Good morning, Inner Westies. There’s plenty on this weekend — from winter brunches and creative workshops to live gigs and family-friendly picks for early school holiday planning.

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

Dirty Red in Rozelle is serving up cosy brunch favourites on their winter menu. The Brunchy Prawn Toast is a standout — crisp, rich, and full of flavour. Other options include a Chorizo & Mixed Bean Stew and a hearty Winter Veg Bowl. With a dog-friendly courtyard and a small kids’ play area out the back, it’s a relaxed local spot for families, brunch dates, and weekend coffee catch-ups.

📍 Dirty Red / 711 Darling St, Rozelle / Open daily 7am – 3pm
👉 Check out their Website and Instagram for more info.

After 13 years on Enmore Road, beloved dive bar and music venue The Midnight Special will close its doors in September. The lease is not being renewed following the sale of the building. The team says they’ll stay involved in live music but are stepping away from hospitality. Known for its intimate gigs and community feel, The Midnight Special has been a key part of Sydney’s Inner West music scene since 2012.

Now’s the time to drop in for one last drink — and support the venues that keep our local nightlife alive.

📍Midnight Special / 44 Enmore Rd, Newtown / Monday to Sunday / From 5pm
👉 Check out their Website and Instagram for more info.

Are you looking for things to do this Winter school holiday break? Left your school holiday plans to the last minute?

We’ve pulled together a bunch of school holiday activities that still have availability — or don’t need a booking at all.

There are too many great options to list here — click through to see what’s on!

📚 Water Safety Storytime (ages 3 to 5)
Join Inner West Aquatics and Terry the Turtle for a special storytime teaching little ones how to stay safe around water - pools, beaches and backyards. Parents and children learn water safety fundamentals and receive take-home resources.
📍St Peters Library / Friday 27 June 2025 / 10:30am – 11:30am ♿️

🧘 Kids Yoga @ Darling Quarter (ages 2 to 5 years)
Free 30-minute sessions where kids aged 2 to 5 develop body awareness and focus through fun, stretchy activities led by a qualified instructor, with mats provided and parents welcome to join.
📍 Playground Lawn, Darling Quarter / Fridays / 10:30am – 11am & 11:30am – 12pm

🌈 Rainbow Family Tales (ages 0 to 5)
Celebrate families of all shapes and sizes with songs, rhymes and stories that celebrate family, inclusivity, individuality, creativity, and kindness.
📍Emanuel Tsardoulias Community Library, Dulwich Hill / Saturday 28 June 2025 / 10:30am – 11am ♿️

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fun @ South Eveleigh
Weekend activities designed for little creators and explorers. Clay modelling workshops, soft play areas, and trackless train rides to keep the whole family entertained.
📍South Eveleigh / Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 June 2025

🧱 Burwood Brick Builders (ages 5 to 12)
Monthly afterschool brick building challenges with team activities and library displays to showcase creativity and skills. Space limited, but no booking required.
📍Burwood Library and Community Hub / Wednesday 2 July 2025 / 3:15pm – 4:15pm

❄️ Winter Wonderland at The Grounds of Alexandria
Snow is falling, laneways are dusted in white, and glowing lights create a magical winter experience. Follow paths past frosted trees and sparkling crystals while enjoying winter menu specials. Installation exclusively reserved for dining guests.
📍The Grounds of Alexandria / Daily until mid-September

🧵 Craft & Quilt Fair Sydney
Unite with craftspeople, sewists and quilters! Be inspired by guest artists, try workshops and see spectacular quilt exhibitions. Includes Make & Takes, seminars and demonstrations. Tickets $27 ($23 concession, $13 child).
📍ICC Sydney, Darling Harbour / Thursday 26 – Sunday 29 June 2025 / 10am – 4pm

🛍️ The Loco Markets
Six weeks of curated charm featuring artisan stalls with handcrafted treasures, free live music, Heritage Walking Tours, blacksmithing workshops at Eveleigh Works, and interactive weekend activities for kids.
📍South Eveleigh / Thursday 26 - Sunday 28 June 2025 / Thursday to Saturday 10am – 7pm, Sun 10am – 4pm

🌙 Darlo After Dark
This is out of the Inner West but worth sharing! Ten-day winter solstice festival continues transforming Darlinghurst with late-night culture, food and drink. Features opera singers, street dancers, tarot readers, cult movie screenings, mulled wine, lantern making and solstice ice cream.
📍Darlinghurst Village / Thursday 19 – Sunday 29 June 2025 / 6pm – 11pm

✏️ Nudenight Life Drawing at Doodler
Life Drawing with professional models and an amazing creative atmosphere every Wed/Thur/Fri/Sat/Sun. Tickets $29.
📍Doodler, Marrickville / Friday 27 June 2025 / 7pm – 8:30pm ♿️

🥟 Chinatown Night Markets
Head there for your dose of delicious street food and Asian culture.
📍 Dixon St, Haymarket / Fridays / 4pm – 11pm

