Five Ways to Kick Off Your Weekend That Are Better Than the Usual Pub Hang

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Don't get us wrong, we love a relaxed drink at the pub. It's just that sometimes you feel like doing something other than sitting around your local, eating and drinking your regular. While you could wait for the weekend to roll around, you might just miss out on some pretty cool events happening in Sydney right now.  To help you come up with the ultimate plan, we've teamed up with the folks from Holey Moley to bring you five ways to kick off the weekend that are better than the usual pub hang. From boozy mini golf to comedy nights, outdoor films and live music sessions, here's where the after work drinks are headed.

Mitch Lowe.

PLAY BOOZY MINI GOLF AT HOLEY MOLEY

Mini golf with a full-service cocktail bar? Talk about a stroke of genius. Sydney is now home to three Holey Moleys, with the mother-of-all venues located in Darlinghurst beneath the iconic Coca-Cola sign. Swing by for a casual game of putt-putt with friends, which will take you in and around two courses full of novelty pop culture holes. Putt through a game of Pac-Man, past the Simpson's couch, up a yellow brick road and down Elvis' golden throne. If you're looking to sink a few drinks, onsite bar The Caddyshack has more to offer than your average beverage cart. The menu includes a selection of beers and wines, as well as over-the-top cocktails, including the puntastic long island iced tee and espresso partini. If you need a little sustenance before you get your game on, they also serve hot dogs, pizzas, burgers and waffle fries.

Letícia Almeida.

SIP HYPER LOCAL BREWS

Rather than settle for what's on tap at your local, cut out the middle man and head straight to the Inner West where you'll find a steady stream of micro-breweries just minutes apart. If you've invited your posse along, Sauce Brewing Co is home to an exceptionally large beer garden that's as big and green as a public park. Grifter Brewing Co is your go-to for watermelon pilsner, coconut milk stout and a slew of sour beers with excellent names. Batch Brewing Co pours US-style brews and limited edition batches (keep an eye out for the Marrickville Pork Roll wheat ale), while its neighbour Stockade Brew Co offers a core range of sessionable ales alongside curious seasonal releases — maple imperial stout or passionfruit session IPA, anyone? For something you're unlikely to find at a pub, drop by Wildflower and try its fabulously funky ales made from wild foraged yeast. Choose a single brewery or string a few together to create your own craft crawl.

SEE A LIVE GIG AT THE VANGUARD

The velvet curtains have parted once again at iconic live music venue The Vanguard in Newtown. Cruise by after work for a night of booze and tunes, with live gigs running most nights of the week. Just like in the good old days, the program will focus on jazz and blues, however, you can also catch country, rock and indie music, as well as the occasional burlesque show, too. There's no need to head out for dinner (although King Street has some pretty incredible options), with the kitchen serving up pizzas, charcuterie and snack plates designed to share. Downstairs, the bar will be pouring Young Henrys on tap and sultry cocktails like The Vanguard, made from black cherry and tempranillo with a hit of sweet vermouth.

LAUGH OUT ANY WORK-WEEK WOES AT DELLA HYDE

On the evenings when you're not feeling particularly witty, let a stand-up comic entertain you and your friends. To start the year, Wes Anderson-themed bar Della Hyde in Darlinghurst has launched a regular comedy night, featuring a line-up of five comedians who promise to get you giggling. If you need to give your aching sides a break, Della Hyde also has a pretty tempting food menu, with headliners like the Southern-style fried chicken and Peking duck spring rolls. Wash it down with one of the skin contact wines or try the Sierra Nevada grapefruit and cactus beer for a laugh (it is actually good though). There are also regular cocktail specials. The next event will be held at 7.30pm on Wednesday, February 20, with general admission tickets priced at $10.

Top image: Mitch Lowe.