It’s hard to believe that we’re already in August, but here we are. And with it comes some beautiful winter sunshine and an explosion of cultural, arty and food-focused events that we couldn’t help but share.
So, if you’re looking at things to do for the rest of the month, here are a few of our favourites.
Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival
When you think of Cherry Blossoms, you may instantly think of Japan. And that’s fantastic because between 20-28 August you can have a taste of both at the Auburn Botanical Gardens.
Here you’ll find Japanese street food, Hello Kitty, music and more amongst the fluffy, bright cherry blossoms. Feast on Japanese Hanami stapes like yakitori, omurice, onigiri and karaage chicken. Then between 10am and 5pm every day, you can play putt-putt golf whilst listening to live DJs and enjoying mocktails.
There’s also lots more going on like live reads of epic Japanese stories, an ikebana talk on the delicate art of Japanese flower arranging, and a Hello Kitty Garden Party on the weekend. Plus, there’s a 45-min self-guided tour down the Cherry Blossom Trail which you can prebook.
Make sure you book your entry tickets beforehand and, as the festival tends to get quite busy, there’s a shuttle bus which runs from Auburn Station every day.
When: 20-28 August
Where: Auburn Botanical Gardens
How much: Free for all Cumberland residents, kids 16 and under, senior and companion card holders. $10 for everyone else.
Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett
She’s back and she’s even more fabulous than ever. Since her sell-out Sydney debut earlier this year, Bernie Dieter is returning to present an unmissable night in the Spiegeltent. Positioned between Circular Quay and The Rocks in runway Gardens, you can arrive early to soak in the atmosphere and feast on the delicious food offerings.
Then, once the show starts, you can expect a dangerously funny kabarett, breathtaking, gender-bending aerial and fire-breathing sideshow at its most inappropriate, provocative and hilarious.
So, grab your tickets and prepare yourself for a night of full-frontal fabulousness.
When: 16 Aug – 25 Sept
Where: Runaway Gardens, Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent
How much: $65-$110
YCK Laneways present: Front & Centre
There’s a new festival in town and you can find it between the laneways of York, Clarence and Kent Street this August. It’s a showcase of female and non-binary talent in arts and culture, with artists, DJs, jazz musicians, singers and creatives in exciting and unexpected experiences—all showcased in the area’s top bars like PS40, Sammy Jnr, the Barber Shop, Burrow Bar, the Duke of Clarence, the Swinging cat, Uncle Ming’s, Jolene’s, Prince of York, Santa Catarina, Grandma’s and Papa Gede’s.
When: 1-31 Aug
Where: Around York, Clarence and Kent Streets, Sydney CBD
How much: Varied
Experience Hong Kong
Celebrate the sights, sounds and tastes of this vibrant territory at the Hordern Pavillion in Moore Park Sydney. Here you’ll find Hong Kong street food, children’s activities. Martial arts demonstrations, a vibrant lion dance, activities, performances and more, Oh and there will also be free spring rolls on offer from 11am until they’ve all been eaten.
So grab your family and have some fun.
When: 27 Aus=gust
Where: Hordern Pavillion, Moore Park
How much: Free entry
Sydney Science Festival
Kicking off on 12 August at the Powerhouse Museum, this year’s Sydney Science Festival has been designed to blow your mind. There are talks from some of the world’s most fascinating minds like a former Google engineer turned design enthusiast and a former NASA astronaut. And it’s perfect for the whole family, with activities and games that everyone can enjoy.
When: 12-20 August
Where: Sydney Powerhouse Museum, across multiple sites including Ultimo and Paramatta
How much: Varies