The Best Things to Do in Sydney This May

Here's your guide to filling this month in Sydney with all the best food, drink, films, live music, pop-ups and activations this wonderful city has to offer.
Concrete Playground
Published on April 26, 2024
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  • Event

    IF

    Thursday, May 16 - Wednesday, June 5, 2024

    Various cinemas in Sydney

    Instead of aliens in 'A Quiet Place' and its sequel, John Krasinski ponders a world where imaginary friends are real in this warmly whimsical family-friendly fantasy.

  • Event

    The Original Crispery

    Friday, May 17 - Saturday, May 18, 2024

    The Original Crispery, Darlinghurst

    Everything at this two-day-only KFC pop-up in Sydney is double-Breaded and fried, including cheesecake and PB&Js — and free, as are the burgers.

  • Event

    Change the Course

    Friday, May 31, 2024

    Darling Quarter, Sydney

    Darling Quarter and Two Good Co are teaming up for a long lunch for an excellent cause.

  • Event

    Monster

    Thursday, May 9 - Wednesday, May 29, 2024

    Select cinemas in Sydney, Various locations

    Hirokazu Kore-eda's first Japanese film since 'Shoplifters' is yet another of the great director's deeply empathetic masterpieces.

  • Event

    Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

    Thursday, May 9 - Wednesday, May 29, 2024

    Various cinemas in Sydney

    More than half a century after the first film, Hollywood's paws are still on this sci-fi franchise — and this is a thoughtful and engaging new instalment.

  • Event

    Mud Crab Special at Spice Temple

    Wednesday, May 1 - Friday, May 31, 2024

    Spice Temple, Sydney

    This coveted mud crab special is making its long-awaited seasonal return to the CBD restaurant's menu — but only for a limited time.

  • Event

    Chardy Party at Reign

    Friday, May 24, 2024

    Queen Victoria Building (QVB), Sydney

    15 esteemed wine producers will be gathering at the QVB to celebrate World Chardonnay Day, along with an oyster station and grazing tables.

  • Event

    Into the Vines 2024

    Wednesday, May 15, 2024

    Freshwater Brewing Company, Brookvale

    A midweek wine festival celebrating innovative, lo-fi producers is coming to Freshwater Brewing Co.

  • Event

    Salumerie x Sammy Junior Pop-Up

    Monday, May 6 - Friday, May 31, 2024

    Sammy Junior, Sydney

    Two of Sydney's best food and drink outposts are teaming up on a sandwich-focused lunch special that'll run throughout the entire month of May.

  • Event

    La Chimera

    Thursday, April 11 - Wednesday, May 15, 2024

    Select cinemas in Sydney, Various locations

    Starring Josh O'Connor, this 80s-set film about stolen Italian artefacts from director Alice Rohrwacher is a magical-realist gem.

  • Event

    Sydney Writers Festival Livestreams 2024

    Thursday, May 23 - Saturday, May 25, 2024

    Various Central Coast Locations

    If you can't make it into the city for this literary festival, the biggest talks will be livestreamed to libraries across the Central Coast.

  • Event

    Highway of Lost Hearts

    Saturday, May 18, 2024

    Laycock Street Community Theatre, Wyoming

    A regionally produced one-woman show about lost hearts and adventures across the Australian outback.

  • Event

    Shana O'Brien — Inner Landscapes

    Saturday, May 25 - Monday, June 3, 2024

    Gosford Regional Gallery, East Gosford

    First Nations artist and dancer Shana O’Brien has created an exhibition that tells stories of the land and our connection to it.

  • Event

    Words on the Waves Writers Festival

    Wednesday, May 29 - Monday, June 3, 2024

    Various Central Coast Locations

    Get your literary fix with book signings, writing workshops, author panels and more all over the Central Coast.

  • Event

    Central Coast Chilli Festival

    Sunday, May 19, 2024

    Memorial Park, The Entrance

    Things are about to get spicy at this free-entry food festival.

