If there’s one thing that unites Sydneysiders when it comes to the monarchy, it’s the Queen’s Birthday long weekend. A three-day weekend to enjoy the sights and sounds of our wonderful city before we bunker down for the winter? Now that’s a cause we can all get behind. Some of Sydney’s coolest weekend spots are getting behind it too, so we asked them to tell us all about their plans for 72 hours of fun (and why your hangover will last until Wednesday).
It’s called: Queen’s Birthday at Beach Road Hotel
What to see and do: It’s time to get amongst the good times, good vibes and good music whilst celebrating the Queen’s Birthday over this long weekend.
For our ears: Friday night will see local high-energy act Bec & Ben onstage with resident DJ Richie Ryan on the decks to close the night. Saturday night is sorted with the Discovery Daft Punk tribute on the ones and twos; if their last shows are anything to go by, you don’t want to miss this one. On Sunday, Start:Cue DJs are throwing a party going back to back with some special guests (shhh, we can’t tell you who). Monday has your recovery session locked in with DJs in the sunny backyard to wind down from the epic weekend.
Bevvy of choice: We have plenty of choice with your spirits and a large selection of local, international and craft beers… so, my friend, name your drink.
A right royal time – what’s the highlight? With three separate parties over each night of the weekend, who can choose? Best you play each day.
Cost: Always free, always fun!
Where: 71 Beach Rd, Bondi
When: Friday June 5 – Sunday June 7, upstairs and free from 8pm. Monday is in the backyard from 12pm to wind down.
It’s called: Sunday Long Day
What to see and do: A Sunday Session of epic proportions! We’ve got two different offerings for people to choose from: nab a general admission ticket for $20, or purchase a VIP ticket for $150. The VIP ticket includes a five-hour beverage pack, canapés, and of course, access to the VIP area.
For our ears: Our stellar lineup is headed by nationally famed DJs KLP and Ember, who are supported by a bunch of awesome local Northern Beaches DJs.
Bevvy of choice: Toast to her royal highness (it’s her birthday after all) with our special The Maj’s Fizz cocktail– a tantalising mix of VSOP cognac, house-made chamomile tea syrup, fig jam, Peychaud’s Bitters and soda. Chandon, vodka cocktails, as well as beer and wine will be roaming the VIP area for all VIP ticketholders from 12-5pm.
A right royal time – what’s the highlight? The sweeping views over Collaroy Beach are spectacular and set the best backdrop for a day session of killer tunes and good times!
Cost: $20 for a general admission ticket, $150 for VIP.
Where: 1064 Pittwater Rd, Collaroy Beach
When: Sunday June 7, 12pm-late
It’s called: God Save The Queen at The Lansdowne
What to see and do: Live acts all day by some of the best. Our mates from King Street Tattoo will be hanging around, there will be stalls all day, and of course the famous $5 cheeseburger will keep you smiling and satisfied.
For our ears: It promises to be loud! The Snowdroppers are headliners and will be joined by some of the best young acts in Oz at the moment, including The Rumjacks, The Art, Born Lion, The Stiffys, The Ruckus, Lepers And Crooks, She Rex, The Owls, The Mountains, The Cherry Dolls, Persian Drugs and more. We are pretty pumped for it!
Bevvy of choice: We will be smashing back a few too many Heinekens. There is nothing better to drink than a cold beer when you’re deep in the moshpit.
A right royal time – what’s the highlight? The Snowdroppers! Queen Lizzy herself will be telling the great-grandkids about this one.
Cost: Tickets are $25+bf from Moshtix
Where: 2-6 City Rd, Chippendale
When: Sunday June 7 – all day, and into
the night of course!
It’s called: BASSIC ft. Squad pres. Boombox Cartel (Friday June 5) and LNDRY ft. Anna Lunoe and Sharam Jey (Saturday June 6).
What to see and do: One of Sydney’s most iconic nightclubs, Chinese Laundry, hosts the hottest names in electronic music every Friday and Saturday night.
For our ears:The USA’s Boombox Cartel are bringing the freshest bass beats to BASSIC on Friday with the Squad crew supporting. Aussie homegirl Anna Lunoe returns to Sydney for LNDRY on Saturday June 6 with German house favourite Sharam Jey in The Cave.
Bevvy of choice: $5 spirits and beers between 9-11pm.
A right royal time – what’s the highlight? Dancing to some of the world’s best DJs until 4am.
Cost: Friday – tickets from $17.50 online; Saturday – tickets from $22.60.
Where: 1 Slip St (Under Slip Inn, 111 Sussex St)
When: Friday June 5 from 9pm and SaturdayJune 6 from 9pm
What to see and do: Sunday June 7 – Mark Lucas & The Dead Setters (live and free entry from 4:30pm). Monday June 8 – the Brewhaha kicks on with The Shout Brothers and Mick Daley & The Corporate Raiders (live and free entry from 1pm). Barefoot bowls all weekend for $10.
For our ears: Monday’s the big Brewhaha and the Queen couldn’t ask for a more convivial birthday. At 1pm Mick Daily’s Corporate Raiders will be giving a regal bashing to tracks from Daley’s new record, Courage And Shuffle The Cards. At around 3pm the royal family of irreverent rock’n’roll tribute bands, The Shout Brothers, hit the stage. Like the Queen, they’ll be propping up the aristocratic bloodline of rock’n’roll in Sydney. There’ll be the usual Bowlo treats – raffles, cheapish beer and barefoot bowls plus exciting cuisine just tumbling out of the royal kitchens at a great price.
Bevvy of choice: Beer tastings by Willie The Boatman on Monday June 8.
A right royal time – what’s the highlight? A right royal gig!
Cost: Free entry to all gigs, barefoot bowls $10, meals from $10.
Where: 91 Sydenham Rd, Marrickville
When: Sunday June 7 from 3pm, Monday June 8 from 1pm
