and Vegemite pizza or one of the summer menu items including the poke bowl; buddah bowl; fish and chips; or seafood platter.
