TO DO
Here are summer’s highlights around Sydney
DECEMBER Paul Kelly: Making Gravy
Australia’s rock’n’roll poet will be spinning yarns as he brings the third round of his festive concert back before Sydney rings the last bell. He’ll be joined by a troupe of young artists to sing along with classics like ‘To Her Door’ and ‘Dumb Things’ and share their own hits, too. Guests include our Eurovision rep Kate Miller-Heidke, jangly guitar queen Courtney Barnett, Thelma ‘Better in Blak’ Plum and New Zealand’s Marlon Williams. The Domain, Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney 2000. 136 100. frontiertouring.com/ makinggravy. 4pm. $99.90-$169.90.
Sat Dec 14.
Precinct 75 Summer Design Fair
Precinct 75 is a centre for Sydney makers and food and drink purveyors selling everything from furniture to flowers, homewares, beer and coffee. They host seasonal markets in their warehouses and sunny courtyard, and in time for Christmas, they’ll be offering more of their homewares, ceramics, jewellery, art and kids’ items, plus a burst of flowers and greenery. Precinct 75, 75 Mary St, St Peters 2044. precinct75.com.au/cafe75. 9am-4pm. Free. Sat Dec 14.
Hannah Gadsby: Douglas
When Hannah Gadsby’s stand-up show and would-be swan song Nanette dropped as a Netflix special in 2018, the Tasmanian-born comedian started an international conversation with her furious takedown of the heterosexual patriarchy. Gadsby is now said to have “found her voice” and you’d best believe she’ll be using it in her new live show, Douglas, named after her beloved dog. Sydney Opera
House, Bennelong Point, Sydney 2000. 02 9250 7777. www.sydneyoperahouse.com. Various times. $93.40. Dec 17-21.
JANUARY Louis Theroux: Louis Without Limits
The UK’s most fearless and disarming interviewer is coming to charm Sydney. Theroux will chat with host Julia Zemiro about his epic career as a documentary maker investigating taboo subjects like neo-Nazis, aggressive religious fundamentalists, porn stars, people with autism and transgender kids. Expect him to dish on his most famous encounters and wild off-camera events. State Theatre, 49 Market
St, Sydney 2000. 136 100. www. louistherouxliveonstage.com. Tue, Fri 7.30pm; Sat 3pm & 7.30pm. $100.80$304.70. Jan 17-18.
Field Day
This beloved post-NYE music festival is all grown up and turning 18. Hit the hay early on December 31 to be rested up for international acts like US rapper Tyler, the Creator, his UK rap counterpart Skepta, electro-house masters Disclosure, and trap and bass artist RL Grime. Aussies lead the pop contingent, with Hatchie performing her dreamy melodies alongside Eves Karydas and electro-poppers Glades. The Domain, Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney 2000. www.fieldday.sydney. Noon-late. $177-$257. Wed Jan 1.
FOMO
Lizzo’s Opera House show might have sold out in the blink of an eye, but you have a better chance of catching the queen of flute-twerking and self love at this poppy, hip-hoppy festival. Rap collective Brockhampton are headlining beside the ‘Truth
Hurts’ star, with their own hiphop big hitters like ‘Sweet’. Live your best clash-free life in this fun summer party zone, and make sure you hydrate. Parramatta Park, Cnr Pitt & Macquarie Sts, Parramatta 2150. www.fomofestival.com.au. Noon-late. $139.90-$199.90. Sat Jan 11.
RoadWerk
This summer festival from allinclusive party-starters Heaps
Gay will take over an Inner West industrial zone with a multifaceted program of live music, performance and art installations. International club queen Uniiqu3 is headlining, fresh from spreading the good vibes at Coachella and
Afropunk. She’s supported by electro-pop hit-maker Chela, queer bubblegum punk duo Cry Club, Sydney electonic band the Goods and more, plus a curated line-up of food trucks and bevvies . Saywell St, Marrickville 2204.
1300 438 849. www.moshtix.com.au. 1pm-late. $52.02. Sat Jan 18.
FEBRUARY Margaret Atwood
The author behind the dystopian world of Gilead and a library of other award-winning works is returning to Sydney. The acclaimed Canadian writer will discuss her new book, The Testaments, which is a sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale and set 15 years after the events of the first novel (and some years after the events of the TV show). International Convention Centre, 14 Darling Dr, Sydney 2000. 132 849. margaretatwoodlive.com.au. 7.30pm. $100.85-$151.80. Feb 16-17.
Jonathan Van Ness: Road to Beijing
The breakout star of Queer Eye is here to prove this grooming expert delivers far more than a haircut. Perennial ray of sunshine Jonathan Van Ness will
dig into his own prodgious selfconfidence to deliver an evening of stand-up, positivity, self-love and a gymnastic move or two as he attempts to lift his figureskating game enough to enter the next Winter Olympics and help everyone to find their inner fabulous. International Convention Centre, 14 Darling Dr, Darling Harbour 2009. 132 849. www.ticketek.com.au. 6.45pm. $92.20-$144.55. Fri Feb 28.