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 festival, 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 vibrant parties. Check out our guide to the most exciting events and happenings around Sydney this May.
1. Make your way to Vivid Sydney 2025
Australia’s biggest cultural event returns this May to colour Sydney’s streets, waters, and skies in light. This year’s theme, ‘Dream’, will be reflected in the hundreds of events across the 23-day program from May 23 – June 14. On the agenda: Immersive exhibitions, dazzling light shows, live entertainment, foodie events, and much more. Read all about it here.
2. Witness epic art battles and get stick-and-poke tattoos at The Other Art Fair Sydney
The world’s most rule-bending art fair returns to Sydney this month, as The Other Art Fair takes up residence at White Bay Cruise Terminal between May 8-11. The fair is a celebration of unexpected, inclusive, and transgressive art, with the opportunity to check out original works from over 130 independent and emerging artists.
Experience live competitive painting in Art Battle, where artists have 20 minutes to paint a masterpiece and the audience votes on who advances to the next round. Explore the beautiful work of Australian ceramicists in the fair’s inaugural Ceramics Edit, take home artwork sight unseen with Blind Date with an Artwork, and even become part of the art yourself by getting inked by a trio of top tattooists: Nah Mate Pokes, Ink Sphinx, and Little Av Pokes, on a first-come, first-served basis. It promises to be a celebration of art, all soundtracked by live DJs; check out the full fair guide here.
3. 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 9-31. 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.
4. Enjoy the immersive Stranger Things experience
Step into the world of Stranger Things this May at Luna Park. Explore the secrets of Hawkins Lab in a thrilling adventure, then celebrate your escape from the Upside Down at an 80s-themed precinct, while enjoying tasty bites, creative cocktails, and much more. Get your tickets here.
5. 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 10, from 10am to 3pm, 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.
6. Embark on an epic VR adventure at Life Chronicles
Now open at the Fever Pavilion at Sydney Showground, Life Chronicles is a head-spinning but highly enjoyable rip through 3.5 billion years of Earth’s history and its organisms. Pop on your VR headset and take a ride through the evolutionary phases of our planet, encountering everything from single-celled organisms to dinosaurs to reptiles. It’s entertaining and educational in equal measure, so book a visit here to enjoy it!
7. Catch Les Misérables before it’s gone
To mark its 40th anniversary, Les Misérables, the world’s longest-running musical, is going on a special arena tour, including performances in Australia. Experience this iconic production live at the ICC Theatre in Sydney from April 30, 2025. Get your tickets here.
8. 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 17 and 18 at Pirrama Park from 11am to 5pm. Find more details here.
9. Enjoy jazz nights and cocktails at The Rocks
The Rocks’ popular open-air jazz sessions are back, running through to Thursday, September 29. Enjoy smooth sounds from Sydney’s fine local talent, sip on tasty drinks, and soak up the lively atmosphere. Find out more here.
10. Indulge in a curated dinner by Nigella Lawson
Nigella Lawson is one of the headlining acts at Vivid Sydney this year, bringing an unforgettable culinary experience to an unlikely location — the tunnels beneath Martin Place Metro Station. These tunnels will glow bright in celebration of Vivid as you enjoy a specially crafted three-course meal by the celebrity chef.
11. Embark on an adventure to Machu Picchu
Sydney is now the host of an extraordinary journey that will transport you to one of the most awe-inspiring destinations in the world: Peru. The Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru exhibition is open at the Australian Museum. This one-of-a-kind experience will take you deep into the heart of ancient Peru, showcasing centuries of history, breathtaking artefacts, and the stunning beauty of civilisations lost to time.
12. Check out this beachside market
The Maroubra Markets are held just minutes from the beach on the first Sunday of each month, featuring over 100 stalls packed with fresh produce, handmade jewellery, ceramics, and more. Get all the details here.
13. Laugh it out at the Sydney Comedy Festival
The Sydney Comedy Festival is on now until May 18, bringing a packed program of fresh talent, local favourites, international stars, and more. Check out the full line-up and grab your tickets here.
14. Head to Scenic World’s light festival
A fabulous light festival is currently taking over the Blue Mountains until May 11, with plenty of after-hours adventures planned for all ages. See dazzling light displays and holograms, eat delicious treats, ride the world’s steepest railway, and a lot more. Find more details here.
