Good morning, Inner Westies. From art fairs and Mexican fiestas to Polish cinema and weekend drone shows, your culture-packed weekend is sorted.

Note: Please check to confirm details are accurate with venues, event providers, restaurants and pubs by clicking through to their site. Events are occasionally cancelled at the last minute.

Grab your morning coffee and join us as we explore the Inner West together.

— Jess Thorning

The Carpenter has become a local favourite for generous plates and great coffee. I recently tried the Not-So Shakshuka and the Morning Burger, which features a delicious sausage patty, scrambled eggs, cheese, and a tasty sauce. Both dishes were yum! Other must-try menu items include the ricotta hotcakes with seasonal fruit, truffle scrambled eggs, and a double-minced beef burger served with sweet potato chips. With polished concrete, timber finishes, and plenty of natural light, it’s an inviting spot whether you’re after a quick flat white or a slow weekend brunch.

📍 76 Flood Street, Leichhardt / Open Monday to Friday 7am – 3pm, Saturday & Sunday 8am – 3pm
👉 See their Website and Socials for more info

As temperatures rise, we've compiled a list of the best places to cool off. From the Ashfield Aquatic Centre and Cabarita Pools to the Steel Park splash zones and the water slides at Olympic Park, this is your comprehensive guide to swimming in the Inner West and nearby areas.

👉 Read more here

Each week (or thereabouts), we spotlight one interesting local listing, whether it’s jaw-droppingly luxe, a federation beauty, or full of fixer-upper charm. It’s a fun little peek into Inner West real estate - no judgment, just curiosity.

One of my favourite hobbies is looking at homes I’ll never be able to afford. If it’s yours too, you’re in the right place.

This rare 601sqm corner holding pairs a mid-19th-century sandstone façade with unexpected quirks, including a converted school bus tucked into the garden as bonus guest accommodation. Inside are four bedrooms plus a loft-style studio, with high ceilings, timber floors and original detail throughout. Outside, tropical greenery, multiple alfresco spots and a Japanese garden set a tranquil tone, all just a short walk to Enmore Road cafés, King Street dining and the Enmore Theatre.

📍 10 Wemyss Street, Enmore / 5 bed / 2 bath / 2 car / 601sqm
👉 Listed with Highland Property

Council's new crackdown is working - they've already moved 20+ cars since starting the program last month. Block someone's driveway now, and you'll face a $660 fine plus the joy of hunting down your relocated vehicle.

👉 Read more here

📚 HSC Study Nights @ Burwood Library
Extended after-hours study sessions for HSC students. Bookings essential.
📍 Burwood Library / Friday 12 September 2025 / 4:45pm – 10pm ♿️

🎬 Movie Night! @ Le Ray Gymnastics Birchgrove (ages 5+)
Games and a movie evening for kids, with sibling discounts available. Movies rated up to PG.
📍 Le Ray Gymnastics Birchgrove, Birchgrove / Friday 12 September 2025 / 4:45pm

🫧 The Flying Bubble Show (ages 3 to 103!)
A one-hour spectacle of bubbles, circus tricks and glowing lights that’s interactive, imaginative and fun for the whole family.
📍 Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park / Friday 6 September to Saturday 12 October 2025

🌱 Kids D.I.Y. Workshop: Sprout House (ages 3–12)
A playful, hands-on workshop where kids build and decorate a mini sprout house, finishing with seeds to grow at home.
📍 Bunnings Alexandria, Ashfield & Rozelle / Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 September 2025 / Various times

📚 HSC Workshop: Economics
Workshop designed to help students unlock their potential and perform best in assessments and exams.
📍Marrickville Library / Sunday 14 September 2025 / 11am – 2pm ♿️

📚 Monthly Story Time @ Marrickville Metro (ages 1 to 4 years) 
Join a storytime session facilitated in partnership with Paint Inner West REaD every third Monday. Book ahead.
📍 Marrickville Metro / Monday 15 September 2025 / 1pm

🎵 After School: Sound Therapy for Kids (ages 5–12)
Children can explore instruments like chimes, drums, and crystal bowls, finishing with a gentle sound bath for relaxation.
📍 Balmain Library / Tuesday 16 September 2025 / 3:45pm – 4:45pm ♿️

