Looking for something to do this weekend? Out of ideas for an original date? Are the kids feeling cooped up?
Hatch@Macleay’s Yahn Monaghan shares his top 5 picks for maximising your weekend.
1. Bald Archy Prize
This exhibition is a breath of fresh air among the more heavy, deep and meaningful collections currently showing in Sydney. The Bald Archy is a spin-off from the famous Archibald Prize… recognising talent, originality and effort. Above all, the Bald Archy prizes the artist’s ability to incorporate irony, satire and exaggeration – three keywords that personify Australian humour. This year’s exhibition features over 40 caricatures of Australian icons. Past winning subjects have included Dame Edna, former Prime Minister John Howard, champion swimmer Ian Thorpe and business mogul, Rupert Murdoch. This is a popular family-friendly event and a good excuse to make a day out of it in the city. Best of all it’s super cheap; children’s entry is free and adults are only five bucks. So for just over a cup of coffee, come support local talent while having a chuckle.
2. The Makers and Shakers Fair
This has gourmet food, homewares, plants, art, organic beauty products, jewellery and so much more. The Makers and Shakers Fair is every lifestyle Instagrammer’s dream market. The fair supports many local businesses, by being a hub for the original and creative… the perfect ingredients for finding unique and wonderful knick-knacks you never knew you needed! There will be over 60 stalls to fawn over, and lots of nibbles. Catering to everyone, food options include gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian. The entry price is only $2… so bring a friend.
3. Cryptic Cities
Now, this is a favourite. If you’re someone who is obsessed with the Amazing Race or Who Wants to be a Millionaire, then this is for you. Cryptic Cities is more of an active game than an event, which leads you around Sydney via a trail of clues. Each one leading you to the next, while simultaneously introducing you to hidden gems – that could become your new favourite bar or park. Cryptic Cities also allows you to choose the theme of the trail you will follow. Ranging from romance to kid-friendly – history to colleagues. Allowing you to create your own atmosphere. It’s a great idea for a third date or even an alternative to Sunday brunch with the squad. At $50 a trail, this adult friendly treasure hunts beats any $20 individual movie ticket or a pointless $60 shopping spree.
4. Rooftop Cinema at Luna Park
Talk about romantic. If my hubby took me to the open theatre at Luna Park, that would be a one-way ticket to the good books. With views of the Harbour Bridge, Ferris Wheel and the Sydney skyline, Luna Park has upgraded the cinematic experience to a whole new level. All movies have noise cancelling headphones… so the noise of the hustle and bustle in the park won’t kill the mood (and if anything, it adds a bit of uniqueness to the experience).
“Chick Flick Wednesdays” are now a thing with movies like Clueless and Mean Girls… (because on Wednesdays we wear pink!) But seriously, come wearing something pink and you’ll receive a free gift. And just to top off the whole girl squad night, Pink Lady Cider will be served at the bar.
If you’re feeling more nostalgic, then Retro Fridays are for you. Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Edward Scissorhands are just a glimpse of the classics we all love.
5. Alphabetical Sydney: Creative Lab
This one is for the kids. The Alphabetical Sydney: Creative Lab is an interactive exhibition at the Sydney Museum. This comes free with the museum’s cost of entry – which is a bonus. Created by child authors, it provides plenty of activities to soak up your kids’ energy, which means they’ll crash when they get home (another bonus). This explosion of colour and creativity, showcases everything Sydney has to offer including its suburbs, landmarks, animals and plants.