Good morning, Inner Westies.

From dragon boat races and vogue balls to Bar Freda's farewell and a second-hand fashion market, Mardi Gras and Lunar New Year collide this weekend in the best possible way.

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

Have a great weekend,
Jess

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.

The NSW Government has introduced a Bill to Parliament that would change how Callan Park and other major Sydney parklands are run.

The Bill adds financial sustainability as a formal goal, expands leasing powers, and gives community boards less say in decisions. Minister Paul Scully said the reforms would allow "sensible activations like cafes" and keep parks viable as Sydney grows. The government says the Bill "prevents the sale of any part of the parklands," though its own explanatory note includes powers to transfer certain land.

Greens MP Kobi Shetty has launched a petition opposing the changes, saying they wind back more than 20 years of community protections. The Bill is currently before Parliament.

👉 Read more

This 1868 Gothic landmark is back, this time as a mortgagee in possession. It last sold in 2022 for over $19m. Harbour views stretch across Darling Harbour, Barangaroo and the Anzac Bridge. Inside, you'll find pointed arch windows, bespoke fireplaces and a double-height waterfront wing. The marble kitchen runs Wolf and Sub-Zero. Seven beds, heated pool, wine cellar and tessellated courtyard. It returns as a true harbourfront heavyweight. Turns out harbour views don't cover the mortgage.

📍 7 bed / 6 bath / 6 car
👉 Listed with Highland Double Bay

✨ Minis Craft Workshop: Shiny Suncatchers
Kids create their own sparkling suncatcher inspired by Spencer Harrison’s colourful geometric artwork in this workshop.
📆 Sat 28 Feb / 10am, 11am & 12pm
📍 Broadway Sydney, Glebe

🐴 Year Of The Horse Craft Creations (ages 5–12)
Kids can create their own miniature horse from recycled materials in this hands-on Lunar New Year craft workshop, with three guided sessions each day.
📆 Sat 28 Feb / 11am, 12pm & 1pm
📍 Chinese Garden Of Friendship, Darling Harbour

📚 Auslan and English Storytime at Glebe Library (ages 3–5)
A fun 30-minute storytime presented in Auslan and English for deaf and hearing preschoolers to build early literacy and social skills.
📆 Sat 28 Feb / 11:30am – 12pm
📍 Glebe Library

🤖 Kids DIY - Robot Craft
Kids can design and build their own robot craft using a variety of materials in this in-store workshop.
📆 Sat 28 Feb & Sun 1 Mar
📍 Bunnings Alexandria / 10:30am – 12pm & 12:30pm – 2pm
📍 Bunnings Ashfield / 11am – 1pm
📍 Bunnings Rozelle / 11am – 12pm & 12pm – 1pm

🐴 Horse Power: Children’s Workshop Celebrating the Year of the Horse (ages 6–12)
Celebrate Lunar New Year with a museum-wide horse hunt, creative art activities and hands-on workstations exploring the Chinese zodiac and the role of horses in history and culture.
📆 Sat 28 Feb / 12pm – 4pm
📍 Chau Chak Wing Museum, Camperdown

🎨 Kids Creative Club: Felt Fruit Coasters (ages 9–12)
Make colourful fruit-themed felt coasters while building fine motor skills in a hands-on workshop where parents stay and join the fun.
📆 Sat 28 Feb / 1pm – 2:30pm
📍 Burwood Library and Community Hub

🚌 Sydney Bus Museum Open Day
Explore the Leichhardt Tramshed and ride vintage double‑decker buses to and from Town Hall as part of the museum’s monthly open day.
📆 Sun 1 Mar / 10am – 4pm
📍Sydney Bus Museum, Leichhardt

🐉 The Joyful Lunar New Year – Yuan Xiao Celebration 2026 (ages 3–10)
A Cook Play Learn family experience with rainbow tang yuan making, Yu Sheng tossing, Chap Goh Meh games, crafts, goodie bags and lucky draw prizes celebrating Yuan Xiao traditions. Family event. 💰 Kids $35, accompanying adults at no cost.
📆 Sun 1 Mar / 2pm – 4pm
📍 Wests Tigers Centre of Excellence, Concord

