
It may only be the true fanatics who’re aware of Chatswood’s longstanding history with chess (Norths Chess Club has been running since 1908!) – but you don’t need to be hallucinating chess boards on your bedroom ceiling to have a great time at Checkmate Chatswood. Coinciding with the Sydney Comedy Festival from April 22 to May 19, Checkmate Chatswood at Chatswood CBD and The Concourse is the perfect fun, free event for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
Whether you’re a novice player, a chess aficionado or you’re just keen to get out and about and try something new, there’s something for everyone at Checkmate Chatswood. Dotted around you’ll find supersized inflatable chess pieces, perfect for capturing fun family selfies. Can you find all 18 pieces dotted around the CBD? There’ll also be a giant board where you can recreate your own Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone moment and challenge your friends to a tournament.
But if you want to up the stakes, there’ll be a real life chess grandmaster taking on multiple players at once (as seen in The Queen’s Gambit). Or see how fast you can think on your feet in a game of chess against a master. Even if you’re not going to take on the champ yourself, these scintillating tournaments are just as entertaining to watch as they are to take part in!
Art lovers can also check out the Global Gambits exhibition – a display of games and playful, satirical artworks using repurposed children’s toys to spotlight issues such as global warming, colonisation and political injustices. This and so many other activities at Checkmate Chatswood are free to enjoy and do not require booking – just bear in mind that it’s advisable to book ahead for the paid activities such as the school holiday chess workshops or the tournaments.