The 7 Best Things To Do In Sydney This February

Madeleine is a Sydney-based freelancer who pretends she can speak…

From new bars to festivals to laughter yoga, Sydney’s got it going on in February. Here’s seven things to get you out of the house.

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Tropfest

It’s been 25 years since Tropfest started out in humble beginnings in Darlinghurt’s Tropicana Café. It quickly outgrew the space, and hasn’t stopped growing, adapting and exciting audiences since then. Now in its silver year, Tropfest finds a new home at Parramatta Park on February 11. And while the event is still free, you can opt to ‘pick your patch’ to watch the show in more style than usual. These limited tickets entitle you to a premium patch of grass, a chair with guaranteed great views, special access to the bar and more. The festival has been a pivotal launch point for so many careers including Emma Freeman, Nash Edgerton, Gregor Jordan, Abe Forsyth and Genevieve Clay-Smith with its short, entertaining and thought-provoking films. Live music and entertainment starts at midday, black carpet arrivals from 6pm and show time from 8. See you in Parramatta.

Photo: Tropfest

Sydney 7s

If you were one of the 45,000 attendees who went to the Sydney Rugby Sevens in its inaugural year in 2016 then you were ahead of the curve. Throw in the fact that the Australian Women’s team came home with an Olympic Gold after their Rio bid and we expect many more jumping on the Sevens bandwagon, and for good reason. This global event is fast-paced and furious, and an amazing weekend out. Fancy dress is welcomed, entertainment is in large supply, and competition is fierce with some of the best teams descending upon Sydney for this sporting carnival at ANZ Stadium from February 3 to 5. Get your dress up ready and get there!

Laneway Festival

Tame Impala. Sampa the Great. Chet Faker. Aurora. Just four of the 33 reasons that you need to get your butt to Laneway this year. Returning to the sandstone laneways of Sydney’s College of the Arts. It’s not just music that will lure you there – with Sydney cult Belle’s Hot Chicken, Porteno, Ume Burger, Stone & Wood Beer in attendance. There’s tunes from midday to 11pm, market stalls, a vinyl store, and plenty of people watching is guaranteed. More info here.

Photo: Laneway Festival/Facebook

Let’s get surfing now

Say sayonara to Summer (although, TBH, Autumn in Sydney is pretty damn great if you’re wanting long warm days and beach weather) with the Australian Open of Surfing comp. The festival brings together the world’s best surfers, skateboarders and BMX riders at one of the world’s best beachside suburbs, Manly. With surfing and skateboarding announced as debut sports for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, these future potential gold-medalists will be strutting their stuff on the weekend of Feb 25. Get coastal and get amongst it as this promises to be a great couple of day.

Laughter yoga

OK, so not really sure how we’re feeling about this gimmicky Beer Yoga that we’ve seen around the place, but this is definitely a yoga we can get on board with. Bondi Beach Laughter Club is a not-for-profit that promotes health, wellbeing and connection, and gives back to the community. These weekly Laughter Wellness sessions infuse simple activities with laughter and positive energies. We all know that smiles bring smiles, so Laughter Yoga can only do great things for the mind and body. Saturdays from 10-11am in Bondi Pavillion’s Ocean Room. Bring a $5 donation to cover costs.

Immerse Yourself In The Beauty Of Australia’s Landscape At The ‘Our Country’ Exhibition

Photo: Visit Sydney

Madonna Fest

Sydney is ramping up for one of Sydney’s night of nights in the Mardi Gras (held in March), but the lead up is just as strong. On two nights in February there will be a Madonna Summer Festival event screening digitally remastered and enhanced films starring the Material Girl herself. Who’s That Girl will screen on February 3 and A League Of Their Own will show on February 17. There will be behind the scenes footage and interviews, and it’s all happening at Reading Cinemas Auburn. Tickets are $20 and includes free parking, and you can receive a Madonna food/drink combo for $5. More info here.

Banksii

Vermouth – always the bridesmaid, never the bride. Despite a colourful history and popularity since the 17th century, its most recent role is that of a cocktail builder. But thanks to one of Sydney’s newest bars, this wallflower of a spirit is about to come into its own. Hamish Ingham and Rebecca Lines of Surry Hills’ Bar H flung open their doors of their latest venue in December. Named after Sir Joseph Banks, the first botanist to venture to these shores, Banksii has built an epic drinks list, with vermouth as the cornerstone. Located on the streets of Barangaroo, this spot is the perfect day/night venue, with outdoor seating and harbour side views.