If you've ever wondered what would happen if a kid's drawing of their wildest dream utopia suddenly came off the page and into real life, you're in luck, because that's pretty much what's happening right now beneath the Art Gallery of NSW.
Artist and professional disruptor Mike Hewson has taken over the weird subterranean world of The Tank with his one-of-a-kind new exhibition, Mike Hewson: The Key's Under the Mat, where for the first time ever, all the main lights in the normally pitch-dark Tank will be switched on, revealing a weird wonderland of interactive art pieces and play equipment that have to be seen to be believed.
We're talking: A steam room with stained glass windows that you can actually sit in, a functioning sauna with bespoke church pews, five actual operating public barbeques that you can cook on, rushing water to play in (seriously, bring your swimmers), a working laundry, and a free-to-use recording studio, plus a whole plethora of bright and delightful surprises that are all about getting community together, to do cool stuff, for free.
Basically, break your imagination and delete all adult expectations. This is unlike anything we've ever seen.
Kids who aren't afraid of some risk are also one of Hewson's big targets with this show (although parents, rest easy, the floor is specially made out of recycled soft rubber that's rated for use in public playgrounds), with the space also home to a wild children's playground.
Intrepid kidlets can test their...
Here’s all the fun to be had in Sydney this weekend.
A massive Christmas fair is going down in Surry Hills on Saturday. Chuck on a Santa hat and head to Crown Street – there’ll be stalls, entertainment and even a Santa Paws Dog Parade. Find out more here.
Want more Xmas fun? Check out our guide to the best Christmas markets in Sydney for festive food and shopping – we’ve also got a fab round-up of all the top markets in the city.
Are you a Pokémon fan? You’re in luck – a Pokémon GO City Safari is going down this weekend in Sydney, the first one ever in Australia. Find out more here.
Keen to get outdoors? Check out our guide to the best walks in Sydney – BYO snacks and hat. If you're up for a road trip, you can also cool off with our guide to the most magical swimming holes in NSW. Or cool off with our guide to Sydney's best ocean pools.
Did you hear the news? Iconic Sydney dance sesh S.A.S.H, held on Sundays for 15 years, is officially moving to Saturday nights. The legendary house music institution – known for throwing epic (and sweaty) dance parties – will now go down every Saturday at Carousel on Oxford Street. Looking for more places to party? Check out our guide to the best clubs in Sydney here.
Marrickville’s Factory Theatre is putting on free fun every Saturday and Sunday during daylight savings, called Freekin Weekends. Head on down to the sunny courtyard to boogie to ace live bands while enjoying a cold one (or two). Plus, if you sign up before, the guys will throw in a $5 bar credit, thanks to the legends from Hawkes Brewing. In this economy? We love to see it. Find out more here.
For a cultural hit, a gigantic interactive playground (for kids and adults) has appeared underground in the Nelson Packer Tank beneath the Art Gallery of NSW. Mike Hewson: The Key’s Under the Mat is showing right now – and it's free to enjoy.
If there’s one thing you do this weekend, I reckon it should be to see La Ronde at The Grand Electric in Redfern. I went recently and was captivated from the get-go. Part circus, part comedy show, and 100 per cent a dazzling good night out. I promise you’ll love it. Find out more here.
You can check out our full guide to all the shows on in Sydney here.
And if you want more boozy fun, you can check out Sydney's best bars here. Oh, and you can suss Sydney’s best restaurants and best affordable eats too.
Hope you have a cracking weekend.
Weather not looking so hot? Check out our list of the best things to do indoors in Sydney.
