July 2026

Winter in Sydney is hitting its stride. Here’s what to do this month.

Celebrate Bastille Day at Circular Quay

Bastille Festival takes over East Circular Quay from 16th to 19th July with French food, wine and art steps from the Opera House. The Vin De France wine bar runs guided tastings and three daily masterclasses, including wine and cheese pairings and cocktail making, all from $15 to $39. Free to enter.

Eat Truffles

Truffle season is here, and Sydney’s restaurants are making the most of it. From a Secret Foodies mystery dinner in the CBD to Mode Kitchen at the Four Seasons, Fabbrica’s Piemonte regional dinner and harbourside feasts at Ripples and The Fenwick, there’s a menu for every budget. See our full truffle guide.

Eat Singaporean hawker food in the CBD

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney is bringing Singapore’s hawker scene to Martin Place from 17th July to 8th August. Senior Sous Chef Christopher Chia takes over The Place kitchen for The Singapore Table, serving Hainanese Chicken Rice, Char Kway Teow, Laksa and Chilli Crab Lala. Lunch from $69.96 per person. Find out more here.

Run the Harbour 10

A flat, fast 10km and 5km through Sydney Harbour on 26th July, with an afterparty at Cruise Bar. Sydney’s run clubs are already in. Find out more here.

Visit Winterfest at Hay St

Snow falls hourly, there’s an ice rink running until 19th July, and the Thursday night Off Campus Party brings DJs, cheerleaders and $8 beers until 2nd August. Free entry, Haymarket. Find out more.

Book a Winter Escape To Port Stephens

Switch on the out-of-office. Anchorage Hotel & Spa Port Stephens is the luxury coastal escape you need this winter, with 2 nights from $599. Just a short 2.5-hour drive from Sydney will instantly activate holiday mode. With its effortless Hamptons luxury and unrivalled natural surroundings, a stay at The Anchorage will have you forgetting those winter blues, and at a fraction of the cost of an overseas trip to Europe. This offer is on for a limited time only. Find out more here.

Watch a cult film at The Odeon

25hours Hotel The Olympia is screening cult films every Wednesday from 15th July in its intimate cinema room. Lost in Translation kicks things off, followed by The Gentlemen, Widow Clicquot, Casino Royale and more. Dinner at The Palomar beforehand, cocktails and mortadella sandwiches during. Bookings required. Book here.

Taste Archie Rose’s new whisky first

Archie Rose Triple Smoked lands at Cell Block Theatre on 17th July, one night only. Live fire cooking by Carolina Smoke, smoked cocktails and the first taste of the new Triple Smoked Single Malt before anyone else. Book here.

Learn to braid (yes, really)

Beers and Braids is back. Dads, father figures and carers learn practical kids hair styling from professional stylists at BrewDog South Eveleigh on 5th July and Henley’s on 19th July. $45 per person, beer included. Find out more.

King Street Crawl, Newtown

The free live music event returns to Newtown on 12th July, with The Bank Hotel and The Marly hosting emerging and established artists across multiple stages from 12pm. One of Sydney’s best free days out. Find out more.

Kids cooking classes at Chiswick

Free kids harvest and cooking classes at Chiswick on 8th and 15th July. Children explore the kitchen garden, harvest produce and make flatbread from 10:45am to 12pm. Kids eat free at lunch on both days for children 12 and under with a paying adult. Book here.

Fire Pit Cinema, The Rocks

Christmas in July Festival brings the Fire Pit Cinema back to Cadman’s Cottage in The Rocks from 10th to 19th July. Outdoor films by the fire pit, marshmallows, mulled wine and blankets under the stars. Most sessions are sold out, but a handful of tickets remain. Move fast. Check availability here.

June 2026

Winter has officially arrived, and Sydney is leaning into the season with a calendar full of comfort food, cultural celebrations and events worth braving the cooler evenings for. This month sees neighbourhood festivals take over entire streets, beloved restaurants serving up limited-edition winter menus, and some of the city’s biggest cultural institutions unveiling experiences designed to spark conversation. Whether you’re chasing lasagne on a Sunday night, planning your Pride Month social calendar or simply looking for an excuse to order dessert first, here’s what to eat, drink and see this June.

