It’s cold and rainy outside but there are plenty of fun things to do in Sydney despite the weather. Lift your spirits with Vivid Sydney, get a glow-up at Sydney Zoo’s mega light festial, Glow and enjoy the last of the autumn colours around town. The a-may-zing line-up of events continues with cool new exhibitions, harbourside markets, lively musicals and lots of parties. Check out our guide to the most exciting events and happenings around Sydney this May.
1. Make your way to Vivid Sydney 2024
Australia’s biggest cultural event returns this May to colour Sydney’s streets, waters and skies in light. This year’s theme, ‘Humanity’, will be reflected in the hundreds of events across the 23-day program from May 24 – June 15. On the agenda: Immersive exhibitions, dazzling light shows, live entertainment, foodie events and much more. Read all about it here and see the full line-up here.
2. Check out Sydney Zoo’s giant light festival
It’s lights galore in Sydney this May. While Vivid Sydney takes over the city’s institutions and streets in the CBD, Western Sydney is getting in on the action with its very own light festival from May 10 until June 1. Set to take place at Sydney Zoo, Glow will feature dazzling light sculptures, rainbow pathways, glow-in-the-dark desserts and drinks and adorable animals. Get more information about it here.
3. Enjoy food, wine and harbour views at the Pyrmont Festival
In need of some liquid therapy? Keep the Pyrmont Festival on your radar. The popular harbourside event celebrates NSW’s vibrant food and drinks culture by providing a platform to winemakers, brewers, distillers, and food vendors from across the region over 2 days. It takes place on May 18 and 19 at Pirrama Park.
4. Fill your bags at this vibrant Artisan Market
If you like spending your weekend shopping, eating and drinking, don’t miss out on the Artisan Market in Barangaroo on Saturday, May 13 from 10am to 4pm which happens to be Mother’s Day weekend in case you’re looking for some fun ideas for the day. Expect live music and entertainment, plus miscellaneous goods including natural perfumes, handmade candles, massage oils, trendy home decor items and more.
5. Get dazzled at Lightscape
After a hugely successful run in 2023, Lightscape returns to the Royal Botanic Garden this May. Featuring a 1.8km trail, visitors will be taken on a dazzling journey filled with glowing tree canopies, vibrant flowers and beautiful tunnels in this super, dare we say it, Instagrammable display. Read more about it here and get planning.
6. See hundreds of drones light up the sky over Sydney Harbour
A lot is going on at Vivid Sydney this year but an event that deserves a special mention is Vivid Sydney’s epic drone show. Featuring over 700 drones, this mesmerising show will return in 2024 across 3 nights only so don’t miss out. Find dates and further details here.
7. Grab a drink at Maho Magic Bar
Maho Magic Bar is no ordinary bar, this immersive pop-up combines magic with delicious Japanese-inspired cocktails. The neon-lit event is currently delighting Sydneysiders in Darling Harbour but it’s not around for long so don’t miss out. Get your tickets here.
8. Check out the vibrant Sonic Neon event
Sonic Neon has taken over Luna Park with lights, installations and glowy gelato. The buzzy event promises an immersive rave experience for all ages and features thousands of lights across 8 themed rooms. Get your tickets here.
9. Catch this mega Egyptian exhibition
Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs exhibition wraps up its Sydney run on May 19 but there is some time left to enjoy this giant exhibition. Take a trip to Ancient Egypt and see over 181 priceless artifacts on display including the coffin of Ramses the Great, animal mummies, royal masks and more. Get ticket information and read more about it here.
10. Head to an underground party at Wynyard Station
Have you ever wondered about the unused tunnels under Wynyard Station? The long abandoned tunnels are now opening up for Dark Spectrum: A New Journey for an immersive experience that will combine light displays, music and technology to deliver a visual feast for visitors. Read all about it here.
11. Shop from this new monthly market
A new monthly market is coming to Sydney’s eastern suburbs with over 100 stalls. The Maroubra Markets will take place just minutes from the beach and will feature everything from fresh produce to handmade jewellery, ceramics and more. It will be held on the first Sunday of the month. Find more information including location and timing here.
12. Laugh it out at the Sydney Comedy Festival
The Sydney Comedy Festival is bringing knee-slapping laughter with its stacked program from now until May 9 across Sydney. Expect local and international acts in the line-up and a lot more. Get your tickets here.
13. Check out the first-ever Savers store in Sydney
Feeling overwhelmed with the cost of living crisis? You’ll be happy to know one of the world’s largest second-hand stores is launching in Sydney with over 100,000 goods on offer, most of which are priced under $10. Get your hands on homewares, accessories, clothes and more from May 30. Read more here.
