Sydney’s CBD Is Getting A Nightlife And Entertainment Precinct – And There’s A Block Party To Celebrate
Sonia is a travel, lifestyle, and design writer and editor…
Sydney’s once pumping CBD has been slowly making its post-Covid comeback, but now things are kicking up a notch. The CBD’s fantastic drinking dens are banding together with the City of Sydney to create a new dedicated nightlife and entertainment precinct known as YCK Laneways – and there’s a six-week block party to celebrate its launch.
YCK Laneways covers the York-Clarence-Kent Street section between Town Hall and Wynyard, known for holding a healthy concentration of the city’s best drinking spots. These venues have joined forces with the City of Sydney and will be holding a range of regular events, performances and happenings every night of the week, starting with a six-week block party.
“Over the last few years — and even through lockdown — a sophisticated, discreet hotspot for top-shelf bars has evolved in the area bordered by York, Clarence and Kent Streets in the city,” says Councillor Jess Scully. “To tempt you back and introduce you to new favourites, they’re working together to present YCK Laneways, a six week festival of performances and creative experiences in this bevy of beverage dens.”
The YCK Laneways Block Party is an arts and culture festival featuring Sydney’s creative community through a series of events at your favourite bars. Kicking off on April 7 and running until May 22, its aim is to inspire Sydneysiders to rediscover the city and inject some much-needed life back into the once-thriving CBD. It’s time to party!
There will be 75 cultural events across 10 bars, with over 100 talented artists from across Sydney through a mix of free, pop-up and ticketed one-off events.
Venues include Since I Left You, Papa Gede’s, The Lobo, Spawn Point, The Barber Shop, The Duke of Clarence, Stitch Bar, Uncle Mings, Prince of York and Grandma’s Bar. Every bar involved will create a bespoke Bombay Sapphire or Patrón Tequila cocktail which will only be available during the six-week program.
You can expect an impressive and eclectic mix of talent and events, with everything from Drag Queen Bingo, Light Artwork Installations, Fire Dancing and Disco Nights to Burlesque Shows, Historical Storytelling and Pop Culture Trivia Nights (plus much more).
Walk-ins are accepted, but numbers for select events will be limited so bookings are strongly recommended.
But they’ve also got a standalone major outdoor event in the works, to be unveiled soon as part of the programming. If you’re an event-hungry punter and/or live music enthusiast then follow @ycklaneways for up-to-date information and further announcements.
The new after-dark precinct is part of the City of Sydney’s post-lockdown strategy, looking to revitalise the local economy and get residents to view the CBD as a top spot for spending their time, any time of the week (not just because it’s close to work). With international tourism coming to a halt and people working from home last year, the city’s hospitality and nightlife venues were some of the hardest hit, but with initiatives like YCK Laneways the tide is turning.
The event is supported by City of Sydney and Time Out Sydney. To learn more about YCK Laneways Block Party, or for the full program of events, click here.
All images supplied.
Sonia is a travel, lifestyle, and design writer and editor who lives for sharing a personal rec. See what she's up to @literallysonia.