🎉 The Corner Booth Turns One (Again)
The Corner Booth, an independent lifestyle store, celebrates one year at their new Annandale location with drinks, nibbles, and 20% off storewide. Some exclusions apply - see store for terms.
📍The Corner Booth, Annandale / Friday 27 June 2025 / 4pm – 6pm

👥 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Special roundtable event with local faith leaders focusing on elder abuse prevention and community-led action. Join this meaningful conversation to strengthen support networks and create safer environments for older people in our communities.
📍Canadian Exiles Room, Concord Oval / Friday 27 June 2025 / 9:30am – 12pm

💡 Creative Toolbox Symposium
Inner West Council presents a three-day symposium for artists and creative professionals. Join for empowering conversations, practical workshops and creative experiences. Bookings essential, spots limited.
📍Marrickville Town Hall / Saturday 28 June to Monday 30 June 2025 / 9am – 5:30pm ♿️

🔥 Winter Latin Makers Market
Sydney's #1 curated event celebrating Latin creativity and culture. Features Latinx makers offering handcrafted goods, art, fashion, and street food. Includes live music, cultural performances, and kids workshops.
📍Marrickville Town Hall / Saturday 28 June 2025 / 9:30am – 5pm ♿️

🛍️ Rozelle Collectors Markets
The Rozelle Collectors Market is known for vintage finds, pre-loved treasures, antiques, and unique second-hand goods. Runs every Saturday, however they will be closed Saturday 5, 12 and 19 July due to works being undertaken at the school.
📍 Rozelle Public School / Saturday 28 June 2025 / 9am – 3pm

🚲 Renew Your Bike - Free Tune Ups
Would you love to ride your bike but the tyres are flat, the wheel wobbles or the brakes are squeaky? A free bike tune-up can get you back to riding again. Undertaken by the Bower, their team check your bike is safe and comfortable. Bookings essential, for Inner West Council residents.
📍 Inner West Sustainability Hub, Summer Hill / Saturday 28 June 2025 / 10am – 2pm

🌧️ Rainwater Harvesting Workshop
Learn rainwater harvesting with a tank expert! Discover installation options, calculate harvesting potential, and learn about Inner West Council's rebate program.
📍Inner West Sustainability Hub, Summer Hill / Saturday 28 June 2025 / 9am – 11:30am ♿️

⛸️ Darling Harbour Ice Rink
Get your skate on at the harbourfront! Open-air ice skating rink perfect for seasoned skaters or total newbies. Penguin skating aids available for little ones, plus twinkling lights, winter treats and entertainment. Book online.
📍Palm Grove Forecourt, Darling Harbour / Sunday 29 June to Sunday 20 July / 10am – 9pm daily

🧠 Trivia @ Calle Rey
Head to this retro Mexican bar for Sunday trivia with great prizes and laughs. $12 cocktails during happy hour, spicy tacos $5, and local and imported beers $8. Book ahead for a late lunch or early dinner. Book here.
📍Calle Rey, Newtown / Sunday 29 June 2025 / 5pm

👗 Pre-Loved Fashion Market 
Browse an eclectic collection of vintage clothing from the 1940s-1970s, reproduction pieces, and modern designer items, including second-hand women's and men's wear, shoes, accessories, and homewares in sizes 6 to 16 (XS to XL). FREE entry, card and cash payments are accepted.
📍The Wriggle Room, Marrickville / Sunday 29 June 2025 / 10am – 4pm

🧶 Community Knit-In
Join the Summer Hill (Inner West) Knitted Square Appeal to knit and crochet squares for blankets to help those in need. Good yarn, snacks, tea and coffee provided. All skill levels welcome.
📍Solstice Summer Hill / Sunday 29 June / 2pm

🚶 Heritage Walking Tour 
Uncover South Eveleigh's legacy on a 60-minute guided tour. Explore the industrial past, discover worker stories, and learn how this 134-year-old space became a vibrant innovation precinct.
📍South Eveleigh / Sunday 29 June 2025 / 10am – 11am or 12pm – 1pm / $20 + BF

👥 Newtown Men's Group
Join a discreet, non-judgmental chat between mates on the first Wednesday of each month. Relaxed and friendly group where men can discuss challenges and support one another. All men 18+ welcome.
📍Newtown Neighbourhood Centre / Wednesday 2 July 2025 / 2pm – 4pm ♿️

🌈 Queer Crafters Upcycle Night
Social event and safe space for LGBTQIA+ community and gender non-conforming folk to share craft projects and inspire each other. Learn sewing skills, mending and clothing alterations. Hosted by @ryderspankie.
📍Reverse Garbage, Marrickville / Wednesday 2 July 2025 / 5:30pm – 8:30pm

🎯 Inner West Sydney Cornhole League
Join this fun and inclusive league every fortnight at White Bay Brewery. Everyone is welcome and able to play - all ages event.
📍 White Bay Brewery, Rozelle / Thursday 3 July 2025 / 7pm

