10 after-dark activities in Sydney to try this fall

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It’s easy to appreciate Sydney for its beautiful beaches and sunshine – when La Niña doesn’t get in the way of our usual style. But, as we say goodbye to our precious sunlight and welcome the colder months, there’s still plenty to be excited about. For example, our thriving nightlife scene.

This fall, there’s no excuse to stay home when there’s a plethora of music, art, entertainment, delicious food and drink to discover. Fall is the perfect time to spruce up your after-work ritual or create a truly memorable weekend. Here are our top picks to curb the summer time blues and make autumn in Sydney something special.

HEAD TO THE GOLDEN AGE CINEMA AND BAR FOR COCKTAILS AND A FILM

Enter the magnificent Paramount House in Surry Hills, an original 1940s art deco building where you will find the Gilded Age. Enjoy the charm of Old Hollywood as you sip a cocktail at the David Lynch-inspired bar before the film begins. While you admire the lush interiors, we suggest you cozy up with a maple-pecan cocktail and a three-cheese toastie. Then grab your Gelato Messina choc-top and head to your movie.

Golden Age Cinema has everything you want to see and more – from new releases to retrospectives and cult favorites. See Pedro Almodóvar’s latest masterpiece Parallel Mothers or grab tickets for a special screening by Baz Luhrman Romeo + Juliet on Saturday April 30.

EXPLORE A HISTORICAL SYDNEY MONUMENT AFTER DARK

Taking place on Thursday 28 April at World Heritage-listed Hyde Park Barracks, is Nightfall. This one-night-only event lets you explore Sydney’s long history of artisans and artists and see how traditional craftsmanship is recreated using contemporary methods.

There will be demonstrations of Indigenous weaving, glassblowing and blacksmithing techniques, as well as live tattooing, banjo making and intimate musical performances. FBi Radio has put together an exciting lineup of live acts featuring local DJs, dreamy pop duo Royel Otis and indie band Bridge Dog. Enjoy music around a fire with food from Nighthawk Diner and drinks from Archie Rose. Get tickets for $30 per person this way.

DISCOVER SYDNEY’S BEST STAND-UP COMEDY TALENT AT THE COMEDY STORE

Sometimes the only cure for a hard day’s work is to laugh about it (with a good drink in hand). Give your TV a night off and watch a live stand-up that will make you laugh. The humor store, located in the entertainment district, has been showcasing new Sydney talent every week since 1981. It’s a range of upcoming shows and events, which you can check out herecovers everything from live podcast recordings to performances by some of Australia’s funniest people including Dilruk Jayasinha and Tom Cashman.

You do not know where to start ? Catch it Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase to see a lineup of Sydney’s most hilarious and exciting up-and-coming artists. The showcase will run from Thursday, April 28 through Saturday, May 23. You can get tickets now ranging from $30 to $45 which includes a well deserved drink.

COMPLETE A MARRICKVILLE MICROBREWERY MINI PUB TOUR

Marrickville is home to some of the best craft breweries in town with plenty of experimental drops to sip. Start your evening at the beloved The Grifter Brewing Co, where you can sample an array of exciting beers – the Serpents Kiss watermelon pilsner is a crowd favorite – and munch on Mexican treats from Ricos Tacos. A short walk will take you to Sauce Brewing Co for a refreshing Berlin peach beer in the large beer garden. Feeling adventurous? Try the Flat White, a creamy milkshake-style IPA. Next, head to Stockade Brew Co and sip some of its small batch ales.

Got more in the tank? Read our DIY brewery walking tour for more suggestions. Or check out the newly opened Bob Hawke Beer and Leisure Centre, an 1980s-style spot with a pool hall and Chinese-Australian Lucky Star bistro.

