The Best Things to Do in Sydney This May

From Vivid and Sydney Writers' Festival to a huge celebration of beer and The Offspring live, here's what's on the agenda in and around Sydney in May.
Concrete Playground
Published on April 29, 2025
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  • Event

    Vivid Hollywood Hours at Chin Chin

    Sun, 25 May - Sat, 14 Jun 2025

    Chin Chin, Melbourne

    Swing by for $20 colour-changing cocktails and $14 snacks inspired by the film 'Vanilla Sky'.

  • Event

    Beetlejuice the Musical

    Sat, 17 May - Sun, 3 Aug 2025

    Regent Theatre, Melbourne

    Start chanting three times: this musical about the ghost with the most is spooking up its Australian-premiere season in Melbourne.

  • Event

    The Big Yorkie at Forrester's

    Tue, 20 May - Sun, 31 Aug 2025

    Forrester's, Surry Hills

    This is exactly what the name suggests: a giant Yorkshire pudding filled with roasted delights.

  • Event

    Seaside Sunday Roast at Watson's Bay Boutique Hotel

    Sun, 25 May, 2025

    Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, Watsons Bay

    Swap $35 for a plate loaded with traditional delights, backdropped by harbour views.

  • Event

    Sunday Roast at Bistro Moncur

    Sun, 25 May, 2025

    Bistro Moncur, Woollahra

    First cab off the rank is Dewsbury pork belly, surrounded by a Yorkshire pudding and duck fat potatoes.

  • Event

    $3 Malaysian Curry Noodles at Ho Jiak Town Hall

    Thu, 22 May, 2025

    Ho Jiak Town Hall - Junda's Playground, Sydney

    Score a serve of hatted cuisine for just $3, thanks to this admired Malaysian restaurant's one-night-only special.

  • Event

    In Conversation with Martha Stewart

    Wed, 28 May, 2025

    Sydney Theatre, ICC Sydney, Sydney

    As part of the 2025 Vivid lineup, the businesswoman and TV personality is sharing insights from across her career.

  • Event

    Butter Ramen Club

    Wed, 14 May - Tue, 30 Sep 2025

    Butter, Surry Hills

    Now in its ninth year, Butter's annual ramen club is turning up the heat in a serious way for 2025.

  • Event

    Archibald High Tea

    Sat, 10 May - Sun, 17 Aug 2025

    Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, Sydney

    Inspired by the artistry of Australia's most-prestigious portrait prize, this weekends-only high tea brings elegant savoury and sweet bites to the table with a hearty dose of creative flair.

  • Event

    Bar Planet's Third Birthday Tattoo Pop-Up

    Sat, 17 May, 2025

    Bar Planet, Newtown

    Get inked with late-night memories, as one of Sydney's most-talented tattooists drops in for a pop-up martini-inspired session.

  • Event

    Pre-Vivid Fire Fast Feast at Esteban

    Fri, 23 May - Sat, 14 Jun 2025

    Esteban, Sydney

    Power through a three-course (and flavour-packed) Mexican set menu before heading off to Sydney's annual winter festival.

  • Event

    Pre-Vivid Dining at Kingsleys

    Fri, 23 May - Sat, 14 Jun 2025

    Kingsleys Woolloomooloo, Woolloomooloo

    Fuel up before Vivid with a decadent seafood- and steak-fuelled feast by the harbour.

  • Event

    Vivid & Vibes Neon Parties at Bungalow 8

    Multiple single dates

    Bungalow 8, Sydney

    Every Saturday night during Vivid, this Harbourside venue is transforming into a glowing wonderland.

  • Event

    Vivid: Bubbles & Fairy Floss

    Fri, 23 May - Sat, 14 Jun 2025

    Untied, Barangaroo

    Barangaroo's OG rooftop bar is serving glasses of sparkling wine topped with clouds of fairy floss during Vivid.

  • Event

    Vivid Fiesta at Henley's

    Fri, 23 May - Sat, 14 Jun 2025

    Henley's Bar & Kitchen, Sydney

    Take a break from all that light-seeing with tacos and margs by the harbour.

