Good morning, Inner Westies. From Messina’s Olympic Meats takeover and a brand-new Misfit Taproom to Mort Bay Park’s playground opening and a dazzling Darling Harbour drone show, your 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 team behind King St Crawl is back with a brand-new summer edition, hitting the Inner West on Sunday, 25 January 2026. Expect even more live music, electronic sets, and activations across Newtown, Enmore, Erskineville and Marrickville, with 200+ acts expected. Entry is free, but RSVPing helps organisers keep the Crawl thriving for years to come. Whether you’re an artist keen to play or a venue wanting to get involved, now’s the time to lock it in.

📆 Sunday 25 January 2026
👉 See their Website and Socials for more information

The Inner West is set for an extended splash season, with Fanny Durack Aquatic Centre and Steel Park Waterplay Park now open from Monday, 1 September 2025. Following community engagement earlier this year, Council has voted to extend operations permanently, and both facilities will now stay open until 30 April each year, giving locals two extra months to swim, play and cool off.

The Drummoyne Swimming Centre season has also commenced, offering saltwater swimming, plus a kids’ splash pool overlooking the Parramatta River, making it a great option for families and lap swimmers alike.

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 c1930 Art Deco home has been meticulously rebuilt with Streamline Moderne lines, porthole windows and a soft Mediterranean edge. Inside, the Volakas marble kitchen and butler’s pantry open to an expansive living and dining area, featuring a cocktail bar, Escea fireplace, and custom joinery. A parents’ retreat occupies its own wing, while outdoors brings a mosaic pool, an alfresco terrace and landscaped gardens designed for entertaining. All just a short stroll to Dulwich Hill Village and the station. With a cocktail bar and pool, who needs to leave?

📍 31 Canonbury Grove, Dulwich Hill / 5 bed / 4 bath / 3 car
👉 Listed with CobdenHayson - Annandale

Just days after Wayward Brewing closed its beloved Camperdown taproom, the space is already set for a revival, opening as the Misfit Taproom yesterday. The venue has been taken over by a new indie brewing collective: The Social Brewers, Queens of Chaos Brewing, and Sundowner Brewing Co. Together, they’ll share the taps, the bar, and the legacy.

📍 1 Gehrig Lane, Camperdown / Open Thursday to Monday
👉 See more on their Instagram

Airtasker has released its "Where Mould Thrives" study, ranking Australia's mouldiest suburbs based on climate data, online searches, and task bookings. Sydney's Eastern Suburbs topped the list, but does that capture the whole picture for areas like the Inner West?

In the Inner West, many older homes (former workers' cottages and tightly built terraces) battle rising damp, poor drainage, and structural issues that create mould no matter what the weather's doing outside. While the study does measure structural factors, they're only weighted at 10% compared to 60% for climate. Our hands-on approach probably means we're not contributing much to the online searches or task bookings either. We deal with it ourselves: vinegar sprays, dehumidifiers, and a bit of grit.

👉 Read more here

🛝 Mort Bay Park Playground Opening

Join Inner West Council to celebrate the opening of Mort Bay Park Playground. Stage 1 is complete with a new boat-themed playground, water play, inclusive swings and nature play, Free face painting, entertainment and a BBQ.

📍Bill Peters Reserve, Ashfield
📅 Saturday 6 September 2025
⏰ 11am

🫧 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

🧸 Sydney Toy Swap with Joy of Giving
Bring along toys, books or games to swap and take home something new while helping reduce waste. Book ahead. Inner West Council residents only.
📍 Inner West Sustainability Hub, Summer Hill / Saturday 6 September 2025 / 10am – 1pm ♿️

🧸 Toy Swap @ Concord Community Centre
Bring along gently used toys, books and games to swap, refresh your kids’ playtime collection and meet local families. Bookings essential. Residents of the City of Canada Bay are given priority.
📍 Concord Community Centre / Saturday 6 September 2025 / 1:30pm – 3:30pm ♿️