  • Event

    Boy Kills World

    Thursday, May 2 - Wednesday, May 22, 2024

    Various cinemas in Sydney

    Bill Skarsgård makes a mesmerising action star in this cartoonishly OTT revenge flick that's produced by iconic 'Evil Dead' filmmaker Sam Raimi.

  • Event

    MCA Artbar: Tomorrow – 20 Minutes Into the Future

    Friday, May 17, 2024

    MCA, Sydney

    The late-night takeover of the Museum of Contemporary Art returns for autumn.

  • Event

    Meyhanes Nights at Baharat

    Saturday, May 4 - Saturday, August 3, 2024

    Baharat Bar - Food - Spices, Barangaroo

    Your next Saturday dinner is sorted with a $60 set menu packed with Turkish delights.

  • Event

    Free Katsu Sandos at Rekodo Katsu Kanteen

    Wednesday, May 15, 2024

    Barangaroo House, Barangaroo

    Stop by to snag one of 100 sweet potato, prawn or chicken katsu sandos at Barangaroo House.

  • Event

    May the 4th — 'Star Wars' Rave

    Saturday, May 4, 2024

    Oxford Art Factory, Darlinghurst

    'Tis the right date to celebrate the sci-fi franchise on the dance floor while drinking Skywalker Spritzes and Jedi Juice.

  • Event

    Biji x Lana Collab Dinner

    Wednesday, May 22, 2024

    Lana, Sydney

    Two notable chefs will collaborate for this one-night-only, four-course dinner at elegant CBD restaurant Lana.

  • Event

    Barnardos Art Show

    Thursday, May 16, 2024

    Cell Block Theatre, National Art School, Darlinghurst

    Barnardos Australia's inaugural art show is the exhibition that gives back, with all proceeds going towards bettering the lives of Aussie kids.

  • Event

    In Conversation with Amy Poehler

    Monday, May 27, 2024

    Sydney Opera House, Sydney

    Amy Poehler is coming to Australia to chat about 'Inside Out 2' and her exceptional career at Vivid Sydney.

  • Event

    Maker's Mark Gold Rush x Wheen Bee Foundation

    Monday, April 1 - Monday, June 3, 2024

    Various Sydney venues, Sydney

    Maker's Mark is cementing its status as a certified B Corp distillery by giving Sydney-siders something worth raising a glass to.

  • Event

    Free Yoga Classes at Sorry Thanks I Love You

    Wednesday, May 8 - Wednesday, August 14, 2024

    Sorry Thanks I Love You, Sydney

    Stretch away your stresses with a free evening yoga class and herbal tea at the innovative retail space.

  • Event

    Sunset Session at Saint Cloche

    Thursday, May 2, 2024

    Saint Cloche, Paddington

    The Paddington art gallery is teaming up with local eatery Omeio for a casual evening of outdoor live music, deli snacks and BYO drinks.

  • Event

    Robot Dreams

    Thursday, April 11 - Wednesday, May 8, 2024

    Select cinemas in Sydney, Various locations

    This Oscar-nominated animated gem explores love, loneliness, finding a connection and facing fate's chaos through the friendship of a dog and a robot.

  • Event

    The Fall Guy

    Wednesday, April 24 - Wednesday, May 15, 2024

    Various cinemas in Sydney

    Ryan Gosling is at his most charming — including while batting around screwball banter with Emily Blunt — in this dynamic action/rom-com ode to stunt performers.

  • Event

    Australian Fashion Week

    Monday, May 13 - Friday, May 17, 2024

    Carriageworks, Eveleigh

    The largest fashion and design show in the Southern Hemisphere returns to Sydney this May.

  • Event

    Raclette Supper at Handpicked Wines

    Wednesday, April 10 - Saturday, August 31, 2024

    Handpicked Cellar Door, Sydney

    Cosy up with some melted cheese and bold wines this winter.

  • Event

    The Shoalhaven Gourmet Getaway

    Friday, May 31 - Monday, June 3, 2024

    Shoalhaven

    Embark on an all-inclusive tour across the Shoalhaven for a long weekend filled with food, wine and culture.