  • Event

    Vivid Liftoff at The Rook

    Fri, 23 May - Sat, 14 Jun 2025

    The Rook, Sydney

    Warm up before Vivid with light-inspired cocktails and share plates on a hidden rooftop in the CBD.

  • Event

    15cenchi x Nakano Darling: Apple Chu-Hi Cheesecake

    Tue, 22 Apr - Sun, 1 Jun 2025

    Nakano Darling, Haymarket

    These two have joined forces on a sweet, tangy and boozy apple chu-hi Basque cheesecake, inspired by Nakano Darling's cocktail of the same name.

  • Event

    Music Trivia at Baptist Street Rec Club

    Tue, 27 May, 2025

    Baptist Street Rec. Club, Redfern

    Test your knowledge on everyone from Beethoven to Barney while feasting on $15 pad thai.

  • Event

    Wildlife Photographer of the Year

    Thu, 15 May - Sun, 19 Oct 2025

    Australian Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour

    The Australian National Maritime Museum is displaying the 60th edition of this prestigious photography contest, with 100 finalists selected from 59,228 entries.

  • Event

    Corey Costelloe x Two Good Cafe

    Thu, 1 May - Sat, 31 May 2025

    Two Good Co. Cafe at Yirranma Place, Darlinghurst

    The owner and head chef at 20 Chapel is serving up a chicken, gruyere and dijon toastie, among other delights, at Two Good.

  • Event

    Yum Cha at Spice Temple

    Sat, 17 May - Sun, 18 May 2025

    Spice Temple, Sydney

    This is brunch reimagined, with dumplings, wontons and other delights inspired by China's diverse regional flavours.

  • Event

    Cafe Nutella Pop-Up

    Sat, 17 May, 2025

    Caffe Gigi, Sydney

    This one-day-only pop-up cafe is celebrating the most iconic sunrises across Australia and New Zealand with choc-hazelnut breakfast treats.

  • Event

    Nobu Dubai x Nobu Sydney Four Hands Dinner

    Fri, 16 May, 2025

    Nobu Sydney, Barangaroo

    Dine on Japanese and Peruvian flavours from two renowned restaurants, as their head chefs come together to take guests on a culinary journey.

  • Event

    Aria Snack Bar

    Fri, 23 May - Sat, 14 Jun 2025

    Aria Restaurant Sydney, Sydney

    Snack on haute cuisine and admire the Opera House through floor-to-ceiling windows at this easygoing experience during Vivid.

  • Event

    International Nurses Day at 4 Pines

    Mon, 12 May - Sun, 18 May 2025

    Various Sydney venues, Sydney

    To mark this occasion, 4 Pines is offering nurses 49-percent off their bill at seven of its venues for a week.

  • Event

    Bang Gang DJs at Club 77

    Fri, 16 May, 2025

    Club 77, Sydney

    This legendary Sydney-born DJ crew is reuniting for the first time in over a decade as part of Club 77's month-long birthday celebrations.

  • Event

    Puppy Pilates at Decathlon

    Sat, 17 May, 2025

    Decathlon Connect - Wynyard, Sydney

    Wellness is always a little easier with a cute four-legged companion to distract you.

  • Event

    Blak Markets

    Sun, 11 May, 2025

    Dawes Point Park, The Rocks

    Take Mum to browse Indigenous handmade goods and artworks, see cultural performances and take part interactive workshops.

  • Event

    Return of the Classics at The Dolphin

    Mon, 5 May - Sun, 29 Jun 2025

    The Dolphin Hotel, Surry Hills

    For a limited time, this pub is serving up eight Italian classics, from linguine alle vongole to tagliatelle alla bolognese.

  • Event

    Chuck & Son's Brewing Co's First Birthday

    Sun, 25 May, 2025

    Chuck and Son's Brewing Co., Saint Peters

    This brewery is throwing a massive one-day party with live music — plus free beer tastings on the hour every hour.

  • Event

    Rolling Stone Local Legends at Hotel Steyne

    Sat, 31 May, 2025

    Hotel Steyne, Manly

    This one-night-only lineup heroes the rising stars of Australia's next generation of music in a buzzing beachside venue.

  • Event

    Meatstock Sydney

    Fri, 9 May - Sun, 11 May 2025

    Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park

    Meat fanatics, get immersed in smoky shenanigans at this three-day festival — juicy flavours, live music and entertainment await.

