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The Best House & Techno Events in Sydney

Sydney’s dance music scene is in the burgeoning stages of a renaissance, with a proliferation of epic new house and techno events appearing around the place over the last three years. From intimate underground gatherings to huge open-air parties, the city offers something for people looking to go bonkers to proper dance music of all different kinds. With Bardar you can easily find and navigate these thumping events. Here’s your guide to the best house and techno events in Sydney.

1. S.A.S.H.

S.A.S.H. is the go-to party for minimal, groovy house and techno in Sydney. S.A.S.H. will be right up your alley if you’re a fan of artists like Robbie Doherty, Max Dean, Chris Stussy, Kolter or Josh Baker.

One of Sydney’s very best Sunday parties, S.A.S.H. usually comes in two parts – By Day and By Night. By Day is an outdoor day party at Watsons EQ, whereas By Night starts a couple of hours later at Carousel on Oxford Street. Known for its marathon long weekend sessions that take over Home the Venue and stretch well into Monday morning, S.A.S.H. attracts a loyal crowd of house music aficionados.

2. Summer Dance

Summer Dance offers an unforgettable open-air house and techno experience in the heart of Sydney during the summer months.

Hosted at Liberty Hall in the Entertainment Quarter, Summer Dance is a seasonal event that brings ravers together from September to March at the Liberty Hall basketball courts for a day party, and then inside Liberty Hall itself for a night-time boogie. The focus ranges based on the headliners (who are often major international touring DJs) spanning from disco to speed garage and hardgroove. Undoubtedly one of the best house and techno events in Sydney, Summer Dance is the perfect way to enjoy Sydney’s warm evenings with great music and a lively crowd.

3. Club Mute

Club Mute is a hot new event pushing the edge of Sydney’s underground house and techno scene with a smashing first couple of months bringing in international talent and showcasing local heroes.

Club Mute is a new Friday-night event taking over Carousel and delivering a fresh option for those looking to dig into some serious dance beats. Leveraging Carousel’s unreal sound and light system to showcase local dynamos like Wolters, Massi, Prizefight and more. If Mute continues pulling in stellar lineups as they’ve been doing so far, there’s no doubt this will soon be Sydney’s ascendant Friday night party for House Harrys and Techno Timmys alike.

4. Lost Sundays

Lost Sundays at Ivy offers a vibrant, inclusive space to enjoy cutting-edge house and techno every week.

Lost Sundays is the brainchild of the team behind Lost Paradise, offering a weekly Sunday event at the Ivy in the CBD. The focus is on inclusivity and high-quality house and techno, with a welcoming atmosphere that attracts a diverse crowd. The music is always fresh, with a mix of local talent and international guests gracing the decks.

5. Basement

Basement offers an intimate, high-energy setting for connoisseurs of the higher BPM dance music, including techno, hardgroove, trance, Eurodance and more, all in the heart of Circular Quay.

Taking over Mary’s Underground, Basement is Sydney’s best regular Saturday night event for those who really want to go wild on a night out. It’s always busy, the crew that run the place are very relaxed and it’s one of the few clubs in Sydney where you regularly see clubbers soaked in sweat, shirtless or in minimal clothing, really going for it. Basement is also notable for how late it goes, often still heaving at 4am, and continuing until 6, making it a great afters spot.

6. Chinese Laundry Invites

Chinese Laundry Invites offers an intimate, electric experience with top-tier international DJs in a legendary underground venue.

Chinese Laundry is one of Sydney’s most legendary nightclubs, and their “Invites” series is a highlight for any house or techno fan. These events bring top-tier international DJs to the club’s intimate underground setting, offering a chance to see some of the biggest names in the industry up close. The atmosphere is always electric, with a crowd that knows and loves their music.

7. Black Noir

Black Noir offers a dark, immersive techno experience at the Flinders in Surry Hills.

Black Noir is one of the few events in Sydney that really delves into the full spectrum of techno, including industrial, dub and hardcore. Held on Friday nights at the Flinders, Black Noir is known for its immersive environments and carefully curated lineups that regularly feature international talent from techno meccas like Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. Black Noir attracts a dedicated crowd of techno-purists who come for the music and stay for the atmosphere.

8. Sutra Sunrise

Sutra Sunrise is a monthly 13hr-rave that happens at the Bridge Hotel in Rozelle, running from 11:30am Saturday to 12:30pm on Sunday.

A mini-festival happening once per month, Sutra Sunrise is a fantastic, colourful and psychadelic rave that turns the Bridge Hotel in Rozelle into a tropical dance music paradise. Sounds range through a variety of genres, encompassing everything from D&B to organica and deep house. Always packed, Sutra is a key stop on any summer long weekend bender.