  • Event

    Sleater-Kinney: 'Little Rope' Tour

    Tuesday, May 21, 2024

    Enmore Theatre, Newtown

    Carrie Brownstein and Corin Tucker are touring Down Under three decades after recording their first album in Australia.

  • Event

    The Warehouse Project

    Saturday, May 25 - Sunday, May 26, 2024

    Munro Warehouse, Sydney Olympic Park

    Manchester's rave scene is heading Down Under, with The Warehouse Project making its first Australian visit.

  • Event

    Million Paws Walk

    Sunday, May 26, 2024

    Cathy Freeman Park, Sydney Olympic Park

    Grab your pooch, pop on your sneakers and help raise money for animals in need.

  • Event

    Caper Byron Bay Food and Culture Festival

    Friday, May 17 - Sunday, May 26, 2024

    Various locations around Byron Bay, Byron Bay

    This culinary festival is back for its second run with a jam-packed ten-day program curated by chef Louis Tikaram from Brisbane restaurant Stanley.

  • Event

    Abigail

    Thursday, April 18 - Wednesday, May 8, 2024

    Various cinemas in Sydney

    The directors of 'Ready or Not' turn their attention to monster movies in this deliciously entertaining heist-meets-vampire flick.

  • Event

    Challengers

    Thursday, April 18 - Wednesday, May 15, 2024

    Various cinemas in Sydney

    For 'Call Me By Your Name' director Luca Guadagnino, Zendaya, Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist star in a smash of a tennis- and love triangle-fuelled drama.

  • Event

    Lunch with Chef Nobu Matsuhisa

    Saturday, May 4, 2024

    Nobu Sydney, Barangaroo

    Book in for an unforgettable dining experience with the pioneering chef when he visits Sydney in May.

  • Event

    Tokyo Confidential Takeover at Rekodo

    Wednesday, May 1, 2024

    Rekodo Restaurant & Vinyl Bar, Barangaroo

    The one-night-only pop-up brings classy house party vibes and elegant Japanese cocktails to one of the city's stellar listening bars.

  • Event

    GWM Sydney Surf Pro — Presented by Bonsoy

    Thursday, May 9 - Thursday, May 16, 2024

    North Narrabeen Beach, North Narrabeen

    The global surfing league is returning to North Narrabeen for the second year running.

  • Event

    Mudgee Classic

    Saturday, May 4 - Sunday, May 5, 2024

    Mudgee

    Two days of epic all-terrain cycling in picture perfect NSW wine country.

  • Event

    German Film Festival

    Wednesday, May 8 - Wednesday, May 29, 2024

    Select cinemas in Sydney, Various locations

    In 2024, Sydney's annual celebration of German films is serving up brand-new gems and a Werner Herzog retrospective.

  • Event

    Bottomless Bao at TIVA

    Wednesday, April 10, 2024

    Tiva, Sydney

    This underground lounge in Sydney's CBD is hosting a weekly night of bottomless bao and prawn crackers every Wednesday.

  • Event

    Pyrmont Festival

    Saturday, May 18 - Sunday, May 19, 2024

    Pirrama Park, Pyrmont

    The two-day food and wine event is returning to showcase the best of NSW produce.

  • Event

    Central Coast Creative Spaces — Grace Agnes Art

    Monday, April 1 - Friday, June 28, 2024

    The Village Green, Toukley

    This Central Coast native artist is setting up in a gallery space for three months of workshops and events for all kinds of creativity.

  • Event

    All-You-Can-Eat Charcoal Chicken

    Saturday, April 13 - Sunday, December 29, 2024

    Henrietta Charcoal Chicken, Surry Hills

    Featuring hot chicks, crispy chips, creamy toum, fattoush salad, Henrietta’s signature hummus, and pickles.

  • Event

    PADDO(collective) Live Music Week

    Wednesday, May 1 - Sunday, May 5, 2024

    Various Paddington venues

    For five days you'll find live music and dining deals across some of Paddington's most popular venues.

  • Event

    Beau Artist Series

    Friday, April 12 - Sunday, October 13, 2024

    Beau, Surry Hills

    Art meets cuisine at this immersive artistic experience that brings creativity to the table.