🇫🇷 French Classes @ Rozelle
Fun, interactive French classes where babies, toddlers, preschoolers and their carers learn through songs, games and stories, fostering language and cognitive development.
📍 Hannaford Community Centre, Rozelle / Wednesday 17 September 2025/ 3 to 5 years 9:20am, 6 months to 2 years 10:15am and 2 to 3 years 11:05am

🔬 Junior STEAM Club (ages 5–8)
Hands-on sessions where kids explore coding, robotics, and creative arts through playful STEAM-based activities.
📍 Burwood Library / Thursday 18 September 2025 / 3:30pm – 4:45pm ♿️

🧩 Lego Session / Drop-in Session
Drop‑in Lego sessions at Haberfield Library, where children build and play under adult supervision during school terms.
📍 Haberfield Library / Thursday 18 September 2025 / 3pm – 4:30pm ♿️

🎬 Kids’ Movies @ Chuck & Son’s Brewing Co. St Peters
Family-friendly film nights with a rotating line-up of classics, shown on the big screen while adults enjoy the brewery.
📍 Chuck & Son’s Brewing Co., St Peters / Thursdays from 5pm

🎨 Sydney Contemporary Art Fair @ Carriageworks
Australasia’s largest art fair featuring over 500 artists, bold installations, live performances, and curated talks.
📍 Carriageworks, Eveleigh / Wednesday 10 to Sunday 14 September 2025 / Various times

🌮 Mexican Independence Day Fiesta @ Hay St Market
Celebrate with authentic street food, tequila and mezcal tastings, live mariachi, Latin DJs, and dancers.
📍 Hay St Market, Haymarket / Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September 2025 / 12pm – 3pm (live Mariachi), other entertainment all day & night

🥳 Sydney Fringe Festival
It’s here, running until 28 September 2025. Check out what’s on in the Inner West Precinct, as well as what’s on this weekend in the Theatre & Comedy section later in this email.

🎬 Polish Film Festival Sydney 2025
Showcasing the best of contemporary Polish cinema with Australian premieres, comedies, dramas, and documentaries across three Sydney venues.
📍 Palace Norton Street, Leichhardt / Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 September 2025

📚 The Great Hall Book Fair
Discover thousands of books across all genres, along with coffee, cake, kids’ entertainment, museum activations, and author talks, as the fair marks its 38th year.
📍 Great Hall, University of Sydney, Camperdown / Saturday 13 to Wednesday 17 September 2025 / Daily 10am – 4pm

👉 Flour Mill Night Food Festival @ Summer Hill
Over 20 food vendors, live music, craft drinks, and indulgent desserts to kick off spring in style.
📍 Flour Mill Way, Summer Hill / Friday 12 September 2025 / 4pm – 9pm

🎭 Improv for the Workplace: Thinking Fast & Staying Calm
Interactive improv workshop to sharpen quick thinking, stay calm under pressure, and build confidence in conversations.
📍 Little BIG House, Flour Summer Hill / Friday 12 September 2025 / 6pm – 7:30pm

🌙 Sydney City Night Market - NEW!
A lively weekly market with street food, fashion, handmade treasures, produce, wine bars and live music.
📍 Belmore Park, Haymarket / Every Friday / 4pm – 9pm

🎤 Karaoke Night @ Man on Marrickville
Join host Myka for a fun night of karaoke with no-cost entry.
📍 Man on Marrickville, Marrickville / Friday 12 September 2025 / 8pm – 11pm

🕶️ History Week: Dawn Fraser Baths VR Sessions
Experience the history of Dawn Fraser Baths through a new interactive VR program, with timed sessions and walk-ins available.
📍 Balmain Library, Balmain / Friday 12 & Saturday 13 September 2025 / 10am – 4pm ♿️

🛍️ Balmain Village Markets
Discover handmade treasures, fresh produce, local eats and live music. Plus support local artisans and performers. 
📍 St Andrews Church, Balmain / Saturday 9 August 2025 / 9am – 2pm

