Keep Sydney Open Is Putting on a 12-Hour Suburb-Wide Festival in Darlinghurst

The future of Sydney's nightlife in the face of the NSW Government's infamous lockout laws might still be in a state of polarising uncertainty, but the perseverant bunch at nightlife lobby group Keep Sydney Open is attempting to reinvigorate one of Sydney's central night spots. After a Kings Cross-wide event back in July, KSO is taking over Darlinghurst for a day-to-night takeover of the areas best venues.

Alongside the Darlinghurst Business Partnership, the collective will take over 16 (and counting) Darlo nightlife venues for a precinct festival on Saturday, October 21 from 3pm all the way through to 3.30am. You'll be able to ho between venues such as Shady Pines Saloon, Golden Age, The Unicorn, The Colombian, The Cliff Dive and Stonewall, each of which will be throwing their own parties all through the afternoon and night. Some events will be ticketed while others, like markets and outdoor activations, will be free to attend.

"A report conducted by the Darlinghurst Business Partnership found that bars and clubs took a 33 percent hit to their turnover after the lockouts, but shockingly, daytime business fell by 25 percent," says KSO campaign director Tyson Koh. "It shows how far-reaching the effects of the lockouts are on all aspects of the city's vitality. There's a sense now, however, that things are heading in the right direction. Creating a vibrant city starts with us, which is why we're putting on Meet Me In Darlo. I think it's time we get out there, take back nightlife and take back our city!"

Who will you find having a mad boogie within these venues? Well, that's all set to be revealed soon, along with the full program and ticketing details. So keep October 21 free and stay tuned.

Meet Me in Darlo is happening across Darlinghurst on October 21 from 3pm till 3.30am. Tickets will go on sale soon here. 

Image: Kimberley Low.