15. See Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None live
The world’s best-selling crime novel comes to life on stage, promising a gripping, edge-of-your-seat experience. After a successful run in Melbourne, this timeless classic is heading to Sydney. See the story unfold at Theatre Royal Sydney from May 2025. Get your tickets here.
16. Feel the beat at MJ the Musical
MJ the Musical has made its big Australian premiere at the Sydney Lyric Theatre this February. Inspired by Jackson’s legendary 1992 Dangerous World Tour, this Tony Award-winning jukebox musical takes audiences on an unforgettable journey through the King of Pop’s career. The show is playing for a limited time only, exclusively in Sydney. Get your tickets here.
17. Feel a little bit flirty at Talk & Tease
It’s dinner and a show you won’t forget at Talk & Tease, where brilliant burlesque, comedy, and cabaret acts perform every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening. The classic variety show has had a modern facelift here, and your two-course meal and drinks package will set you up nicely for a memorable night of entertainment. Tickets are available here.
18. Sing along with the Annie musical
Based on the beloved Harold Gray comic strip Little Orphan Annie, the musical Annie has captivated audiences since its debut on Broadway in 1977. Now, it’s playing at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney before heading to Melbourne’s Princess Theatre in July. Secure your tickets here.
19. 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 for tribute shows to Hans Zimmer, Queen, Coldplay, and more.
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Coldplay
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Metallica
🕯️Candlelight: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Joe Hisaishi
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Adele
🕯️Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen
🕯️Candlelight: Best of Fleetwood Mac
🕯️Candlelight: Hans Zimmer’s Best Works
🕯️Candlelight Jazz & Soul: Amy Winehouse, Aretha Franklin and More
🕯️Candlelight: Best of Magical Movie Soundtracks
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Phil Collins
🕯️Candlelight: A Tribute to Ed Sheeran
🕯️Candlelight: Featuring Mozart, Bach, and Timeless Composers
20. Check out Sydney’s newest 3km trail
Explore Sydney Harbour’s stunning coastline and uncover its layered defence history on the new Middle Head–Gubbuh Gubbuh to Georges Head walking track. The $9.5 million upgrade links headlands and ties into major routes like Chowder Bay and the Bondi to Manly Walk. Read all about it here.
21. Attend the Australia Fashion Week
Fashionistas, clear your calendar for May 12 to 16 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.
22. Fill your bags at the Finders Keepers Market
The Finders Keepers market is returning for a cosy autumn/winter edition with over 180 stalls selling clothes, jewellery, ceramics, and more from May 2-5. 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.
23. Enjoy a unique ballet performance
We Call It Ballet in Sydney is bringing a stunning blend of light, dance, and storytelling to Sydney. This enchanting take on Sleeping Beauty features ballerinas twirling in dazzling LED-lit costumes in an imaginative retelling of the classic. Get your tickets here.
24. 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.
25. 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.
26. Soak your stress away at Soak Bathhouse
At Soak Bathhouse’s new Alexandria location, you’ll find mineral-rich pools, steamy hot spas, icy plunges, a cedarwood sauna, and a relaxing steam room — everything you need to recharge and unplug in the heart of the city. Book a spot here.
27. 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 May.
28. Go on a ghost tour at Old Government House
Hearing spooky stories is somehow even more fun in the cold weather. 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 16. Head here for details.
29. 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 here.
30. 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.
31. 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 18. Learn more here.
32. Find something unique at The Sydney Fair
The Sydney Fair returns to the Royal Randwick Racecourse from May 29 – June 1 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.
33. 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.
34. 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 will be held every Sunday in May with two sessions available at 8.30am and 9.30am. Find more details here.
35. 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.
36. 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 10. 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.
37. 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.
38. Plan an autumn road trip
Autumn colours are peaking around NSW, and it’s the perfect time to plan a road trip. From gardens to small towns and national parks, these road trips promise excellent seasonal foliage, local cafes, vibrant festivals, and more. Check out some of our favourites and start planning here.
39. 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 Sydney, so we recommend putting it on top of your list this autumn. Read our guide here.
40. Explore the vibrant suburb of Chippendale
Chippendale presents plenty of fun for all tastes and interests. From quality cafes to museums, mega video game venues, nightclubs, and even the world’s best coffee shop, check out our guide to Chippendale and get exploring.