OR, TRY A BAR HOP ALONG ENMORE ROAD

If craft beer isn’t your thing, explore Newtown’s bustling nightlife instead. Enmore Road has everything you need for the ultimate night out on the town. Listen to live music at the neighborhood bar, The Midnight Special. Soak up the moody, tropical vibe of Jacoby’s with a rum cocktail or fine wine. If you’re looking for a great pub meal with a lively atmosphere, The Duke of Enmore is your next stop. Then, end the night feeling ultra-cool as you sip whiskey in the sleek and sexy Cottonmouth Records – record store by day and dive bar by night.

DEVELOP YOUR ARTISTIC MUSCLE WITH A NUDE LIFE DRAWING CLASS

Want to get those creative juices flowing? Change up your routine with a life drawing session. History Hotel Art House hosts life in drawing workshops every Monday from 5 p.m. at the Graffiti Lounge. Don’t worry if you’re not a pro, this event welcomes all skill levels. Plus, you can always have a few drinks if you need to calm your nerves.

Or, for a more punk-rock experience, check out Night at SthSthKingSt every Wednesday and Thursday evening from 7-9 p.m. and Sunday from 2-4 p.m. for $25. Beginners are always welcome, but if you need a little guidance, it’s recommended to join on a Wednesday.

GET YOUR GROOVE IN A RETRO STYLE DANCE CLASS

If you’re not really feeling inspired at the gym, why not try a dance class to get your body moving and have some healthy fun? Pull out the lycra leotard and comfy leggings hiding in your closet, then head to one of the retro sweatshirt‘s classes around Sydney. This ’80s-style aerobic workout is a fan favorite, where you can dance to classic beats and get your heart pumping.

If you’re a bit more serious about mastering your dance skills, check out the Sydney Dance Company short introductory courses for adults. You can spend a weeknight learning ballet, hip hop, contemporary dance and more. Where to consult Dancing under the influence‘s studios in Newtown, which offers a range of evening classes and classes on its schedule, covering Latin Fusion, Afro, Reggaeton, Street Jazz and more.

MAKE THE MOST OF WHAT CBD HAS TO OFFER

While it’s tempting to come straight home after a day at the office, we promise that if you stay in the CBD, you won’t regret it. Start by heading to the Ivy Precinct for a 5pm drink at Bar Topa. Here, you’ll find a charming hole-in-the-wall serving delicious tapas and $9 cocktails. Or, if you’re a mezcal fan (who isn’t?), head to Cantina OK!, a micro-bar tucked away in an alley with the best margaritas in town.

After working up an appetite, a life-changing plate of pasta at Ragazzi is a must, to be enjoyed with a bottle of delicious natural wine. Then you can dance the night away to live music at the iconic Frankie’s, or enjoy the fresh air and vibe in the Since I Left You courtyard.

TEST YOUR GENERAL KNOWLEDGE WITH THE TRIVIA

Gather your smartest friends and book a table at Noble Hops in Redfern for trivia, which starts at 7 p.m. every Tuesday. You and your crew can fight your way to snag some serious prizes and bar tabs while sipping seasonal craft beers from the curated menu. Also, in case of a hunger strike, you can order from La Coppola pizzeria across the road. Your Sicilian-style wood-fired pizza will be delivered straight to your table – so even if you bombard on the trivial questions, you’re still a winner.

POP BY MAYBE SAMMY FOR A HAPPY HOUR TIPPLE (OR TWO)

If you’re feeling a little fancy, head to Sydney’s best cocktail bar, Maybe Sammy, for its very attractive happy hour. Located in The Rocks, this glamorous 1950s-inspired spot offers an award-winning selection of cocktails, some of which can be enjoyed for just $7 during happy hour from 4:30-5:30 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday.

If you happen to spend a Friday, after having quenched your thirst, take a short walk to the Museum of Contemporary Art. Every Friday evening, the the museum stays open late to help you welcome the weekend with exhibits, performances, live music and drinks. Listen to live music overlooking the harbor at Sounds on the terrace or see exciting works by 23rd Biennale of Sydney.

For more information on the Sydney Living Museum’s After Dark event and to purchase tickets, visit the website.

Posted on April 21, 2022 by

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