The Garden Social 2022

Overview

Whether you're keen on an after-work drink, a bite to eat, an excuse to catch up with your mates or some live tunes, everything goes better with a view. That's one of the main ideas behind The Garden Social, the returning summer event hosted in The Domain by the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney — and popping up every Thursday–Sunday between January 6–February 14.

Taking over The Domain's Tarpeian Precinct, the event features a vantage that'll see you peering out at the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Yep, that's a classic Sydney backdrop. You can say cheers to it with drinks from the bar — with G&Ts, vodka-fuelled lime yuzu and blood orange sodas, beer and wine all on the menu.

Food-wise, your tastebuds can opt for onion pakoras, beer-battered flathead, chickpea and herb falafels, pork and prawn dumplings, truffle mushroom gnocchi and chocolate brownie sundaes — and they're just a few menu options.

Also, to set the mood, you can listen to a jazz, pop, soul, electronic and blues soundtrack provided by a 15-musician lineup, including Sam Hunter, Tash Wolf, Ricky Nifo, Club Sol and Emily Hanks.

With the last instalment of the event taking place on Valentine's Day, The Garden Social will be the perfect place for some al fresco romance. Pull up a pair of deck chairs to take in the view as you and your boo enjoy live serenades from DJ Chad and harpist Jack Meadows, with vocals by the powerhouse Hayley Teal Duo. There'll also be a heart-shaped light installation and floral light tunnel for the perfect photoshoot backdrop.

You can also make the evening seamless by pre-ordering one of four Valentine's Day hampers. With gourmet, seafood, cheese and vegetarian options available, you're bound to find something to impress your other half.

Entry is free, with The Garden Social running from 5–10pm Thursday–Friday, from 11am–10pm every Saturday and from 11am–8pm each Sunday.

Keep the good times going this summer at The Garden Social. For more info — and for the full lineup — head to the website. This project is proudly funded by the NSW Government's The Festival of Place