Leichhardt Celebrates Food, Music and Community with Taste the Music

Sydney’s Little Italy is turning up the volume this June as the inaugural Taste the Music festival takes over Leichhardt for two days of live entertainment, street-side dining and community celebration. Running across 19 and 20 June, the free festival invites visitors to explore Norton Street and beyond through the suburb’s defining pillars: food, music and culture.

The weekend kicks off with $7 Aperol Spritz specials, fresh cannoli, outdoor DJ sets and live jazz performances, while iconic local venues including La Botte D’Oro, Moretti Ristorante and Capriccio Osteria bring the streets to life. On Saturday, the festivities continue with coffee and biscotti breakfasts, live performances from emerging musicians, circus acts and the Australian premiere of Broadway musical Tootsie at Teatro. Find out more here.

Sydney’s Best Waterfront Restaurants Are Offering Up to 50% Off This Month

If you’ve had your eye on one of Sydney’s waterfront dining destinations, June might be the time to finally book that table. SRG Hospitality has announced the return of its annual dining promotion, offering up to 50 per cent off menus across eleven of its venues from 1 June.

Joining the promotion for the first time are waterfront Greek restaurant Akti and contemporary British restaurant The James, alongside favourites including The Fenwick, Ripples Chowder Bay, Noi and Ormeggio. Menus showcase some of each venue’s standout dishes, from scallop crudo and handmade ravioli to lobster Arnold Bennett and slow-cooked pork collar. It’s a rare opportunity to experience some of Sydney’s most sought-after dining rooms at a fraction of the usual price, and bookings are expected to move quickly. Find out more here.

Messina Has Just Launched a Biscoff Cookie Pie for Winter

Winter and comfort food go hand in hand, and Messina has delivered exactly that with the launch of its newest bake-at-home Cookie Pie. Available from 29 May across all stores, the limited-edition creation features a buttery cookie shell filled with Biscoff crumb-infused dulce de leche before being topped with even more Biscoff crumble.

The launch coincides with the return of Messina’s much-loved Super Specials Month, which runs from 2 to 27 June. Throughout the month, all stores will feature ten rotating special flavours, with two new creations unveiled daily across social media. For those who treat Messina specials like a competitive sport, consider this your warning to clear some freezer space. Find out more here.

Mardi Gras Is Bringing the Party Back for Pride Month

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is extending the celebrations well beyond festival season with a packed Pride Month program designed to bring the community together throughout June. From après-ski-inspired dance parties to trivia nights celebrating LGBTQIA+ history, this year’s line-up offers something for every type of Mardi Gras fan.

Highlights include APRÈS GRAS at The Beresford, where drag performances, DJ sets and special appearances from Marcia Hines and Brendan Maclean promise a winter party with serious energy. Winter Violet returns to City Recital Hall with three stages and a special DJ set from Ladyhawke, while Mardi Gras Trivia Night heads to Paddington on the anniversary of the first Mardi Gras in 1978. As Sydney edges closer to the festival’s landmark 50th anniversary in 2028, these events feel less like fundraisers and more like a celebration of the community that built it.

Chiswick Is Hosting a Six-Week Lasagne Series with Some of Sydney’s Best Chefs

Lasagne is getting the spotlight it deserves this winter thanks to Chiswick’s new Sunday night Lasagne Series. Running from 14 June to 19 July, the six-week event brings together chefs from across the Solotel family, alongside Matt Moran, for a rotating menu of one-night-only lasagne creations.

Matt Moran launches the series with a Braised Beef Cheek Lasagne before chefs including North Bondi Fish’s David Coumont and Aria’s Tom Gorringe present their own interpretations in the weeks that follow. Expect everything from rich ragùs to lighter seasonal combinations, all served as part of a $55 set menu that includes focaccia, salad and tiramisu. It feels tailor-made for Sydney’s cooler evenings, offering the sort of comforting Sunday dinner most of us wish we had growing up. Find out more here.

