Escape Rooms Sydney

Board Games in a Bar. Someone Had To

The Art Syndicate's weekly games night has been running for over two years. The regulars keep coming back. That's the whole story, really. Come as you are. **If you've got $10 to spend at the bar, that's what keeps the collection growing**. A wine, a beer, something non-alcoholic, and you're set for the night. **If money's tight, just show up. We'd rather have you in the room.** **External food is welcome.** For the after-work crowd, we often end up eating together anyway. Lisa and Saxon know the collection inside out. Tell them what you're after, something fast and social, a deep strategy game, or you've never touched a board game in your life, and you'll be sorted in five minutes. We've got titles that'll become new favourites and rare gems for the dedicated gamers. The room fills up with people who came once and never stopped coming back. Solo, with friends, or somewhere in between, it works either way. Come find out why. 🎲 Come find out why. **🎲 What's on the table** **Party & social** Coyote · Exploding Kittens · Ghost Court · Here to Slay · Monikers · Munchkin · No Ducks Given · Sushi Go · Telestrations · Trolley Problem · Uno: No Mercy · A Fake Artist Goes to New York **Social deduction** Blood on the Clocktower · Codenames · Coup **Strategy** Arcs · Carcassonne · Catan · Railroads · Sidereal Confluence · Ticket to Ride: Europe **Mystery & investigation** Awkward Guests · Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective · This Game is Killer: Frozen Horrors **Co-op** Magic Maze · Pandemic Legacy · Puzzle Box **Team** Captain Sonar **Classics** Cards · Chess · Scrabble *Want something specific? Give us a heads up and we'll have it ready.* 📍 Surry Hills (address on RSVP) 🍷🍺🥤 Wine, beer & non-alcoholic 🎲 Full games library all night 🕛 Bar open until midnight *— Lisa & Saxon* ***

Escape the Rat Race

You’ve done everything right. Built the career. Earned the title. Carried the responsibility. Kept going. From the outside, your life looks successful. From the inside, however, it feels exhausting. The money is good. The title looks impressive. But deep down, you know this cannot be it. You cannot keep doing this for another 10 years. But walking away feels reckless. There is a mortgage. A family. A reputation. People depending on you. So you stay - not because it is right, but because it feels safer than change. If this resonated with you, let's catch up for a coffee and explore the possibilities to escape the Rat Race to live the life on our own terms.

Tavern Trivia

Gather your party, sharpen your wits, and descend upon the Tavern for **Tavern Trivia** — a weekly battle of brains where legends are born one answer at a time. Hosted in the heart of our bustling Fortress Tavern, this isn’t your average pub trivia. Expect an unpredictable mix of **pop culture, video games, fantasy, film, and chaotic curveballs** that’ll test even the sharpest of sages. 🎁 **Epic Prizes** 🍹 **Themed Cocktails & Tankards** 🎲 **Gaming Lore & Curveball Rounds** 🧙‍♂️ **Immersive Vibes. Medieval Energy** Whether you’re here for the glory or just for the vibes, Fortress Trivia Night is your new midweek quest. Entry is free, but tables fill fast, so rally your crew and **[book your spot](https://events.humanitix.com/tavern-trivia-free-fortresssydney)**. 🤳Hosted by the wonderful Izak

