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.
Want to know what's on in Sydney in May? Well, a lot happens in this big, bustling city of ours. Think movie marathons, exhibitions, and everything from booze-fuelled shindigs to outdoor adventures in between. And, of course, there's always more around the corner, with next month no different. That means that there's plenty to look forward to, and plenty of activities to fill your diary to the brim.
To help you plot things out, make plans with the gang and make the most of every moment, we've rounded up the best things to do in Sydney in May. Don't say you don't have anything to do this month.
Recommended reads:
The Best Things to Do in Sydney This Weekend
What's On in Sydney This Week
The Best Restaurants in Sydney
The Best Bars in Sydney
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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'.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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$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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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$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.
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$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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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$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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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'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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Art of Dining at Capella
Relish a sumptuous feast, then explore this luxe hotel's sprawling art collection on a private discovery tour.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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'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.
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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.
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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.
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$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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.