✂️ Paper Engineering: Make a Paper Pop Up (ages 11 to 14)
A hands-on workshop, teaching paper folding, creasing and cutting to create unique pop-up designs. All materials provided.
📍 Burwood Library and Community Hub / Saturday 6 September 2025 / 11am – 12:30pm

🔨 Building-Themed Kids D.I.Y. Workshop @ Bunnings Alexandria (ages 3 to 12)
A hands-on workshop where kids can create something for dad, grandpa or the father figure in their life.
📍 Bunnings, Alexandria & Rozelle / Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 September 2025 / Various times

📚HSC Workshops@ St Peters Library 
Workshops are designed to help students unlock their potential and perform best in assessments and exams.
🖼 Visual Arts: Sunday 7 September 2025 / 11am – 2pm ♿️
🕰 Modern History: Sunday 7 September 2025 / 3pm – 5pm ♿️

📚 HSC Study Nights @ Burwood Library
Extended after-hours study sessions for HSC students. Bookings essential.
📍 Burwood Library / Wednesday 10 September / 5:45pm – 10pm ♿️

🧚 After School: Fairy Houses Recycling Craft (ages 5 to 7)
Kids can build their own fairy houses from recycled materials in this fun, hands-on craft session. Book ahead. All materials provided.
📍 Emanuel Tsardoulias Community Library, Dulwich Hill / Wednesday 10 September 2025 / 3:45pm – 4:45pm ♿️

🎬 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 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.

🌿 Celebrating 30 Years of Bushcare @ Callan Park
A free weekend of nature, creativity and community spirit marking three decades of bushcare.
👉 Summerhouse Exhibition: Explore 30 years of bushcare stories and community artworks inside the historic Summerhouse.
📍 The Summerhouse, Callan Park / Saturday 6 September 2025 / 10am – 5pm &
👉 Summerhouse Exhibition & Official Opening: Hear inspiring talks on habitat restoration and enjoy art activities for all ages.
📍 The Summerhouse, Callan Park / Sunday 7 September 2025 / 12pm – 5pm (Opening at 12:30pm)
👉 Community Planting @ King George Oval: Help restore native habitat for small birds with this hands-on planting activity. Tools and gloves provided.
📍 King George Oval, Callan Park / Sunday 7 September 2025 / 10am – 12pm

🐦 Inner West Bird Fest
A community celebration of local birdlife with free and beginner-friendly walks, talks, markets and clean-ups.
📍 Various locations, Inner West / Saturday 6 to Sunday 14 September 2025

🌙 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

🧘 Fitness Fridays: Free Pilates @ South Eveleigh
Free community Pilates plus a protein smoothie, open to all fitness levels.
📍 Body Fit Redfern, South Eveleigh / Friday 5 September / 12:30pm – 1:15pm

🎨 Artisans in the Park Market @ Glebe
Discover unique, locally handmade gifts at this community market featuring friendly artisans in a beautiful outdoor setting.
📍Dr HJ Foley Park / Saturday 6 September 2025 / 10am - 3pm ♿

🎯 Hoop Fit @ South Eveleigh
High-energy hula hoop fitness classes with Fembot JuJu. No bookings required.
📍 Village Green, South Eveleigh / Saturday 6 September / 10am & 11:30am

🏖️ Maple Social Club: Pool Party!
Relax by the pool with drinks, chats, and live tunes from Benny & the Sets. RSVP to secure your place.
📍 The Old Clare Hotel, Chippendale / Saturday 6 September 2025 / 2pm – 5pm

🌼 Father’s Day Market @ Polish Club
A vibrant community market with live entertainment, handmade stalls, and delicious Polish food. Free entry. Why not return the next day for the Father’s Day Buffet lunch or dinner?
📍 Polish Club, Ashfield / Saturday 6 September 2025 / 10am – 3pm

🚲 Free Tune Ups with the Bower
Get your bike checked for safety and comfort with a free tune-up by the Bower’s repair team. Bookings essential
📍 Inner West Sustainability Hub, Summer Hill / Saturday 6 September 2025 / 10am – 2pm ♿️