Earning Influence: Why Strong Design work doesn't move the room

Welcome Back CCX Sydney to our events for 2026 from myself, Lydia, Sylvia and James and we are planning a bumper selection of speakers for this year. Our next event on August 18th will feature two unique presentations from Designers Dan Whelan and Ariel Blackman both from Commonwealth Bank. We will be hosting by the Team at Hipages special thanks to Carlos Guedes and Natalia Furtado. Our first Talk from CBA Product Design leader, Dan Whelan: **Earning Influence: Why Strong Design Work Doesn't Move the Room** **About Dan's Talk** You're doing great work. Decisions move on without you anyway. Here's why — and what has to be true before that changes. It's easy to assume that if the work is good enough, it earns its own influence. It doesn't. Design gets described, by default, in process terms — what was explored, tested, shipped — while the room is listening for risk, revenue and consequence, meaning how we describe the work to each other isn't the value our stakeholders want to see. Good work can fail to move a decision, because how it's described isn't connected to the decision's value. This talk covers the two things that usually get in the way of making your work land. First, the translation problem: why the same piece of work, described two different ways, gets two completely different receptions from your non-designer stakeholders. Second, the gap underneath: work that fails to land because it was never linked to key behaviour to start with, it was built around untraceable best practice. This talk covers both, so the next time you do good work, it doesn't get ignored. **About Dan** Dan Whelan is a design leader with 20 years across companies including Intuit and CommBank, and some of Australia's most complex financial products. She writes and speaks on decision quality and behavioural design, helping designers close the gap between doing strong work and having it influence the room. Our second speaker also from CBA will Ariel Blackman, User Experience Designer on Neurodivergent Strategies **About Ariels talk** Neurospicy Awareness, Acceptance & Strategies An honest look at life as a neurodivergent designer. Through personal stories and practical strategies, Ariel shares what she's learned about managing overwhelm, working with her brain instead of against it, and embracing self-acceptance along the way. Expect a mix of lived experience, useful tools, and a healthy dose of neurospicy chaos **About Ariel:** Ariel Blackman is a Product Designer with over 10 years of experience creating digital products and experiences. Alongside her design career, she's spent years learning how to navigate life as a neurodivergent person, developing practical tools and strategies to better understand herself, manage overwhelm, and work with her brain rather than against it. Passionate about sharing lived experiences with honesty, humour, and vulnerability, Ariel enjoys creating spaces where people feel seen, understood, and accepted. She believes that while everyone's experience is different, there is immense value in sharing the strategies and lessons we've learned along the way. Please note that we will be back at Hipages for our August Event so please familiarise yourself with The location and Start Time. We hope to See you in August and are really looking forward to Hearing from both Dan and Ariel.

Board Game Developer Night

**Want to mingle with other game designers in the video game industry?** See all the hot, new, and fun games being cooked up by the game designers of Melbourne in our Arena! This event is free and two of our member's will be showcasing their games! 🃏 **Wednesday 8th April** 🕕 6 PM - 10 PM 📍 Fortress Melbourne, Caledonian Lane 💚 Rock up solo, bring the crew, or team up on the night, it’s up to you. ♟️ **Games are free. Drinks are flowing. Good times guaranteed.** **TERMS & CONDITIONS** * *Fortress is a licensed venue, and as such, a valid ID is required and checked upon entrance to the premises.* * *Unaccompanied minors are not permitted in the venue at any time. Please make sure any guests under 18 are accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.* * *Minors are not allowed in the venue past 8:00 pm* * *No outside food or drinks.* *More information on valid forms of identification and Fortress' minors policy can be found here: [www.fortress.games/minors/](https://www.fortress.games/minors/)*

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

Board Games in a Bar. Sunday Edition

The Art Syndicate's weekly games night has been running for over two years. The regulars keep coming back. That's the whole story, really. Come as you are. **If you've got $10 to spend at the bar, that's what keeps the collection growing**. A wine, a beer, something non-alcoholic, and you're set for the night. **If money's tight, just show up. We'd rather have you in the room.** **External food is welcome.** For the after-work crowd, we often end up eating together anyway. Lisa and Saxon know the collection inside out. Tell them what you're after, something fast and social, a deep strategy game, or you've never touched a board game in your life, and you'll be sorted in five minutes. We've got titles that'll become new favourites and rare gems for the dedicated gamers. The room fills up with people who came once and never stopped coming back. Solo, with friends, or somewhere in between, it works either way. Come find out why. 🎲 Come find out why. **🎲 What's on the table** **Party & social** Coyote · Exploding Kittens · Ghost Court · Here to Slay · Monikers · Munchkin · No Ducks Given · Sushi Go · Telestrations · Trolley Problem · Uno: No Mercy · A Fake Artist Goes to New York **Social deduction** Blood on the Clocktower · Codenames · Coup **Strategy** Arcs · Carcassonne · Catan · Railroads · Sidereal Confluence · Ticket to Ride: Europe **Mystery & investigation** Awkward Guests · Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective · This Game is Killer: Frozen Horrors **Co-op** Magic Maze · Pandemic Legacy · Puzzle Box **Team** Captain Sonar **Classics** Cards · Chess · Scrabble *Want something specific? Give us a heads up and we'll have it ready.* 📍 Surry Hills (address on RSVP) 🍷🍺🥤 Wine, beer & non-alcoholic 🎲 Full games library all night 🕛 Bar open until its too quiet to stay open *— Lisa & Saxon* ***

