Overview
Nothing brings out the whole neighbourhood like a street celebration. The road closes as people spill out of their homes, kids squeal with joy as the parents catch up on what's new. If you live on or near or if you're overdue to visit some of Sydney's beloved inner-city streets, then you should mark your calendars for the return of the city's favourite community events: Sydney Streets.
The City of Sydney is closing roads in some of the city's busiest (and easily transported to) areas to cars and opening them to festivities. It is encouraging local businesses and organisations to take over the street for a day of community celebrations, involving food, music, live entertainment and more. This will be a significant series of events, so which roads are closing and when? Let's find out together.
Haymarket — Saturday, September 21
This year's festivities are kicking off in Haymarket. The bustling inner-city suburb is home to Sydney's Chinatown and Darling Square, so you won't be surprised to find numerous Asian delights on the festival lineup, including a Lion Dance, Xing Meng Dances, Mahjong pop-up from Soul of Chinatown and a tufting pop-up from Tutu Studio.
In between performances, like the numerous dance battles and DJ from Dancekool, be sure to check out the many businesses taking to the streets to serve up bubble tea, ice cream specials from newcomer Whiskers Gelato, matcha delights and much more. Hay Street will also play host to the Move8 Walk-a-Hunt VR experience, where attendees will solve clues and missions around Chinatown.
Macleay Street — Saturday, September 28
Next on the Sydney Streets roster is Potts Point. It is taking place on Macleay Street between Darlinghurst Road and Hughes Street between 11am and 10pm. It's a busy, tree-canopied road and home to some of the finest cafes and bars in the inner east.
Participating venues include NYC-in-the-50s-inspired bar The Roosevelt and the colourful Bloody Mary Gazebo are taking the action outside with pop-up bars, deluxe chocolatiers The Chocolate Box, and local cheesemonger Penny's Cheese Shop are both offering specials.
Glebe Point Road — Saturday, October 12
Two weeks later, the celebrations shift west to Glebe Point Road, specifically the diverse stretch of shopfronts and residences from Parramatta Road to St Johns Road. It's student territory, so packed with culture and vibes from dawn till dusk.
The vibes stem from the people but also great spots, all of which will come alive for Sydney Streets —venues like Kandi by Sri Lankan Bites and Banh Mi Dee, and organisations like Glebe Youth Service will all be bringing their best.
Stanley Street — Saturday, October 19
The following week, we head across town to Darlinghurst and Stanley Street, where the Yurong Street to Crown Street section will hold the festivities from 11am to 10pm alongside the extended traffic closure. With the likes of Bar Nina, The Long Goodbye and Verde Restaurant participating on the day, that means good times are all but guaranteed.
Tuck into Italian bites from Funkatello and local Italian institution Bill and Toni's. If you love a good live music session, Harry's by Giuls and Lord Roberts Hotel are both promising great tunes all day long.
Crown Street — Saturday, November 2
Further south is a beating heart of activity in Sydney, the beloved Crown Street in Surry Hills. For Sydney Streets, the stretch from Foveaux Street to Cleveland Street will host November's first Saturday of community celebrations. Any Sydneysider is familiar with the offering of this famous road, so with the standout venues colliding with the excellent vibes of Sydney Streets from 11am to 10pm, it's set to be quite the Saturday.
The entertainment will come from the likes of roaming circus acts, dog agility courses, dancers and bands — and kids' games and a DJ at Yo-Chi. Other local spots joining the celebrations include Tucano's pop-up bar with live music and entertainment; Tuscan-style hotspot Giuls is getting involved, and there will be food stalls and tunes from Masala Theory and local watering holes like The Clock.
Harris Street — Saturday, November 9
The following weekend will bring Sydney Streets to Pyrmont with cars stopped on Harris Street (between Pyrmont Bridge Road and Union Street) from 11am to 10pm. Adjacent to Sydney Harbour is an ideal setting for the event, brimming with culture, activities and Sydney spirit.
Some of the participating businesses for this weekend include a pop-up bar from the self-titled 'Masters of Steak' Element's Bar and Grill and local favourites Quarryman's Hotel, Dunkirk Hotel, and Gallon, which will extend to the street with outdoor dining. For those with kids, there will be a reading corner organised by the Ultimo Public School Parents and Citizens Association, and for those who want to get the adrenaline pumping, there will be a Zumba class from Zumba by Zarala.
Redfern Street — Saturday, November 16
Last but not least is Redfern Street, the main stretch of road that runs from Regent Street to Chalmers Street. It's a busy road day and night, shuffling commuters and after-dark pedestrians in equal numbers. From 11am to 10pm, many businesses will open doors to the foot traffic outside.
There's much on the roster for Redfern's Sydney Streets celebration. From Thai sweet treats at Sweet Monster to beers aplenty from The Noble Hops and stalls from art studio Sydney Creative, Organic Thai Massage. The Redfern and Tudor Hotel will be hosting pop-up bars and DJs throughout the day and Hustle and Flow Bar is hosting a painting workshop where you can paint your favourite rapper. When it comes to food and drink, Redfern Street is home to all sorts, and it's all happening for Sydney Streets.
Sydney Streets will be taking over several roads between Saturday, September 21 and Saturday, November 16. For more information, visit the website.