  • Event

    Omega Ensemble: 'Distant World' Tour

    Sat, 17 May, 2025

    ACO On The Pier, Dawes Point

    What does the world sound like when you stop to really listen?

  • Event

    Inner West Country Fest

    Sat, 10 May - Sun, 25 May 2025

    Inner West Ale Trail, Marrickville

    Get your honky tonk on at this three-weekend festival, which is serving up country-flavoured good times bursting with live music, hearty food and craft beers.

  • Event

    $5 Tacos at El Primo Sanchez

    Wed, 7 May - Sat, 10 May 2025

    El Primo Sanchez, Paddington

    Celebrate El Primo Sanchez's launch of its new food offering with a special deal for one week only.

  • Event

    $18 Classic Cocktails at Stitch, Kasippu and Pocket Bar

    Tue, 6 May - Wed, 31 Dec 2025

    Various Sydney venues, Sydney

    30 traditional concoctions are on the list — from the Hemingway daiquiri and the mint julep to the bees knees and the pina colada.

  • Event

    Habanero High Tea

    Sun, 11 May, 2025

    Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, Watsons Bay

    This is for those mums who want something hotter than scones and cucumber sandwiches.

  • Event

    23-Percent Off Early Dinner at Tilda

    Mon, 5 May - Sat, 31 May 2025

    Tilda, Sydney

    Head to Sofitel Sydney Wentworth's modern-Australia diner for an early dinner, and get your total bill slashed by nearly a quarter.

  • Event

    Half-Price Noodles and Rice at Delta Rue

    Mon, 19 May - Tue, 20 May 2025

    Delta Rue, Sydney

    Warm up your Monday and Tuesday nights this winter with 50-percent off all noodle and rice dishes at this elegant Vietnamese French fine-diner — with absolutely no catch.

  • Event

    Mum Cha at Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre

    Sun, 11 May, 2025

    The Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre, Marrickville

    Take your mum on a culinary adventure this Mother's Day — from pork dim sims and prawn toast to deep-fried Viennetta.

  • Event

    WINGS Independent Fashion Festival

    Thu, 8 May - Fri, 9 May 2025

    Plaza Hotel Sydney, Sydney

    Check out what's making waves in Australia's underground fashion scene, then get caught up in a program bursting with art, music, food and digital culture.

  • Event

    Buttered's Grand Opening

    Thu, 8 May - Sun, 11 May 2025

    Buttered Bakery & Cafe, Chippendale

    Score free coffee and feast on South Korea's most-viral pastry to celebrate this Chippendale bakery opening for business.

  • Event

    $2 Oysters at The Boathouse Group Venues

    Thu, 1 May - Sat, 31 May 2025

    Various Sydney venues, Sydney

    Craving a few Sydney rock oysters? Eat as many as you can handle this May, with various waterfront venues offering this ocean luxury for less.

  • Event

    Free Funlab for Mums on Mother's Day

    Sun, 11 May, 2025

    Various Sydney venues, Sydney

    Enjoy a round of mini golf, a game of ten-pin bowling or a challenge room with your mum — without breaking the bank.

  • Event

    Taco & Tequila Fiesta at SoCal

    Sat, 3 May - Sat, 31 May 2025

    SoCal, Neutral Bay

    It's an entire month of bottomless feasts and eating competitions, plus you could win tacos for a year.

  • Event

    El Camino at Letra House

    Mon, 5 May, 2025

    Letra House, Sydney

    This underground Spanish wine bar wants to take you on a culinary journey through the many regions and flavours of Spain.

  • Event

    Buddha's Birthday Festival

    Sat, 3 May - Sun, 4 May 2025

    Tumbalong Park, Sydney

    Vegetarian cuisine, live entertainment and charity fun runs are all a part of this two-day cultural event.

  • Event

    Six Till 6: Charcuterie Happy Hour at Armorica

    Fri, 16 May, 2025

    Armorica, Surry Hills

    Between 4pm and 6pm, with just $6 in your hand, you can indulge in a glass of rosé, a beer or a serving of charcuterie. 