🚁 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

📸 Digital Photography Club
A community club to improve your photography skills and learn to take professional‑quality photos.
📍 Burwood Park Community Centre / Saturday 6 September 2025 / 2pm – 4pm

🌙 The Italian Forum Twilight Markets
New weekly market in the heart of Sydney’s Little Italy, featuring artisanal food, Italian street eats, handmade goods, live music, and boutique stalls in a festive, open-air piazza.
📍 Italian Forum, Leichhardt / Saturday 6 September 2025 / 4pm – 9pm

👉️ Flour Mill Markets @ Summer Hill
Fresh artisan-baked goods, fresh produce, hot food and artisan products from local makers and creators. 
📍1 Flour Mill Way, Summer Hill / Sunday 7 September 2025 / 9am – 1pm

🏉 AFLW: Sydney Swans v Fremantle @ Henson Park
Celebrate Father’s Day with live footy, family activities, local brews and tasty eats as the Swans face Fremantle in Round 4. Tickets: $15 for adults, kids under 18 are free!
📍 Henson Park, Marrickville / Sunday 7 September 2025 / 12pm – 3:30pm ♿️

🎨 Community Crafternoon
Bring your own craft project and enjoy a free afternoon of creativity, conversation and connection with the community.
📍 Little BIG House, Summer Hill / Sunday 7 September 2025 / 2pm – 4pm

🦜 Bird Art Market @ Ashfield Town Hall
Discover bird-inspired ceramics, jewellery, textiles and more at this one-day-only market featuring local artists and makers—part of Inner West Bird Fest.
📍 Ashfield Town Hall / Sunday 7 September 2025 / 10am – 4pm

🎷 Father’s Day with Monica Trapaga @ Unity Hall Hotel
Celebrate Father’s Day with live jazz, featuring Monica Trapaga and band. 💰Tickets $20.
📍 Unity Hall Hotel, Balmain / Sunday 7 September 2025 / 3pm – 6:30pm

🎳 Father’s Day @ Ashfield Bowlo
Celebrate Dad with a laid-back afternoon on the green. Enjoy a live DJ from midday, $5 lawn bowls, and members’ prices on pints for all dads all day long. With space for the kids and a relaxed community vibe, it’s the perfect family-friendly Father’s Day out.
📍 Ashfield Bowling Club / Sunday 7 September 2025 / From 12pm

🍢 Filipino BBQ Party @ Arcadia Liquors
Celebrate Father’s Day with smoky Filipino BBQ in the courtyard by Taguán Café, paired with $6 Honey Ale and Ube Lager from 7000 Islands. Expect street food vibes, cold drinks, and live music to keep the party going.
📍 Arcadia Liquors, Redfern / Sunday 7 September 2025 / 5pm – 9pm

🕺 Beat Breakdown
Sydney's best dancers battle it out in an open competition featuring different dance styles each week. Experience incredible hip-hop, locking, voguing and more with DJs, MCs, and hosts.
📍 Palm Grove Forecourt, Darling Harbour / Thursday 11, 18 & 25 September 2025 / 6pm – 9pm

🌱 Permaculture at the Pub @ Chuck & Son’s Brewing Co. St Peters
A casual monthly meet-up for gardening and permaculture enthusiasts to connect, share advice and enjoy good company.
📍 Chuck & Son’s Brewing Co., St Peters / Thursday 11 September 2025 / 6pm

🎯 Inner West Sydney Cornhole League Has Moved!
Now at Sydney Portugal Community Club. Everyone is welcome and able to play, an all-ages event.
📍 Sydney Portugal Community Club, Marrickville / Thursday 11 September 2025 / 6:30pm

🎶 Pyrmont Ultimo Glebe Men’s Shed Annual Fundraiser Concert @ Leichhardt Bowlo
Enjoy live performances from the Shed’s musical groups, raffles with local prizes, and help raise funds for Glebe Youth Service. 💰 Tix $25 + bf.
📍 Leichhardt Bowlo / Saturday 15 November 2025 / 6pm – 10pm ♿️