🐴 Lunar Toy Pony Ride
Kids can enjoy a complimentary toy pony ride with a qualifying spend at participating retailers during the Lunar New Year festivities at Darling Square.
📆 Sat 28 Feb & Sun 1 Mar / 3pm – 7pm
📍 Darling Square, Haymarket

🎉 Family Day At The Vic
Enjoy a family-friendly celebration with arts and crafts activities, a dog fashion show and Absolut cocktail specials.
📆 Sun 1 Mar / From 1pm
📍 The Vic On The Park, Marrickville

🎵 Bilingual Rhymetime At Darling Square (ages 0–2)
Enjoy a fun 20-minute session of songs and rhymes in Mandarin and English designed to support early literacy and cultural connection for babies and their carers.
📆 Wed 4 Mar / 10:30am – 10:50am
📍 Darling Square Library

🌈 Bright, Bold And Proud: Family Trivia And Craft
Celebrate Mardi Gras with a fun-filled afternoon of family trivia and creative craft activities designed for all ages.
📆 Wed 4 Mar / 3:30pm – 5:30pm
📍 Newtown Library

🧸 Sensory Play (ages 2–3)
A hands-on session for little ones, encouraging curiosity and creativity in a safe, engaging environment, delivered in partnership with Paint Inner West REaD.
📆 Thu 5 Mar / 10am
📍 Marrickville Metro

🧒 Briars Sports Club Concord | Tuesday | From 5pm | One free kids meal with purchase of one main meal. See venue for terms & conditions.

🍵 Lunar New Year 2026 Workshop: Tea Ceremony and Clay Happy Bersama
Celebrate the Year of the Horse with local artist Jayanto Tan through Indonesian stories, songs and a hands-on clay art workshop.
📆 Fri 27 Feb / 11am – 2pm
📍 Ashfield Civic Centre Activity Rooms

🎬 Film Club: Lavender Men
An imaginative queer historical drama following a Black non-binary stage manager who escapes into a vivid fantasy of Abraham Lincoln’s secret romance as themes of identity and performance unfold.
📆 Fri 27 Feb / 2pm – 4pm
📍 Balmain Library ♿️

🧧 2026 Rhodes Lunar New Year
Celebrate the Year of the Horse with multicultural performances, food and market stalls, kids’ activities, a family movie, fireworks, and community stalls.
📆 Fri 27 Feb / 2pm – 9:30pm
📍 Foreshore Park Rhodes

🌈 Mardi Gras Themed Group Fitness Class
Join a Belly Dancing class celebrating inclusivity and community spirit with Mardi Gras flair.
📅 Fri 27 Feb / 5:30pm – 6:25pm
📍 Ashfield Aquatic Centre

🎨 108WAREHOUSE X Vũtrụ Inc. Sydney Pop-Up & Bootleg Baintings Vol.01 Exhibition
Explore a weekend pop-up and exhibition featuring exclusive collaboration pieces, bootleg-inspired artworks, and opening-night drinks with The Grifter Brewing Co.
📆 Fri 27 Feb, 6pm – 9pm / Sat 28 Feb, 11pm – 6pm / Sun 1 Mar, 12pm – 5pm
📍 108WAREHOUSE, Marrickville

🎧 120 BPM Opening Night
Celebrate the opening of 120 BPM – Bring Your Friends with a welcome from the Dean and curators, followed by a live DJ set exploring rave and club culture as artistic and spatial practice.
📆 Fri 27 Feb / 8pm – 12am
📍 Tin Sheds Gallery, Darlington

🚣 Dragon Boat Races
Watch thrilling dragon boat races, live music and entertainment across two action-packed days on Cockle Bay as part of the Lunar New Year celebrations.
📆 Sat 28, Feb 7:30am – 5pm / Sun 1 Mar, 8:30am – 3:30pm
📍 Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Harbour

