GIVE dad a sweet treat on Father’s Day at the Smooth Festival of Chocolate or listen to Brisbane band Sheppard’s feel-good tunes. Here are all the events to plan for in the week ahead.
FATHER’S DAY
A SMOOTH CELEBRATION
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READ NOWCelebrate Father’s Day with something sweet at the Smooth Festival of Chocolate. The two-day event will have entertainment for the whole family and an array of mouth-watering food stalls. Actor and musician Cameron Daddo will be in attendance, alongside ace chefs Adriano Zumbo, Reynold Poernomo and Kirsten Tibballs. While the kids can see PAW Patrol in the kids’ area, mum and dad can get a lesson on how to pair wine with dessert. It’s happening at the Sydney Showground today and tomorrow; tickets range from $17-$55.
Smooth Festival Of Chocolate, sydneyshowground.com.au
THE FORCE IS STRONG
LEGO All-Stars Studio, eventbrite.com.au
FESTIVAL OF DAD
Centennial Parklands will be hosting a Father’s Day Festival to help the families of Sydney celebrate. Dads are welcome to join the indigenous Marathon Foundation’s charity Warrior Run while the kids can pick up presents at the Blak Markets. There will also be plenty of bush foods to try and artists to learn from. The festival is on tomorrow, from 8am until 2pm.
Father’s Day Festival, centennialparklands.com.au
A DAY BY THE HARBOUR
Take your dad to Darling Harbour for a day of special treats and celebration, such as free entry to Madame Tussauds, where super dads can pose alongside the Justice League. Start the day with the Father’s Day buffet breakfast at the Wild Life Sydney Zoo, or end it with Blackbird cafe’s three-course set menu ($50 per person), with the bonus of a free schooner for dad. You could also try Braza for an all-you-can-eat barbecue. All guests will receive a complimentary drink and dads will get a special present.
Father’s Day at Darling Harbour, darlingharbour.com
FAMILIES
WESTERN SYDNEY YOUTH ORCHESTRA
The talented Western Sydney Youth Orchestra will perform a special family concert at the Australia Botanic Garden, Mount Annan. The exclusive show is designed with families in mind and allows parents to introduce kids to orchestral music in an interactive and fun way. It’ll be a fun day for the kids to dance, sing, stomp and clap along. It’s on today, from 3pm, tickets $20 to $75.
Western Sydney Youth Orchestra, australianbotanicgarden.com.au
KIDS SCULPTURE WORKSHOP
Encourage your budding young artist to try something new at the Endangered Species — Sculpture Workshop For Kids. It’s organised by Peta Morris of The Kid Creative, who will lead young ones (ages six-plus) in making sculptures from recycled materials, inspired by woven sculptures by indigenous artists from Central Australia. It’s at the Yanada Room in Lewisham, tickets $11.46.
Endangered Species — Sculpture Workshop for Kid, eventbrite.com.au
TALK
TWIN PEAKS
Fans of American drama series Twin Peaks can get insight into the minds of the show’s leading stars at this exclusive event. Actors Sheryl Lee and Dana Ashbrook will be accompanied co-stars Kimmy Robertson, Michael Horse and Al Strobel. The event will provide fans with plenty of behind-the-scenes stories from the stars as well as the show’s creators. It’s happening at the ICC Sydney Theatre today, tickets $79.90-$990.
Twin Peaks Conversation with the Stars, davidroywilliams.com
GERMAINE GREER
Internationally renowned academic and feminist Germaine Greer is coming to Sydney to give her take on consent and the challenges we face in the prosecution of rape and sexual assault. The event, in collaboration with The School of Life, will feature a talk with Greer about the complex nature of consent and the prevalence of non-consensual sex in society. It’s happening at the Wesley Conference Centre on September 5, tickets $60.
Germaine Greer on Consent, theschooloflife.com
FOOD AND DRINK
A CLASS ABOVE
The wine event of the year, where wine enthusiasts have the chance to taste some of Australia’s most prized wines. A new classification comes around only once every four years and to celebrate the renowned company will open its doors to those fancying a drink, offering samples of more than 100 wines, complimentary cheese, charcuterie and crackers. You will be in the company of a range of leading wine experts including owners, growers and winemakers. The classification will be held today at the Sydney International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Tickets for the day cost $150-$330.
Langton’s Classification VII Events, langtons.com.au
KEBAB FEAST
Anason in Barangaroo will create a special kebab feast for fathers tomorrow. On the menu will be a range of shared cold and hot mezzes, followed by something from the charcoal and, finally, finishing with some chocolate and hazelnut baklava and semolina cream. It’s $85 per person.