Carriageworks Is Hosting Two of Sydney’s Most Thought-Provoking Cultural Events

For those looking beyond the dining scene, Carriageworks has two major events worth adding to the calendar. First up is the Incognito Art Show, Australia’s largest anonymous art exhibition, arriving from 24 June to 5 July. Every artwork is sold at the same price, with artists remaining anonymous until after purchase, creating a rare opportunity for emerging and established creatives to sit side by side.

Looking ahead to August, the Festival of Dangerous Ideas has also unveiled its 2026 program. Returning on 22 and 23 August, the festival brings together leading thinkers, artists and commentators for a series of talks, performances and interactive experiences designed to challenge perspectives and spark debate. If your ideal winter weekend includes as much intellectual stimulation as it does eating and drinking, both events deserve a place on your radar.

The Return of Roast Dinner Season Has Arrived

There are few meals more synonymous with winter than a proper roast dinner. As temperatures drop across Sydney, pubs, bistros and restaurants are rolling out slow-roasted meats, crispy potatoes, Yorkshire puddings and rich gravies designed for long lunches and even longer afternoons.

Whether you’re after a traditional Sunday roast, a modern take on the classic or simply somewhere cosy to spend a chilly afternoon, now is the perfect time to revisit one of the season’s great dining rituals. Check out our guide to Sydney’s best roast dinners for all the spots worth booking this winter. Find our full guide here.

North Bondi Fish Disco Yum Cha

Available every Saturday and Sunday from 6th June–1st August.

Inspired by Bondi’s coastal lifestyle and the golden era of 70s disco, the weekend series combines Disco DJs and ocean views with Asian-influenced seafood dishes, laidback share-style dining and signature cocktails. Guests are invited to choose from a $65pp or $89pp set Yum Cha menu, with optional add-ons. $15 Aperol Spritz specials will be served, plus bottomless offerings including wine, beer and prosecco ($30pp) or a specially crafted cocktail package ($60pp). Further info and bookings HERE

May 2026

As autumn settles in, Sydney and Melbourne lean into a more considered pace, one where dining becomes a little more immersive, and events feel worth planning around. This month is all about one-off collaborations, thoughtful reopenings and experiences that reward those willing to book ahead. From cross-cultural chef residencies to waterfront markets and long lunches that turn into dinners, here’s what to eat, sip, and see this May.

Ibushi x Morena Bring a Nikkei-Inspired Dining Collaboration to Sydney

For two nights only, Ibushi at Prefecture 48 is joining forces with Latin American fine diner Morena for a collaboration that explores the intersection of Japanese and Latin flavours. Landing mid-May, the four-course menu draws on the bold, citrus-led notes of Nikkei cuisine, layered with Ibushi’s signature fire-driven approach. Expect dishes that feel both technical and expressive, from Southern Rock lobster with acevichado sauce and aji amarillo to tuna belly paired with Yarra Valley caviar and banana prawns. It’s a rare chance to experience two distinct culinary perspectives coming together for something entirely new, and one that’s likely to book out quickly.

The Boathouse Balmoral Reopens With a Southeast Asian-Inspired Refresh

One of Sydney’s most iconic beachside venues is stepping into a new era this May, as The Boathouse Balmoral unveils a refreshed space and reimagined menu. Following a two-week refurbishment, the venue returns with an elevated coastal aesthetic and a Southeast Asian-influenced offering led by Head Chef Ty Bellingham. While the relaxed, sandy-foot charm remains, the menu leans into bolder territory, think spanner crab omelettes, chilli jam-laced bacon and egg rolls, and an ice bar showcasing fresh seafood at its peak. Come evening, the space shifts into a more refined dining experience, with share-style dishes designed to reflect both technical precision and the laid-back Balmoral energy.

Step Inside Casa della Nonni: A Bippi Museum Experience

Step inside a slice of Southern Italy this month as Bippi takes over LaManna Supermarket with “Casa della Nonni”, a nostalgic, fully immersive in-store activation celebrating the launch of its new Italian Pretzels (Taralli). Running for six weeks from May 18th, the experience invites guests to wander through a retro Italian home, complete with vintage interiors, curated displays and cultural storytelling that brings traditional snacking rituals to life. Expect tastings, interactive moments, and weekend events, all designed to blend heritage, food and a little bit of Nonna-style magic. Find out more info here.

