Aimee O'Keefe

Balmy summer evenings call for dining al fresco, rooftop drinks, gelato strolls with the kids and a healthy dose of arts, music and culture. Luckily, Parramatta CBD’s walkable flat streets, multiple light rail stops and breezy riverside make getting around a lot easier, a lot cheaper and a lot safer to go out and connect with the community. When you add in its ever‑growing nightlife scene, it really is the ultimate summer‑night playground. You can expect local chefs dishing up everything from smoky Middle Eastern grills to modern Thai fusion, and if you’re dreaming of dinner and a show, Riverside Live at PHIVE has you covered. If you’re in the mood for live sport instead, there’s plenty of action at CommBank Stadium, or if you're planning a summer staycation, you can easily turn one night out into a whole weekend away. Whether you’re a lifelong local, a curious foodie, a sports lover or a staycationer, Parramatta’s internationally recognised Purple Flag status means its CBD is a safe, vibrant and welcoming place to explore after dark. Basically, when you’re under the Purple Flags, you know you’re going to have a great night with family and friends. Here’s our guide to the best of summer nights in the river city.

When most people think of Lunar New Year, a lavish banquet is usually the first thing that comes to mind. 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse, which represents momentum, freedom and determination – the kind of energy we’d like to carry into the new year. And what better way to channel that energy than with a banquet, paired with a side of Hennessy, of course.  This year, from Monday, February 2 to Saturday, February 28, Hennessy is teaming up with some of the country’s best Chinese and Southeast Asian restaurants across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. Think elevated banquet menus, Hennessy cocktails created just for the season, and entertainment to match. Here’s what’s on offer:  Sydney Crown: Curated banquets at Golden Century, Zodiac themed cocktails at Teahouse, Steak and Hennessy cocktails at Woodcut and live performances Prefecture 48: $88 set menu at FIVE and Hennessy pairing across the precinct Lee Ho Fook: $248 set menu with Hennessy cocktails and a lion dance on February 9 Melbourne Lee Ho Fook: $248 set menu with Hennessy cocktails and a lion dance on February 9 Mongkok Teahouse: LNY menu with Hennessy cocktails Yum Sing House: LNY menu with Hennessy cocktails. Win prizes on the Hennessy Lucky Wheel  Brisbane Phoenix Brisbane: LNY set menu with a bottle of Hennessy VSOP for $1388 or with a bottle of Hennessy XO for $2088. A lion dance on February 16 Perth Modu Kitchen & Bar: $88 banquet menu with complimentary Hennessy cocktail. Upgrade to a bottle of

Some people lock in their New Year’s plans months ahead. Others prefer to leave things to chance. If that sounds like you, and you’re still undecided, don’t stress. Parramatta has you covered with a massive New Year’s Eve Celebration that you can just rock up to. The best part? It’s completely free (and no pre-bookings are required). From 5pm to 9.30pm, watch Parramatta Park come alive with three live music stages, a drone show, fireworks, food trucks, rides and plenty more.  Auslan interpretation will be available at all three stages, ensuring that the event is accessible and inclusive for everyone. If you’re keen to catch the performances at The Crescent Stage, you’ll just need a wristband. These are free and available to collect from 1pm at the wristband tent near The Crescent Stage. It’s first-come, first-served (up to five per person). All other areas are open without wristbands. Here are the Parramatta NYE happenings on our must-do list:

With long, warm days ahead – up to 14 hours of daylight at peak summer – it feels almost criminal to stay indoors glued to a screen. But we get it, sometimes, thinking of what to do is the hardest part. So if you’re wondering how to make the most of Sydney’s endless sunshine, we’ve got you covered. Right on the steps of the Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is a 30-hectare oasis brimming with nature-led experiences, cultural activities, art, and family-friendly fun. The best part? None of it involves scrolling or binge-watching. Here’s what deserves a spot on your summer hit list.