Anason, anason.com.au
BRIX DISTILLERS
Unwind over the weekend with a glass of craft rum at Sydney’s new rum distillery and bar, Brix Distillers. Arrive in time for the nightly rum trolley, where an expert will take you through an impressive selection of rums. There are plenty of wines, local craft beers and spirits too — and counter dining. It’s located in Surry Hills.
Brix Distillers, brixdistillers.com
MUSIC
SHEPPARD TO DELIGHT
Brisbane’s chart-topping indie band Sheppard will be bringing their tunes to Sydney this month. The group will perform their biggest anthems, including Geronimo and Let Me Down Easy, as well as celebrating their hit new album Watching The Sky. The Sydney visit is part of a nationwide tour. They perform at the Metro Theatre on September 9, tickets $34.80.
Sheppard, metrotheatre.com.au
SINATRA AT THE SANDS
Gregg Arthur and John Morrison’s Swing City brings you the hits of Frank Sinatra and the Count Basie Big Band. Get ready to sing along to Sinatra classics such as Come Fly With Me and Angel Eyes at the Camelot Lounge tomorrow night, tickets $35-40.
Sinatra at the Sands, camelotlounge.com
MEDITERRANEO
The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra is taking listeners back in time to the courts of Spain for its new production Mediterráneo. The program has been created by Spanish baroque violinist Daniel Pinteno and musicologists Raúl Angulo and Toni Pons, in collaboration with artistic director Paul Dyer. The audience can expect music by Vivaldi, Basset and Lopez. It will be held at the City Recital Hall from September 5 to 14, tickets $30-$175.
Mediterráneo: Music from the courts of Spain, cityrecitalhall.com
READY TO ROCK
Get your rock’n’roll fix with a side of delicious treats, face painting, and more at the Sims rock’n’roll concert. There will be four live bands and plenty of family activities. It’s happening at the Penrith Paceway on September 8, tickets $15.
Sims rock ‘n’ roll concert, eventbrite.com.au
FILM
SIGN O’ THE TIMES
The 1987 hit concert film, written and directed by Prince, is coming to Sydney for one night only. The acclaimed film captures the singer’s classic songs including Sign O’ The Times, Little Red Corvette, If I Was Your Girlfriend and more. A digital remaster is playing at the Hayden Orpheum tomorrow at 7.30pm.
Prince: Sign O’ The Times Concert, orpheum.com.au
SYDNEY LATIN AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL
The Sydney Latin American Film Festival is celebrating its 13th year. This year’s program includes films from across the breath of contemporary Latin American filmmakers, with entries from Chile, Cuba, Uruguay, Peru, Panama, Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico. Sydneysiders can also get a taste of Latin American music and dance at the opening and closing night parties. The nine-day festival opens on September 6 across Dendy Opera Quays, Addison Road Picture House, and PYT Fairfield.
Sydney Latin American Film Festival, sydneylatinofilmfestival.org
MARKETS
CANNERY MARKETS
The Cannery Rosebery is opening its doors to food vendors, craft- makers, fashion lovers and boutique stallholders tomorrow bringing you the best gifts, homewares and foods. There will be live music, plenty of cafes and a creative corner for the kids. If you want a break from the shopping, head to Frenchies Bistro and Brewery for a drink. The markets are free but parking is limited. It’s on tomorrow, 10am to 3pm, at the Cannery Rosebery.
Cannery Markets, canneryrosebery.com.au
PRECINCT 75 SPRING DESIGN FAIR
The Precinct 75 Spring Design Fair is where locals share the best of their creations and local products. There will be homewares, ceramics, kids’ items, fresh flowers and greenery. You can make it a family day out as there will be face painting and a jumping castle for the kids. It’s on today at Precinct 75 in St Peters. If you haven’t found your Father’s Day present yet, this could be the place to go.
Precinct 75 Spring Design Fair, precinct75.com.au
SPRING RECORD FAIR
Start the season with a new collection of vintage records from the Spring Record Fair. There will be thousands of preloved records from a mix of commercial and private sellers. You can also make a date of it with plenty of food stalls and a DJ for entertainment. It’s on tomorrow at Rozelle Public School.
Spring Record Fair, (02) 9315 7011
STAGE
Writer Rebecca Gilman’s new play Luna Gale tells the gripping story of a social worker assigned to the case of a neglected child. Directed by Susanna Dowling, this is a story of complex family dynamics, career risks, and the emotional struggles of protecting a child. The thrilling drama brings together an exceptional cast, including Georgie Parker, Michelle Doake, Scott Sheridan and more. It will be playing at the Ensemble Theatre from September 7 to October 13, with tickets ranging from $25 to $73.
