Good morning, Inner Westies. It’s going to be a hot weekend! From festive markets and street parties to warehouse sales and performances, there's plenty happening across the Inner West this weekend.

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

🐶 Willie the Boatman and Powder Monkey Brewing Aus are hosting their annual Santa Paws event on Sunday from 12 PM to 7 PM. Bring your pup to meet Santa and get a photo. RSVP for your free ticket.

🐩 The Toxteth Hotel is hosting its Dogsteth Xmas Party this Sunday from 12 PM to 2 PM. They’ll have prizes for best dressed and best trick. Reserve your spot.

🥺 Don’t have a doggo of your own? Want some puppy cuddles? Head to Paws n Paintz in Annandale, where you can paint and play with puppies at the same time. They still have tickets available for Saturday, 7 December, at 11 AM. Visit here to book and see other available dates.

🧸 Toy Swap with Joy of Giving: Swap pre-loved toys, games, and books in good condition. Help teach kids about sustainability while reducing waste - just ensure items are clean and working. Saturday 7 December | 11 AM - 3 PM - Inner West Sustainability Hub, Summer Hill

🎅 Christmas Colouring In + Collage + LEGO Play @ Broadway: Recommended ages 3 to 12. FREE, walk-ins welcome | Saturday 7 December | Collage 11 AM to 12 PM & LEGO Play 1 PM to 3 PM - Broadway Shopping Centre, Glebe

🎄 Beaded Mini Wreath Workshops @ Broadway: Recommended ages 5 to 12. $3 per ticket, with all proceeds donated to Glebe Youth Services. Book ahead to secure your spot | Sunday 8 December | 11 AM, 12 PM & 1 PM - Broadway Shopping Centre, Glebe

🤶 Storytime with Mrs Claus @ Broadway: $3 per ticket, with all proceeds donated to Glebe Youth Services. Includes cookie and drink to enjoy during the session. Book ahead to secure your spot. | Thursday 12 December | 2:30 PM, 3 PM, 3:30 PM, 4 PM, 4:30 PM & 5 PM (20-minute sessions) - Broadway Shopping Centre, Glebe

🍊 After School: Clove Oranges @ Ashfield Library (ages 5 to 12): Kids will use fragrant cloves, bright oranges, and colourful ribbons to craft their very own aromatic decorations. Book online, tickets going fast. Wednesday 11 December | 3:45 PM to 4:45 PM - Ashfield Library

🎨 Creative Drop-In Sessions @ Studio Bloop Rozelle: Drop into Studio Bloop on Darling Street, Rozelle (opposite the IGA). Paint a plaster, make a mask, create a sculpture with air drying slime or make a necklace or bracelet with our awesome bead collection! Suits all ages. | Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturdays | 10 AM to 3 PM | Studio Bloop

🎄 Darling Harbour Floating Christmas Tree: This is the perfect backdrop for your festive photos. As day turns to night, the Darling Harbour Christmas Tree will transform into a beacon of holiday vibes with a magical display of lights. Plus, head to Darling Square for the chance to take more Insta-worthy pics with their Christmas display. | Every day until 27 December - Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour

🎄 Christmas in Croydon: The cul-de-sac at the end of Paisley Lane will be transformed into a traditional public square in a celebration of Christmas, community and heritage | Sat 5 PM - 9 PM & Sun 9 AM - 12 Noon - The Strand (next to Croydon Station)

👗 Fashion Frenzy Sydney: Refresh your wardrobe sustainably with pre-loved and new items. Support the circular economy and finish the year in style! Items are priced at $5 at Frenzy! See website for entry fee and session time details | Times vary - Marrickville Town Hall

😎 Mega Fashion Accessories & Lifestyle Sale: Massive warehouse sale returns, just in time for Christmas. Shop jewellery, cosmetics, skincare, pet toys, giftware, fashion accessories, sunglasses, handbags and more. Prices start at $1 | Fri 10 AM-4 PM & Sat 10 AM-1 PM - Alexandria