Sydney is pulling out all the stops this December, and everyone’s favourite harbourside spots – The Rocks, Barangaroo and Darling Harbour – are transforming into the ultimate festive playgrounds. Think Christmas concerts, visits from Santa, elves battling the Grinch on jet skis, and even a floating Christmas tree. Best part? Most events are free. Here’s your ultimate festive hit list. 

If you’re an avid ballet lover, then you will know the thrill of a triple bill – or even if you’re not, the three distinctive pieces by different choreographers, presented in a single performance are a perfect introduction. Prism takes this format and runs with it – weaving together three distinct artistic journeys that defy expectations and captivate audiences. Premiering in the Harbour City this spring at the Sydney Opera House on November 7, Prism promises anything but a typical night at the ballet. The kaleidoscopic experience pairs visionary choreographers with acclaimed composers to create something truly original. The program features landmark works from two international choreographers – William Forsythe and Jerome Robbins – alongside a world premiere from Australia’s own Stephanie Lake. The choreography will be paired with compositions by Philip Glass, James Blake, and J.S. Bach, reimagined by Peter Brikmanis. Together, they form a dynamic performance that reimagines what ballet can be. It’s contemporary ballet with an edge – ambitious, at times unconventional, and always unexpected. Prism is coming to the Sydney Opera House from November 7 to 15. Head to The Australian Ballet website for performance times, general tickets, and more info.

With the holiday season fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to start dreaming about your next escape. Whether you're craving the freedom of the open road, coastal serenity, a bit of adrenaline, or the raw beauty of the outback, there's no need to hop on a plane overseas – Australia is overflowing with places to explore, all right here in our own backyard.  Thanks to Australia Post and Mastercard (and to mark the release of Kangaroo in cinemas), this dream could soon become a reality – with one lucky family set to win a trip for four to the Northern Territory and the Gold Coast. The prize includes return flights, accommodation, Village Roadshow Theme Park passes, exclusive Priceless Experiences, and a $500 Australia Post Gift Card by Mastercard. To enter, simply load $100 onto any Australia Post Prepaid Mastercard and register your entry with proof of purchase.*  Here’s your bucket list, sorted. 

Even the most committed Grinches will find it hard to resist the indulgence of the silly season at Park Hyatt Sydney. With exquisite food, expertly crafted drinks, and front-row views of Sydney Harbour, this luxurious harbourside hotel is pulling out all the stops this December. Executive chef Tyson Gee has curated a series of menus that hero fresh, seasonal produce while giving a nod to the much loved classics. But be warned – these experiences will see Sydneysiders booking months in advance. Photograph: Supplied | Park Hyatt Sydney On Christmas Day, The Dining Room and The Living Room will present a five-course menu for $425 per person, beginning with a glass of NV Taittinger Champagne and a seafood platter, because nothing screams Aussie Christmas more than freshly shucked oysters and sweet prawns. For the traditionalists, glazed Berkshire ham caramelised with festive spices will also be on offer. And for dessert? Pavlova, obviously, but with a playful twist – mango, rice pudding and pink peppercorn – because, let’s be honest, there’s only so much of Mum’s pav you can handle before craving a little extra flair. Photograph: Supplied | Park Hyatt Celebrations continue throughout the entire month of December with a Christmas-themed afternoon tea, available Fridays through Sundays from $95 per person. Expect seasonal delicacies like braised turkey pie with cranberry gel, gingerbread, and salted vanilla bûche de Noël. No festive feast is complete without a stellar drinks li

