August across Australia brings a mix of cultural openings and seasonal food events, with galleries and festivals starting to pick up as winter begins to wind down. The month features immersive brand experiences in Sydney and Melbourne, new exhibitions in regional areas, and a series of culinary celebrations.
Exhibitions and Galleries
Sly Morikawa will open his solo exhibition, Devotion, at China Heights Gallery in Sydney on August 14. In Melbourne, the Affordable Art Fair returns to the Royal Exhibition Building from August 27 to 30, showcasing work from over 70 galleries with pieces priced between $100 and $10,000.
Food and Drink
Gluten-free restaurant The Botanica in Vaucluse is celebrating its 10th birthday with artisan collaborations across Italy throughout August. Manly Fish & Chips at Manly Wharf has introduced midweek specials starting at 11am, including $9 cheeseburgers on Tuesdays and $9 fish and chips on Wednesdays.
On August 9, City2Surf participants will receive a complimentary Aperol or Campari Spritz at Disco Yum Cha at North Bondi Fish. Poetiq Honesty returns to The Vanguard on August 30 with Young, Black & Gifted 2.0, a spoken word and live music event supported by RUSSH as media partner. Dear Sainte Éloise will pay tribute to Bordeaux on August 26 with a one-night-only set menu, alongside wines from the region. Bookings are now open, secure yours here.
Letra House is hosting an exclusive dinner experience with Scottish single malt house, The Dalmore, on August 18. Tickets are $160 per person, and include a generous set menu, welcome drink and three pairings of whisky and sherry. Book your spot here.
Chiswick is hosting ‘Retro Sundays’ from 9 – 30 August. Expect old-school food classics (with a fresh, seasonal twist) alongside a nostalgic bar menu, for $60pp. Bookings are available here.
Fool’s Paradise, the newest Sydney Fringe Festival destination, is taking over the Entertainment Quarter from 26 August until 11 October. The full program and tickets are available here.
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Homer is celebrating its first birthday on August 9 with a long table Greek feast, featuring a set menu, ouzo on arrival and performances by the Sydney Greek Dancing School. Secure your spot at the celebration here.
No Flowers Mahjong Club, Zero Chess Club and Chinatown Country Club are joining forces with Zero Fløwers Country Club on 22 August from 4pm-8pm. The evening is set to redefine what a night out can mean, bringing Sydney’s creative and cultural communities into the fold of Mahjong and Chess. Mentors will be on hand to explain both games, and there will be an open bar and speciality coffee. Tickets are available here.
The House of Sephora is opening its doors to customers with a Consumer Session on 27 August. It will be open to 600 guests across three sessions bringing together immersive brand experiences, shade matching, games, education, and the opportunity to meet the faces behind your favourite brands. Tickets are redeemable with Beauty Pass Points via the Sephora Rewards Boutique.
Chatswood Chase is unveiling Taste Concierge, a limited experience inviting customers to discover some of the precint’s leading luxury brands. The activation begins with Emporio Armani on 3 – 5 August, from 3-6pm, followed by Bvlgari from 10 – 13 August, and FRED from 17 – 20 August. More details are available here.
Class A Jewellers is bringing its Trunk Show back to Sydney on August 8 and 9. Hosted at The Second, Surry Hills, you will be able to discover the collection via intimate one-on-one appointments. Secure your spot here.
Manly Fish & Chips at Manly Wharf has launched new midweek specials, available from 11am, dine in or take away. They include $9 cheeseburgers on Tuesdays, $9 fish and chips on Wednesday, and 2-for-1 burgers on Thursdays.
Tarte is bringing its CC Beach Club to Sydney on 14 and 15 August, at Sephora in the Pitt St Mall. Guests can get shade-matched, sn