Barangaroo Artisan Market Returns for a Mother’s Day Weekend Takeover

Just in time for Mother’s Day, Barangaroo Artisan Market is back, transforming the waterfront into a vibrant hub of local makers, food and live entertainment. With over 70 stallholders, the market offers everything from handcrafted jewellery and ceramics to native Australian pantry staples and sustainably made homewares. Beyond the shopping, the atmosphere leans festive, with roving performers, live music and plenty of interactive moments for families. Whether you’re hunting for a thoughtful gift or simply looking for an easy weekend plan by the harbour, this is one to lock in.

The King’s Cross Restaurant Loved by Bowie, Richards and Sydney’s Late-Night Scene Turns 40

In a city obsessed with the new, Caffe Roma has spent four decades proving the staying power of consistency. This May, the Kings Cross institution celebrates its 40th anniversary, marking a milestone few Sydney restaurants ever reach. Since opening in 1986, the Italian stalwart has quietly become one of the city’s most recognisable dining rooms, not through reinvention, but through its unwavering commitment to traditional hospitality, generous Italian cooking and a distinctly low-key charm. Founded by the Tozzi family and inspired by their upbringing on the Italian Riviera, the restaurant has long attracted a loyal following that spans locals, late-night regulars, and an impressive roster of celebrity diners, from David Bowie and Keith Richards to Naomi Campbell and Baz Luhrmann. While much of Sydney’s dining scene has shifted around it, Caffe Roma has remained intentionally familiar, with signature dishes like gnocchi al pesto, penne amatriciana, and house-made tiramisù continuing to define the menu decades later.

Colombo Social Hosts a One-Night-Only Takeover with Sav Perera

For one night only, Colombo Social is handing over the kitchen to MasterChef Australia finalist Sav Perera for a menu that dives deep into Sri Lankan flavours. The shared-style offering is both personal and precise, drawing on Perera’s heritage and the influence of her mother’s cooking, while embracing the seasonal shift into autumn. Expect bold, spice-driven dishes, from hopper batter crumpets with caramelised onion sambal to coconut dhal and blackened fish layered with citrus and heat. It’s an intimate, flavour-packed evening that speaks to storytelling through food, and one that’s best experienced with a group.

Where’s Nick Enters a New Era with a Noma-Trained Head Chef

Inner West favourite Where’s Nick is stepping into a new chapter this season, welcoming Head Chef Nick Kavenagh to lead the kitchen alongside Sam Gilmore. Fresh from a stint at Noma, with experience spanning Core by Clare Smyth and Vue de Monde, Kavenagh brings serious culinary pedigree, but the direction here is anything but formal. The menu is evolving into something more refined and produce-driven, with subtle ferments and thoughtful techniques woven into snackable plates and generous share dishes designed to sit seamlessly alongside the bar’s ever-rotating wine list. It’s a natural progression for owner Bridget Raffal’s cult Marrickville spot, where the food is stepping up without losing the laid-back, wine-first energy that’s made it a local institution.

& Kenza Tazi Takes Over the Kitchen 

This May, Where’s Nick continues its next chapter with a month-long residency from chef and author Kenza Tazi. Known for her Mediterranean-inspired cooking and cookbook Love and Harissa, Tazi brings a flavour-led approach that leans into bold spices, seasonal produce, and dishes designed to be shared. Expect plates like cobia crudo with green harissa, rhubarb, and rosewater, alongside lamb croquettes with date ketchup, both capturing her balance of brightness and depth. The menu will evolve across the month, giving regulars a reason to return, while pairing seamlessly with the bar’s ever-changing wine list.

Get Tickets For Australia’s Biggest Outback Music Festival 

For those craving a music experience that feels more like an adventure, the 2026 Mundi Mundi Bash is shaping up to be one of the year’s most in-demand events. Set against the cinematic backdrop of the Mundi Mundi Plains just outside Broken Hill, Australia’s largest outback music festival has already sold 95 per cent of tickets ahead of its August 20th–22nd return. What began just four years ago has quickly evolved into a bucket-list event, drawing close to 15,000 campers, caravanners and music lovers for three days of live performances and distinctly Australian experiences. This year’s line-up spans generations, with The Teskey Brothers, John Butler, Jessica Mauboy and Boy & Bear among the headline acts. Beyond the music, expect camel rides, comedy, outdoor film screenings and a new pre-festival event, LIGHTFEST, bringing drone shows and activations to Broken Hill in the lead-up week.