  • Event

    Bottomless Bao at Easy Tiger

    Wed, 21 May, 2025

    Easy Tiger Bondi Beach, Bondi Beach

    How many bao can you eat in one sitting? For just $25, you'll get as many as you can handle in 90 minutes.

  • Event

    Jazz Sessions at The Rocks

    Thu, 22 May, 2025

    The Rocks Square, The Rocks

    Get down to The Rocks Square on Thursday nights to catch some of Sydney's best jazz musicians while sipping on gin-infused cocktails.

  • Event

    The Interlude at Pelicano

    Wed, 21 May, 2025

    Pelicano Potts Point, Potts Point

    Take a load off midweek with unlimited pizza slices, cocktails and old-school tunes at this weekly Potts Point event.

  • Event

    German Film Festival

    Thu, 1 May - Wed, 21 May 2025

    Select cinemas in Sydney, Various locations

    Films starring Nina Hoss, 'Anatomy of a Fall' Oscar-nominee Sandra Hüller and Lars Eidinger are all on the lineup at this year's celebration of German cinema.

  • Event

    'Stranger Things': The Experience

    Fri, 23 May - Sat, 14 Jun 2025

    Luna Park, Milsons Point

    Get ready to visit Hawkins, Indiana: this immersive 'Stranger Things' experience is hitting Sydney for Vivid 2025.

  • Event

    Vivid Sydney

    Fri, 23 May - Sat, 14 Jun 2025

    Various locations across Sydney

    This year's lineup includes lights galore, eating on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Nigella Lawson curating dinners in the Muru Giligu pedestrian tunnel, Tangerine Dream, Anohni and the Johnsons, an immersive 'Stranger Things' experience and more.

  • Event

    Pyrmont Festival

    Sat, 17 May - Sun, 18 May 2025

    Pirrama Park, Pyrmont

    This program is jam-packed, spanning from wines and spirits to cheeses and honey — and also art classes, art prizes, live music and jumping castles.

  • Event

    Half-Price Curries at Island Radio

    Mon, 26 May, 2025

    Island Radio, Redfern

    Feast on wagyu rendang with toasted coconut, yellow rock flathead curry with crispy shallot, or pork and prawn wonton laksa at a wallet-friendly price.

  • Event

    All-Day Happy Hour at Island Radio

    Sun, 25 May, 2025

    Island Radio, Redfern

    Sip on Reccy lager and glasses of house-made wine for just $7 — or $10 cocktails — all day long.

  • Event

    Margot's Bottomless Brunch at Luke's Kitchen

    Multiple single dates

    Luke's Kitchen, Waterloo

    This isn't just a bottomless brunch — it's a party, with music, trivia, themes and your chance to win the best-dressed prize.

  • Event

    Cherry Bomb at Goros

    Wed, 2 Apr - Sat, 10 May 2025

    Goros, Surry Hills

    This lively party will transport you to Japan's cherry blossom season via pink installations, lanterns, karaoke, DJs, cocktails and eats.

  • Event

    Barangaroo Artisan Market

    Sat, 10 May, 2025

    Barangaroo, Barangaroo

    Spend a day browsing creations from more than 70 stallholders — in-between catching live bands and getting immersed in roving performances.

  • Event

    Naturellement

    Sat, 17 May - Sun, 18 May 2025

    Galleria Ettalong Beach, Ettalong Beach

    Get immersed in this two-day festival, which is showcasing the best of small-scale food and wine.

  • Event

    Fresh Harvest Beer Week at Frenchies

    Mon, 5 May - Sat, 10 May 2025

    Frenchies Bistro and Brewery, Rosebery

    Six days of IPA tastings, tap takeovers, food pairings and limited-edition brews are on the program.

  • Event

    Penfolds Immersive Wine Experience

    Fri, 2 May - Sun, 11 May 2025

    Sydney Arcade, Sydney

    This event, which is making a comeback to Sydney in May, brings together tastings with visuals, lighting, sounds and storytelling. 

  • Event

    Vivid LIVE at the Sydney Opera House 2025

    Fri, 23 May - Sat, 14 Jun 2025

    Sydney Opera House, Sydney

    Expect unforgettable gigs, underground dance floors and a technicolour light show on the sails.

