Concrete Playground

We were already planning to spend all summer on Cockatoo Island's new Island Bar. Think striped deck chairs, croquet tournaments and some of Sydney's best cocktails, courtesy of mixologist extraordinaire Marco Faraone. Who needs ferries when you can stay the night (or the week)?

Then, just when we thought things couldn't get any better, they've upped the stakes. This weekend Cockatoo Island officially transforms into Cocktail Island, a two-day long festival celebrating all the best bits of bar and cocktail culture. We hear it will be a maze of cocktail stands and tasting rooms, likely to transform into a Baccalian melee. Classics like Negronis and Martinis will be offered alongside the newest and hippest from around the globe, with only the world's leading spirits used in the mix.

It's a time not only for tippling but for learning. Master classes will be held with international guest speakers, including the unmissable tequila expert Julio Bermejo. Get worded up on cocktail history, current trends and even take-home tips for the perfect guest-impressers. Unlike your favourite music festival, tickets are a mere $15 (plus booking fee) then you only pay for the bits - well, the drinks - that you like.

Update: Saturday is now sold out.