Fenty Beauty Markette Pop-Up

To celebrate its expansion into Myer stores nationwide, Fenty Beauty is bringing its most immersive consumer experience yet to the heart of the CBD from May 14th-17th. Landing on Pitt Street Mall for four days only, the Fenty Beauty Markette transforms the shopping precinct into a highly visual pop-up designed to give fans a hands-on moment with the brand’s best-selling lip products. Alongside complimentary Gloss Bomb Deluxe samples with purchase, visitors can have their Gloss Bomb engraved on site and enter to win a prize pack featuring products from Fenty Beauty, Fenty Skin and Fenty Fragrance, valued at over $400.

Worth The Drive

The Henry Lawson Festival Returns This June Long Weekend

If you’re looking to trade city plans for a regional escape, the Henry Lawson Festival of Arts in Grenfell is worth mapping out now. Returning across the June long weekend, the festival blends literature, art and community into a program that feels both nostalgic and distinctly Australian. Set in the poet’s birthplace, the event invites visitors to slow down and experience country hospitality at its best, think heritage streets, local markets, creative showcases and wide-open landscapes. Whether you’re drawn by the cultural program or simply the excuse for a scenic road trip, it’s the kind of weekend that offers a reset, with plenty to explore along the way.

A Hunter Valley Wellness Retreat Opens A Brand New Restaurant

A Hunter Valley wellness retreat has quietly opened one of the region’s most interesting new lunch spots this winter. From May 18th, Elysia Wellness Retreat is opening Fusion Restaurant to the public for the very first time. Previously reserved exclusively for retreat guests, it’s now welcoming walk-ins, locals and Hunter Valley visitors for lunch. Set against sweeping valley views, the menu champions seasonal wholefoods, protein-rich dishes and fresh herbs picked straight from Elysia’s own garden, with a balanced approach endorsed by the retreat’s on-site naturopath. Think crisp kataifi wrapped lamb puttanesca, baked Russet potato gnocchi and an avocado and dark chocolate mousse, nourishing without being restrictive, and exactly the kind of long lunch this part of the world was made for. Find out more here.

April 2026

April settles into a slower rhythm, but Sydney’s appetite for a good outing doesn’t fade with the season. As the days soften and evenings stretch just enough, the city leans into intimate dinners, limited-edition treats and events that feel a little more considered. From wine-led evenings in Potts Point to French bistro feasts and family-friendly comedy by the harbour, here’s what to eat, sip and see around Sydney this April.

Arms Length Hosts A Wine Dinner 

Potts Point favourite Arms Length Bar & Restaurant is stepping into new territory this April with its very first wine dinner, landing on Thursday April 9th. In collaboration with Patch Wines and Jaunt, winemaker Matt Talbot will guide guests through six considered pours, each paired with a one-off menu designed to match the mood of the wines. Expect dishes that lean both comforting and elevated, think confit duck croquettes with a cacio e pepe twist, pumpkin and ricotta ravioli glossed in burnt butter and sage, and a dark chocolate mousse finished with raspberry sorbet and pistachio. At $125 per person, it’s a polished yet approachable evening that taps into the bar’s NYC-inspired identity, where good wine and good conversation take centre stage.

Rivareno Reworks the Classic Ice Cream Sandwich 

Sydney’s go-to for ultra-fresh gelato, Rivareno Gelato has introduced a new limited-edition treat that feels equal parts nostalgic and refined. The Rivareno cookie sandwich pairs two freshly baked cookies with a generous layer of their small-batch Italian gelato, delivering a textural contrast that leans indulgent without feeling heavy. Available in four flavours: pistachio, stracciatella, salted caramel, and cremino, it’s a natural extension of the brand’s “Laboratorio Italiano” philosophy, where tradition meets ongoing experimentation. Available in-store in Barangaroo for a short time only, this is one to seek out when a standard scoop just isn’t quite enough.