14. Explore the Art of Banksy
The popular Banksy exhibition is currently on display at Sydney Town Hall giving art lovers the unique opportunity to explore over 160 of the artists’ excellent works up close. The exhibition features pieces sourced from over 40 collectors worldwide. It closes on May 19 so get your tickets before they sell out.
15. Dance it out at The Rocky Horror Show
The Rocky Horror Show has returned to Australia for an encore tour. After a fantastic 50th-anniversary celebration just last year, the fabulous musical will be back at the Theatre Royal Sydney so get ready to do the time warp again. The show closes on May 12, so don’t miss out and book your tickets here
16. Catch some waves at Urbnsurf Sydney
Sydney’s long-awaited surf park is finally swinging open its doors on Monday, May 13 promising heaps of fun for surfers of all levels including beginners. Other highlights of the park include restaurants, yoga classes, a family-friendly pool, a rooftop bar and more. Read more about it here.
17. Experience the magic of a Candlelight Concert
Attend one of Sydney’s beautiful Candlelight concerts and get lost in a number of legendary tunes this May. Tickets are available to tribute shows to Hans Zimmer, Tracy Chapman, Coldplay and more.
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Coldplay at the SMC
🕯️Candlelight: Hans Zimmer’s Best Works at SMC
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Imagine Dragons
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Queen
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift at the SMC
🕯️Candlelight: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at The Grand Lodge, SMC
🕯️Candlelight Kids: Music for Kids and Adults
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Frank Sinatra
🕯️Candlelight: A Tribute to Tracy Chapman
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to U2
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Dua Lipa
18. Get tickets for a huge Princess Diana exhibition
The Princess Diana: Accredited Access Exhibition is now open in Sydney for a limited time only. Delve deeper into the life of Diana through intimate photographs taken by two official royal photographers. The exhibition also includes murals, art installations and a gift shop. Get your tickets.
19. Check out the Australia Fashion Week
Fashionistas, clear your calendar for May 13 to 17 when Asia Pacific’s most influential fashion event returns to town. The Australia Fashion Week will bring some of the industry’s biggest names together alongside up-and-coming Australian designers across the event. Find the full line-up and register for your spot here.
20. Fill your bags at the Finders Keepers Market
The Finders Keepers market is returning for a cosy autumn/winter edition with over 160 stalls selling clothes, jewellery, ceramics and more from May 3-5. There will also be over 30 food vendors, live local DJs, and more. Find more information about the stallholder line-up and get your tickets here.
21. Paint under neon lights
Neon Brush is a fun new event bringing a splash of colour and creativity to Sydney this May. In this 90-minute painting session, attendees can embrace their artistic side and play around with fluorescent paints under UV lights. Tickets are now on sale. Get yours here.
22. Get caught up with all the autumn colours around town
We’ve got a small window of opportunity to enjoy autumn, so get out there and make the most of it while you still can. If you can’t get enough of all the gorgeous red, gold and yellow leaves that are cropping up around the city, check out this autumn leaves guide for a lovely leaf-peeping adventure in Sydney.
23. Plan a Mother’s Day surprise
Are you planning ahead for Mother’s Day? A lot is happening around Sydney from pop-up markets to exclusive dining experiences, high teas and relaxing spa treatments. Head here and start planning a special day out.
24. Get tickets for Parade the musical
Tony-award-winning Parade the Musical is coming to Sydney’s Seymour Centre from May 9-25. The moving story depicts one of the darkest episodes of America’s history following the trial of Brooklyn-raised Jew Leo Frank, who is accused of the murder of 13-year-old Mary Phagan. Get your tickets here.
25. Attend the 24th Biennale of Sydney
Australia’s largest contemporary art event is currently on until June 10 across several locations in Sydney. The theme of the Biennale of Sydney is Ten Thousand Suns and it is completely free to explore so don’t miss out. Get the details here.
26. Be spellbound with dinner and a show at The Magician’s Cabaret
The Magician’s Cabaret is super popular for its extravagant shows and excellent dinners. There’s no other show in Sydney quite like La Belle Rose—Sydney’s longest-running cabaret show. Grab your tickets before they sell out.
27. Get crafty at The Other Art Fair
Whether you’re an experienced art collector or just curious about art, there’s something for all art lovers at The Other Art Fair. Set to take place from May 16 – 19 at the White Bay Cruise Terminal, the event will present original and affordable works from 130 independent artists, immersive installations, performances, DJs and a fully stocked bar. Get more information here.
