Get ready for an electrifying celebration of culture, music, art, and community as South Eveleigh presents its inaugural Street Party on Thursday 5 and Friday 6 October. As one of Sydney’s most significant historic sites, South Eveleigh will transform into a vibrant cultural hub showcasing a dynamic blend of entertainment and experiences that cater to all ages. Encounter headline acts Donny Benet and Ngaiire, as well as a line-up of Sydney’s best chefs, musicians and restaurants including Kylie Kwong’s Lucky Kwong, a collaboration between Matt Whiley’s Re and Alex Prichard of Iceberg’s Dining Room & Bar, and a special kids program presented by 107 Projects at Village Square and Anita Gelato.
Street Party will take place throughout Sydney’s South Eveleigh in Locomotive Street, The Eveleigh and Village Square, over two days. The event promises an unparalleled tapestry of experiences spanning music, food, beverage, art, design, dance, and play, embracing the myriad forms of community culture.
At the heart of Street Party, Locomotive Street will come alive with giant inflatable tentacles that will extend from the buildings onto the street, and chalk artistry by local First Nations artists MadWings will transform the street into an urban canvas.
At Re, celebrated regenerative bar by Matt Whiley, Head Chef Alex Prichard from Iceberg’s Dining Room & Bar will host a take-over, curating a menu available for both dine-in and takeaway. Alex’s menu will celebrate native produce and local artisans, acknowledging the importance of origin and sustainability. For those looking to get their groove on, check out Re’s disco event for an electrifying evening of drinks, dining and music. Featuring live vibe wizardry from Sydney’s top spinners including Sveta and Marcus King, the music program will offer throwbacks and a vintage sound.
Lucky Kwong, led by South Eveleigh Ambassador for Food, Culture, and Community Kylie Kwong, will offer dine-in and takeaway lunch options, as well as an evening dining experience for two nights only, with three seatings per evening from 5pm – 9:45pm, bookings are essential. The $60 per head set menu includes a beverage. With support from Clarence Slockee of Jiwah and Roman Deguchi of Wildflower Gardens for Good, Lucky Kwong has sourced herbs and vegetables from many of South Eveleigh’s collaborators. These have been replanted in the Village Square permaculture veggie patch with help from students and teachers of Alexandria Park Community School and will be flourishing, just in time for an exclusive dish named ‘Lucky’s Sung Choi Bao of South Eveleigh Community.’ This dish, available throughout the festival during lunch only, encapsulates a spirit of unity; the lettuce wraps filled with locally grown and harvested vegetables, symbolising the nurturing and culturally diverse community of South Eveleigh.
The Eveleigh will undergo a musical transformation with two nights of captivating performances, spanning from kids entertainment through to hits for adults. On Thursday 5 October, XTEND presents all-ages pilates ($20 a ticket), and for the adults, the night continues with the dynamic headliner Donny Benet, a classically trained jazz musician with recent sell-out shows in Sydney, delivering an infectious sound of sophistication, fun and street heat.
Friday 6 October will see a kids’ rave hosted by Levins ($20 a ticket), and by night, artist Ngaiire will take centre stage at The Eveleigh for a mesmerising finale, bringing her electronic neo-soul, gospel, and big pop sounds to the precinct. Support artists throughout the two evenings include A. Girl, Reyanna Maria, Soju Gang and Eddy Diamond.
The Locomotive Stage, situated opposite Village Square, will emerge as an outdoor licensed area with audience seating and a DJ stage, where an eclectic mix of DJs will play whilst audiences grab a drink, stick around, have a dance and explore the party. Locomotive stage artists include Adi Toohey, Andras, Noise In My Head, Off The Radar DJs, Mistah Cee and Yemi Sul.
Village Square will transform into a family-friendly haven with a focus on kids’ activities, offering a rich blend of creativity and entertainment. The Weaving and Cultural Conversation workshop with Nadeena Dixon invites families to connect with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts & cultures, while Deep Sea Astronauts will transport kids to imaginative worlds through immersive roving performances. Village Square Retrosweat will introduce children to the iconic 1980s freestyle aerobic workout, hosted by Retrosweat founder Shannon Dooley. For the sport fans, Sydney Swans AFLW player Aliesha Newman will host a meet and greet session on Thursday 5 October, and on Friday 6 October, Tribal Warrior will host a kids boxing session.
Over at the newly-opened Anita Gelato South Eveleigh, kids can exercise their creativity as they get involved with a community mural activity hosted by 107 Projects resident artist Bridget Kelly, whilst enjoying delicious gelato made fresh daily. For an activity that gets the whole family involved, the Rooftop Garden will host ticketed ‘Potting Shed’ sessions, where families can engage with plants and play under the guidance of Clarence Slockee, Jiwah & Wildflower Gardens for Good. These sessions will include a tour of the rooftop garden, a workshop on native plants, and a hands-on potting class, allowing children to take home a seedling pot to nurture.
“South Eveleigh’s inaugural Street Party is a vibrant celebration of culture, music, art, and community,” says Jamie Toko, Portfolio Manager, South Eveleigh. “This festival marks a significant milestone in our journey to revitalise this historic site into a dynamic cultural hub. With a diverse line up of experiences, from Sydney’s top chefs and musicians to engaging kids’ programs, we’re excited to showcase the spirit of South Eveleigh. Street Party is a testament to our commitment to fostering connections, creativity, and unforgettable moments within our community.”
South Eveleigh Street Party
5 & 6 October 2023
2pm – 11pm
Locomotive Street, The Eveleigh and Village Square, South Eveleigh
Free entry, some events are ticketed
