Subscribe 
What’s On in Sydney: Your Ultimate Guide for May & Beyond
Here's what's on in Sydney this month.
This month in Sydney (May 2026), we’re easing into crisp mornings and bright, sunlit days. From long-lunch jazz in Potts Point and harbour-front boat parties to cult taco pop-ups in Manly, sunset concerts by the fish markets and immersive nights at the Opera House, this really feels like the sweet spot of the season. Now is the time to plan a ferry ride at golden hour, lock in an early CBD dinner before curtain call or pencil in a breezy coastal detour north.
Read on for tickets, dates and timings.
In This Guide
Editor’s Picks:
Your Invitation to Australian Fashion Week 2026
Australian Fashion Week isn’t just for industry insiders, because this year, tickets are open to the public! Catch Carla Zampatti on the Park Hyatt Boardwalk (Mon 11 May), Hansen & Gretel and Mariam Seddiq at the MCA (Tue 12 and Wed 13 May), and The Edit Runway on Thursday the 14th. If you want more than a front-row seat, AFC Talks is bringing designers Aje, Adrian Norris and Edwina Forest in for a rare on-the-record conversation Wednesday afternoon. It’s the kind of access that usually requires an industry lanyard so it’s super exciting to be part of this if you’re a fashion lover.
More details and tickets here.
Where: Your Invitation to Australian Fashion Week 2026 Australian Fashion Week isn’t just for industry insiders — this year, tickets are open to the public. Catch Carla Zampatti on the Park Hyatt Boardwalk (Mon 11 May), Hansen & Gretel and Mariam Seddiq at the MCA (Tue 12 and Wed 13 May), and The Edit Runway on Thursday the 14th. If you want more than a front-row seat, AFC Talks is bringing designers Aje, Adrian Norris and Edwina Forest in for a rare on-the-record conversation Wednesday afternoon — the kind of access that usually takes an industry lanyard. More details and tickets here.
When: Monday 11 May – Thursday 14 May 2026
Cost: Varies depending on designer/show
Best For: Fashion lovers, Cultural experiences, Premium experiences, Locals, Visitors
Score Free Styling Sessions At This Pop-Up Glam & Glow Salon
Shark Beauty returns as presenting partner of AFC Australian Fashion Week 2026, bringing serious backstage energy to Sydney’s style set. Alongside designer collaborations with the likes of Carla Zampatti and Alix Higgins, the brand is popping up on the MCA’s Tallawoladah Lawn with its immersive Glam & Glow Salon — offering complimentary 30-minute styling sessions with expert hair pros alongside the chance to trial new products like the Shark CryoGlow Under Eye Cooling & LED Mask. Expect runway-inspired looks, next-gen beauty tech and a headline Hair Masterclass on May 14th. Running May 11th to 15th, it’s your chance to tap into Fashion Week glamour — no invite required. Walk-ins are available, but bookings are highly recommended.
Where: MCA’s Tallawoladah Lawn, Sydney
When: May 11th to15th
Cost: Free
Best For: Free events
Your Sunday Shakshuka Plans Just Got Chicer
Every Sunday in May, Camp Cove Kiosk, the iconic little shack perched at the northern end of one of Sydney’s most beautiful harbour beaches, is serving shakshuka with Baker Bleu bread (and it’s exactly as good an idea as it sounds). The series has the backing of Guillaume Brahimi, one of Australia’s most respected chefs, lending some serious culinary credibility to what is already a pretty hard-to-beat setting. Get in before it sells out!
Where: Camp Cove Kiosk, 1 Marine Parade, Watsons Bay
When: Every Sunday in May, 12pm until sold out
Cost: $22
Best For: Food & drink lovers, Couples, Weekend plans, Outdoor enthusiasts, Locals
Need To Know: Arrive early — servings sell out. Backed by chef Guillaume Brahimi.
