Overview
If you've been searching for exciting upcoming events in Sydney, Shell House has got you covered. This month sees the return of OUR HOUSE, the inner-city venue's annual arts festival that brings with it a stacked program of food, drinks, music and culture.
The multi-storey venue will host a tonne of electrifying events for Sydneysiders to immerse themselves in across May and June, including partnerships with local artists and hospitality giants. Talent from Melbourne through to Sydney is set to star on the bill for the next two months.
"OUR HOUSE is an essential selection of our world's finest visual artists, musical performers, culinary innovators, winemakers, industry icons and product kings and queens into a two-month-long feast for the senses presented in the place we call home," said Shell House owner Brett Robinson.
Chef Toshihiko Oe (Sushi Oe) and Narito Ishii (Sydney Fish Markets) pictured for Wet, Cold & Delicious.
Leading the food and wine program is the return of the seafood-centric Wet, Cold & Delicious. This time, there'll be two separate instalments — Hand Dived will delve into the depths of top Tasmanian produce on Wednesday, June 12, with Dale Ridgers at the helm, while a tuna-dedicated deep dive with Chef Toshihiko Oe (Sushi Oe) and Narito Ishii (Sydney Fish Markets) will take place on Monday, June 24, with a live Maguro Shoten (a traditional Japanese tuna cutting show and auction) followed by a five-course tuna-centric dinner by culinary director Joel Bickford and head chef Brad Guest.
Other heavy hitters on the food and beverage lineup include a dedicated beef dinner in partnership with Anthony Purharich of Victor Churchill and Vic's Meats, a one-day pop-up from Melbourne's Osteria Ilaria and Tipo 00 at Menzies Bar, and an immersive experience at the world's smallest champagne bar.
Sky Bar.
As for the live music portion, Shell House's fest is jam-packed with gigs, including a heap of free ones. Local acts like Kirin J Callinan will descend upon Sky Bar as part of the selection of free shows, as will sets by the likes of Ben Fester and Wax'O Paradiso.
Ticketed events include Classic Contemporary, which will see The Shell House Band, led by Jonti and Kirin J Callinan, joined by a rotating roster of some of the country's finest musicians to reimagine the greatest hits of artists like David Bowie and Grace Jones. The Shell House Dining Room will also be partaking in the festivities, with the return of its jazz-centred dinner and show headlined by Aussie jazz legend James Morrison.
Kirin J Callinan
The crux of the program centres around the works of local artists. Melbourne's Regression Studio will take over the Clocktower Bar with a multi-level, multi-format, never-before-seen work, while Sydney's Daimon Downey will lead two hands-on snack-and-create sessions in the same venue. Elsewhere, Jai Winnell's stunning floral installations will be displayed throughout Shell House to celebrate the beauty of autumn, artist-in-residence Mikey Freedom will helm two decoupage workshops, and street dancing performances will add a visual element to the music program.
Familiar favourites like the champagne, martini, margarita and negroni specials across Shell House venues will also be available throughout the huge two-month festival if you're searching for sanctuary during the bustling precinct's biggest festivities.
Visit the OUR HOUSE website for full program details and to secure tickets.