Things to Do in Sydney That'll Help You Live in the Moment This Summer
Slow down and appreciate right now with these six spectacular or awe-inspiring events.
Things to Do in Sydney That'll Help You Live in the Moment This Summer
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Slow down and appreciate right now with these six spectacular or awe-inspiring events.
There are moments in our everyday lives when we're jolted out of our heads and into our bodies — when we stop on our commute home to watch the sunset, or as we feel the cool wind change when we're exercising in the park. And it can feel good to appreciate living in the moment when our lives are often filled with things to do, see and achieve.
What feels even better is when those worlds collide, like when you're listening to live music outdoors with one of the most beautiful views in Sydney as a backdrop, or focusing your attention on your newfound hobby only to see your neighbourhood in a whole new light. With a little help from our friends at Sunglass Hut, we've put together six events that'll help you live in the moment this summer.
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When you want to appreciate what’s right here, right now, you should make time to listen to live music and watch a beaut sunset. On Saturday evenings until March 28, you can stare at Sydney Harbour as the sun goes down thanks to Cockatoo Island’s sunset sessions, which features a lineup of local and international acoustic musicians curated by Venue 505 (a venue that’s sadly closing its doors in December).
There’s a special First Nations event on November 30 with performances from Bow and Arrow, Evie J Willie and Indigenous Enterprise. Plus future dates include sets from the lead singer of Phantastic Furniture, Elizabeth Fader, as well as Unearthed Chart topper Leonie Kingdom. Music start at 5pm, but we recommend heading over early to soak up as much sun as possible. And, because the combination of great live music and gorgeous views requires refreshment, there will be beer and wine, as well as cheese and charcuterie boxes available to purchase on the night.
Need new shades? Face summer head on with: Valentino ($320).
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Can you think of a better way to spend a summer night than with an outdoor movie and quality food by the harbour? You can do just that at American Express’s outdoor cinema in Pyrmont — where you’ll catch yourself taking a moment to let that view sink in, along with an appreciation for living in the here and now.
Movies on this big screen include just-released hits like Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker and Bill Murray zombie comedy The Dead Don’t Die, as well as classics like Love Actually. Snacks come courtesy of food truck Mr Papa, with a menu of Peruvian street food, burgers, loaded fries and grazing plates, and drinks from Giesen Wines, 4Pines and Pimm’s.
Oh, and it’s a dog-friendly space, so you don’t need to leave part of your family at home. A little snuggle with your favourite fur baby will help bring you back into the moment.
Face summer head on with: Vogue ($149.95).
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Another way to live in the moment is by getting your hands dirty, whether that’s pottering in the garden or sinking your fingers into the sand at the beach. Our pick is to combine one of our favourite foods with learning a new skill. Get hands on at a cheese making class. Sure, it’ll cost you $85, but then you’ll leave with the knowledge to make endless cheese at home, whenever you want.
Omnom Cheese Shop is hosting a series of these cheese making classes at Forest Lodge food precinct Tramsheds up until December 13. You’ll learn to stretch, fold and “ball” both bocconcini and burrata — while sipping endless bubbles.
The classes, which take place most Thursday and Friday nights as well as one Saturday morning a month, includes the endless booze as well as around one kilogram of your own handmade cheese to take home.
Face summer head on with: Prada ($370).
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Someone who knows how to live in the moment is British artist Cornelia Parker, who approached the British Army to help her blow up a shed in the 1990s. Fragments of wood, broken bicycle wheels and a shattered violin were collected by Parker and reconfigured into her most famous artwork, Cold Dark Matter: An Exploded View (1991). And you can seize the day and go see her career highlights in a major exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
The exhibition has four large-scale artworks that transform the gallery’s rooms. War Room (2015) is like walking into the Twin Peaks red room, except the blood-red walls are crafted from discarded strips of paper sourced from a Remembrance Poppy factory in London. And Magna Carta (An Embroidery) (2015) is a 12-metre-long hand-stitched version of the Magna Carta Wikipedia page. She also steamrolled a collection of silver to create another full-room installation, Thirty Pieces of Silver (1988–89).
Face summer head on with: Ray-Ban ($215).
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If there’s one thing Sydneysiders like, it’s watching Studio Ghibli films. Understandably, a whole heap of cinemas and bars around town have been happy to oblige, hosting their own events dedicated to the Japanese animation house. Now, the Art Gallery of NSW is getting on board with weekly screenings in the Domain Theatre.
Yes, you’ll feel like you’ve been Spirited Away once again — and the spectacular animation will capture all your attention for an afternoon. Other Hayao Miyazaki favourites on the program include Kiki’s Delivery Service, Princess Mononoke and My Neighbour Totoro. Pom Poko, by Studio Ghibli director Isao Takahata, also makes an appearance on the lineup.
If you’ve missed these films in their limited cinema runs or festival appearances in the past, consider this your chance to catch up (and at only $12 per session).
Face summer head on with: Dolce & Gabbana ($380).
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The after-hours live music series at the zoo, that boasts arguably the best view of Sydney Harbour, has proven it’s got some real cred when it comes to hosting outdoor gigs.
Held in Taronga’s outdoor amphitheatre, the concert series has some real humdingers to look forward to including Meg Mac, NZ duo Broods, Wolfmother, Mavis Staples, Kasey Chambers and Paul Kelly bringing together a six-piece band to perform bird-inspired poems. And, as always, the ABBA tribute act Bjorn Again is be back by popular demand.
You can BYO a picnic, but there’ll also be gourmet hampers available onsite alongside a handful of food trucks. Tickets include discounted same-day entry into the zoo (so you can sneak in a visit to your favourite mammal, bird or reptile beforehand). As always, all proceeds will go back into Taronga’s ongoing conservation work.
Face summer head on with: Burberry ($319.95).
Face your summer head on with new shades from Sunglass Hut and get tickets to their exclusive summer experiences here.