The HairTok Trend You Can Book IRL This April

Great Laugh in the Park Brings Family-Friendly Comedy to Darling Harbour

Part of the wider Sydney Comedy Festival program, the Great Laugh in the Park lands at Tumbalong Park on Sunday April 19 with a full day dedicated to kids and families. Hosted by crowd favourite Jimmy Rees, the event blends live comedy, performances and interactive moments designed to keep younger audiences engaged from start to finish. Kicking things off is a special appearance from Bluey and Bingo in a live interactive experience, setting the tone for a high-energy, feel-good day by the harbour. With tickets starting from $12, it’s an easy, low-commitment way to tap into the festival atmosphere.

Folly’s French Night Returns with a Four-Course Bistro-Style Feast

A local favourite on the North Shore, Folly’s Bar & Bistro is bringing back its much-loved French Night for one evening only on Thursday April 9th. Led by resident French chef Tristan Bigouret alongside head chef John Sipolo, the four-course menu leans classic and unapologetically rich, from beef carpaccio and salmon tartare with échalot to beef bourguignonne with potato aligot and a traditional bouillabaisse. Dessert lands firmly in comfort territory with a lemon meringue tart, while a curated lineup of French wines (hand-selected by co-owner Lachy Sturrock following a recent Europe trip) rounds out the experience. At $85 per person, it’s a transportive, bistro-style evening that delivers a slice of France without leaving Sydney.

Gelatissimo Launches “$20 for 20 Days” Sweet Deal

With the rising cost of, well… everything, Gelatissimo is making a case for small indulgences that don’t break the bank. For a limited time from April 1st–20th, the cult-favourite gelato spot is offering four single cups or cones for $20, a simple, no-fuss deal designed to keep the ritual of a post-dinner scoop firmly within reach. It’s a timely move that leans into value without compromising on quality, giving you the chance to sample multiple flavours (or share, if you’re feeling generous) for less. Whether it’s a spontaneous after-work stop or a weekend wander essential, consider this your sign to stock up on scoops while it lasts.

Henrietta Bondi Teams Up With Katie Martin on a Protein-Packed Bowl Launch

Bondi favourite Henrietta Bondi is leaning into the suburb’s wellness-driven rhythm this April, teaming up with strength and nutrition coach Katie Martin on a limited-edition protein bowl designed to fuel, not just satisfy. Landing Thursday April 9th, the Katie Martin Protein Bowl brings together quinoa, chicken breast, roasted pumpkin and greens, finished with a creamy Green Goddess dressing built on cottage cheese, avocado and olive oil, plus pops of cranberry and pomegranate for balance. To mark the launch, the venue is hosting a community-led run club with Martin herself, followed by complimentary bowls for participants, while everyone else can tap into 50% off the dish for one day only. It’s a thoughtful nod to Bondi’s active lifestyle, where good food and movement go hand in hand.

Soul Origin Leans Into Wellness with Its Green Goddess Salad

As the shift toward feel-good food continues, Soul Origin is tapping into the demand for meals that balance flavour with function. Its Green Goddess Salad brings together a lineup of nutrient-dense ingredients designed to support everything from gut health to sustained energy, without compromising on taste. Think crisp cos lettuce loaded with vitamins A and C, fibre-rich chickpeas working quietly behind the scenes for digestion, creamy avocado known for its role in regulating inflammation, and refreshing cucumber adding a light, hydrating finish.

MMMORE Is The Cult Sydney Snack Brand Turning Wholefoods Into Serious Indulgence

If you haven’t tried MMMORE yet, this is your cue. A Sydney-based maker of nourishing, wholefood desserts, MMMORE has been quietly perfecting the art of feel-good indulgence since 2015, turning simple, natural ingredients into treats that are as satisfying as they are considered. Best known for its Power Cubes and raw slices, the brand has built a cult following around its signature Datelicious range, medjool dates filled with in-house roasted nut butters and dipped in raw chocolate — alongside its highly moreish nut butter cups. You’ll now find MMMORE stocked in leading independent grocers and cafés across NSW, VIC and QLD, including Maloney’s Grocer, Fruitologist, The Health Emporium and Cali Press.