  • Event

    Botanica Gin and Spirits Journey

    Thu, 8 May - Sun, 11 May 2025

    The Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability, Waverton

    Tour the sensory depths of Australian boutique distillers and the native ingredients that they all share.

  • Event

    TEDxSydney

    Fri, 9 May, 2025

    City Recital Hall, Sydney

    TEDxSydney is back with ten speakers at the forefront of thinking in the areas of energy, economic, politics, science and creativity.

  • Event

    Bottomless Steak and Frites at Armorica

    Mon, 26 May, 2025

    Armorica, Surry Hills

    Pop down to Armorica any Monday night and swap $59 for as much steak and as many fries as you can handle.

  • Event

    Bottomless Lunch at 20 Chapel

    Sat, 24 May, 2025

    20 Chapel, Marrickville

    Every Saturday from midday, you can book in for endless prosecco, wine and beer while working your way through an irresistible set menu.

  • Event

    The Art of Dining at Capella

    Relish a sumptuous feast, then explore this luxe hotel's sprawling art collection on a private discovery tour.

  • Event

    Coravin World Wine Tour: Love, Tilly Devine

    Thu, 1 May - Sat, 31 May 2025

    Love Tilly Devine, Darlinghurst

    Sip from every bottle on the menu by the glass for one month only — no corkscrew required.

  • Event

    Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour

    Multiple single dates

    Select cinemas in Sydney, Various locations

    From snowboarding on Antarctic icebergs to wingsuit flying in the Swiss Alps, this celebration of adventurous cinema will get your pulse racing.

  • Event

    Free Classes at CorePlus Darlinghurst

    Sat, 5 Apr - Thu, 31 Jul 2025

    CorePlus Darlinghurst - Pilates Yoga Reformer, Darlinghurst

    Get your sweat on with a free first class at Sydney's newest Pilates studio.

  • Event

    Rhythm and Brunch at Bungalow 8

    Multiple single dates

    Bungalow 8, Sydney

    Head along on the first Sunday of the month for two hours of bottomless drinks, tasty eats and DJs spinning new and old R&B classics.

  • Event

    The Lunch Set at The Rocks

    Fri, 23 May, 2025

    First Fleet Park, The Rocks

    Come Friday lunchtime, you can hit The Rocks for free live music sessions and $15 lunch deals.

  • Event

    The Offspring: Supercharged Worldwide in '25 Tour

    Sun, 11 May, 2025

    Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Olympic Park

    Come out and play: The Offspring's latest arena tour with Simple Plan is hitting Australia, including Sydney, in 2025.

  • Event

    Sydney Comedy Festival at Bondi Pavilion

    Wed, 14 May - Sun, 18 May 2025

    Bondi Pavilion, Bondi Beach

    Get tickets to five nights of world-class comedy shows at Bondi Pavilion.

  • Event

    RAFI Records Bottomless Saturday Sessions

    Sat, 24 May, 2025

    RAFI North Sydney, North Sydney

    Get ready to groove with bottomless beats, free-flowing drinks and delicious food in North Sydney.

  • Event

    Moncur Cellars Wine Tasting Series

    Multiple single dates

    Bistro Moncur, Woollahra

    Sip the best chardonnays in the land, with the first event in this wine lovers' tasting series featuring 80 renowned bottles.

  • Event

    Boogie Brunch at Little Pearl

    Sat, 24 May, 2025

    Little Pearl, Manly

    Live soul and R&B tunes pump up this bottomless beachfront session in Manly every Saturday.

  • Event

    Leave It to Luigi Bottomless Lunch at 170 Grammi

    Fri, 23 May, 2025

    170 Grammi, Surry Hills

    You can get your fill of Roman cuisine every Friday lunchtime, including unlimited carbonara pizza and delectable maritozzi doughnuts.

  • Event

    Ben Schwartz & Friends

    Sat, 3 May, 2025

    Sydney Opera House, Sydney

    The 'Parks and Recreation' and 'The Afterparty' star is bringing his live improv show to Sydney.

  • Event

    GABS Craft Beer Fest

    Fri, 30 May - Sat, 31 May 2025

    ICC Sydney, Sydney

    Where can you get a drink from a 120-tap bar? At 2025's Great Australasian Beer Spectapular.

