Sydney’s most historic precinct will celebrate the first ever Unlock the Rocks Weekend on Saturday 4 & Sunday 5 October. Sydneysiders and visitors are invited to savour the very best food, drink, and music from 11am to 4pm each day.
Across the October long weekend, The Rocks will transform into a cultural hub of live music, artisanal bites and locally crafted sips. With self-guided Taste and Jazz Trails through its cobblestone laneways and heritage venues, Sydneysiders can soak up the sounds and flavours on offer at the iconic precinct.
FIRST FLEET PARK
Sydneysiders can begin their Unlock The Rocks Weekend adventure at First Fleet Park, where the festival hub will feature gourmet food stalls, New South Wales wineries and smooth live jazz.
They can sample an indulgent cheese platter from Jess’ Cheese Shop, enjoy freshly shucked oysters from Sydney Oyster Farm and satisfy their sweet tooth with cannoli and specialty tea or coffee from Bar Coco’s retro coffee cart.
Wine lovers are in for a treat, as they can sample three wines per regional producer for just $5. With Tyrrell’s,Jessop Wines, PepperGreen Estate, Mino & Co, and Clark Wines participating, those who prefer a full glass may choose to treat themselves to their favourite drop from just $10, all while listening to smooth live performances from Big Little Quartet, Abby Andrew and Also Arty, Jiem, Lauren White Quartet and saxophonist Orget Sadiku.
THROUGHOUT THE ROCKS
As visitors wander deeper into The Rocks, the experience continues with exclusive food and drink specials, paired perfectly with live jazz.
At Frank Mac’s, festival goers can enjoy an Irish Whisky cocktail and BBQ pulled pork canape for $25, offering the perfect pairing of smooth spirits and hearty bites. Just around the corner at The Doss House, the same price gets guests a beverage and brownie combo, ideal for those with a sweet tooth. At 4 Doors Down, guests can savour an authentically Irish Beef and Guinness or Chicken Curry Pie, served with all your favourite sides from the kitchen at Sydney-Irish institution, The Mercantile.
Over at the Australian Heritage Hotel, visitors can immerse themselves in live jazz accompanied by a complimentary beer tasting, adding a local craft twist to the musical atmosphere – available to book here. Or, for something more indulgent, Pony Dining is serving a Beef Brisket Empanada, grilled Lobster Spring Roll paired with a Peanut Rye, and Dry cocktail for $39 per person.
Seafood lovers can drop into The Oyster Lounge to experience the freshest flavours of the sea, hosted by Hooked & Harvest, a new venture from the owners of the beloved Kirribilli Seafoods. Offering an oyster tasting platter with a range of toppings, guests can savour the flavour on 3 oysters for $18 or 6 for $35. Alternatively, fresh seafood skewers will be on offer, which can be accompanied with a beverage for an additional $10pp.
Finally, visitors can round out their day with a freshly poured $12 Sbagliato cocktail at Le Foote, best paired with the smooth sounds of jazz, which can be soaked in for free in their sunny alfresco area, offering a stylish and relaxed close to your Unlock The Rocks experience.
For more information abut the Unlock The Rocks Weekend, head to: therocks.com/whats-on/events/