Free Board Game Wednesdays

**Sydney’s midweek hangout!** Free board games, great company, and zero pressure, just roll in and play. Whether you’re a Settlers of Catan strategist, an Uno wildcard, or just keen for a drink and a laugh, your Wednesday night plans are sorted. No cover charge, no excuses. 🃏 **[Every Wednesday Night](https://events.humanitix.com/free-board-game-wednesdays-free-fortresssydney)** 🕕 6 PM - 10 PM 📍 Fortress Sydney, Upstairs at Central Park Mall 💚 Rock up solo, bring the crew, or team up on the night, it’s up to you. ♟️ **Games are free. Drinks are flowing. Good times guaranteed.**

Drag Trivia

Strut in, sass up, and get ready to slay. Drag Trivia is taking over the Tavern. Gather your crew, beat that mug, and prepare for a night where charisma meets cunning in a fabulous battle of brains. Hosted in the heart of our bustling Fortress Tavern, this isn’t your average trivia night. Expect a chaotic blend of pop culture, gaming, queer icons, fantasy, film, and fierce curveballs, served with high heels and higher stakes. 🎁 Epic Prizes 🍹 Themed & Fabulous Cocktails 👾 Gaming Lore & Curveball Rounds 💃🏼 Immersive Vibes. Medieval Energy Whether you’re here for the glory or just for the vibes, Fortress Trivia Night is your new Monday night quest. Entry is free, but tables fill fast, so rally your crew and [book your spot](https://events.humanitix.com/drag-trivia-free-fortresssydney-y2q2qap6). *Registered attendance on Meetup **doesn't** guarantee you a ticket.* 🤳Hosted by the fabulous [Trinket Estrange](https://www.instagram.com/trinketestrange/)

Open Mic Night @ Soultrap Surry Hills

✨ Open Mic Night @ Soul Trap – Surry Hills ✨ We’ve locked in a venue — and it’s a good one. Join us at Soul Trap, Surry Hills, a small, classy, intimate spot that’s perfect for a relaxed nighttime open mic and social hang. 🎤 Want to get on the mic? Share music, poetry, acting, or anything you feel like trying out. 🍷 Mostly want to hang out and meet people? Absolutely welcome. Come watch, chat, connect, and enjoy the vibe — you don’t need to perform to be part of the night. 🎟 Free entry 🤝 Friendly, social atmosphere ✨ Come solo or bring a friend This is about community as much as creativity. Low pressure, supportive energy, good conversations, and a room full of interesting people.

Play Theatre Games in the Park! (Sydney)