9. Switch

Switch is the biggest house and techno event in Sydney’s east, filling a legendary venue and regularly picking up international DJs as headliners.

Taking over Coogee’s iconic live music venue Selina’s, Switch is a monthly dance music event that picks up DJs with a diverse variety of sounds and makes the most of the impressive historic space by filling it up with happy, sweaty ravers. Definitely a must-visit for dance music fans in the East, and worth a trip for anyone else as one of the best house and techno events in Sydney.

10. Sundays at 77

Sundays at 77 delivers a raw, unfiltered house and techno experience in one of Sydney’s most iconic basement clubs.

Club 77, affectionately known as “77,” has been a cornerstone of Sydney’s nightlife for decades. Their Sunday sessions are legendary, offering a mix of house, techno, and everything in between. The intimate basement setting creates a raw, unfiltered vibe that keeps the dance floor packed until the very end.

Conclusion

Sydney’s house and techno scene has grown in recent years from being on the verge of death to extremely vibrant and diverse. Whether you’re into intimate underground sessions or large-scale outdoor events, there’s something for everyone. With Bardar, you’ll always be able to find the very best house and techno events in Sydney with ease.

The Best After-Party Spots in Sydney

In recent years Sydney has developed a few great spots for those who want to keep the party going into the early hours, the city offers some fantastic after-party spots. Whether you’re coming out of a club and not ready to call it a night or simply want to dance until dawn, these venues have you covered. With Bardar, you can easily find the best spots to keep the rave alive. Here’s our guide to the best after-party spots in Sydney.

1. Sutra Sunrise

Once per month, you can rest safe in the knowledge that no matter what time or where you end your night out, if you feel like reviving it you can head to Sutra and it will be epic.

A mini-festival happening once-per month from 11:30am Sat to 12:30pm Sun, Sutra Sunrise is a fantastic, colourful and psychadelic rave that turns the Bridge Hotel in Rozelle into a tropical dance music paradise. Sounds range through a variety of genres, encompassing everything from D&B to organica and deep house. Always packed, Sutra is one of the best after-party spots in Sydney, especially in Summer.

2. Breakfast at SASH

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, without a doubt, and similarly breakfast at S.A.S.H. is the most important long-weekend afters sesh there is.

S.A.S.H. is well known for distributing their brand of groovy, minimal house every Sunday and their “Breakfast at SASH” event is a must for after-party enthusiasts. Held from 5am to midday at Home The Venue every long weekend Monday, it’s a party that allows you to transition from Sunday-night depravity to Monday-morning revelry seamlessly. With top-notch house DJs, a lively crowd, and an unbeatable vibe, Breakfast at SASH is where you go when you’re not ready to stop dancing.

3. BASEMENT

Joining BASEMENT’s 4am crew is one of the best ways to shake off that last bit of sweat to some high-energy music before turning it in for the morning.

BASEMENT is the prime Saturday-night late-night event, providing an unreal space for lovers of harder dance music to put their brains and bodies through the wringer until 6am. The Bardar team particularly loves BASEMENT as an after-festival destination – hop in an uber there, recover for a minute in the booths over a cold bevvie and then plunge back into the action. The fact that BASEMENT is on every week makes it extra-reliable as an afters spot, and cements it as one of the best after-party spots in Sydney.

4. The Abercrombie

The Abercrombie is Sydney’s ultimate 24-hour party spot, offering non-stop music and a vibrant atmosphere.

The Abercrombie, recently reopened as Sydney’s only 24-hour nightclub, is a haven for those who want to party without worrying about closing times. Located in Chippendale, this multi-level venue offers a mix of Italo-disco, house, and techno across its various spaces. With events running through the night and into the early morning, The Abercrombie is the ultimate spot for after-party seekers who crave a continuous party atmosphere.

5. Club 77

While it wouldn’t have made this list were it written last year, 77 has recently acquired a 5am closing license AND kick-started a new series of Sundays at 77s, running from 6am Sunday to 4am Monday. Kick-ons galore.

Club 77 has been a staple of Sydney’s nightlife for decades. Known for its gritty, no-frills vibe and monster sound system – Club 77 specialises in house and techno, and it’s one of the few places that stay open until 5 AM on weekends. The club’s history and reputation for epic all-nighters make it a go-to for those who want to keep dancing well into the morning.

6. Universal

You’ve been out seeing a gig at the Oxford Art Factory, or partying late in the city, and you’re juuust not quite ready to go home yet – the only logical choice is the reliably-going Universal.