🐴 Horsing Around!
Enjoy giant games, lantern-making and family-friendly activities, with a special horse appearance on Saturday as part of the Lunar New Year festivities.
📆 Sat 28 Feb & Sun 1 Mar / 11am – 4pm
📍 Hay Street Opposite Paddy's Market Light Rail Stop, Haymarket

🏰 The Big Bounce Australia
The world’s biggest jumping castle event brings three-hour sessions packed with giant custom-built inflatables, obstacle courses, sports arenas and adventure zones for all ages.
📆 Sat 28 Feb & Sun 1 Mar
📍 Sydney Olympic Park

🐟 Trash To Treasure Workshop: Steampunk Fish
Create a one-of-a-kind steampunk fish using recycled and reclaimed materials in this hands-on sustainable art workshop guided by a local artist.
📆 Sat 28 Feb / 10am – 1pm
📍 Reverse Garbage, Marrickville

🌈 Mardi Gras Themed Group Fitness Classes @ Marrickville
Join this Aqua Zumba "Rainbow Splash" class celebrating inclusivity and community spirit with Mardi Gras flair.
📅 Sat 28 Feb / 10:15am
📍 Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centre, Marrickville

🎶 Lunar New Year: Chinese Folk Song and Dance
An afternoon of Chinese folk song and dance performances hosted by the Australian Federation of Chinese Organisations as part of the Lunar New Year celebrations.
📆 Sat 28 Feb / 11am – 4pm
📍 Ashfield Town Hall ♿️

📝 Sydney Poetry Picnic 2026
Enjoy an outdoor celebration of community and spoken word featuring readings, warm introductions and an open-mic session hosted by poet Tug Dumbly.
📆 Sat 28 Feb / 4:30pm – 6:30pm
📍 Writing NSW, Callan Park, Lilyfield

🦁 LED Lion Dancing
Watch LED lion dancers light up the night with a modern take on this traditional Lunar New Year performance.
📆 Sat 28 Feb / 8pm
📍 Darling Square, Haymarket

🧹 Clean Up Australia Day: McIlwaine Park & Cabarita Park
Help clean up your local environment with provided materials, refreshments at McIlwaine Park, and a complimentary sausage sizzle at Cabarita Park.
📆 Sun 1 Mar / 7:30am – 11:30am
📍 McIlwaine Park, Rhodes & Cabarita Park

🧧 Lunar Blossoms Vietnamese New Year
Celebrate Vietnamese culture with lion dancing, calligraphy, red envelope making and traditional tea, coffee and food as part of the Lunar New Year festivities.
📆 Sun 1 Mar / 9am – 4pm
📍 Pavilion at Marrickville Library ♿️

🥕 Marrickville Organic Food Market
Browse fresh organic produce, local treats and handmade goods at this vibrant weekly market supporting farmers and artisans.
📆 Sundays / 9am – 4pm
📍 The Addison Road Community Centre, Marrickville

👗 Second Life Markets
Shop 120+ curated vintage and sustainable fashion stalls, enjoy DJs and food trucks, and browse designer and one-of-a-kind thrift finds at this preloved fashion market.
📆 Sun 1 Mar / 10am – 4pm
📍 Carriageworks, Eveleigh

🌈 Mardi Gras Themed Group Fitness Class @ LPAC
Join a Body Combat "Stronger Together" with Mardi Gras flair.
📅 Sun 1 Mar / 10am
📍 Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre, Lilyfield

🏺 Ceramics On Sundays: Shape And Surface
Create earthenware forms using slab-building and decorative surface techniques in this three-week ceramics course guided by an expert tutor.
📆 Sun 1 Mar / 10am – 12:30pm
📍 Pine Street Creative Arts Centre, Chippendale

🦁 Lion Dances @ Darling Harbour
Catch traditional lion dance performances bringing good luck and fortune as part of Darling Harbour’s Lunar New Year celebrations.
📆 Sun 1 Mar / 4pm – 4:30pm
📍 Palm Grove, Darling Harbour

🌈 Mardi Gras Themed Group Fitness Class @ Marrickville
Join a Fusion Yoga "Flow with Pride" class.
📅 Sun 1 Mar / 4:30pm
📍 Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centre, Marrickville

