Friday got you in your feels? Good news! This week (and every week), we’re bucking the blues and serving up a smattering of smile-inducing content. From booze-cruise birthday parties to NAIDOC Week activations, we’ve got everything you need to transform your Friday pity party into an upbeat utopia. Here’s Feel-Good Friday for this week.
Nintendo Live is Coming to Sydney This August
In an announcement sure to swell nostalgia, Nintendo has confirmed that Nintendo Live is coming to Sydney this August. The in-person event, which first debuted in Japan, gives fans of all ages a new way to experience the games and worlds of Nintendo. This year, attendees will be able to score photo ops with costume characters like Mario and Luigi, visit a pop-up My Nintendo Store with merchandise and additional family-friendly activities, and tune in to live stage events throughout the day. Held at the International Convention Centre Sydney on Saturday, 31 August and Sunday, 1 September, NintendoLive2024 SYDNEY is designed for families and people of all ages and gaming experience. Game on!
Heineken Invites Sydneysiders to the Player 0.0 Sim-Racing Final
The final lap is upon us. Ten Aussies are now in the running to take out the Heineken Player 0.0 Sim-Racing Final and the iconic beer brand is inviting Sydneysiders to watch on. Created in collaboration with global F1 superstar Max Verstappen, Player 0.0 is a unique mobile and sim racing tournament that unites fans through their shared passion for the sport while promoting Heineken’s responsible consumption message of ‘When You Drive, Never Drink.’
Racers will each have two laps to set their fastest qualifying times, with the top five advancing to a 20-minute National Final. The final of the Player 0.0 Sim-Racing tournament will take place on July 10th at The Star Sydney Sports Bar, promising an adrenaline-pumping experience for competitors and spectators alike. Guests can enjoy the refreshments, original Heineken and Heineken 0.0, while taking in the thrilling action up close.
A Taste of La Dolce Vita this Winter with Disaronno and Palace Cinemas
With the cooler weather setting in, Italy’s favourite liqueur brand, Disaronno, is helping to host your next cosy night out. The brand has teamed up with Palace Cinemas for a heartwarming and elevated Art Deco cinema experience. Across participating Palace Cinemas in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth this June and July, movie-goers will be able to order a Disaronno Amaretto Sour Twist cocktail while watching some of this winter’s hottest film releases. Two specially curated, $15 cocktails are on offer to choose from – the Classic Disaronno Amaretto Sour and Disaronno Luini Amaretto Sour Twist.
Additionally, for one night only, Disaronno will host a very special preview night of the highly anticipated film, Fly Me to the Moon. On July 10, guests will be greeted with a complimentary Classic Disaronno Amaretto Sour upon arrival for an unforgettable advanced screening experience of this new film. Tickets are available for $30 at selected state cinemas and online, so get in and enjoy a taste of the sweet life!
Bush to Bowl NAIDOC Week Dinner at Harbord Hotel
In the cultural calendar, NAIDOC Week is among our most important. The annual acknowledgement of the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is both poignant and powerful, and to commemorate the event, Bush to Bowl is offering a taste of tradition.
The 100 per cent Aboriginal-owned social enterprise restaurant has curated a five-course menu that features bream fillet with prickly pear and salted finger lime; smoked wallaby with Davidson plum, and crème fraiche with pickled coastal succulents. You’ll also find charcoal-roasted Murray Cod with urchin roe butter, warrigal greens and lemon myrtle powder; lamb duet with mountain pepper, rosella and native mint dukkha alongside baby potatoes, saltbush and seaweed butter; and caramel vanilla pudding with coconut and quandong confit. Held on Thursday, 11th July, at the Harbord Hotel, tickets are $99 each, with $10 from each ticket going back to Bush to Bowl.
The Chippo Hotel Now an All-Vegan Pub
One of our favourite pubs in Sydney is turning things up with a new all-vegan menu, but you’d never know. We headed in to try the hotel’s new “Low Tea”, essentially mini versions of pub faves served in a high tea setting, and available until the end of the month. It was an eye-opening, and surprisingly delicious take on Aussie classics such as scones, the burger with the lot, and cheesymite scroll (a personal favourite).
“I wanted to give Sydneysiders a place to kick back, chow down and soak up some amazing atmosphere. The Chippo is a community where everybody is welcome, and as a heritage location that holds a special place in Sydney’s heart, we feel so lucky to be a part of its next chapter. Together, we’re crafting a venue that’s not just a pub, but a go-to spot for the community, from students and professionals to friends and family,” said Bhavani Baumann, owner of The Chippo and Mama B’s.
If you don’t have the chance to check out the ‘Low Tea’ before the end of the month, head in and get your hands around Aussie favourites like the iconic chicken parma, bangers & mash, fish & chips, and juicy burgers such as the famous ‘Zinga Burger’ that have satisfied even the most die-hard meat eaters.
OASIS Set Sail on a Birthday Bash
If you are in the mood for a little aquatic excitement, OASIS has your weekend covered. Brisbane’s three-level luxury floating venue is celebrating one year on the water with an epic birthday extravaganza this Saturday. Over the past 12 months, the party cruise has played host to some of the Sunshine State’s biggest events, offering guests the opportunity to dine, drink and dance on the majestic Brisbane River. Best of all, the business has done it with a good cause in mind.
In its first year of operation, OASIS has prioritised community and charity, including donating $100,000 worth of prizes to the Sony Foundation Brissy4Ward Charity to support regional youth cancer patients. Now, the shackles are off and the party shoes are on. With live performances from Kate’s Brother, FIGJAM PISH, mesmerising fire performers, a state-of-the-art 360 photo booth and cocktails at the ready, this is one party you don’t want to miss. The OASIS first birthday bash will depart from Brisbane’s Botanic Gardens River Hub on Saturday, 29 June. For tickets, check out the link below.
Westfield Teams Up with the 2024 Australian Olympic and Paralympic Teams
In a big boost for our athletes, Westfield has been announced as the official team partner of the 2024 Australian Olympic and Paralympic Teams. The strategic partnership will see 37 Westfield destinations across Australia transform into official Live Sites for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. That means you can step into any Westfield during July and early August to catch a glimpse of our Aussies heroes in action, with dedicated live streams of key events and matches. Westfield destinations will also be open for more hours of the day, including the early hours of the morning, when many events will be happening live.
“Our Westfield destinations are community hubs, places people choose to visit to connect and spend their time,” Scentre Group Chief Executive Officer, Elliott Rusanow said. “We’re excited to expand on the range of experiences already available at our Westfield destinations with Live Sites a new and unique way for people to spend their time. We’re looking forward to turning our Westfield destinations into the local games village with plenty of green and gold to celebrate with our customers from next month.”
A full calendar of unmissable moments will be available at Westfield destinations from July through to September 2024. Scentre Group’s partnership with the Australian Olympic Committee and Paralympics Australia will also extend to the 2026 Milan Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. For more on the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, head to the Westfield site.
