The Rocks and CBD areas are front and centre of the city’s newest event, Sydney Solstice, a celebration in the 13 days leading up to the June solstice (the longest night). Over 50 events are taking place in various restaurants, bars and venues that boast the best food, drink and live music. From dining experiences on the rooftop of the InterContinental Sydney to an audiovisual performance at Opera Bar and a celebration of the Metro Theatre’s return.
If you’re looking to catch up on all the live music and dancing you’ve missed, there’s a sea of events that will get your hips swaying and your head bopping.
Many of Sydney Solstice’s events celebrate the LGTBQI+ culture that has for so long provided Sydney with some of its most vibrant nightlife and spectacular music and art.
One of the most exciting events on the line-up is the Mardi Gras Pride Weekender at the Metro. The much-loved theatre has been closed for almost 18 months and is ready to reopen in style.
On June 18, beloved Australian artist Alex The Astronaut will lead the Express Yourself line-up. She will be joined on stage by emerging artists, such as rapper BVT, the vibey Hope D and singer-songwriter duo No Fills Twins.
Another Metro highlight is My Drag Story, held on June 19 and hosted by Sydney drag icon Amelia Airhead. It celebrates the rise of drag across Sydney with a star-studded cast of Australian drag legends including Miss 3D, Dizzy Bility and Dorreen Manganini.
The Metro will also host the Third I Festival’s spectacular closing show on June 18. The festival celebrates First Nations artists from Indigenous, Inner West and international communities. Ziggy Ramo, L-Fresh the Lion, Kobie Dee, Thandi Phoenix and more will light up the stage with hard-hitting hip-hop and entrancing soul.
Due to Covid-19 related travel restrictions, some of the Metro Theatre Sydney Solstice events have been postponed to dates later in June, including the world-renowned Camp Cope (June 28) and alternative rock band The Getaway
Plan (June 29).
“Our businesses and the ‘going out economy’ have been impacted the most by the pandemic,” said Michael Rodrigues, Sydney’s 24-Hour Economy Commissioner. “They’ve had to do it so hard for so long. Coming into winter is normally a tough time for trade. Our best creative and hospitality people have put their minds together to come up with something unique and amazing for Sydney winter. I encourage everyone to get out and explore.
“For those of us who live in Sydney, we often take our backyard for granted and forget that there is so much to discover in every alleyway, in basements, on rooftops – all over the place. Great eating, great drinking and the best of entertainment right here.”
As far as food goes, there’ll be spectacular special Sydney Solstice experiences. A prime example is the Tastes of Sydney Gaze and Graze Rooftop Experience, which will run until June 20. You’ll be dining at the new pop-up Panorama Bar on the rooftop of the InterContinental Sydney, 31 levels above the city, as you not only taste some of Sydney’s best produce but also learn about its origins. Your menu will be curated by the five-star hotel’s team and local artisans, with each course built around a hero ingredient from a different part of the city.
Another gastronomic experience to spice up your winter is the Smoke & Mirrors Wine Dinner, which is a night of food, wine and magic.
The moody swing of Esquire Bar + Bistro in the Queen Victoria Building will play host to this upscale dining and entertainment experience. Before and after your meal, you’ll get to slink away to a private room where renowned mentalist Andy Nunn and magicians Vincent Kuo and Adam Axford will perform an array of tricks for you. The oak framing and mosaic flooring of Esquire will have you feeling like the cast of Mad Men as you indulge in contemporary Australian food and cocktails.
For the art lovers, Total Reflection is a performance that challenges the traditional perception of what a ‘stage’ can be, will sweep itself across Opera Bar on select dates. An innovative light installation and original musical composition harmonise to create Total Reflection. The music is mixed live and the experience is fully immersive for the audience as they engage in all elements of the sensory performance. The event is free and will run June 15-17.
For music lovers, The Rocks will be home to a special event promoting burgeoning musicians. Songwriters @ The Rocks is an original songwriting competition which gives upcoming artists an opportunity to showcase their talent, and gain industry and public exposure. The finale of the event will be held on June 20 at First Fleet Park and will include performances from Phil Jameison, Boo Seeka and Tia Gostelow.
A final must-see is the anticipated Songlines of our Universe, a perfect blend of classic musical, stargazing and wine-sipping that internationally renowned composer William Barton and collaborator Véronique Serret will premiere at Sydney Solstice. It is a six-part performance and with supplied telescopes that allow you to gaze over the constellations and stars that inspired the music you hear.
Take me there
Fly: One-way flights from Launceston to Sydney are from $127 with Jetstar. From Canberra, fly Rex from $98.
Drive: Sydney is a 90-minute drive from Wollongong; four hours from Orange; and about five hours from Dubbo
Stay: Stay central and enjoy the luxury of The Langham Sydney, from $498 a night, or The Intercontinental Sydney, from
$269 a night
Dates: Now until Sunday, June 20.
Explore more: sydneysolstice.co