🤼 Pro Wrestling Australia’s IN A CAGE (ages 18+)
PWA returns with a live steel cage match and the finals of the Colosseum Tournament featuring top-tier wrestling talent.
📆 Fri 6 Mar 2026 / 8pm
📍 The Factory Theatre, Marrickville

💬 Death Curious Conversations
Join a light-hearted but meaningful session exploring death preparedness through conversation and a game of Death Preparedness Bingo in a safe, supportive space.📆 Fri 6 Mar / 10:15am – 11:45am
📍 Little BIG House, Summer Hill

🎉 Sydney Streets On Redfern Street
Enjoy a full day of live music, performers, market stalls, kids’ activities and alfresco dining as Redfern Street transforms into a vibrant community festival celebrating local and First Nations businesses.
📆 Sat 7 Mar / 11am – 10pm
📍 Redfern Street, Redfern

🥳 Summer Hill Social
Head to Summer Hill for a laid-back street party with live bands, DJs, roving performers, market stalls and plenty of good food from local favourites.
📆 Sun 8 Mar / 11am – 5pm
📍 Lackey Street & Smith Street, Summer Hill

🚢 Cockatoo Island Tour, Tea and Cruise for Seniors
Join the Harbour Trust and Naval Historical Society of Australia for a guided Shipyard Tales walking tour, for people aged 60+, followed by morning tea and a one-hour cruise around Cockatoo, Spectacle and Snapper Islands with historical commentary. 💰 $80.
📆 Tue 10 Mar / 9:30am – 11:45am
📍 Visitor Centre, Cockatoo Island

🥩 20 Chapel Ranked No.13 in Australia
Marrickville’s own 20 Chapel has been named No.13 among the best steak restaurants in Australia by World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants 2026. The local steakhouse joins a national line-up of heavy hitters, recognised for defining fire, precision and provenance right now. A major accolade for the Inner West favourite — and a proud moment for the team behind the grill.
📍 20 Chapel, Marrickville
👉 See the full list

🍷 Il Colle Winemaker Lunch @ Attenzione
Join Caterina Carli of Il Colle di Carli (Montalcino) for a long, lazy Sunday lunch celebrating some of Tuscany’s finest Sangiovese. This five-course experience includes five matched wine, from Champagne and a Tuscan white to Rosso di Montalcino, plus a side-by-side tasting of 2019 and 2020 Brunello di Montalcino. Expect exceptional wine, thoughtful food and stories straight from the winemaker’s table. $220 per person.
📆 Sun 1 Mar/ 1pm – 4pm
📍 Attenzione, Redfern

🍝 Dinner With Nonna @ Messinaville
For one night only, Gelato Messina is opening the doors to its Messinaville factory for a family-style Sicilian feast cooked by Nonna Carla, the brand’s Chief Executive Nonna. There will be antipasto, pistachio pesto penne, veal involtini grilled over coals, pork and fennel sausage, caponata, and a lineup of classic desserts, including cannoli, tiramisù, and hazelnut zuccotto. Drinks are included: wines, spritz on arrival, and non-alcoholic option, plus a swag bag to take home. 💰 Tickets $200 +BF
📆 Sat 7 Mar / 6pm
📍 Messinaville, Marrickville

🥩 Olympic Meats x Sippenham – Good Times & Skitz Wines
Three mates, two restaurants, one heritage — Olympic Meats and Sippenham reunite for a one-night-only set menu celebrating “good times” and “skitz wines”. Expect banging tunes, a collaborative feast and a relaxed, communal vibe inside the butcher’s digs. $90 per person (drinks not included). Booking essential.
📆 Tue 10 Mar / 5pm – 10:30pm
📍 Olympic Meats, Marrickville

🎶 Bar Freda’s Final Night
Freda’s has announced it will end its consultancy with Solotel at the end of this month, with the final night at Bar Freda’s set for Saturday, 28 February. Their programming of The Abercrombie’s Club and Rooftop will also cease at the end of April, marking the close of a significant chapter for the long-running Sydney institution.
📆 Sat 28 Feb
📍 Bar Freda’s, Chippendale