Luna Gale, ensemble.com.au
SYDNEY FRINGE FESTIVAL
The state’s largest independent arts festival, the Sydney Fringe Festival, is back for its ninth year and runs all month, from today. The program features acts from fringe festivals from across the globe — including the UK, New Zealand the US. This year’s ambassadors include Aussie musician Thelma Plum and actor, dancer and singer Emily Havea. The festival will also feature Australia’s only indigenous contemporary circus ensemble.
Sydney Fringe Festival, sydneyfringe.com
SITARAHA
Afghan playwright and actor Monirah Hashemi is staging her new production Sitaraha — The Stars at Blacktown Arts Centre. It tells the story of three generations of Afghan women and the challenges they face at the crossroads of war and religion. The vibrant play is rich in song, dance, and storytelling. It will be running from September 6 to 9. Tickets cost $30.
Sitaraha — The Stars, blacktownarts.com.aublacktownarts.com.aublacktownarts.com.au
WE NEED TO TALK
Acclaimed indigenous dancer and choreographer Vicki Van Hout is bringing a new production to Sydney dance lovers. Van Hout is known for her groundbreaking and humorous narratives, so this one is sure to be a treat for the family. It’s playing at Riverside today, at 8pm. Tickets $28-$35.
Plenty Serious TALK TALK, riversideparramatta.com.auriversideparramatta.com.auriversideparramatta.com.au
ART
FLYING SOLO
Feed your travel bug with Fiona Chandler’s new exhibition, Oil And Water Don’t Mix. It’s a vibrant collection inspired by the artist’s travel and it’s open from today until September 23 at Sydney Road Gallery in Seaforth. Hear insights about the works in an artist talk today, with opening drinks 3-5pm.
Oil And Water Don’t Mix, sydneyroadgallery.com
RICHARD HEALY
Catch Perth-born artist Richard Healy’s first NSW solo exhibition, Holograph. The collection of paintings explores tension and ambiguity on canvas. The exhibition is on until tomorrow at the Wellington Street Projects in Chippendale.
Holograph at Wellington Street Projects, wellingtonstprojects.com
ROOKWOOD SCULPTURE WALK
HIDDEN — Rookwood Sculpture Walk is celebrating its 10th year and to celebrate the occasion the event will feature for the first time works by New Zealand artists alongside Australians. More than 40 artworks will be placed around Rookwood Cemetery, including the work of artist Alison Winchester. The exhibition is running for a month and officially opens today at 3pm, with music refreshments and kids’ activities. On September 8 and 29, get a guided tour of the exhibition by curator Cassandra Hard Lawrie.
The 10th HIDDEN-A Rookwood Sculpture Walk, hiddeninrookwood.com.au
PLAN AHEAD
LONG LIVE THE AUSSIE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL KING
Celebrate the 40th anniversary of Australia’s rock ‘n’ roll pioneer Johnny O’ Keefe with fellow music fans at a special tribute concert. In attendance will be the legendary star’s daughter Vicky who will deliver a moving tribute alongside the musician’s close friend Digger Revell. Attend the concert at the Ryde-Eastwood Leagues Club on October 6 for a trip down memory lane.
Johnny O’Keefe 40th Anniversary, 0409 100 776
PHIL COLLINS
Global music sensation Phil Collins is heading to Australia with his highly anticipated comeback tour, with his 16-year-old son Nicolas backing his dad on drums. The tour has been a sellout in the UK and Europe so get your tickets quick — on sale from September 5. It’s happening at the Qudos Bank Arena on January 21, 2019.
Not Dead Yet: Live! tegdainty.comtegdainty.comtegdainty.com
BAMBERT’S BOOK OF LOST STORIES
This feel-good story of a man’s enormous love for writing is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. The Helpmann award-winning production brings to life Reinhardt Jung’s internationally lauded novel. It’s a remarkable story to remind young ones of the importance of kindness. It’s playing at the Sydney Opera House from September 29 to October 6, tickets $25-$39.
Bambert’s Book Of Lost Stories, sydneyoperahouse.com
OKTOBERFEST IN THE GARDENS
Celebrate Oktoberfest the authentic way at this outdoor festival. There will be two beer halls, German food stalls, plus plenty of wine and cider. For entertainment, you can expect silent discos, competitions and music performances. It’s happening at The Domain on October 27.
Oktoberfest in the Gardens Sydney, oktoberfestinthegardens.com.au