Join us at the Botanic Gardens, next to the Cupid Statue, to play Theatre Games with friendly and awesome people! Afterwards, we go for a drink at a nearby pub. Everyone is welcome, no matter your level of Improv expertise! For an example of the type of fun that can go on in our days see: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a23t0evG3xI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a23t0evG3xI) There is a $3 fee per event, or you can pay a $25 annual membership fee. This covers the costs of running the group. The fee can be paid in person, or by transferring to the following account: Name: Theatre Games BSB: 923 100 Acc No: 313632027 Use your name in the reference line so the Treasurer can keep track of your contribution. If you choose to pay the annual membership fee, it would be a great help to us if you would note your membership start date, and renew your membership when needed. This will avoid us spending time on account-keeping, which means we can instead focus on making the games as fun as possible! We have Facebook and Instagram pages, on which we post group photos and occasionally other announcements. Feel free to Like :) [https://www.facebook.com/Theatre-Games-in-the-Park-Sydney-487255451682498/](https://www.facebook.com/Theatre-Games-in-the-Park-Sydney-487255451682498/) [https://www.instagram.com/theatregamesintheparksydney](https://www.instagram.com/theatregamesintheparksydney?fbclid=IwAR2fMlbCnv1PVQXX0xO7d6d_4mMDsXtT3dcs1awToamKK-ag1AAQhVYyPLQ) **FAQ** **Location & Parking** [https://maps.app.goo.gl/Yed3pMB9eC1oeAXA7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Yed3pMB9eC1oeAXA7) Between Church St and Sorrell St. Near the river. Down the stairs from the Riverside Theatre and to the east along the path. If you have trouble finding us, please post in the event comments as we'll keep an eye on this. Parking is free and usually ample in northern Parramatta, in Sorrell Street and surrounding streets to the north of the river. **Instructional videos for newcomers** For those completely new to the concept of theatre games or improvisation, you might find the following instructional videos helpful to you: 1. The importance of facing the audience in the right way [https://youtu.be/VO7EXv-dVYA](https://youtu.be/VO7EXv-dVYA) 2\. The importance of not saying "no" to everything in a scene: [https://youtu.be/GjptDwG96e8](https://youtu.be/GjptDwG96e8) **Why is my status saying "Unpaid" even though I have paid?** This is due to a bad design feature of the Meetup website, please ignore it! **Keeping up with the latest news and related fun events** Go to our Facebook Discussion Group. This is a fun way to share improv/comedy clips, discuss improv and generally chat with the cool members of our group! [https://www.facebook.com/groups/2112357978921450](https://www.facebook.com/groups/2112357978921450) **What if it rains?** The bridge has been chosen for this reason! A large concrete apron exists under the bridge - easily measuring 5 metres deep and at least 10m long. More than enough space to perform in and yet still provide shelter from rain. **Can you help promote my event / group / cult?** Yes.. but within reason! We love to help our members who are doing awesome and creative projects. The problem is that because we get asked to promote things so often, we cannot do so via social media posts. As this would cause our members to be "spammed" and announcements about upcoming events to get buried. However, there are still two ways we can help to promote your project. Firstly, please feel free to post on our Facebook Discussion group. Secondly, you are also welcome to post in our [Meetup Forum](https://www.meetup.com/Theatre-Games-in-the-Park/discussions/), where your post may be seen by our 1,800+ members. Lastly, we may be able to help in additional ways if you wish to share an opportunity for our members to perform. In this case we may be able to send a Meetup Message to our members, or to announce it in person at our events. **What if I have other questions?** If possible please post any questions in the comments area below rather than directly messaging us, so that others can see the answer too. This will allow us to spend less time answering messages, and more time making the games as fun as possible!

Dungeons & Flagons

#### **THE NEW DUNGEONS & FLAGONS** Your weekly D&D adventure is about to level up. Step into the immersive glow of Fortress’s medieval Tavern, where candlelight flickers off stone walls, timber beams creak with tales untold, goblets clink beneath stained-glass windows, and the scent of roast and adventure lingers in the air. This is the realm of Dungeons & Flagons, a 3-hour one-shot D&D experience, handcrafted for heroes of every level. **$50 Per Player Includes;** 🧙‍♂️ 3-hour guided adventure 🍺 First drink included 🍗 Mid-session dinner break, relax, swap stories, and bond with your DM without breaking the flow 🎭 Perfect for first-time heroes or seasoned spellcasters 📜 Character sheets and everything you need to play are provided 🌟 Handcrafted quests from our expert Dungeon Masters, never the same adventure twice 💰 Cap off your quest by browsing for treasure! Discover D&D-inspired wares and magical curios, perfect loot for any adventurer. *AFTERNOON SESSION - Starts at 1:00 PM* *EVENING SESSION - Starts at 5:00 PM* [Book now!](https://events.humanitix.com/dungeons-and-flagons-syd) *Don't miss out, ticket sales close at 7:00 PM on Saturday. Registered attendance on Meetup **doesn't** guarantee you a ticket.* ##### *Anyone can join the fun at our beginner-friendly Dungeons & Dragons event EVERY SUNDAY!* Dungeon Masters provided by [Geek on a Leash](https://www.instagram.com/geek.on_a.leash/)