Camera IconCredit: Supplied

What’s on in Sydney: Jacaranda Festival

Angira BharadwajThe Daily Telegraph

FAMILY

IN BLOOM

The Macarthur region is getting its very own Jacaranda Festival this year. It will be a three-day celebration with live entertainment, market stalls and Christmas festivities. There will also be fireworks and the lighting of the jacarandas. The streets of Camden will be lined with the stunning purple blooms and there will be free activities across local venues. On day two you can expect market stalls and entertainment on Argyle Street in Camden with plenty of gifts to buy and treats to try. There will also be a visit from Santa and photo opportunities for the kids. On day three, there will also be a motocross and car show. It’s happening from November 23 to 25.

Jacaranda Festival, macarthur.com.au

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW
The Macarthur region is getting its very own Jacaranda Festival this year.
Camera IconThe Macarthur region is getting its very own Jacaranda Festival this year. Credit: Supplied, Nathan Edwards

DEEPAVALI FESTIVAL

Celebrations for Diwali or Deepavali — the Hindu Festival of Lights — will continue this weekend with the Strathfield Deepavali Festival. There will be food stalls, multicultural performances, rides, photo booths and henna stalls. The event is free and is on in Strathfield Park tomorrow.

Deepavali Festival, eventbrite.com.au

MAKERS FAIR

A talented group of creatives are coming together for the Makers Fair and Shop — offering a fabulous selection of products. Head over to buy artisan products such as hand-poured candles, mid-century wares, beeswax wraps, handmade jams, ceramics, and more. It’s the perfect opportunity to pick up a unique present for your loved ones this Christmas. It’s on at Home Industry in Balmain East today.

Makers Fair, eventbrite.com.au

CHRISTMAS CANTATA

Take the family for some early festive cheer at the Christmas Cantata family musical. All proceeds from the show go towards mission works by Organiser International Youth Fellowship in the South Pacific. It’s on at Ashfield Town Hall tomorrow.

Christmas Cantata Family Musical, eventbrite.com.au

ALL AGES DANCE PARTY

If you are looking to get grooving with the entire family, then head to the All Ages ’80s Dance Party at East Sydney Community and Arts Centre today. There will be DJs and a live band to keep you entertained all night, tickets $20.

All Ages 80s Dance Party, eventbrite.com.au

FOOD

THANKSGIVING

NOLA Smokehouse and Bar is bringing the American Thanksgiving tradition to Sydney this week. The restaurant is putting together a Thanksgiving feast for groups of six or more. The menu includes 15 different dishes including starters, a whole turkey and desserts. If you’re not in the mood to eat, your can try their pumpkin spiced brandy milk punch. The feast is on November 22 and is $100 a person.

Thanksgiving at NOLA, nolasydney.com

Nola Smokehouse and Bar is having a Thanksgiving Feast.
Camera IconNola Smokehouse and Bar is having a Thanksgiving Feast. Credit: Supplied

THREE BLUE DUCKS

Three Blue Ducks in Roseberry is going bottomless for its breakfast and lunch menus. From now on, every Friday and Saturday morning, you can enjoy any breakfast item along with unlimited elderflower bellinis, mimosas or bloody Marys for just $39 per person. For lunch, from noon onwards you can get a $65-a-head bottomless menu. There will be a two-course meal with shared entrees and a choice of three mains with unlimited tap wine and beer.

Three Blue Ducks, threeblueducks.com

HEART FOR THE CITY

If you love trying new desserts or indulging at afternoon tea, Heart for the City is a must-do experience for you. This beautiful dining experience will be truly Instagram-worthy, with a floor-to-ceiling green wall of tea trees and shrubs, life-size cups and saucers, gigantic tiered cake stands of sweet treats, and a dramatic full-sized harvest-to-honeycomb installation. It’s happening at the Sheraton Grand Sydney on Hyde Park from today until November 21. Entry to the event is free.

Heart for the City at Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park, heartforthecity.com

MUSIC

THE ACACIA QUARTET

This internationally acclaimed Australian ensemble is hosting an afternoon concert, La Malinconia, tomorrow. The talented group has recorded six albums — three of which earned ARIA Award nominations. The concert will bring together Ludwig van Beethoven’s String Quartet Op. 18, No. 6; Gordon Kerry’s String Quartet No. 5; and Antonín Dvorák’s famous String Quartet No. 12, Op. 96, American. It’s happening at The Independent Theatre in North Sydney, tickets $20-$50.

La Malinconia — The Acacia Quartet,theindependent.org.au

CHARENEE WADE

Critically acclaimed New Yorker Charenee Wade is bringing her vibrant stage presence and distinctive jazz voice Down Under. Her show is a part of the Sydney International Women’s Jazz Festival. She will perform at Foundry 616 in Ultimo today, tickets $55.10-$60.20.

Charenee Wade, siwjf.org

Charenee Wade is in Sydney for the Sydney International Women’s Jazz Festival.
Camera IconCharenee Wade is in Sydney for the Sydney International Women’s Jazz Festival. Credit: Supplied

MIXAGI PRESENTS

Celebrate transcontinental music with one of the leading names in South American electronica, Chancha via Circuito, and Germany’s Martha van Straaten at this exciting event today. It’s happening at the Portugal Madeira Club in Marrickville, tickets $40-$50.

