Calling all aesthetes, party-people and dedicated shoppers – James St Up Late (JSUL) is back and boy oh boy, 12 years later this pre-teen has really shot up with more retailers and activities than ever before, all going down for a short sharp 3-hours from 5:00 – 8:00PM, Thursday 14 March.

This year’s event is serving up over 90 retailer activities on a platter (the most ever) not to mention all the good things that we know and love about Up Late… we’re talking Goody Bags, competitions and giveaways galore. Think shopping, but a little bit sexy.

Now, parties and rules don’t usually go together EXCEPT when they are put in place to ensure a GOOD TIME.  Follow our Up Late rules and you’ll be guaranteed a rather nice evening:

RULE 1: Don’t be shy, get involved

Frolicking permitted, nay encouraged. There is no shortage of activities, shop parties, one-night-only offers form over 90 James St businesses.  We’re talking: becoming best friends with Silk Laundry by making friendship bracelets with the team and Founder Katie Kolodonski; having a custom Laurence Dacade design sketched while chatting with the chic French designer herself in-store at Maryon’s; dropping into the ARTCLUB x LUCY FOLK artist residency at The Calile; and picking up all the special offers, gifts with purchase aplenty.

RULE 2: Make sure stomachs are lined

James St venues are making mum happy by obliging with delightful dining and snacking all night long. Drop into ESSA for their deliciously creative Five Plates Up Late; ice-cold party people Gelato Messina dropping a limited edition flavour, Millie Wonka; Gerard’s Bar’s notorious LPP (Lebanese Pizza Party); grab a Calile Spritz mocktail, fancy jelly cubes and nut mix (trail mix but make it fashion) from the Lobby Bar Snack Stop; or for those being good drop into the market for a Quench smoothie, treat from The Nut Market or even some banana-power from The Standard Market Co.

RULE 3:    Not for the kids

Now that you’ve practiced responsible preparation, practice responsible drinking at our most fun bars (cover your ears children).  There really is a spot for all party personalities: from margaritas and DJ’s at LOS; Italian sips, snacks and DJ set at Bar Tano; to a special menu and late-night DJs at Sixes And Sevens; and for those practising Parched March (we made that up) grab a coffee from Cantinho or James & Antler to out-energise everyone else.

RULE 4: Shake you’re a**

Buster commanded it so we must obey. We are passing the AUX… as no party is complete without a banging playlist and our residents sure do know how to set the vibe.  This year the unashamedly danceable DJ set will be brought to the street by the most bellissimo of them all, Bar Tano. Get in the mood now with the Up Late Warm Up Spotify playlist now here by none other than chicissimo DJ Francisssima.

RULE 5: Be in it, win it

Shoppers during JSUL can pick up a lil’ somethin’ somethin’ from us, if you’re quick! James St has three giveaways planned for shoppers: JAMES ST GOODY BAGS: We know you love them, and we can confirm this year’s bag is STACKED. There are 1,000 to pick up with purchases from participating retailers. CATCH THE LOOT: Money may not grow on trees, but prizes do float on the breeze! Shop, then step into our loot booth pluck a prize out of thin air. FLOWER FOUNTAIN: Sweeten the evening with complimentary night blooms, a little thank you to Up Late shoppers from us.

RULE 6: Be a good friend

Sound the bugle, flood the group chat, double/triple message if you must, or just pick up the phone and call to assemble your party people.  As friends don’t let friends miss JSUL.

Come join our late-night playground, and in the wise words of CHIC, Le freak, is indeed c’est chic.

See the full event program here. Future you says ***thank you***