James St Up Late 2023

Overview

Once a year, for one night only, a New Farm street transforms into a fashion party. That'd be James Street — and, given that the stretch of road boasts plenty of boutique selling designer threads, you know that they know how to put on a sartorial celebration.

James St  Up Late is all about exploring the precinct's many outlets, stocking up your wardrobe, getting tempted by specials and browsing the latest collections. In 2023, it's marking 11 years of doing just that, in fact, so expect it to be on helluva shindig — 80 businesses are getting involved.

From 5–8pm on Thursday, March 23, the after-hours event will feature all of the roadway's boutiques getting in on the action — including newcomers Bared Footwear, Désordre, MCM House, SIR. and Studio Gallery joining in for the first time — plus the full slate of local bars and restaurants. As soundtracked to DJs, there'll be bargains to buy, one-off menus to eat your way through and cocktails to sip.

Also a part of the fun: party bags, with 1000 up for grabs featuring goodies galore from the precinct.

Here, you can eat, drink, stockshop, hit up a MCM House party and exhibition, and rub shoulders with Sean Venturi of Venroy, Amy Finlayson from ANINE BING in Calexico, Angelique Andronis of By Baby and Gail Sorronda — and more. Messina is doing a limited-edition flavour for the evening, too, while LOS Bar has a one-night-only margarita mix and The Calile is offering discounted bookings if you want to stay overnight.

Images: Andrew Cois.