28. See Amy Poehler live in conversation
Parks and Recreation fans are in for a treat because Amy Poehler is returning to Sydney for the first time since 2015 for an exclusive conversation as part of Vivid Sydney. Poehler will also be presenting an exclusive first look of Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2 at the event. Get your tickets here.
29. Plan a day trip to Bilpin
Bilpin presents an excellent day trip from Sydney with opportunities for fruit picking, enjoying autumn hues and picturesque walking tracks. It’s a short 90-minute drive from the CBD so we recommend putting it on top of your list this autumn. Read our guide here.
30. Head to the Chinatown Night Market
The Chinatown Night Market is one of Sydney’s most popular nighttime markets with delicious Asian street food, shopping and unique souvenirs on offer for shoppers. It will take place every Friday night from 4pm-11pm in the buzzy suburb of Haymarket this February.
31. Go on a ghost tour at Old Government House
Hearing spooky stories is somehow even more fun in the winter. This autumn and winter, one of Australia’s oldest buildings, the Old Government House in Parramatta will host ghostly candlelit tours every month which include a walk through Parramatta Park, dessert and coffee to keep you warm. The tour will take place on May 17 this month. Head here for details.
32. Experience Dining in the Dark
Ever wondered what it’s like to dine in complete darkness? If science is to be believed, it can elevate your dining experience to a whole other level of deliciousness. A sensational new experience called Dining in the Dark is putting this to the test with a blindfold and a surprise menu for guests. Make your reservation for Dining in the Dark’s Italian edition here.
33. Treat mum to an elegant high tea for Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is coming and they say the best thing you can give someone is time. So why not spend the special day with your mum munching on elegant treats and tasty teas? Check out the best high tea spots in Sydney here.
34. Discover the Australian Heritage Festival
The Australian Heritage Festival celebrates the nation’s diversity and spotlights the country’s rich heritage through exhibitions, tours, talks, workshops, food fairs, demonstrations and more. It will take place in various locations around Sydney until May 19. Learn more here.
35. Find something unique at The Sydney Fair
The Sydney Fair returns to the Royal Randwick Racecourse from May 30 – June 2 with thousands of collectibles on offer from some of Australia’s finest antique and vintage dealers with pieces dating back to the 60s. Find furniture, fine art, vintage fashion and a lot more. Get more information and ticket details here.
36. Culture up with Art After Hours at AGNSW
In case you didn’t know, the Art Gallery of New South Wales stays open late every Wednesday until 10pm. You can also get a free shuttle bus every 20 minutes from 7pm to 10pm from the art gallery to public transport at Town Hall, Wynyard and Martin Place. Check out what’s on at the AGNSW here.
37. Stretch it out with Yoga Under the Bridge
If getting fit is one of your goals this year, you’ll want to check out the free yoga classes that take place right under the Harbour Bridge every Sunday morning. Classes start on May 12 and two sessions will be held from 8:30am to 9:30 am and 9:30am to 10:30. Find more details here.
38. Pack a picnic and head to Nooroo Garden
Can’t get enough of autumn leaves? We’ve got a lovely hidden spot for you that is absolutely bursting with colour this time of the year. Mount Wilson’s Nooroo Garden is a sprawling 4.5-hectare garden space with lawns and many picturesque corners, just a 2-hour drive from Sydney. You can see lovely autumn leaves here throughout May. Read more here.
39. Explore the Blue Mountains with an astrophysicist
Walking through the Blue Mountains never gets old. On this guided tour, you’ll be accompanied by an astrophysicist who will answer all your questions and witness the beauty of the world heritage site after dark. Get all the details plus tickets here.
40. Get transported to Japan at this Cherry Blossom pop-up
Cherry Blossom season is a little while away but you can get your fill of the pretty blooms at Surry Hills’ bar Goros until Saturday, May 18. In celebration of Japan’s Sakura season, the bar is slinging an all-pink menu that includes pink sushi, pink mochi desserts and pretty floral interiors for all your social media needs.
41. Go on the Vivid Sydney Light Walk
One of the best ways to experience all that Vivid Sydney has to offer is on its 8km Light Walk. The walking trail features all the major highlights of the event and goes past Circular Quay to Barangaroo, Wynyard and more. Start planning here.
42. Enjoy this intimate magic show
A Magical Soirée, by Bruce Glen combines fantastic stories with fascinating magic tricks to leave audiences in awe and wonder inside a heritage building. Grab your tickets here.