Universal, located on Oxford Street, is another excellent spot for those looking to keep on keepin on. This LGBTQ+ friendly venue is known for its inclusive atmosphere and high-energy dance floors. Open until the early hours of the morning, Universal plays a mix of house, techno, and pop, catering to a diverse crowd. Whether you’re coming from a night out on Oxford Street or looking for a welcoming space to dance until dawn, Universal has you covered.

Conclusion

While Sydney may not be the easiest place to kick-on indefinitely, these are a few solid options and with Bardar, you can easily check to see which of these spots is the most pumping on your night out, and select an afters destination accordingly.

The Bardar Guide to Sydney’s Best Clubs

An intro to this guide

Sydney’s club scene has begun to flourish once more after years in hibernation, with a slate of excellent events and thumping venues developing over the past few years. While the club scene is particularly active during Summer, there are plenty of great places to two-step the night away all year round. We’ve compiled a few of our favourites in this guide to Sydney’s best clubs.

The Guide

1. The Oxford Art Factory

The Oxford Art Factory is an alternative club that hosts a variety of artists from every genre from indie rock to hard techno, and is without question the best place to catch live music in Sydney.

Situated in the heart of Darlinghurst, The Oxford Art Factory is more than just a club; it’s a cultural institution. Known for its eclectic and constantly changing lineup of live music and DJs, this venue offers a dynamic atmosphere that attracts a diverse crowd. The space is divided into a main room for the big acts and an intimate gallery bar for more laid-back vibes. It’s a place where creativity and music come together to make every night a unique experience.

2. Club 77

Club 77 is the heartbeat of Sydney’s underground electronic music scene, offering an unpretentious and immersive experience with some of the best speakers in town.

For those who appreciate the underground scene, Club 77 in Darlinghurst is absolutely one of Sydney’s best clubs. This club has been a staple of Sydney’s nightlife for decades, known for its raw, unpretentious vibe and commitment to electronic music. With dim lighting and a subterranean feel, Club 77 is the perfect spot to cut some serious shapes well into the wee hours.

3. Mary’s Underground

Mary’s Underground is a legendary basement club that combines live music and DJ sets with a relaxed, intimate vibe.

Mary’s Underground blends the best of live music and club culture. With low ceilings and an intimate atmosphere, it’s a fantastic place to see performances of all varieties, from relaxed jazz to sweaty punk rock to electric DJ performances. Underground hosts a variety of one-off and weekly events, so be sure to check their website to work out what’s on in advance. Whether you’re there for a live gig or a DJ set, Mary’s Underground promises an unforgettable night.

Best Event: We are massive fans of Basement, a late-night techno event running every Saturday. Basement is easily one of the most reliably fun club experiences in town.

4. The Abercrombie

The Abercrombie is a multi-level playground for club enthusiasts, offering top-notch music and high-energy thrills all night long.

Recently revamped, The Abercrombie in Chippendale has quickly become a mainstay of the Sydney club scene. This multi-level venue offers something for everyone – a chill rooftop bar, a relaxed pub space and beer garden during the day and a ground-floor rave cave pumping literally all night. With a cutting-edge sound system and a lineup featuring some of the best local and international DJs, The Abercrombie guarantees a night of high-energy fun.

5. Carousel

Carousel is a first-class late-night destination, frequently showcasing the best local and international house music talent.

Another relatively new venue, Carousel has cemented itself as one of the premier destinations to catch house music in Sydney. Through an ever-changing rotation of Friday and Saturday night events, Carousel showcases a variety of local and international talent behind the decks, with excellent production and sound to boot. A soiree to Carousel is one of the best ways to keep the knees bending and elbows flexing as late as anywhere else in Sydney.

Best Event: We love the groovy, microhouse-focused S.A.S.H. parties that keep Carousel pumping every Sunday night.

6. Universal

Universal is the beating heart of Sydney’s LGBTQ+ nightlife, known for its inclusive vibe and spectacular drag shows.

Universal is a cornerstone of Sydney’s LGBTQ+ nightlife. Located on Oxford Street, this club is renowned for its inclusive atmosphere, fabulous drag shows, and energetic dance floors. The production value, including lasers, smoke machines, confetti and live dancers, is high for all their events, making it a great option for a riotous time on a Saturday night. Universal is a place where everyone is welcome and the party never stops.

7. Chinese Laundry

Chinese Laundry has re-emerged with cutting-edge sound and an electric atmosphere, continuing its legacy as a hub for underground electronic music.

Nestled in the heart of the CBD, this iconic venue has been renowned for its underground electronic music and vibrant atmosphere for over two decades. The revamped Chinese Laundry now boasts state-of-the-art sound systems and a refreshed interior that retains its edgy, urban energy. The multi-level layout features distinct spaces, each offering a unique musical experience, from deep house to drum and bass. It’s a place where longtime clubbers and newcomers alike can come together and boogie hard.