🛒 Metro Markets on Smidmore
Monthly markets at Marrickville Metro featuring gourmet foods and artisanal goods from local makers.
📍 Marrickville Metro / Saturday 13 September 2025 / 10am – 4pm

🎨 Perfect Match Community Celebration
Celebrate the launch of Goolayýari, a new mural by Jasmine Sarin & Pilar Basa, with artist talks and morning tea.
📍 2 Collins St, Tempe / Saturday 13 September 2025 / 10am – 11pm ♿️

💡 Energy Efficiency Consultations
Complimentary one-on-one energy assessments and bill reading support for Inner West residents, with practical advice from consultant Adam Corrigan.
📍 Green Living Centre, Summer Hill / Saturday 13 September 2025 / 10am – 2pm

🎉 Mexican Fiesta – Sydney’s Biggest Independence Day Party
Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with music, dance, lucha libre, markets, authentic Mexican cuisine, and the Grito de Independencia, led by the Ambassador of Mexico. Family-friendly show runs 12pm – 5pm, then the evening turns into an adult celebration with mariachi, DJ, lucha libre and piñatas from 5pm – 11:30pm.
📍 Gumbramorra Hall, Addison Road Community Centre, Marrickville / Saturday 13 September 2025 / 12pm – 12am

🏛️ History Week: Callan Park History Tour
Explore how water shaped Callan Park’s landscape, architecture and community, with talks by Roslyn Burge and Dr Sarah Luke.
📍 Callan Park, Rozelle / Saturday 13 September 2025 / 2pm – 4pm

🎶 Wind Symphony Concert: ANIMALIA
A lively program of animal-inspired music, from mythical creatures to classics like The Lion King and The Man from Snowy River. Complimentary afternoon tea included.
📍 Leichhardt Town Hall, Leichhardt / Saturday 13 September 2025 / 4pm ♿️

🚁 Drone Show @ Darling Harbour
A dazzling 10-minute light spectacle transforming Darling Harbour’s night sky every Saturday in September. This is a trial that is temporarily replacing fireworks throughout September.
📍 Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Harbour / Saturday 6 September – Saturday 27 September 2025 / 8:30pm

🚘 Sydney Lowrider Supershow
Family-friendly car show featuring Lowriders, classic cars, Viclas motorbikes, live music, food stalls and raffles. Proceeds support Make-A-Wish Australia.
📍 63 Campbell Road, Alexandria / Sunday 14 September 2025 / 9:30am – 3pm

🤸‍♂️ Pilates & Pastry Pop-Up
A Pilates class followed by coffee and freshly baked treats. A great opportunity to recharge and meet new people while indulging in tasty treats. Bring your own mat. 💰 $26.
📍ONA Coffee Sydney, Marrickville / Sunday 14 September 2025 / 9:30am

🌊 History Week: Annandale Foreshore Water Stories
Guided walking tour exploring the Bays Precinct’s layered history, from colonial activity to industrialisation and recreation.
📍 13 Chapman Road, Annandale / Sunday 14 September 2025 / 10am – 12pm

🚴 Cycling in the City Course (ages 14+)
Build confidence riding on city streets with theory, bike control practice, and guided group riding in real traffic conditions.
📍 Sydney Park Cycling Centre, Alexandria / Sunday 14 September 2025 / 9am – 1pm

🧵 Sew for Joy! – Beginner Friendly Sewing Classes
Each session offers a mix of guidance and exploration, from simple stitches and repairs to personalising garments and making small projects.  💰 $20
📍 Little BIG House, Summer Hill / Sunday 14 September 2025 / 1:30pm – 4:30pm ♿️

📖 Lonnie Lee Autobiography Launch @ Gleebooks
Celebrate Australian rock’n’roll pioneer Lonnie Lee as he launches the first volumes of his autobiography Once Upon a Star, with an interview, Q&A, live performance and signing. Seating is limited; reserve your spot.
📍 Gleebooks, Glebe / Wednesday 17 September 2025 / 6pm – 8pm

