Sydney comes alive every January with the much-anticipated triple j Hottest 100 countdown, and this year’s lineup of listening parties promises something for everyone.
It’s now been a few years since triple j moved its long-running hottest 100 countdown from Australia Day to “whatever the Saturday is that weekend.” But aside from a date change, nothing has shifted about the vibe. One of the world’s most famous music countdowns still inspires some of the best parties of the year, with Aussies and visitors coming together to celebrate the most popular music of the past 12 months.
Whether you’re in it for the music, the drinks, or the atmosphere, there’s a Hottest 100 party in Sydney ready to make your Saturday unforgettable.
1. Taphouse, Darlinghurst
Taphouse is getting in on the Hottest 100 vibes with a party on its rooftop from 12pm. The venue’s full menu of rich Chinese food will be available alongside $15 frozen cocktails, $18 spritzes, Hawke’s Brewing schooners for $10, $13 pints and $22 jugs.
Address: 122 Flinders St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
2. East Village Hotel, Darlinghurst
Darlinghurst’s beloved East Village Hotel is throwing a triple j Hottest 100 listening party on its sun-kissed rooftop. The free-entry party will kick off at 12pm and the bar will be offering $12 alcoholic slushies, $8 Young Henry’s schooners and $15 Young Henry’s Newtowner jugs all night. There’ll even be a countdown sweep so guests can win a range of prizes courtesy of Young Henry’s. Tickets are free, but an RSVP essential.
Address: 234 Palmer St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
3. Clovelly Hotel, Clovelly
The Cloey will be offering up food specials all weekend long, perfect for those feeling peckish during their Hottest 100 party. Soak up the rays and ocean breeze in their outdoor beer garden as you dance along to the tunes of 2025, or enjoy their surf-inspired interior as you enjoy a schnitty or a Cloey burger.
Address: 381 Clovelly Rd, Clovelly NSW 2031
4. The Australian Heritage Hotel, The Rocks
The Aussie will be going off this long weekend, with the Hottest 100 party, live music, DJs, games, giveaways and raffles, plus $10 pints of Hawkes lager all weekend. Party to the tunes of the Hottest 100 at one of Sydney’s oldest (and coolest) pubs.
Address: 100 Cumberland St, The Rocks NSW 2000
5. Public House Petersham
Solotel will be leading the charge with Hottest 100 parties in Sydney this year as a broad strip of their best pubs and venues get involved. One of the highlights will be the triple j party at Public House Petersham, which is one of the favourites each year. Public House also just got a sparkling family-friendly makeover, so if you haven’t checked out their revamped venue, this is the weekend to do it.
Address: 292 Stanmore Rd, Petersham NSW 2049
6. The Courthouse, Newtown
Newtown’s beloved Courty is going heavy on the vibes for their triple J Hottest 100 countdown party. The broadcast will be streaming live and loud from the courtyard, which will be transformed into a backyard BBQ-inspired oasis in collaboration with 4 Pines. Sip on $7 schooners of 4 Pines Japanese Lager or $9 schooners of Brookvale Union Ginger Beer before kicking back with giant board games, DJs and relaxed party vibes.
Address: 202 Australia St, Newtown NSW 2042
7. The Erko, Erskineville
Pop on over to inner-west favourite The Erko for their Hottest 100 party. They’re pairing celebrations with Erko’s Aussie Music Trivia, giving you a chance to test your knowledge, get competitive and recount all your fave Aussie tracks before the actual countdown begins.
Address: 102 Erskineville Rd, Erskineville NSW 2043
8. Ashfield Bowling Club, Ashfield
Ashfield Bowlo is an ideal location for a Hottest 100 listening party: think drinks in the sunshine at this super chilled venue. Selling some of the cheapest pints in the Inner West, their free Hottest 100 party kicks off from midday and will be accompanied by $10 bowls games all afternoon, plus raffles for meat trays and bar vouchers.
Address: Orpington St &, Parramatta Rd, Ashfield NSW 2131
9. The Crowbar, Leichardt
The Crowbar in Leichardt is another official triple j Hottest 100 countdown venue, and they’re encouraging guests to hedge their bets on the top song. Join their sweepstake, and you could win a $100 venue voucher and make the most of all their summer specials, including $4 schooners until 4pm.
Address: 345 Parramatta Rd, Leichhardt NSW 2040
10. The Marlborough Hotel, Newtown
The Marly Bar is hosting both a listening party and an after-party to make the day all about the triple j Hottest 100 countdown. The main bit will take place out in the leafy beer garden, but there’s also free pool upstairs and resident DJs onboard to help take the night further. After all, it is Saturday.
Address: 145 King St, Newtown NSW 2042
11. Darlo Bar, Darlinghurst
Darlo Bar’s tight, open-air rooftop space is the perfect place to be a Hottest 100 spectator. The pub will be brimming with energy as usual, soaking up the long weekend vibes as it kicks off its triple j Hottest 100 party at 12pm on Saturday. No RSVP needed, just show up and help count down to the top spot.
Address: 306 Liverpool St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
12. Felons Barrel Room, Manly
The Northern Beaches’ coolest new venue, Felons Barrel Room, will host their first Hottest 100 listening party from 12pm onwards. Pair bopping along to your favourite tracks with vibrant Vietnamese platters and icy-cold beers on tap, and you’ve got the perfect location to soak up the day.
Address: E Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095