8. Civic Underground

Civic Underground is an intimate haven for electronic music lovers, offering an immersive and powerful clubbing experience.

Hidden beneath the Civic Hotel in the CBD, Civic Underground is a gem for those who love electronic music. The club’s intimate setting and powerful sound system combine for a potent experience, making it easy to lose yourself in the music. It’s a sanctuary for music lovers who want to feel the beat deep in their bones.

9. Home the Venue

Home The Venue is a multi-level nightlife powerhouse offering diverse music and spectacular views of Darling Harbour.

As one of the largest clubs in Sydney, Home the Venue is a powerhouse of nightlife entertainment. Located in Darling Harbour, this multi-level club features numerous dance floors, each with its own unique atmosphere. From house and techno to R&B and hip-hop, Home the Venue has something for every music lover.

Best Event: Sandbox – A monthly techno and trance event that goes hard on production value and heavy beats.

10. The Ivy

One of Sydney’s premier true nightclub experiences, the Ivy is a fantastic destination if you want a big-room clubbing experience, particularly on Saturday and Sunday nights.

Along with Home, the Ivy is one of Sydney’s two real super clubs. The Ivy hosts a weekly series of rotating events across a range of musical genres from commercial to hard techno, and you can expect a radically different experience depending on the night you decide to go. The Ivy routinely books the best international talent touring in Australia for their house-oriented Saturday and Sunday parties, drawing some of the biggest crowds in town no matter what they put on.

Best Event: Lost Sundays – a Sunday night house and techno party finishing at midnight that goes off during summer and books a tonne of excellent touring DJs.

11. Selina’s Coogee

Selina’s is an institution of Sydney’s live music scene, and while it’s more of a live music venue than a strict nightclub, it’s worth mentioning among Sydney’s best dance destinations.

Selina’s is a storied concert venue in Coogee and has played host to numerous first-class international bands and artists over its long lifespan, including The Prodigy, Beastie Boys, Nirvana, The Killers, Bag Raiders and more. Recently, Selina’s has been hosting a variety of monthly house and techno events, and when one of these is on Selina’s gives the best clubs in Sydney a run for their money.

Best Event: Switch, a monthly house/techno event on Saturdays that attracts great local and international talent.

Honourable Mentions – Commercial Clubs

Because the Bardar team are house and techno heads, the clubs on this list are mostly focused on dance music, great sound systems and specific events. For a more standard, commercial club experience there are plenty of decent spots around town, with some of the best being Cargo Bar, Soda Factory and Cliff Dive.

It’s also worth noting that tonnes of great pubs around Sydney like The Clock, The Beach Road Hotel, Coogee Pavilion, Bank, Beresford, Golden Sheaf, Hotel Harry and Imperial Erskineville reliably get a good dance floor on a Friday and Saturday night.

Sydney Club Nights

Generally, the best way to experience Sydney’s clubbing scene is to pick a good event at one club and then head there for the night. Therefore, we’re providing a couple of night plans that involve hitting a local pub or two first for warmup drinks before heading to the main event at one of our fav clubs.

Central Syd Night Out

If the plan is to head to any of our favourite clubs on or around Oxford Street, we highly recommend hitting one or two of Surry Hill’s finest pubs. These venues are a short walk from Oxford St, have a great vibe and are reliably pumping every Friday/Saturday night. Plus, If you’re feeling it early, The Clock and Beresford (upstairs) have good warmup dance floors.

Plan: Clock/Dolphin/Beresford → Carousel/Universal/OAF/Club 77

Wynyard/Circular Quay Night Out

In the city, we recommend warming at a few pubs around the Rocks before heading to Mary’s or the Ivy. The Rocks has the best concentration of pubs for early drinks, and is probably the liveliest area of the city on the weekend, which is why we recommend it as the starting point of a big night in or around the city.

Plan: Orient/Glenmore → Ivy/Mary’s/Chinese Laundry

Other Areas

For the other venues on our list that aren’t as clumped together, we would recommend picking a nearby pub or bar that’s busy to get the energy up and build some momentum before heading to the event at the club. While we’re a bit biased, we recommend using Bardar to check out how busy nearby venues are, and pick a warmup spot based on our live data.

Outro

Sydney’s club scene has truly experienced a renaissance in recent years, and there are now tonnes of viable options all around town for a few drinks and a boogie. However, when going clubbing in Sydney it’s best to be organised ahead of time, picking specific events and venues for the night rather than just wandering out and hoping for the best.

If you’re looking for a tool to make doing this easy, check out our app, Bardar, now available on iOS!