SMASH! Sydney Manga and Anime Show

Social Media TeamJune 27, 2019

This huge Japanese pop-culture convention returns to Sydney.

Whether you’re mad for cosplay, a gaming wizard or in love with the artistry of anime and manga, the return of SMASH! is sure to excite Japanese pop-culture fans. The weekend program includes panel discussions, film screenings, music and dance performances, art demonstrations and creative workshops.

They’ve invited a host of industry pros who’ll be talking shop and answering audience questions. Meet prolific singers and voice actors like Minori Chihara, well-known cosplayers like Taiwanese star King, and the creators behind your favourite animations and anime stories, such as producer Tamura Junichiro and director Mizushima Seiji.

After you’ve watched an anime screening, seen gamers battle it out and faced your stage fright in a karaoke competition, there’s more creative genius to explore. Head to one of the panels or workshops and learn more about Japanese culture, harajuku fashion and gaming, then get creative making origami, doing cosplay life drawing or whipping up your own stories in the fan fiction corner. In between activities, peruse the many stalls in the anime and manga exhibitors hall.

The weekend wouldn’t be complete without a cosplay competition. You can rock your outfit in the background or show off your stuff on the Cosplay Catwalk. If you want to take it to the next level, enter into the World Cosplay Summit (WCS) and your costume could score you a trip to Japan as Australia’s representative in the WCS finals.

Dates: Saturday July 13 2019 – Sunday July 14 2019

Skating at Cathedral Square

Social Media TeamJune 27, 2019

Skate in the CBD at St Mary’s Cathedral this winter

For three weeks over June and July, you’ll be able to ice skate every day – and late into the night – at an open-air ice rink at the forecourt of St Mary’s Cathedral. During the day you’ll skate under the Sydney winter sunshine, but the evenings will be illuminated with a colourful glow. You’ll be able to warm up with a hot chocolate or savoury snack from one of the food vendors throughout your skating session.

There’s more beyond the rink, with ice slides – which sounds dangerously fun – jumping castles and music. Nervous skaters; ask for a ‘Kanga’ – it’s a push-along aid to help with balance and totally acceptable for grown-ups who want to save their knees (and their pride). Wheelchair-users; the rink is fully accessible. Dog owners; bring ’em (just not on the ice itself).

And we can’t forget to mention the very smooth ice dating and dancing nights. Every Tuesday eve, bring your sweetheart for a special lovers’ skating session. If you’re still looking for love, head to the rink on Thursday nights for a retro R’n’B ice dance off, as they pump ’90s and ’00s hits. To keep you toastie on the inside and revving on the ice, they’ll also be serving $10 Espresso Martinis at the alpine bar.

Tickets are available at the gate but buying online saves you a couple of bucks.

State of Origin

Social Media TeamMay 20, 2019

Witness Australia’s greatest sporting rivalry in 2019 with matches on both iconic Australian coast lines. NSW will be looking to defend their title and a new look Maroons side will be out for state pride. It’s all on the line.

Game 1 will take place in Brisbane, Game 2 in Perth and Game 3 in Sydney.

The series will be played over the space of a little more than a month between 5^thJune and 10^thJuly.

Vivid Sydney 2019

Social Media TeamMay 20, 2019

Vivid Sydney is an incredible festival of lights, music and ideas, bringing together artists, music makers and creative minds to share their ideas with you.

Attendees can marvel at bigger than life, outdoor light installations across Vivid Light; watch live music performances and collaborations at Vivid Music & Vivid LIVE, and engage in creative discussion and debate at Vivid Ideas.

Whether you visit beautiful Sydney Harbour, get lost in the colourful lights of the Botanic gardens or enjoy live performances at the Sydney Opera House, there is something for everyone at Vivid Sydney.

St. Patrick’s Day Green Beer

Social Media TeamFebruary 20, 2019

Hotel Urban is turning GREEN on 17th March 2019

As you check your closet to make sure you have something green to wear on March 17 (you don’t want to get pinched!), you’re probably also beginning to think about your St. Patrick’s Day plans. If you’re of drinking age, you can join us at Sure Café terrace, so you can imbibe in style.

This year, we are turning our beers green with our special St Patrick Green Beer.

Drinking green beer might not seem like the most traditional way to celebrate the Irish holiday, but it will at least make for a fun photo op with your besties. You can swap out at least one of your traditional Guinness stouts for a brightly coloured brew and, as they say, “Do it for the ‘gram!” The good news is that if you’re in search of an emerald-hued beer, it shouldn’t be too difficult to find on St. Patrick’s Day.

Stay at Hotel Urban during the festival to be in the heart of the action!

The biggest night of the year in Sydney

Social Media TeamFebruary 20, 2019

Mardi Gras

A bustling extravaganza that brings Sydney to a standstill and shines a global spotlight on LGBTQI lives, culture, communities and creativity. With spectacular floats, thousands of participants, a veritable smorgasbord of glittering colour and dynamic shape, the parade showcases the glitz and glamour of our community.
Drag Queens, Dykes on Bikes, Sydney Lifesavers, community heroes and much much more, come together to produce what has become the parade that stops the nation. Expect colour, expect life, expect huge crowds of excited parade viewers lining the streets. Make your way to Oxford Street or Flinders Street early to secure a good spot!

LOST CITY U18’s

Social Media TeamFebruary 20, 2019

‘Lost City’ is Australia’s biggest u/18s event held across 2 Stages and featuring one of the biggest Trap Djs in the world; Kayzo, plus special guests Grammy nominated producer Murda Beatz and USA’s Party Thieves. With support from some of Australia’s hottest acts Tigerlily, Teddy Cream, DJ Horizon (Australia’#1 Rnb Dj), Rojdar and many more.

The festival is also loaded with free attractions including carnival rides, bean bag cinema, a glitter bar & our very own barber shop.

Date: 23 February

Time: 4pm to 10pm

Location: Sydney Showground

Eminem

Social Media TeamFebruary 15, 2019

Guess who’s back? The wait is finally over! Rap God Eminem will grace Australian shores for RAPTURE at ANZ Stadium on Friday 22 February 2019.

Eminem’s fiercely loyal Australian fan base has been willing for tour dates to be added in this territory, constantly spinning the rumour mill into overdrive, and now their prayers have been answered: the rap god is on his way, with special guests Boogie, Royce Da 5’9 and the Hilltop Hoods.

Date: 22 February 2019
Location: ANZ Stadium
Website: https://bit.ly/eminemSydney2019

MAROON 5

Social Media TeamFebruary 15, 2019

Three-time GRAMMY® Award-winning multiplatinum band MAROON 5 will bring their RED PILL BLUES WORLD TOUR to Australia this February 2019 for three exclusive concerts.

The band will play live at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena on February 21.

Maroon 5 stand out as not only one of pop music’s most enduring artists, but also one of the 21st century’s biggest acts. To date, the universally renowned Los Angeles band have achieved three GRAMMY® Awards and become “the most successful group in the history of the Billboard Hot 100” with 12 Top 10 entries, earned 20 Top 40 hits making them the only band to ever do so, sold over 36 million albums, 48 million singles worldwide, and earned gold and platinum certifications in more than 35 countries.

Date: 21 February 2019
Location: Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
Website: https://bit.ly/Maroon5sydney

Moonlight Cinema

Social Media TeamNovember 20, 2018

There’s nothing quite like a film under the stars in the beautiful surrounds at Belvedere Amphitheatre in Centennial Park. Settle back with friends and family for a movie and as always, the Moonlight Cinema food truck and bar can supply you with comestibles, but you’re welcome to BYO food and drinks, too.

Date: 24-25 November 2018

More info: Moonlight Cinema