There used to be a time when the Sydney CBD was a bit of a cultural dead zone. Among office towers and gaudy shopping centres, things like decent bars and late-night spots, hyped restaurants, and well-made espresso was all few and far between.
These days though, it’s a totally different story. From hole-in-the-wall specialty bars, underground discos, award-winning cocktails, live music, pool clubs, and spots for hard-to-find-wine, the CBD is easily one of the best spots to be after dark in Sydney.
Here to remind us just how good a night out in the CBD can be post-COVID is a brand new entertainment precinct and laneway festival.
Called , the new City of Sydney-supported precinct draws together 10 of the city’s best small bars in an ongoing partnership that’s all about art, music, culture, good vibes, and good nights.
Taking in York, Clarence, and Kent Streets (hence, YCK) the bars involved are 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.
YCK Laneways will officially launch with a six-week-long block party. Running from Wednesday 7 April until Saturday 22 May, the mixed bag lineup includes both free and ticketed events covering fire dancing, art installations, live gigs, DJs, disco nights, burlesque, storytelling, poetry reading, comedy, trivia nights, drag queen bingo, and even wheelie bin art.
Still to come are details of a major standalone outdoor event that'll be hosted in the YCK precinct.
"Through this collaboration, YCK seeks to establish its own precinct that celebrates Sydney’s small bar scene, much like the districts and quarters found in international capital cities of the world," said President of the Independent Bars Association and YCK representative, Karl Schlothauer.
To see the full program of events and to register or buy tickets, .
THE DETAILS
What: YCK Laneways Block Party
When: Wednesday 7 April until Saturday 22 May
Where: Various venues, Sydney CBD
Hungry? Check out this 10-week-long schnitzel festival.
Image credit: Since I Left You