If we had to choose our favourite slice of 80s nostalgia, Back to the Future would be right up there with neon fashion, big hair, and boomboxes. And now, the beloved sci-fi classic is leaping from screen to stage in a spectacular musical adaptation that’s already wowed London audiences. That’s right, London’s Olivier Award-winning best new musical has landed down under. Adapted for the stage by the creators of the original movie trilogy, Sydney audiences can finally experience the magic live. Tony Award-winner Roger Bart plays Doc Brown, while rising star Axel Duffy plays Marty McFly. They lead a stellar cast including Ashleigh Rubenach as Lorraine Baines, Ethan Jones as George McFly, and Javon King as Goldie Wilson. Watch on as Marty McFly’s unforgettable adventure is brought to life, catapulting audiences back to 1955, where a single mistake threatens to rewrite history. Featuring an electrifying score by original Back to the Future composer Alan Silvestri and Grammy-winning songwriter Glen Ballard, this production is the perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation. The best bit? Tickets start at just $65*, with the best value found in Wednesday matinees, mid-week, and Sunday evening performances. Planning on rallying the whole crew? You can save up to $88* when booking four tickets for select mid-week or Sunday evening shows. Back to the Future: The Musical is now playing at the Sydney Lyric Theatre. For more information and to book your tickets, visit the website. *Terms a

The sun’s out, the days are getting longer, and the silly season is creeping closer, which means picnic fever is in full swing. And while everyone loves a classic picnic, we’re all for a day out with a few canned cocktails in the mix. Whether you're after a laid-back sunset aperitif or a lavish spread with the entire group chat, we've done the legwork to uncover the best parks, reserves, and gardens where you can enjoy a picnic – and BYO.  Of course, no picnic is complete without the perfect beverage, and Four Pillars Gin has delivered. They’ve dropped not one, but two new flavour-packed ready-to-drink gin cocktails: the Yuzu, Pineapple and Lime Gin Smash and the Passionfruit and Orange Gin Crush, joining the recently launched Bloody Raspberry and Ginger Gin Punch. Light and fresh, these canned cocktails are your new go-to for sunny picnic sessions. So grab your picnic basket, pack your favourite cocktail tin, and head to one of these primo spots to smash copious amounts of cheese and charcuterie while sipping on an ice-cold cocktail or two under the afternoon sun.

If the recent release of ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ left you craving even more time on Pandora, we’ve got the perfect summer escape. A brand‑new Avatar experience has just arrived at Madame Tussauds Sydney, ready to whisk you away into another realm, even if it’s just for a little while. Come face‑to‑face with Jake Sully, brought to life as a life‑sized, hyper‑detailed figure inspired by Sam Worthington’s unforgettable performance. From his powerful stance to his signature Na’vi detailing, it feels almost too real. Meanwhile, a stunning Pandora‑inspired environment transports you deep into the Avatar universe, where vibrant alien flora is paired with immersive soundscapes, making it feel as though you’ve stepped straight into the film. This installation was created in close collaboration with Disney, Lightstorm Entertainment, and Wētā Workshop, promising an experience that’s as awe-inspiring as the franchise itself. With the summer school holidays in full swing, this is the ultimate family activity, especially on those rainy Sydney days, offering a magical journey into one of the world’s most beloved cinematic universes. And yes, it makes for the perfect Instagram post. Whether you’re snapping photos, filming TikToks, or capturing Reels, this experience offers an endless stream of share‑worthy content for fans and pop‑culture lovers alike. Located on Aquarium Wharf in Darling Harbour, the experience runs until Monday, February 9, 2026. Tickets start from $49, or guests can save u

Written and directed by acclaimed Larrakia, Yanyuwa, Bardi and Wardaman artist Jada Alberts, ‘Black Light’ is a bold new work kicking off Malthouse’s 2026 Season.  Supported by a powerhouse First Nations cast including Trisha Morton‑Thomas and Tahlee Fereday, as well as real-life sisters Rachael and Lisa Maza reuniting on stage for the first time in 17 years to explore the complicated bond between two sisters, ‘Aunty’ and ‘Mum’ in the world premiere of Black Light. The production threads together the familiar tangled intimacies and everyday drama of family life – dementia, break‑ups, single parenthood, and the simmering resentments that form between siblings. Above all else, Black Light is a poignant love letter to mothers, aunties, grandmothers and great-grandmothers everywhere. The production offers a rich portrait of Black motherhood, exploring the passing down of wisdom. ‘Black Light’ is playing at Malthouse’s Merlyn Theatre in Southbank from February 13 until March 7. You can book your tickets here.