  • Event

    China Diner Bottomless Bondi Brunch

    Saturday, April 6, 2024

    Bondi Beach, Sydney

    This weekly brunch deal is perfect for a Saturday celebration.

  • Event

    Cherry Bomb at Goros

    Wednesday, April 3 - Saturday, May 18, 2024

    Goros, Surry Hills

    Get ready for a six-week Sakura Festival celebration in Surry Hills.

  • Event

    Nico Bottomless Lunches

    Saturday, April 6, 2024

    Nico, Cammeray

    Enjoy an Italian-filled feast with endless booze.

  • Event

    Once Upon a Time: Chapter Five

    Tuesday, April 16 - Saturday, August 10, 2024

    Nel Restaurant, Sydney

    NEL's 11-course Disney-themed degustation is back for 2024, this time featuring dishes inspired by 'Frozen' and 'The Jungle Book'.

  • Event

    Beers and Bangers Laneway Party

    Sunday, April 7, 2024

    Grafton Lane, Chippendale

    The Kyiv Social crew is partnering with LP's Quality Meats and Young Henrys to host monthly community-minded laneway parties that give back.

  • Event

    GABS Craft Beer Fest

    Friday, May 31 - Saturday, June 1, 2024

    ICC Sydney, Sydney

    The Great Australasian Beer Spectapular returns to Sydney with 120 brews, panels, games and a silent disco.

  • Event

    Monster Fest Weekender: Slasher Edition

    Friday, May 3 - Sunday, May 5, 2024

    Event Cinemas George Street, Sydney

    Of course this three-day festival at Event Cinemas George Street includes 'Nightmare on Elm Street' and 'Friday the 13th' flicks — and a 'Sleepaway Camp' marathon.

  • Event

    Endless Celebrations at House Made Hospitality

    Monday, March 11 - Saturday, August 31, 2024

    Various House Made Hospitality venues, Sydney

    You can make any meal bottomless at Grana, Lana, Martinez, Promenade and Easy Tiger until the end of April.

  • Event

    Vivid Sydney

    Friday, May 24 - Saturday, June 15, 2024

    Various locations across Sydney

    From Air, Budjerah and Yasiin Bey to 40-kilometre-long laser beams, Vivid Sydney's 2024 program is packed.

  • Event

    Fantastic Film Festival Australia

    Wednesday, April 17 - Friday, May 10, 2024

    Ritz Cinema, Randwick

    As well as a nude screening of 'The Naked Gun', this year's festival includes a Ryan Corr-starring monster movie and a 15th-anniversary session of 'Enter the Void'.

  • Event

    Ten Thousand Suns: 24th Biennale of Sydney

    Saturday, March 9 - Monday, June 10, 2024

    Various locations across Sydney

    More than 400-plus works are on display, created by 96 artists and collectives, at Sydney's biennial citywide art celebration.

  • Event

    Green Square Markets

    Saturday, March 30, 2024

    Green Square Library, Zetland

    Fresh produce, baked goods and artisan delights are coming to Green Square every Saturday.

  • Event

    Kubrick: A Complete Retrospective

    Thursday, April 25, 2024, Thursday, May 2, 2024 and Thursday, May 9, 2024 

    Ritz Cinema, Randwick

    This cinematic celebration of a movie master is screening all 13 of the filmmaker's features, starting with 'Fear and Desire' and ending with 'Eyes Wide Shut'.

  • Event

    Not on Your Rider: Sydney Comedy Festival

    Sunday, May 5, 2024

    Factory Theatre, Marrickville

    This music game show takes place live, featuring different musicians each time — and you can play along.

  • Event

    A Blueprint for Ruins

    Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - Sunday, May 12, 2024

    White Rabbit Gallery, Chippendale

    White Rabbit Gallery's latest stunning exhibition explores forgotten humanity in hyper-modern cities.

  • Event

    Wentworth Point Markets

    Sunday, February 18, 2024

    Marina Square, Wentworth Point

    Marina Square is now home to a twilight gourmet market on the first Friday of the month and a artisanal market on the third Sunday of the month.