🎤 Open Mic Night at Ashfield Bowlo
Bring your talent to the stage! Sing, play music, tell jokes, read poetry or showcase hidden talents. Or just come and watch. All welcome.
📍Ashfield Bowling Club, Ashfield Park / Thursday 3 July 2025 / 7pm – 10:30pm ♿️

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

🌟 3rd Balkan Night at The Old Rosebud
After two sold-out nights, they're turning up the volume with their biggest Balkan celebration yet! Live folk dance show by @dushabalkan, new 6-course Balkan feast, bottomless drinks (red, white, rosé & bubbles), diskoteka, prizes and surprises. $129pp, very limited seats. Call 02 9555 8999 to book.
📍The Old Rosebud, Rozelle / Friday 27 June 2025 / 6pm

🇧🇷 Festa Junina at Hay St Market
Step into the spirit of Brazil with a vibrant pop-up celebration of one of Brazil's most colourful festivals. Sample authentic Brazilian favourites including beef & cheese pastel, chargrilled skewers, choripan, traditional cheese bread, brigadeiros, churros, mulled wine and tropical caipirinhas. Free entry.
📍Hay St Market, Haymarket / Saturday 28 June 2025 / From 11am

🎉 San Pancho Turns 1
San Pancho Mexican Taqueria celebrates their first birthday with live Mariachi band performance, all-day $10 margaritas, and social media contest. Snap, tag & win prizes including $100 dining vouchers, Jarritos T-shirts and drink bottles. Purchase any meal + Jarritos, post Instagram story tagging them and friends to enter.
📍San Pancho Mexican Taqueria, Marrickville / Saturday 28 June 2025 / Mariachi Band from 6:30pm – 7:30pm

🥧 Yummy Winter Pies
Locantro Bakery is a family-operated Italian bakery established in 1994, creating award-winning breads, pastries, and meals from scratch using traditional Italian family recipes and authentic techniques. They've got a delicious bolognese pie in store at the moment. Check it out here.
📍Locantro Bakery, Leichhardt / Monday to Saturday / 6:30am – 3pm

🍺 The Burwood Hotel | Monday to Friday | 12pm – 7pm | Enjoy $6.80 selected beers - see venue for terms.

🍻 The Dry Dock Balmain | Monday to Wednesday | 3:30pm – 5:30pm | Enjoy your favourite beverages at Happy Hour prices – Tap Beer (Schooners) $7, Premium House Spirits $8, Wine by The Glass $10, Aperol Spritz $12, Classic Cocktails $15 - Public House only, see venue for terms.

🌹 Rose of Australia Erskineville | Monday to Friday | 4pm – 6pm | $6.50 Schooners of Carlton Draught, Great Northern, Resch's, Bulmers Cider, VB, Pure Blonde, $6.50 House Wine by the glass, $6.50 House Spirits & $8 schooners of craft beer on tap. See venue for terms.

🍺 Royal Hotel Leichhardt | Monday to Friday | 4pm – 6pm | $6 House Spirits, House Beer, & House Wine. Only downstairs at The Royal | See venue for terms.

🍷 Flight Path, Newtown
This wine bar brings boutique Australian winemakers to inner Sydney with curated wine flights featuring a different winery every four weeks. Also offers 30+ wines by the glass, beers, cocktails and delicious grazing plates in a relaxed, intimate setting.
📍31 Enmore Road, Newtown

Announced proposed new planning rules that will require new residential buildings, large commercial buildings and hotels in the City of Sydney area to be all-electric by 1 January 2027. The changes are driven by a desire to create healthier and more energy-efficient buildings and avoid expensive retrofitting in the future.

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore has acknowledged community concerns about share bikes cluttering footpaths and posing safety risks in a recent social media post. While the City has created 130 designated parking areas, Moore notes Transport for NSW is blocking expansion onto streets. Her post highlights that despite local efforts, the problem persists due to lack of NSW Government regulation and difficulty securing approval for solutions that would keep bikes off footpaths.

Public meetings are being hosted by Inner West Greens Councillors to discuss what the draft LEP means, what changes could be considered, and how residents can make submissions before the July 6th deadline to help shape the Inner West's future development. See dates and locations below and click to register attendance.

📍 Online via Zoom / Friday 27 June 2025 / 6:30pm – 8pm
📍 Herb Greedy Hall, Marrickville / Monday 30 June 2025 / 6:30pm – 8pm

The Inner West Council continues to run their drop-in sessions for their Fairer Future Plan. It’s your chance to learn about the proposed project, ask questions and share your thoughts about the future of our community.
📍Petersham Service Centre / Saturday 28 June 2025 / 9:30am – 11:30am
📍Ashfield Civic Centre / Saturday 28 June 2025 / 1:30pm – 3:30pm

A Reminder to Have Your Say
You can provide feedback by completing this survey or emailing [email protected]. Last day to provide feedback is 6 July 2025.

Thanks for reading. Please feel free to reply with any feedback.

Reminder: 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 and specials can change.

Have a fun weekend!

Jess