Your Guide to Sydney Festival: A Toast to 50 Years
Sydney Festival is celebrating 50 years of bringing incredible art, music, and energy to the city, and frankly, there’s no better time to enjoy a summer night out. As the proud official spirits sponsor, we're marking the half-century with a festival toast you won't want to miss: the Golden Gimlet. Featuring Archie Rose True Cut Vodka, elderflower, lemon, lychee, soda, and a touch of gold shimmer, it’s available at bars throughout the festival, so there’s no excuse not to celebrate with us in our fabulous city.
To help you plan the perfect festival picks, we’ve put together our curated list of events and venues to make the most of the season.
If you’re looking for a monumental, once-in-a-lifetime experience, head straight to the Sydney Opera House Northern Broadwalk for Garabari. This incredible participatory dance work transforms the iconic forecourt into a massive open-air dance floor. It’s an energetic, joyous celebration and you’ll want to be right in the middle of it.
Walsh Bay is the ultimate pre-show precinct. The newly-opened Folio Bar just off Roslyn Packer Theatre is the official Festival Bar this season. It's the perfect place to grab a cocktail and a light bite, with their off-shoot Folio bubble ideal for sipping and people-watching. And whilst you’re in the neighbourhood, don't miss the free, outdoor spectacle Live on Hickson Road: Efectos Especiales. The audience becomes the extras in a live movie shoot, followed by The Kick On street party. It’s the kind of high-energy, spontaneous fun that Folio is perfectly positioned to kick off.
For world-class music in a beautiful setting, the City Recital Hall is the spot. We’re particularly excited about the fearless voice of Paris Paloma and the sensational South London sound of Raf-Saperra. Don't forget to enter the competition before the closing date of 1 January to win two tickets to the Paris Paloma show and an Archie Rose gift pack.
Who needs regular theatre when you can have high-octane comedy on wheels? Mama Does Derby transforms the historic Sydney Town Hall into a roller derby track for a hilarious and heartfelt blend of sport and theatre. You’ll find us right there if you need a quick refresh before or after the show. Meanwhile, the Hordern Theatre is hosting one of the most energetic nights of the festival with Disco Never Dies, an orchestral concert that will have you digging out your flares and dancing to hits from ABBA and Earth Wind & Fire.
If you want to keep the night going without booking another ticket, you can’t go wrong with the free Sydney Symphony Under the Stars in Tumbalong Park - a beautiful evening of music that ends with a fireworks finale!
Finally, officially Sydney Festival’s Late Night Venue Partner, The Abercrombie is where to go when the curtain comes down and the night is still young. It’s perfect for night owls who want to keep the celebration going, offering special Archie Rose drinks throughout the festival season. See you there!
