Messina for Breakfast and Outdoor Street Parties: Six Ways to Experience The Rocks This Summer

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The combination of historic architecture, stunning views, great watering holes and a variety of shops means The Rocks has long been one of Sydney's most popular destinations. In fact, over 15 million people visit this part of the CBD every single year — and 2022 at The Rocks promises to be better than ever.

There are a range of events to kick off the year in style, giving you all sorts of ways to experience one of Sydney's most fascinating precincts. We've hand-picked a sweet half-dozen to get you started.

HAVE ICE CREAM FOR BREAKFAST WITH MESSINA'S ALL-DAY BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS

Perhaps the only issue with gelato is that apparently it's not deemed an appropriate breakfast food. However, for five days only at the start of January, Gelato Messina is doing its best to change all that, with a special breakfast-themed selection available at First Fleet Park.

There are four flavours to choose from, including Cinnie French Toast (French toast, cinnamon butter, milk gelato and vanilla cheesecake glaze) and Breakfast in Canberra (milk gelato with milk jam and Milo). There'll also be live music and outdoor furniture so you can soak in the atmosphere of an incredible Messina experience.

Find out more about Messina's all-day breakfast ice-cream here.

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KICK OFF THE WEEKEND AT A SWEET SUMMER STREET PARTY

Every Friday night in January, The Rocks will be hosting a sweet summer street party. Star guest Anna Polyviou, one of Australia's most celebrated pastry chefs, has created an exclusive flavour of cookie dough for the occasion and will also be hosting cookie-making workshops every week.

If that's not enough, there will be a range of stalls where you can pick up quality fare from the likes of Salt Meats Cheese, where you can pick up hand-stretched pizza and antipasto boards, and Butter, which has teamed up with Ramblin Rascal to shake up a selection of exclusive Hennessy and Belvedere cocktails. Dancers and drummers from Junkyard Beats plus guest DJs (including sets from Polyviou herself) will ensure the energy levels stay high as you party your summer away.

Find out more about the Sweet Summer Street Party here.

Anna Kucera

BROWSE ARTISANAL WARES AND GOURMET TREATS AT THE ROCKS MARKETS

Openair markets at The Rocks are a bona fide Sydney institution — and there's not much that's better than wandering some of the city's most picturesque and historic streets on a summer's day. Every Saturday and Sunday throughout January (except January 1 and 2), the streets of The Rocks will be abuzz with artisans selling their wares, more snack choices than you could ever wish for and an excellent range of entertainment options.

You can curate your own day and never run out of things to see and do – perhaps start your day with a free outdoor yoga class before you browse hand-crafted jewellery and snack on a creamy pastel de nata. Or maybe watch glassblowing, buy a freshly squeezed juice and then take in some live music. With so much on offer, every visit to the markets this summer is guaranteed to be different.

Find out more about The Rocks Markets here.

Anna Kucera

CATCH A CLASSIC FLICK UNDER THE STARS — FOR FREE

Outdoor cinema has been one of the entertainment success stories in Sydney over the past few years, with an evening under the stars chilling on a beanbag watching the big screen proving a popular pastime. Friday nights in January at Atherden Street in The Rocks will give you another chance to jump on the outdoor cinema train — and the best part is that these screenings are completely free.

You already know there are plenty of great food options in and around The Rocks, meaning you can pay a visit to the likes of Caminetto to pick up a hot pizza and cheeky drink before settling in for a classic movie.

Find out more about Laneway Cinemas here.

Anna Kucera

EAT YOUR WAY AROUND THE WORLD AT AN ALL-DAY STREET PARTY

While overseas travel may be off the cards for a little while yet, the next best thing is taking your tastebuds around the world. On January 26, The Rocks will be hosting an all-day international food fair, offering everything from Middle Eastern classics by Tayim to The Orient's Nepalese-inspired nosh.

There's also roving entertainment, street games and even chill-out zones if you need a break from the crowds. Once you're re-energised, you'll want to head to the stage for a great selection of free live music. It's a line-up specifically chosen to keep the party going, including Old School Funk Band and traditional street-style brass collective Hot Potato Band.

Find out more about the all-day fest here.

CATCH A FREE LIVE GIG BY A TOP AUSSIE ACT

We've all missed festivals and live music over the past two years, and this January there are a series of gigs taking place in First Fleet Park featuring some of the biggest names in Australian music. From riotous girl gang Haiku Hands to the lyrical dexterity of Kwame (pictured above) and high-energy sister act CLEWS, there's a headliner for all tastes, each supported by a cast of exciting up-and-coming acts.

A pop-up bar, barbecues, loaded hot dogs, falafels and ice-cold drinks are available to keep you fuelled, and – best of all – entry to the event is completely free.

Find out more — and check out the full lineup — here.

For more info on what to discover at The Rocks this summer, head to the website.