This past summer, after months of lockdowns and two years of Covid-19 restrictions, the City of Sydney shut down a bunch of its roads to motor traffic, turning them into Covid-safe pedestrian party zones with live music and entertainment, and al fresco drinking and dining. That huge impromptu dance party on Crown Street you saw on social media? This was that. And now, it’s making a return.

Every Saturday from October 1 to November 12, a different high street in the inner city will be shut to traffic from 11am to 10pm. The series kicks off with Crown Street in Surry Hills, followed by Harris Street in Pyrmont; Stanley Street in East Sydney; Redfern Street; Dixon Street, Chinatown’s main drag; Glebe Point Road; and Darlinghurst Road and Macleay Street in Potts Point.

Local businesses will be able to set up tables and chairs outside on the pedestrianised streets, serving food and drinks to punters as they watch live music and catch roving performers. While this year’s programs are yet to be announced, last year saw wine tastings, sausage sizzles, drag performances, frozen Margs to go, and live DJ sets from shops and restaurants.

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“We’re closing our main streets to traffic and making it safe so locals can shop, dine or drink on our footpaths and roadways in a Covid-safe way,” said City of Sydney lord mayor Clover Moore in a statement. “Our first series of Sydney Streets parties through the last summer was a huge success and well received by residents and businesses alike. We want to see more people get out and about and enjoy what their neighbourhoods have to offer.”

Two more Sydney Streets series will be running from January to April and May to June next year.

whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au