For some, the sun sinking below the horizon is not a sign that the day is done – it’s a signal that the good times are just beginning. Living their lives after dark – whether it be in nightclubs, lounge bars or dessert cafés – these Night Owls tend to gather in entertainment districts or restaurant areas. Recognisable by the endless energy they have when the rest of us are thinking longingly of bed, this is a crowd to roll with if your work or study keeps you up til dawn and you need a little distraction.
A Day in the Life
Morning
While the morning is clearly not their style, mornings are unavoidable.
All day breakfasts are crucial, with brunch being the perfect occasion to recharge while discussing the night before.
Try Suzie Q Coffee & Records in Surry Hills for incredible breakfasts and beats.
Afternoon
For The Night Owl, the afternoon is all about preparation for the night ahead. Blogs and street press magazines give them ideas on what to do, while their playlists get them in the right headspace for when the sun goes down.
Evening
The beginning of a blank canvas, The Night Owl often doesn’t plan too much, rather they let the night guide them. Whether it is checking out some live music, hitting a nightclub, having some late night dessert or all of the above, this is The Night Owl’s comfort zone.
Pastimes & Activities
Live music
Somehow, The Night Owl knows that late nights and loud noises are a perfect match. A night spent listening to music – especially original music performed live – is one of the best nights they can have.
To pursue this hobby, The Night Owl has an intimate knowledge of all the best music venues in the city and can be found early in the week watching local bands in the front bar of a pub and later in the week watching more established acts take on bigger venues. In Sydney, the best weeknight live music venues are often in diverse spaces, such as Newtown Social or Oxford Art Factory. On Friday and Saturday nights, head to venues such as Enmore Theatre or The Metro.
To find out what’s going on, check out The Brag’s Gig Guide, Faster Louder & Happy
Clubbing
One of the main reasons The Night Owl likes to stay up all night is because things happen that become the basis for barely-believable stories they can tell over and over again for the next decade. For them, nothing beats a night out surrounded by their friends and listening to music they love. Of course, there’s some variation in the kind of clubs different Night Owls prefer. Some like the high energy of dance clubs, while others choose a more relaxed lounge vibe.
Whatever your taste, Sydney has something to suit– definitely worth checking out are SASH and Chinese Laundry.
Check Resident Advisor for what’s on in the clubs in Sydney this weekend.
Cinemas
Night Owls are notoriously fond of darkness, so it’s no surprise they love to indulge in a film.
From Hollywood blockbusters through to obscure independent films, The Night Owl takes any opportunity to visit the cinema. They take full advantage of the fact that as a student they have access to discounted tickets. Film festivals allow The Night Owl to explore films from all over the world and broaden their world views. A range of festivals is hosted throughout the year so keep an eye on the cinemas’ websites for more information.
There are numerous cinemas around the city and suburbs, but the Chauvel Cinema in Paddington (famous for foreign film festivals) and Dendy Newtown (famous for playing cult classics) offer Sydney’s unique cinema-going experiences.
Coffee and dessert
Between big nights out in pubs and clubs, The Night Owl occasionally enjoys a more chilled night out. Of course – even when they’re feeling less adventurous, their body clock is still well and truly set to nocturnal hours so they need somewhere fun to pass the midnight hours.
On these occasions, The Night Owl heads to a late night dessert house or coffee bar and uses the quiet surrounds as a perfect place to catch up with friends or even get in a few extra hours of study. Sydney’s late-night sugar and caffeine high hotspots include Pancakes on the Rocks, Café Hernandez and Badde Manors.
Festivals
Enjoy great music acts in a unique setting.
One of Sydney’s largest community events, celebrating the creativity and vibrancy of Newtown.