This October, step into a 1990s daytime rave in full, euphoric swing, where pulsing beats and dancing bodies collide with heartfelt moments, betrayal, friendship, and self-discovery. This is the world of Daytime Deewane by Azan Ahmed – a genre-blending production that captures the tenderness and emotional turbulence of being a young adult just trying to figure it all out.  The Australian premiere is running from October 16-25 at the all-new Riverside Live at PHIVE theatre in Parramatta Square. Told over the course of a single afternoon, the story follows cousins Farhan and Sadiq – two young ravers navigating the tension between their Muslim heritage and the pressure to become “proper” British men. The catch? They need to figure it out before the sun sets. Rooted in British South Asian history, Ahmed’s story explores the familiar complexities of diaspora identity, blending cultural nuance with a banging soundtrack that makes it hard to sit still. You’ll laugh, reflect, and definitely dance. Directed by Sepy Baghaei (Gate Theatre’s Wish You Were Here) and starring Ariyan Sharma (STC’s Dear Evan Hansen) and Ashan Kumar in his mainstage debut, get ready for a high-energy fusion of theatre, music, and spoken word rolled into one poignant, euphoric experience.  Presented as part of Riverside’s National Theatre of Parramatta 2025 Season Programme and playing during Parramatta Lanes Festival, Daytime Deewane runs from October 16-25 at Live at PHIVE. For tickets, performance times, an

As the weather warms up, the spontaneous afternoon tipples, Sunday wine sessions, and boozy alfresco lunches start to make a welcome comeback. And if your wine rack is ready for a refresh, we’ve got just the thing. This spring, the beloved Orange Wine Festival returns to Australia’s cool-climate gem, the Orange Wine Region. It’s your chance to discover new favourites, meet the makers, and soak up the sunny weather – one glass at a time. With nearly 40 unique events hosted by the region’s passionate vignerons and winemakers, the festival promises a flavour-packed journey through one of Australia’s most exciting wine destinations. Whether you're strolling through sun-dappled gardens, tasting straight from the barrel, or indulging in curated menus paired with local wines, there’s something for every palate.  The festivities begin with the Orange Wine Festival Night Market, a twilight event where guests can sip and stroll beneath the stars, sampling local drops and gourmet bites. Then, on October 24, the second weekend brings the highly anticipated Sip & Savour, hailed as the ultimate wine tasting experience. Think speed dating, but with wine, and minus the awkward small talk. Instead, ticket holders are “matched” with over 300 award-winning wines from the 2025 Orange Wine Show. By the end of the night, you’re bound to have found the perfect wine to add to your rack.  If you’re craving something even more intimate, take a private guided winery garden walk or dine with the winemak

It’s no secret that Mountain Culture Beer Co. is one of Australia’s most loved craft breweries. You see people rocking their merch everywhere, from the streets of Katoomba to the beaches of WA. We’ve even spotted a few hoodies in the Big Smoke overseas. And it’s easy to see why: their beers are world-class.  Having recently expanded to Sydney, the wait is finally over for Melbournians – Mountain Culture has officially landed in Richmond, bringing the full brewpub experience to Victoria for the first time. It’s a move that Mountain Culture is particularly excited about, given how many Melburnians are avid Mountain Culture drinkers. Hop off the tram and follow your nose – the scent of fresh hops will guide you straight to the door. Expect the usual award-winners like the Status Quo Pale Ale that has won Australia's number one beer 3 years in a row in the GABS Hottest 100, plus two new limited-edition beers every week. Not only will the venue be pouring their famed beers, they’ll be brewing them onsite. And if you’re keen to take the experience home, grab a few takeaway tinnies. Not a beer drinker? No worries, cocktails and wine are also on offer. Of course, no pub session is complete without a hearty feed. With a smoker imported from Texas, the kitchen serves up a mouth-watering American-style BBQ menu. The space itself is just as impressive. Housed within a warehouse and boasting a retractable roof that opens on those days the Melbourne sun decides to make an appearance, the v