Adi Toohey's best places to party in a post-lockout Sydney

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The second summer edition of a new party series in Sydney kicks off this Friday. Called "The Island LIVE", punters can take to the sea for an all out disco affair. Going from the rep of the first one, we could very well be looking at the next institution in the ever-thriving Sydney dance scene.

With a lineup that boasts local talents Adi Toohey, Ariane and Simon Caldwell, everyone is also excited to see the return of LATE NITE TUFF GUY to Sydney soil. Already sold out, anticipation and excitement levels are at a critical level right now, and there's still a few days to go.

To get to know one of the DJs playing a bit better, we asked Adi Toohey to give us the scoop on some of her favourite places to party at in a post-lockout Sydney. It's no secret the lockout laws have dramatically altered Sydney's nightlife and live music landscape, but creatives have converged in other areas where their love of live music can be enjoyed uninterrupted. Here are five places that still have that vibe. Check it out below, as well as all the info for The Island!

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Secret Inner West Location

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Can’t spill too many beans about this one, but suffice to say this BYO spot is a bloody asset to Sydney. Catch crews like Ghostly, Heavenly and Rimbombo throwing down music as loud and as late as they like here every couple of weekends.

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Pavlova Bar @ Club 77

77 William St, Darlinghurst

Sunday nights are popping off at this William Street basement bar. Curated by queer institution House of Mince, Pavlova Bar (an Aussie spin on Berlin’s infamous Panorama Bar) sees one DJ play from 8pm til close and a whole heap of dancers pretending they don’t have work in the morning.

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Freda’s Bar & Canteen

107-109 Regent St, Chippendale

Voted Best Party Bar 2016 by TimeOut Sydney, Freda’s is a little slice of heaven nestled in the vibrant community of Chippendale. Perhaps due to the midnight licensing curfew at this venue, people tend to turn up early and turn it ON. Whether it’s the house cover band rocking out in the cage or the rotating cast of local DJs on Fridays, the music is always impeccable.

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Mad Racket @ Marrickville Bowling Club

91 Sydenham Rd, Marrickville

The fact that this party is celebrating 18 years in the game next month is a testament to the quality residents and guests that play at Mad Racket every month. Marrickville Bowlo is outside of the lockout zone and the drinks are at RSL prices.

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Cake Wines

16 Eveleigh St, Redfern

This cellar door packs a bigger punch than one would expect from the humble exterior. Double-glazed windows? Check. Funktion One sound? Check. And here come the line-ups to match – next month Cake Wines is playing host to Moodymann, Harvey Sutherland & Bermuda live and Picnic’s weekly Sunday jam, Picnic Social.

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