🛍️ The Big Design Market @ Carriageworks
3 big days. Showcasing 230+ independent designers with homewares, ceramics, fashion, jewellery, art prints, and more.
📍 Carriageworks, Eveleigh / Friday 19 to Sunday 21 September 2025

🌼 Dulwich Hill Festival
A spring street party with over 15 live acts across two stages, vinyl DJs, markets, workshops and food stalls. Families can enjoy face painting, story weaving, and creative activities, while pop-up dance and martial arts demonstrations bring energy to the day.
📍 Marrickville Road & Seaview Street, Dulwich Hill / Sunday 21 September 2025 / 11am – 4pm

🕺 Beat Breakdown
Sydney's top dancers compete in an open competition, showcasing various dance styles each week. Experience incredible hip-hop, locking, voguing and more with DJs, MCs, and hosts.
📍 Palm Grove Forecourt, Darling Harbour / Thursday 18 & 25 September 2025 / 6pm – 9pm

Our deadline is the close of business on Wednesday for each Friday edition.

🍽️ 25% Off Food @ Friend in Hand
Spring menu refresh at the Friend in Hand Hotel: the favourites stay, plus a few tasty new additions. And it’s all 25% off every day in September. Think calamari fritti, rump steak, chopped salad, nachos and lamb koftas – see venue for terms & conditions.
📍 Friend in Hand Hotel, Glebe / Every day in September 2025.

🎶 Soul Night @ Harriet’s
Harriet’s closes Negroni Month in style with an unforgettable night of rhythm, blues and cocktails. Executive Chef Scott Greve serves a five-course menu ($85 food only | $130 with Negroni pairings), featuring dishes like kangaroo tartare, poached snapper, and whiskey sundae with chocolate fondant. Arrive from 6:30pm for the full tasting, or roll in later for $15 Negronis (members) and live soul music from 8pm flowing into an R&B DJ set.
📍 Harriet’s, Marrickville / Saturday 27 September 2025 / Dinner from 6:30pm, Music from 8pm

🍽️ Jeery’s Pop-Up @ Kicks Brewing
Jeery’s teams up with Kicks Brewing for a three-day pop-up. Enjoy their signature Khmer Kroeung beef, vegan tempura zucchini flowers and super-crunchy house-made potato scallop chips — perfect with a fresh pint. Kids’ meals available.
📍 Kicks Brewing, Marrickville / Friday 12 to Sunday 14 September 2025 / Friday & Saturday 12pm – 8pm, Sunday 12pm – 6pm

A former butcher’s shop turned intimate live-music venue, Butchers Brew Bar brings jazz, funk, blues and world music to the Inner West most nights of the week. Its warm, characterful fit-out, complete with retro butcher-shop details and cosy seating, sets the scene for nights of soulful sound paired with a well-curated drinks menu of craft beers, wines by the glass and classic cocktails.
📍 499 Marrickville Rd, Dulwich Hill / Tuesday to Sunday
👉 See Website and Socials for more info

🍻 Laneway Hotel Pyrmont | Monday to Friday | 4pm – 6pm | $7 wines, $9 pints, $10 spirits & $16 cocktails – see venue for terms and conditions.

🍸 Montague Hotel Marrickville | September | Negroni Month – $15 Negronis and Sbagliatos at The Monty and upstairs at Harriet’s – see venue for terms and conditions.

🍻 Unity Hall Hotel Balmain | Weekdays | 4pm – 6pm | Schooners from $6.30 – see venue for terms and conditions.

Sydney Brewery will take over White Bay Brewing’s heritage steel mill site, reopening as Sydney Brewery Rozelle on 1 October 2025. The move adds 25% brewing capacity, supporting new low-carb and non-alcoholic beers while expanding its Sydney bar presence. The landmark taproom and kitchen will remain a community hub, now pouring under the Sydney Brewery name.

👉 Follow updates via Sydney Brewery Instagram

Thanks for reading. Please reply with any feedback.

Reminder: Please verify that details are accurate with venues, event providers, restaurants, and pubs by clicking through to their websites. Events are occasionally cancelled at the last minute, and specials can change.

Have a fun weekend!

Jess