🎉 Party in the Yard @ The Alex
The Alex is throwing a parade night party in the yard this Saturday, with an outdoor dancefloor, DJs spinning late and BBQ specials firing all day. Catch the live parade screening, settle in with $18 Absolut cocktails and soak up the high-energy vibes from afternoon through to night.
📆 Sat 28 Feb / From 3pm
📍 The Alex, Alexandria

🥳 Family Day @ The Vic on the Park
The Vic is hosting a family-friendly celebration packed with arts and crafts activities, hands-on workshops and even a dog fashion parade. Expect a fun, community vibe with $18 Absolut cocktails for the grown-ups while the kids get creative.
📆 Sun 1 Mar / From 12pm
📍 The Vic on the Park, Marrickville

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

City of Sydney Extends Trading Hours for Mardi Gras

Cafés, shops, takeaway spots and entertainment venues across Sydney will be able to trade until midnight from 27 February to 1 March to celebrate Mardi Gras. Public transport will also run 24 hours across the weekend, making it easier for people to enjoy the festivities.

Extended hours will apply across Sydney CBD, Darlinghurst, Surry Hills, Potts Point, Paddington, Camperdown, Newtown and Erskineville. Businesses with questions can contact the City of Sydney’s Business, Creative and Nightlife Concierge team for support.

👉 Read more

Sydney Updates Busking Policy to Boost Street Performance

Sydney’s buskers are set to gain more space and flexibility under a proposed update to the City of Sydney’s busking policy, now open for public feedback. The changes aim to create a more inclusive and safer experience, with increased access to high-foot-traffic areas like Pitt Street Mall and Martin Place, a more flexible approach on George Street, and a simpler application process.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore AO said the City had “flipped the script” to allow buskers to perform wherever they want, with a few respectful exceptions. Public feedback is open until 7 April, with the policy expected to return to Council in May.

👉 Read more

City of Sydney Council Reaffirms Support for Peaceful Protest

Sydney Council has passed a resolution welcoming the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission’s decision to investigate possible serious misconduct by police at Sydney Town Hall and surrounds on 9 February 2026.

The motion reaffirms the City’s commitment to protecting and supporting the right to peaceful protest, condemns disproportionate policing practices against protesters, and calls for urgent review of legislation that may undermine democratic rights. The Lord Mayor will write to the NSW Premier and Minister for Police urging proper resourcing of the investigation and a review of laws that stifle legitimate protest.

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Police Conditions Proposed for The Marly Spark Debate

Proposed new NSW Police conditions for The Marlborough Hotel in Newtown have drawn criticism from City of Sydney Deputy Lord Mayor Jess Miller and several councillors.

The changes reportedly include facial recognition operating after 9pm, additional security and RSA marshals, alcohol restrictions after midnight, and limiting dance floors to one person per square metre. The proposals come weeks after the Minns Government scrapped Sydney’s last lockout laws.

Miller described the conditions as “worse than the lockouts”, arguing they would undermine night-time economy reforms. A motion has been put forward for Council to oppose the changes.

👉 Read more

Works Kick Off on $580K Hinsby Park Upgrade

Works have officially kicked off on a $580,000 upgrade to the playground at Hinsby Park in Annandale, transforming the space into a more fun and inclusive destination for local families.

The revitalisation will deliver a refreshed play area designed to better cater for a range of ages and abilities, creating a welcoming community hub for everyone to enjoy. The final design has been released, giving locals a clear look at what’s coming as construction gets underway.

👉 Find out more

Inner West Council Launches Marrickville South Flood Study

Inner West Council is calling on residents and businesses in Marrickville and Dulwich Hill to share their experiences as part of a new Flood Study for the Marrickville South catchment. Covering southern Dulwich Hill and south-west Marrickville, the study will use updated flood modelling to map how water moves through local streets and assess risks to homes, infrastructure and services.

Council is particularly seeking feedback about the February 2022 and April 2024 storm events. Community consultation runs until 15 March, with in-person drop-ins at Marrickville Pavilion on 5 and 10 March.

👉 Have your say