LIFE & CULTURE

Dancing Is Back! Where To Get Your Groove On In Sydney This Weekend

The DF is waiting

That’s right Sydney, dancing is officially back, and it couldn’t come at a better time with the Easter long weekend fast approaching. Venues that were forced to shutter their doors in 2020 are celebrating in style, hosting a string of events to help us get our groove back—and fret not if you’ve forgotten how to bust a move, these venues are here to guide the way with plenty of old-school hits and modern bangers on the agenda. 

Read on to discover the best venues to dance (and sing!) in Sydney.

Estate Coogee

Coogee. 

Estate Coogee is a four-in-one venue that has everything you could possibly want when returning to Sydney’s bustling nightlife, boasting four different venues under its roof—a seafood-focused restaurant, a tropical terrace bar, taqueria (which just launched Big Mac Burritos, yum!) and a hidden karaoke room. Enjoy the sunshine while relaxing with a cocktail, and as soon as the sun sets dance the night away along to the live music on offer. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CGtZurWDUDi/

The Beresford

Surry Hills. 

With a long weekend ahead, there’s no better place to celebrate than at one of Sydney’s vibiest Sunday night’s. Enjoy drinks in The Beresford’s iconic courtyard before heading upstairs to its dancefloor, with plenty of local DJs ready to bring your groove back with a seamless thread of ’90s throwbacks and modern hits. Don’t just limit yourself to Sunday either, the dancefloor will be in full swing on Friday and Saturday night, too. 

SODA Factory

Surry Hills. 

Hidden behind ‘Bobby’s Boss Dog’s’, a vintage fifties soda machine, lies one of Sydney’s most iconic dancefloor venues and with news of dancing is back on the menu, SODA has a lineup full of can’t-miss-events to celebrate. Enjoy six nights of live music, from Jukebox Thursday’s to SODA Classics on Sunday (which even includes a cocktail on the house). 

Harpoon Harry’s 

Surry Hills. 

For house, disco and tech lovers, turn to Harpoon Harry’s to get your groove back, with the venue hosting a string of events to celebrate restrictions easing. With their signature range of cocktails on offer too, including the famous Caribbean Cola, you really can’t go wrong. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CNEIm0wjYHk/

Slim’s Rooftop. 

Darlinghurst.  

With sunny weather predicted for this weekend, Slim’s Rooftop is ideal for those who’ve dreamt of dancing as the sun sets over the Sydney skyline. The venue, home to the famous pink umbrellas, is perched on the rooftop of Hyde Park House and is preparing to welcome back dancing with a bang. We suggest booking ahead, as Slim’s is a top pick for Sydneysiders. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CMN6UU5ASDT/

Tropikana 

Manly.

Sitting just a stone throw away from Manly Beach, Tropikana is set across two levels that house both a tropical beach bar and late-night venue. From dance parties to its iconic basement, not the mention tasty pizzas and cocktails, Tropikana is welcoming back dancing in the only way it knows how—with an epic weekend lineup of DJs and more. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CNEtyoVjX1w/

The Imperial 

Erskenville. 

One of the most iconic pubs in Sydney, with a history that includes that famous Guy Pearce champagne moment in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, The Imperial is wanting you to dust off your dancing shoes and hit the DF with the return of their nightclub—kicking off with an April Fools Day Party, followed by its Hot Cross Queens night, just one of its many fun Easter themed Drag N’ Dines. 

The Cliff Dive

Darlinghurst. 

With its quirky, under-the-sea/tiki theme—both in its decor and cocktails—The Cliff Dive has been one of Sydney’s favourite late-night venues for years, and with dancing back, the team are ready for the crowds. With a hip hop and R’n’B focus, prepare to get caught up in the entire visual experience this underground bar has to offer, all with a delicious pineapple cocktail in hand. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CNB3sKKjMsp/

Frankie’s Pizza 

Sydney CBD. 

A night of dancing in Sydney truly wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Frankie’s Pizza. Known for its old-timey saloon and delicious pizzas (which are an ode to NYC slices), head on through to their Rock n’ Roll stage, where booths and tables await to be filled as a range of live music plays throughout the night. 

Related stories