8 last-minute things to do in Sydney this long weekend

We don’t know about you but we’re very much looking forward to this October long weekend. That’s because it means a whole extra day of you-time. Time to do what you want, when you want. But if you haven’t got what you want planned for when you want it, we’ve got you covered. From Portuguese tarts to Pixar themed Putt Putt or a cherry blossom festival to Van Gogh in lights, there’s much to see and do; even if you are planning on doing it at the very last minute.

Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes 2020

Australia’s most prestigious art prizes have returned and have already awarded some of our most exciting artists. Featuring a celebrity-packed cast of subjects, these awards are always a big, cultural event in Sydney. This year’s winner was announced on 25 September but you can still visit to see the finalists for yourself. 

When: Until 10 January 2021

Where: Art Gallery of NSW

Buy tickets

Cherry Blossom Festival at Daniel San

We may not be able to travel to Japan and see the flowering cherry blossom, or even visit the Auburn Botanical Gardens to view them closer to home – it’s still closed to visitors – but we can get a taste at Daniel San in Manly. That’s because the team have mocked up their own version of the pink-hues sakura paradise and transformed the venue into a blossoming celebration using thousands of cherry blossom stems. You can head over and enjoy a bottomless cherry blossom Bellini brunch for $59 per person. Bookings are essential. 

When: Until 31 October 2020

Where: Daniel San, Manly

Book online

Pixar Putt Putt

A pop-up Disney Pixar-themed putt putt course has set up 18 holes in the Banwest Stadium, Parramatta. You can choose to play a nine-hole or go for the full 18-hole of nostalgic putt putt amongst your favourite Pixar movies like Toy Story, A Bug’s Life, The Incredibles, Finding Nemo, Ratatouille, Monsters Inc., Wall-E and more. Open from 10am daily and then with late sessions on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 7pm-10pm.

When: Until 28 October 2020

Where: Bankwest Stadium, Parramatta

Buy tickets

Van Gogh Alive

It’s a mind-blowing, totally immersive exhibition which brings Van Gogh classics like ‘The Starry Night’ and ‘Sunflowers’ to life. Housing screens and protections over a combined surface area of more than 30 IMAX screens, it’s a sensory experience designed to place you within the paintings – accompanied by a beautifully curated classical playlist. 

When: Until 12 October 2020

Where: Royal Hall of Industries, Moore Park

Buy tickets

Opera Bar and Opera Kitchen are now open

Now that the world of theatre is coming alive again in Sydney, the beautiful Opera Bar and Opera Kitchen are too. You have to book but you can once again sit sipping drinks with friends and enjoying delicious fare, against the stunning – and iconic – backdrop of Sydney Harbour. 

When: Ongoing 

Where: Circular Quay

Book online

Around the world in four drinks

Just because we can’t travel, doesn’t mean we can’t go around the world when this quartet of cocktails can take you. Taste your way to Hong Kong, Mexico, New York, and Japan at Employees Only and send your taste buds on a round-the-world trip via four carefully curated drinks and paired snacks.

When: 7 and 8 October 2020

Where: Employees Only, Sydney

Book now

The Wizard’s Den

If you’re a huge fan of wizardry, now’s your chance to escape to a world of magic and potion-making i.e. cocktail making. It’s a clever set up with a cast of characters, whose purpose is to make sure your 2-hour evening escapade is a whole load of fun. 

When: Until 25 November 2020

Where: Wonderland, Potts Point

Book now

Tuga Pastries

Really all we need to say is Portugese Tarts. Homemade – and extremely delicious – Potugese Tarts. Carefully made by a mother and son duo who normally only sell wholesale treats during the week. But from Saturday through to Sunday mornings, you can eat the crisp-shelled delights straight out of the oven, when the tiny kitchen shapeshifts into a counter-only bakery. We’ll no doubt see you there! Yum. 

When: Every Saturday and Sunday 7.30am-2.30pm

Where: 231 Clovelly Road, Sydney

Find out more

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