  • Event

    Fantastic Film Festival Australia

    Thu, 24 Apr - Fri, 16 May 2025

    Ritz Cinema, Randwick

    Finn Wolfhard's new slasher flick, nude 'Austin Powers', a Lynne Ramsay retrospective: 2025's FFFA has them all.

  • Event

    EQ Market

    Sat, 24 May, 2025

    The Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park

    Head to The Entertainment Quarter every Wednesday and Saturday to shop, eat and meet a variety of makers.

  • Event

    Marrickville Organic Food and Farmers Market

    Sun, 25 May, 2025

    Addison Road Community Centre, Marrickville

    This popular market has it all, from organic produce and yummy street eats to vintage fashions and pre-loved homewares.

  • Event

    Carriageworks Farmers Market

    Sat, 24 May, 2025

    Carriageworks, Eveleigh

    This weekly event is a Sydney institution showcasing the freshest seasonal produce from growers and producers from across NSW.

  • Event

    Sydney Writers' Festival

    Mon, 19 May - Tue, 27 May 2025

    Various Sydney venues, Sydney

    With 200-plus events and more than 140 guests, this year's Sydney Writers' Festival program is absolutely packed.

  • Event

    'Snow White' at The Grounds

    Fri, 14 Mar - Sun, 25 May 2025

    The Grounds of Alexandria, Alexandria

    Off to this fairytale wonderland you go: all things 'Snow White' have taken over The Grounds of Alexandria.

  • Event

    Bottomless Margaritas at Henley's

    Fri, 14 Mar - Mon, 30 Jun 2025

    Henley's Bar & Kitchen, Sydney

    Say adios to the ordinary and step into a lunchtime fuelled by non-stop margs at Henley's Motel Mexication pop-up.

  • Event

    Motel Mexication at Henley's

    Fri, 14 Mar - Mon, 30 Jun 2025

    Henley's Bar & Kitchen, Sydney

    This bright and bubbly fiesta brings the colours, spice and vibrancy of Mexico all the way to Sydney's harbourside.

  • Event

    $3 Oyster Hour at Felons Manly

    Mon, 10 Mar - Fri, 9 May 2025

    Felons Brewing Co, Brisbane City

    Settle in for stunning ocean views, glorious sunsets and freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters at just $3 a pop.

  • Event

    The Heritage Experience at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

    Mon, 3 Mar - Sat, 31 May 2025

    The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, Sydney

    The perfect outing for history enthusiasts.

  • Event

    Australian Heritage Festival NSW

    Fri, 18 Apr - Sun, 18 May 2025

    Various New South Wales venues

    Pay homage to the NSW community — and explore natural, historic and Indigenous heritage across 150 free and ticketed events.

  • Event

    Waterfall High Tea and Edible Garden at Eternity Cafe

    Get down for a bubbly catchup with your besties, featuring a secret indoor waterfall, a jam-packed high tea and an edible garden.

  • Event

    Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular

    Wed, 30 Apr - Sun, 11 May 2025

    ICC Sydney, Sydney

    You'll hear the people sing when this arena spectacular version of Victor Hugo's famous 1862 novel hits Sydney.

  • Event

    Darling Harbour's Culture Alive Festival

    Sat, 22 Feb - Sun, 4 May 2025

    Tumbalong Park, Sydney

    Find your inner zen, bathe yourself in coloured powder and eat your body weight in souvlaki at these three festivals at Tumbalong Park.

  • Event

    The Griffin Theatre Company 2025 Season

    Fri, 14 Feb 2025 - Sun, 15 Nov 2026

    All around Sydney, Sydney

    We’ve officially called it, 2025 is the year of going to the theatre, non-drama kids included.

  • Event

    Alchemy of a Rainforest

    Sun, 15 Sep 2024 - Sun, 30 Nov 2025

    The Calyx, Sydney

    Learn all about the little mysteries of nature's green biomes.

  • Event

    Native Australia Degustation at NEL

    Tue, 14 Jan - Sat, 14 Jun 2025

    Nel Restaurant, Sydney

    The Sydney fine diner is kicking off 2025 with a 12-course degustation exploring the culinary riches of the Land Down Under.

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