Plenty of art, music and food at Sydney Festival

The festive season might be over but the festival season is just beginning. The Sydney Festival is back with a vengeance, with plenty of things to see, do and eat. Here are the most delicious and creative offerings.

Now that Christmas and New Year’s is over, 2023 kicks off with the festival season.

The Sydney Festival, which runs from January 5-29, has plenty of things to see, do — and of course eat.

Here are some of Sydney Eat Street’s best picks.

Take a tour of Sydney’s best eateries with The Sunday Telegraph’s Eat Street. Are you hungry for more inspiration? Follow us on Instagram or Twitter. #SydneyEatStreet

FRIDA KAHLO

Renowned for her colourful folk-art style, Mexican artist Frida Kahlo’s paintings were inspired by everything from politics to folklore and in Frida Kahlo: The Life of an Icon at the Cutaway in Barangaroo Reserve, the trials and tribulations of her life spread are laid out in an immersive exhibit over nine rooms.

Frida Kahlo. Picture: Supplied

A spicy Jalapeño margarita. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski

At night, roaming musicians will provide the tunes for the dancers performing the intricate moves of traditional Mexican wedding dances.

At the Cantina, the featured drink is a spicy Jalapeño margarita – a nod to Frida’s taste for tequila. There’ll also be an assortment of tacos and an extensive drinks menu that includes a classic Negroni, Hawke’s Brewing Beer and Bunnamagoo wines.

It goes from January 9 to 29, with morning, afternoon, and evening sessions. Late-night celebrations are Monday-Saturday, 5.30pm-9pm, and Sunday, 6pm-9pm. Tickets run $39-49 +

booking fee.

The Cutaway at Barangaroo Reserve, 1 Merriman St, Barangaroo

MAHO MAGIC BAR

The neon lights of Tokyo’s street scene will light the way throughout the festival.

In contrast to the brightly-lit exterior, inside is Maho Magic Bar, an elegant bar with six entertainment areas.

Maho Magic Bar. Picture: Peter Wallis

So, take a seat and order from an extensive menu of Japanese drinks, including innovative cocktails, regional sakes, popular whisky concoctions, and beer.

Once you’re settled in, four master magicians from Japan will move throughout the bar performing tricks up close, right at your table. It runs through January 29. Tickets from $68pp.

Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour; mahomagicbar.com

SOUTH EVELEIGH

As the home of Australia’s first railway network, South Eveleigh not only embraces its rich history but channels that innovation into every element of the city-fringe precinct with public art, community gardens, open spaces, and an impressive line-up of unique places to eat, including Kylie Kwong’s Lucky Kwong.

‘The Aunties’ at South Eveleigh. Picture: Supplied

There’s plenty to see during the festival, such as Australian fashion designer Jenny Kee’s The Aunties, a towering and colourful representation of her actual aunties, who inspired her to become the artisan she is today.

In between all the action at South Eveleigh, and nearby Carriageworks, some retailers have extended their hours to accommodate late-night performances and have created exclusive $30 or $55 Festival Feasts, including a $55 set menu at Re, an award-winning, world-famous, sustainable bar. Re’s feast includes whipped chicken liver, whole beast butchery beef, white chocolate and miso mousse, and their famous French Martini.

Eat Fuh at South Eveleigh. Picture: Kitti Gould

Other venues featuring special menus include Eat Fuh, Fishbowl, Pepper Seeds Boutique Thai Bites, BrewDog South Eveleigh and, of course, Lucky Kwong.

So come for the shows, stay for the food.

2 Central Ave, Eveleigh; southeveleigh.com

PARRAMATTA

Western Sydney plays host to some of the festival’s premium events, such as Afrique de Cirque, a multicultural comedy gala with award-winning Australian comedians, as well as the grand finale, Sydney Symphony under the Stars.

It’s a stellar performance with a Lunar Year twist, wrapping up with an impressive firework display. But it’s not a festival without food, and ALEX & Co, a contemporary bar and restaurant, has you covered with a special Sydney Festival Package.

A pasta dish at Alex & Co. Picture: Kitti Gould

For $55pp, you get wood-fired flatbread and olives, cured meats, heritage tomato salad, grilled king prawns, a choice of pizza, gnocchi or Penne chicken pasta, rocket salad and a choice of cocktail. (24-hour notice required).

If you’re after something more casual, Riverside Theatres’ courtyard will transform into a tropical festive garden with a live DJ, food trucks, and a pop-up bar throughout January.

ALEX & Co, Church St, Parramatta; Riverside Theatres, Church St, Parramatta

The Weary Traveller. Picture: Jacquie Manning

WEARY TRAVELLER

Hang with the cool kids at this ’70s-inspired bar, hidden away in the basement of the Harry Seidler building at The CTA Business Club.

Over 16 nights, The Weary Traveller will play host to an eclectic music program – everything from smooth jazz to heavy metal.

Sip on a Campari cocktail or crack open a Hawke’s Brewing Co beer.

CTA Business Club basement, Martin Place, Sydney; sydneyfestival.org.au