♻️ Re Place Preloved Clothing - all under $20: Visit the Inner West Sustainability Hub to buy high quality reused clothing and divert clothes from landfill. Friday 2 PM to 5 PM & Saturday 10 AM to 4 PM - Inner West Sustainability Hub, 7 Prospect Road, Summer Hill ♿

👉️ Flour Mill Christmas Night Food Market @ Summer Hill: Delicious food, carols in the park, artisan Christmas gifts and a visit from Santa!  4 PM to 9 PM -  1 Flour Mill Way, Summer Hill

🇬🇷 Greek Friendship Group @ Concord: Come along to the Greek friendship group for morning tea and great conversations. Discuss Greek news, books or other matters of interest | 10 AM to 12 PM - Concord Library

🧶 Social Knitting at Balmain Library: Get your knit on and BYO knitting to this casual group. Exchange tips and socialise whilst you knit. Runs the first and third Friday of each month | 10 AM to 12 PM - Balmain Library ♿

🎷 Jazz in the Park: Bring the family for an afternoon of award-winning jazz in the park. Enjoy local talent, food stalls, and workshops by Together2 and Rock Paper Scissors while you picnic to the sounds of Inner West's finest musicians. | Saturday 7 December | 1 PM to 6 PM - Gladstone Park, Balmain ♿️ 

🥳 Free Newtown Street Party: The Courty and Young Henrys are kicking off summer by taking over Eliza Street to host the Newtown Street Party. Loads of live music, cold tinnies, and epic food. Free event, with donations on the door going directly to the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre | 1 PM-8 PM - Eliza Street, Newtown

🌞 Summer Club Saturdays @ South Eveleigh: Kick back and enjoy a line up of attractions and family fun that will make you feel like you are on a sunny holiday. There will be face painting, balloon artists, summer merch giveaways, sweet treat pop-up, sponge pool, blow-up volleyball and Sandy Claus Photo Booth & Surf Santa. | Attraction times vary across the day from 8 AM to 5 PM - South Eveleigh ♿

🎄Balmain Christmas Markets: Balmain Markets are back for a special Christmas edition. Find plenty of gifts, crafts, art, entertainment and Santa will make a visit. 9 AM to 3 PM - Saint Andrews Congressional Church

🕯️ Artisans in the Park Xmas Market @ Glebe: Artisans in the Park showcases local handmade products, supporting Australian creators and community organizations. Visitors can meet makers and purchase unique items while contributing to local charities and schools. Not-for-profit market. 10 AM to 3 PM. Dr HJ Foley Park, Corner Glebe Point Rd and Bridge Rd, Glebe

🫶 International Day of People with Disability 2024: Join Canada Bay Council to celebrate International Day of People with Disability! There will be inclusive activities, a sausage sizzle, musical performances and information stalls on the day | 10 AM-3 PM - Rhodes Amphitheatre (outside The Connection) ♿

🎅 A Very Merry Makers Market: A special holiday gathering of local artisans and makers just in time for Christmas! This festive market will be your one-stop-shop for unique, handcrafted gifts and an opportunity to meet the artists behind them | 9 AM - 2 PM - Market Studio, Annandale

🍜 Newtown Food and Street Art Small Group Tour: Experience Newtown's diverse food scene with 4 stops featuring cuisines from Egyptian to Japanese, with plenty of vegetarian options. Enjoy a craft beer tasting at a local brewery while exploring the area's history, street art, and colorful characters. Book ahead, tickets are selling fast | 3 PM - 6 PM - Newtown

🎄 Syrenka Christmas Concert: Join Polish Folkloric Dance Ensemble "Syrenka" for a joyful afternoon at Syrenka's Christmas Concert, celebrating traditional Polish culture with festive dance and music | 3 PM - 5 PM - Polish Club Ashfield

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