Mixagi, events.humanitix.com.au

SAM SMITH

This much-loved English singer-songwriter will bring his hits to Sydneysiders tonight as part of this The Thrill Of It All world tour. This is Smith’s second studio album and features hits such as Too Good at Goodbyes, One Last Song, Pray and Baby, You Make Me Crazy. The R & B sensation will be supported by Canowindra-born singer-songwriter Gordi.

The concert is happening tonight at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney Olympic Park, and A Reserved tickets are still available for $179.90.

Sam Smith, premier.ticketek.com.au

Sam Smith will be performing in Sydney.
Camera IconSam Smith will be performing in Sydney. Credit: Getty Images, Michael Dodge/Getty

EDEN UNEARTHED

Celebrate art and nature at Eden Unearthed, the largest privately funded outdoor art exhibition of its kind in Australia. It will include works by Lucy Culliton, Basilios Papainonnou, Francois Limondin and more. It’s showing until February 28, at Eden Gardens in Macquarie Park. Entry is free.

Eden Unearthed, edengardens.com.au

ART

GLOBAL CONNECTION

This free exhibition at the University of Sydney’s Nicholson Museum will explore the global backstories of many artefacts from the university’s collections and reveal how, armed with technology, the curators are still learning new things about ancient objects. It’s on until early next year and entry is free.

Connections, sydney.edu.au

OLSEN ORMANDY

This exhibition celebrates the years-long creative partnership between artists Louise Olsen and Stephen Ormandy — the couple behind the successful jewellery business Dinosaur Designs — featuring a series of more than 50 artworks. It’s on today at the Newcastle Art Gallery.

Olsen Ormandy: A creative force, nag.org.au

Artwork from the new exhibition Olsen Ormande.
Camera IconArtwork from the new exhibition Olsen Ormande. Credit: Supplied

FILM

COSMIC FUTURE

Screening in conjunction with the exhibition Masters Of Modern Art From The Hermitage, the Cosmic Futures film series provides insight into visionary Russian cinema after the 1917 revolution. The series combines Soviet slapstick with Moscow melodramatic hits and sci-fi favourites. It’s running until February 10, 2019, at The Domain Theatre in Sydney.

Cosmic Future film series, artgallery.nsw.gov.au

JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

The Jewish International Film Festival will run until November 21, with more than 60 films from 23 countries on offer. The movies will include more than 30 features and 28 documentaries. Highlights of the event include Love, Gilda, a film that pays tribute to comedy legend Gilda Radner, Russian historical movie Sobibor and the animated musical Seder Masochism. Sydney producer Stephan Wellink will also present his film Sam Spiegel: Conquering Hollywood. The festival will also feature a range of filmmaker Q & As, a stunning performance by violinist Leo Novikov before the screening of Itzhak, special screenings, and talks. It’s showing at Event Cinemas Bondi Junction and Roseville Cinemas.

Jewish International Film Festival, jiff.com.au

ROMANTIC HITS

Two of Hollywood’s greatest hits of all time are showing in a special screening at the Hayden Orpheum. First up, in the double feature will be the 1939 Academy Award-winning Gone With The Wind, starring Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh. The four-hour-long film will be followed by the critically acclaimed Casablanca. The Oscar Best Picture winner stars Humphrey Bogart in one of his most memorable roles. The romantic hits will be screened back to back tomorrow.

Hollywood Double Feature, orpheum.com.au

Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh's iconic screen kiss.
Camera IconClark Gable and Vivien Leigh's iconic screen kiss. Credit: Supplied, Supplied.

CINE LATINO

Cine Latino is Australia’s largest celebration of Latin American cinema. This year’s festival includes feature films from across Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Mexico and Paraguay. The program includes a strong line-up of critically acclaimed films such as Alfonso Cuaron’s Roma, Marcelo Martinessi’s The Heiresses, and Cristina Gallego and Ciro Guerra’s Birds of Passage. It’s on from now until November 28 at Palace Cinemas.

Cine Latino, cinelatinofilmfestival.com.au

KIDS

SCHOOL SPECTACULAR

The Schools Spectacular is back for another year, shining a spotlight on the talent in NSW’s public schools. It’s the world’s biggest event of its kind, with a 2700-voice choir, 2300 dancers, an 80-piece symphony orchestra, a world-class stage band and 56 talented solo performances. The event unites creative youngsters of all ages, cultures and skills from across 370 schools. The 2018 Schools Spectacular will pay tribute to American musical film The Greatest Showman and Sir Elton John, while also celebrating 35 years since the event began. This year’s production — titled The Greatest — will have 170 featured dancers who will perform together in seven different dance styles for the opening number, which pays tribute to Hugh Jackman’s groundbreaking film. It’s on at the Qudos Bank Arena in Olympic Park on November 23 and 24, tickets $30-$175.