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

🍦 Messina Eats: Olympic Meats - THIS WEEKEND!
Gelato Messina teams up with Olympic Meats for a two-day Greek feast in the Marrickville HQ carpark. Think lamb shoulder and belly roasted over charcoal, Messina garlic yoghurt, spanakopita, chicken pitogyro, loukanika rolls and a fresh watermelon–halloumi salad. Dessert is a must: honey-drizzled loukoumades crowned with a scoop of creamy Messina honey gelato. Plates start from $14…until sold out!
📍 Messina HQ Carpark, Marrickville / Friday 5 & Saturday 6 September 2025 / 12pm til late

🍻 Father’s Day @ Akasha Taproom
Celebrate Father’s Day at Akasha Taproom with a free beer for every dad this Sunday. Burgers are just $20, and kids eat for $5 with the purchase of a main meal. See venue for terms and conditions. Good beer, good food, and family time sorted.
📍 Akasha Taproom, Five Dock / Sunday 7 September 2025

🍺 Father’s Day @ Garry Owen Hotel
Celebrate Father’s Day with the Sunday Roast Club at the Garry Owen. Dads enjoy a free 500ml stein with any main meal purchase, and kids eat free too. See venue for terms & conditions.
📍 Garry Owen Hotel, Rozelle / Sunday 7 September 2025

🍖 Father’s Day Feast @ The Gladdo
Celebrate Dad with $28 lamb ribs and an ice-cold can of VB or Tooheys New this Father’s Day. Plus, enjoy free lawn bowling all day (children must be over 12).
📍 Gladstone Park Bowlo, Balmain / Sunday 7 September 2025

🍻 Father’s Day Roast @ Petersham Bowlo
This Father’s Day, treat Dad to a hearty roast from Grange Gully Bistro and he’ll score a free schooner of Akasha Freshwater Pale Ale. Available from 11am until sold out – best get in early!
📍 Grange Gully Bistro, Petersham Bowling Club / Sunday 7 September 2025 / From 11am until sold out

🍜 Father’s Day @ Rising Sun
Celebrate Father’s Day at Rising Sun Workshop with a meal for Dad and a free drink to match. Every dad dining in receives a complimentary beer, glass of wine, or sake with their meal purchase — the perfect way to say thanks to the legends we call Dad.
📍 Rising Sun Workshop, Newtown / Sunday 7 September 2025

👨‍👧‍👦 Father’s Day @ The Salisbury Hotel
Celebrate Dad with breakfast from 7am, bistro specials and Sunday roast from 12pm, live music by the Bayou Boogie Boys from 3pm, plus $17 Philter and $18 YH jugs. Bookings recommended.
📍 The Salisbury Hotel, Stanmore / Sunday 7 September 2025

Tucked inside Otter Craft Distilling, Bar 26 is a speakeasy-style cocktail and whisky bar where every spirit, from single malt whisky and unique single-malt vodkas to Mary St gin and liqueurs, is handcrafted on site. Expect a cosy, moody setting, handmade pizzas and charcuterie boards, with a menu shaped by sustainability, traceability and a mixologist’s finesse.
📍 Unit 2/26–30 Halloran St, Lilyfield / Wed to Fri 4pm – 10pm, Sat 2pm – 10pm
👉 See Website and Socials for more info

🍹 Bar 26 Lilyfield | Saturday | All day | $12 Bloody Marys – see venue for terms and conditions.

🍺  Chuck & Son's Brewing Co. St Peters | Wednesday to Friday | 3pm – 6pm | $6 midis & $8 schooners Lo-Cal Lager and Touring Radler, $8 midis & $10 schooners Traditional Hefeweizen, $14 seasonal spritz, $12 sangria – see venue for terms and conditions.

🍻 The Erko Hotel Erskineville | Sunday 7 September 2025 | Free schooner for dads. Bookings recommended – see venue for terms and conditions.

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