TGIF: How to spend Friday nights this summer

Posted on 29 November, 2017

This Friday 1 December will signal the start of summer, so why not kick it off in style? 

Whether you prefer to wind down with a big bunch of friends or organise a fun date night, we’ve got you sorted for Friday nights this December.

THE COMMONS 2017 (LAKESIDE)

Featuring food from Down N’ Out, Mary’s, Gelato Messina, Maverick Wings, Pimp My Chimney, The Avocado Hut and heaps more, The Commons Street Feast is bringing over 20 of Australia’s most mouthwatering food trucks, dedicated craft beer and wine bars, the completely insta- worthy Pimms Garden, plus a whole host of events, entertainment and installations to satisfy your innermost gluttonous desires.

Spread out on their lawn furniture as you enjoy some of Australia’s best street food. Listen to their DJs, play huge lawn games or ping pong and maybe even join in for a round of trivia.

It is a free event and open to all ages with licensed 18+ bar areas on site. The Commons Street Feast is open for dinner every night and from midday on weekends with activities for the kids during the day.

Happening from 30 November–10 December in Commonwealth Park, Regatta Point including Friday nights from 5 – 11 pm.

Find more information via the website.

THE DUXTON (O’CONNOR)

The Duxton’s lush Rooftop Terrace is the perfect backdrop for a summers evening. An area made to feel like your very own backyard with grass gracing in its presence, there’s also live entertainment and DJs across the summer.

Corner of Sargood and Macpherson Streets, O’Connor | theduxton.com.au

QT SUNSET SESSIONS (CITY WEST)

QT has your Friday night covered with their Aperol Sunset Sessions. Hosted by Lucky’s Speakeasy, every Friday night from 4 pm to 7 pm on the deck of Capitol Bar and Grill, their resident DJ will spin you into the weekend. Grab a bite to eat from the Capitol Kitchen or quench your first with Aperol Spritzes from $15.

London Circuit, City West | qthotelsandresorts.com

OSTANI LOUNGE, BAR AND RESTAURANT (BARTON)

The ultimate place to unwind after work in the Inner South, Ostani is usually buzzing from around 5pm each Friday. Grab a bite to eat with tapas and wood-fired pizzas and take advantage of their sprawling outdoor pavilion.

18 National Circuit, Barton (inside Hotel Realm) |  ostani.com.au

POPCORN AND SUNSETS (NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS)

The IMB Sunset Cinema is the ultimate Friday night date night. Set amongst the lush surrounds of the National Botanic Gardens, films will be shown every Friday night throughout the summer.

Head to the snack bar where you can treat yourself to some popcorn or grab a cold beverage. If you fancy something a little more substantial, order something from Menulog and have it delivered to your seat. There are plenty restaurants to choose from with options including burgers, fish and chips, Turkish, Chinese, Malaysian and Thai.

See the website to hire out your very own backrest or bean bag and sit back and rewind. Or if you prefer to bring a picnic rug and blanket and snuggle up with your loved ones for something a little more intimate.

Happening every night with gates set to open at 6:30 pm at Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street, Acton, Australian Capital Territory.

MINT GARDEN BAR (REID)

Reopened for the warmer months, Mint Garden Bar is the perfect location for your summer evening catch up. Open from 12 pm onwards, indulge yourself in with some cocktails or wood-fired pizza and enjoy in their laid-back atmosphere.

Want to keep the night going? Move inside to Sage Restaurant for some of Canberra’s best fine dining.

Batman Street, Braddon | sagerestaurant.net.au/mint-garden-bar

PARLOUR (NEWACTON)

Parlour Wine Room and Restaurant’s garden terrace (pictured) is perfect for an intimate catch up with friends over a selection of their lavish tapas menu. Open ’till late on Friday evenings.

Kendall Lane, NewActon | parlour.net.au

JOE’S BAR

Joe’s Bar has a well-earned reputation as one of the city’s coolest meeting places, and Friday night is a great time to enjoy a cocktail and a bowl of their addictive, spiced popcorn. Want to kick on? Their Art of Aperitivo menu has  a tasty range of dishes, designed to be shared over drinks and conversation. We love the Cin Cin—Cinzano Bianco, mint, cucumber, ginger ale— teamed with Calamari Fritti and fresh mint aioli.

East Hotel, 69 Canberra Avenue, Kingston | joesateast.com

BUVETTE (BARTON)

The most elegant Friday night south of the lake, enjoy cool cocktails and sparkling drinks in Buvette’s chic outdoor area during their Friday Soiree each week. Their Parisian inspired cocktails pair perfectly with grazing platters, cheeseboards and nibbles.

National Circuit, Barton (inside Hotel Realm) | buvette.com.au/about

OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE (PARKES)

Head to the leafy courtyard of Old Parliament House for their bustling Friday Night Drinks with a different theme each week including pop up bars, Aperol sunset sessions and a Christmas themed party.

Happening from 4 onwards, every Friday until 7 April 2018.

King George Terrace | moadoph.gov.au

HOPSCOTCH (BRADDON)

Presenting endless good vibes with DJ sets, live acoustic performances and expresso martinis on tap, Hopscotch never disappoints. With Canberra’s biggest beer garden, this one is great for groups.

Lonsdale Street, Braddon | hopscotchbar.com.au

88MPH (CITY WEST) 

Dance and sing yourself into the weekend at 88mph, the new kid on the block and one of Canberra’s coolest bars (in our humble opinion). Canberra’s only 80’s bar has loads on offer including cocktails on tap, a light up floor and arcade games.

Open until 4 am Friday each night.

Hobart Place, City West | 88mph.bar

A BAKER (NEWACTON) 

The A Baker courtyard always has something going on and is a great choice for groups and people with kids. You can also indulge in a nibble from their award-winning kitchen if the mood takes you.

Open from 4 pm onwards.

Edinburgh Ave, NewActon | abaker.com.au

HONKY TONKS (BRADDON)

Honky Tonks happy hour runs from 4 pm until 6 pm each Friday and features $6 tap beers and house wines. What more could you want?

Honkytonks’ balcony the perfect atmosphere for after work drinks with friends and work colleges on those balmy summer nights. They also have live music most Friday nights.

Garema Place, Braddon | drinkhonkytonks.com.au