Where to party, wind down, take the kids and cool off around 2204 — from Wicks Place openings to swimming spots, school holiday workshops and long summer nights. A guide that takes you from Christmas all the way to the end of the school holidays.
Whereas summer in the Eastern suburbs revolves around its beaches (within arm’s reach), in Marrickville we tend to get crafty with the ways we spend those long, sweltering days—especially if you want to avoid the traffic to the sea. Here, the mornings stretch out lazily, the jasmine blooms are sweeter, and the neighbourhood seems to orbit between iced coffees, farmers’ markets, park picnics, live music and whatever’s new on the calendar that week.
To help you make the most of it, we’ve put our feelers out to create this Wicks Place summer guide — a mix of food, cool-off spots, festivals, workshops and things to do with the kids while school’s out. Bookmark it. Share it. Wander through it at your own pace.
Sushi Train just opened at Wicks
Our newest neighbour is almost ready to roll, just in time for Christmas. They’ve been patiently awaiting their state-of-the-art ‘train’ to arrive from Japan, but word has it, it’s just about to pull into the dock. Pop in for a plate (or ten) next time you’re wandering by.
Cool off with the little ones at Steel Park Waterplay Park
Ten minutes down the road from Wicks, this riverside playground is one of the Marrickville’s best kept summer secrets, brought to life by the Inner West Council as the weather warms from September to April. It’s a wonderland of mountains, splash zones and shady corners, open 9am–6pm daily. Perfect for little ones who need to burn off steam between errands.
Reverse Garbage Workshops for Young Minds and Grown Ups
From a three-day adventure in creative repurposing, teaching kids sewing, cardboard construction, paper craft and more, to the ever-popular (and often sold out) Japanese Sashiko Workshop for adults, Reverse Garbage are hosting endless workshops for all ages through the holidays.
Family Fun at the Marrickville Annual Summer Music Jam
It’s one of those events where the Marrickville community gather from all walks of life. Day on the Grass takes over the grounds at Addison Road for a laid-back afternoon of live music, picnic rugs and big community energy. Expect a rotating lineup of local acts, peaking with an evening headline set as the sun dips and the crowd settles in for the long haul.
Location: The Addison Road Community Centre 142 Addison Road, Marrickville NSW 2204
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Jazz Nights at Ester
Just down the road from ours, Ester Jazz Nights have quickly become a Marrickville after-dark hit, and due to its popularity, a regular Friday night fixture. Let the sounds of local band The
Squares carry you into the weekend, over a mean $25 burger and martini combo. All in very good company. Save your seat here, walk-ins also welcome.
Places & Spaces Day to Night Party at The Factory Theatre
A summer day party par excellence. Hosted by Planet Trip and Club 77, Places & Spaces is a full-venue takeover of the Factory Theatre, unfolding across three stages — indoor and out. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of party: soulful sounds by day, dancefloor moments after dark. From Friday 26 December, 2pm–late.
New Year’s Eve at Lazybones Lounge
Ring in the new year at one of Marrickville’s most beloved live music venues. Lazybones’ NYE celebration brings together standout bands, flowing drinks and roaming canapés — all wrapped up in the venue’s signature warmth and intimacy. Tickets include entertainment through the night and a glass of bubbles on arrival, and kid-friendly ticket prices for early birds.
Azhar Usman Live at the Factory Theatre
One for laughs. He spent the last decade touring with Dave Chapelle. Now, on Sunday 8 February, internationally acclaimed comedian Azhar Usman brings his sharp, thoughtful and fearless stand-up to Marrickville for one night only. Drawing on culture, identity and everyday observations, his shows are smart, funny and refreshingly honest — the kind of comedy that stays with you long after the punchline.