  • Event

    & Juliet

    Tuesday, February 27 - Sunday, June 2, 2024

    Sydney Lyric Theatre, The Star, Sydney

    This Olivier Award-winning Shakespeare-meets-pop musical is spinning its alternative take on 'Romeo and Juliet' in Sydney.

  • Event

    Grease

    Sunday, March 24 - Sunday, May 26, 2024

    Capitol Theatre Sydney, Haymarket

    It's electrifying: the 50s-set, five-decade-old show has scored a brand-new stage production.

  • Event

    Huge Moves #8

    Saturday, May 18, 2024

    Ace Hotel Sydney, Sydney

    This massive celebration of natural wine is taking over the Ace Hotel Sydney for one vino-fuelled afternoon.

  • Event

    Lightscape Sydney

    Friday, May 24 - Saturday, June 15, 2024

    Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Sydney

    This dazzling after-dark festival is returning to the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney for Vivid 2024 with a new 1.8-kilometre trail.

  • Event

    Dark Spectrum

    Friday, May 24 - Saturday, June 15, 2024

    Wynyard Station, Sydney

    First debuting in 2023, this Vivid installation is returning in 2024 to turn Wynyard's railway tunnels into a lit-up labyrinth for a second year.

  • Event

    Narooma Oyster Festival

    Friday, May 3 - Saturday, May 4, 2024

    Quota Park, Narooma

    If you're a fan of all-things oysters, then this South Coast NSW celebration is for you.

  • Event

    Strathfield Festival

    Thursday, May 2 - Saturday, May 4, 2024

    Strathfield Square, Strathfield

    Celebrate the diverse community of Western Sydney with three nights of multicultural food and entertainment in Strathfield this May.

  • Event

    GLOW at Sydney Zoo

    Friday, May 10 - Saturday, June 1, 2024

    Sydney Zoo, Bungarribee

    Over three weeks, Sydney Zoo will be lit up with stunning immersive activations, illuminated animals, glow-in-the-dark golf and a pop-up bar.

  • Event

    Our House

    Wednesday, May 8 - Saturday, July 6, 2024

    Shell House, Sydney

    Shell House's huge two-month food and music festival is back with sets from Ben Fester and Wax'O Paradiso alongside pop-ups from Melbourne's Osteria Ilaria, Chef Toshihiko Oe and Dale Ridgers.

  • Event

    The Bubbles Festival

    Friday, May 24 - Saturday, May 25, 2024

    Royal Automobile Club of Australia, Sydney

    Say cheers to two hours of sipping sparkling at this ode to bubbly sips.

  • Event

    $2 Tacos

    Tuesday, December 18, 2018

    El Camino Cantina The Rocks and Manly, Manly

    Sydney's Tex-Mex bars are slinging cheap tacos one night a week.

  • Event

    Beer Footy Food Festival 2024 Series

    Sunday, May 19, 2024 and Saturday, July 27, 2024 

    Various Sydney venues, Sydney

    The beloved Beer Footy Food Festival is expanding this year, with two days of festivities in North Sydney before it returns to Henson Park.

  • Event

    IRONMAN Australia Port Macquarie

    Sunday, May 5, 2024

    Clarence Street, Port Macquarie NSW

    Swim, cycle and run — or watch the experts do it.

  • Event

    Sydney Writers' Festival

    Monday, May 20 - Sunday, May 26, 2024

    Various Sydney venues, Sydney

    Nearly 300 speakers are on the 2024 program, which features 223 free and ticketed events — and is streaming some sessions nationwide.

  • Event

    Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs

    Saturday, November 18, 2023 - Sunday, May 19, 2024

    Australian Museum, Darlinghurst

    Explore the life of one of Egypt's longest reigning rulers at this exhibition exclusive to the Australian Museum.

  • Event

    Tidal Kin: Stories from the Pacific

    Saturday, October 7, 2023 - Monday, October 7, 2024

    Chau Chak Wing Museum, Camperdown

    The new free exhibit showcases a largely overlooked period of history through a mix of visual markers and audio recordings.

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