Schools Spectacular, schoolsspectacular.com.au

The 2018 Schools Spectacular will pay tribute to the Greatest Showman.
Camera IconThe 2018 Schools Spectacular will pay tribute to the Greatest Showman. Credit: Supplied

SANTA’S ARRIVAL DAY

Chatswood Chase is gearing up for Christmas with Santa’s Arrival Day. There will be craft workshops, a petting farm, elves, carollers and Nutcracker ballet dancers to keep the kids entertained. It’s on today from 10am.

Santa’s arrival day, chatswoodchasesydney.com.au

MCHAPPY DAY

Ronald McDonald House is back with another McHappy Day today. Help raise funds for seriously ill children and their families by buying a Big Mac or McHappy Day socks from a store near you. You can also make a gold coin donation on the day.

McHappy Day, rmhc.org.au

LOY KRATHONG FESTIVAL

Teach the kids about the beauty of Thai traditions and culture at Parramatta’s Loy Krathong celebration. The holiday is celebrated annually on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar. There will be special cultural performances on stage, workshops to make your own krathong — a traditional decorated basket, and then the opportunity to float it on the Parramatta River as the sun sets. The floating ceremony will be followed by fireworks at 9pm. There will also be food stalls with traditional Thai foods, sugar cane and desserts.

Loy Krathong Festival, parramattaloykrathong.com.au

Loy Krathong is Thailand's very own 'festival of lights' and will be celebrated along the Parramatta River.
Camera IconLoy Krathong is Thailand's very own 'festival of lights' and will be celebrated along the Parramatta River. Credit: News Corp Australia, Supplied.

ENTERTAINMENT

THE WILD PARTY

Based on Joseph Moncure March’s 1928 book-length poem of the same name, this production of The Wild Party relays the story of the romance between central characters Queenie and Burrs and the wild party they throw together. The show is on at the Seymour Centre at Chippendale until November 24. Tickets range from $35 to $45.

The Wild Party, seymourcentre.com

STORYPLACE

Celebrate indigenous female creativity through powerful choreography in NAISDA Dance College and Carriageworks’ show StoryPlace. The production has been directed by Helpmann Award-winning choreographer Frances Rings and features work by former Bangarra Dance Theatre senior dancer Deborah Brown and leading Maori choreographer, dancer and video artist Louise Potiki. It’s happening at the Carriageworks from November 21 to 24, tickets $10-$30 (excluding booking fee).

StoryPlace, ticketmaster.com.au

COMEDY NIGHTS

Laugh your way through hump day with the latest instalment of Down for Good Laughs. The show will be headlined by Jacques Barrett, who is known to delve into social commentary and bring out the lighter side of dark topics. The MC will be Kyle Legacy and the night will also include performances by EJ, Pat Doherty, Dave Noble and Kathryn Mealbox. It’s happening at the Della Hyde at Darlinghurst on November 21, tickets $10. You can also get the comedy snack menu for $39 per person — it includes fries, cheeseburger sliders, grilled haloumi, chocolate brownie bites and more.

Down for Good Laughs, dellahyde.com.au

KEN JEONG

Actor, producer and writer Ken Jeong is coming to Sydney for the very first time this week — fresh off the success of his film Crazy Rich Asians. The leading comic star will perform as part of the AAMI Just for Laughs event. Jeong is also famous for his role in The Hangover trilogy and will entertain audiences at the Sydney Opera House on November 21.Tickets from $79.

Ken Jeong, sydneyoperahouse.com

Ken Jeong will be in Sydney for AAMI Just for Laughs.
Camera IconKen Jeong will be in Sydney for AAMI Just for Laughs. Credit: Supplied

PLAN AHEAD

DINOSAUR VALLEY

Katoomba’s Scenic World is taking families and adventurers back in time with Dinosaur Valley — a dynamic experience to learn more about the creatures that once ruled the earth. Activities on offer include a movie night to watch Jurassic Park, twilight tours, a “meet and roar” for the kids and a dino dress-up day. Dinosaur Valley will be open until January 28.

Dinosaur Valley, dinosaurvalley.com.au

FAIRGROUNDS FESTIVAL

Get ready to celebrate the 1970s at Berry’s Fairgrounds Festival. Now in it’s fourth year, the event has an exciting line-up — including Vance Joy, Courtney Barnett, Billy Bragg, The Breeders and more. For the kids, there will be also the Little Fairgrounds part of the event, with the line-up including Krazy Koala, Paw Patrol and Circusworks performing. You can also try plenty of artisan food and wine, pick up goodies at the record fair and enjoy beers and ciders by Sydney boutique brewery Young Henry’s. It’s happening on November 30 and December 1 at the Berry Showgrounds, a two-hour drive from Sydney.

Fairgrounds Festival, moshtix.com.au

VIVICA GENAUX

Four-time Grammy Award-nominated Vivica Genaux will be in Sydney to perform Hasse’s Artaserse. Genaux has appeared with some of the world’s most famous early music ensembles, including Europa Galante, Le Concert Spirituel, and Les Talens Lyriques. It’s happening at the City Recital Hall from November 29 to December 5, tickets $93-$193.

Vivica Genaux in Hasse’s Artaserse, opera.org.au