The Free Thursday Night Plans You’ve Been Looking For
Clear your Thursday nights until September. Jazz Sessions in The Rocks is back for its third year! Returning to The Rocks Square every Thursday from 7th May through to 24th September with a lineup of Australia’s most exciting contemporary jazz artists, curated in partnership with SIMA. It’s free, it’s open air, and it’s set against one of Sydney’s most beautiful backdrops, with cobblestone laneways, historic sandstone and harbour air included.
There’s no tickets or bookings required, just show up. Pisa Slice will be on hand with a $10 pizza and soft drink combo, and the pop-up bar is pouring espresso martinis, spicy mango margaritas and mulled wine.
Where: The Rocks Square, The Rocks, Sydney
When: very Thursday, 7 May – 24 September, 6:30pm–8:15pm
Cost: Free
Best For: Free events, Live music fans, Couples, Group catch-ups, Outdoor enthusiasts
Need To Know: No tickets or bookings required — just show up. Food and drinks available on site, including a $10 pizza and soft drink combo from Pisa Slice.
Got an Acquired Taste? This Free Dinner Is for You
If your idea of a good night out involves Vegemite steak, Jatz anchovies and whisky mousse, then this one’s for you. Monkey Shoulder has tapped chef Mitch Orr to curate a one-night-only immersive dining experience at Vitelli’s Upstairs, pairing a wildcard menu with a reimagined Old Fashioned. The whole thing is based around new research that 57% of Aussies say they’ve developed a taste for food and drinks they once didn’t enjoy. It seems we’re in a bit of a shift towards “acquired tastes and this dinner is bringing quite a few of them together. The best part? It’s completely free. Tickets are limited so don’t sleep on it.
Tickets available here.
Where: Vitelli’s Upstairs, Redfern
When: Thursday 14 May, 6pm–8pm
Cost: Free
Best For: Food & drink lovers, Wine lovers, Couples, Premium experiences, Nightlife
Win a Four-Day Escape to Victoria’s Heartland
NSW readers, this is the long weekend upgrade your calendar has been waiting for. Victoria’s Heartland is gifting one traveller a four-day slow-luxe immersion through its most storied corners — from lakefront mornings at Lake House Daylesford to mineral-rich soaks at Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa, creative detours through Castlemaine and cool-climate tastings near Hanging Rock. Magnesium baths, vineyard afternoons and a case of regional wine to bring home included. Entries close 16th April. Consider this your sign.
Festivals & Major Events
Sydney Zoo’s Magical Winter Night Event Is Back
One of Sydney’s most beloved winter events is back and bigger than ever. GLOW at Sydney Zoo is debuting a brand new reimagined after-dark trail, transforming the zoo into a completely different world once the sun goes down. Now in its fifth year, the 2026 edition brings expanded light installations, immersive soundscapes and rare glimpses of the zoo after hours. Beyond the trail there’s food and drink offerings throughout, plus a carnival-style entertainment precinct at the entry that’s free and open to everyone!
Tickets available here.
Where: Sydney Zoo, Bungarribee
When: 8 May – 14 June 2026
Cost: From $35 (adults, midweek); from $19.99 (kids)
Best For: Families, Kids, Couples, Outdoor enthusiasts, Weekend plans
Need To Know: Book early — this event sells out. A carnival-style entertainment precinct at the entry is free and open to all.
Eat & Drink
The Gin and Jazz Event We’re Adding to the Diary
Potts Point favourite The Apollo is giving the people what they want with the return of its beloved Gin & Jazz series. Taking over the dining room on the last Sunday of every month from March to September, this long lunch pairs live sets with flowing cocktails from Four Pillars Gin and the restaurant’s signature Greek feast. Settle in for the set menu or dive into the à la carte and banquet options, depending on your appetite. As history has shown, this will be a buzzy affair that will see you ending the weekend on a high note!
Bookings made here.
Where: 44 Macleay St, Potts Point NSW 2011
When: Last Sunday of every month, March to September 2026
Cost: $95pp for the Gin & Jazz menu with welcome cocktail
Best For: Date night, Foodies, Group dining, Long lunch
Need To Know: Live jazz by Arthur Washington & Band and Soundcliff Jazz Trio, with Four Pillars Gin cocktails alongside The Apollo’s Greek feast, with à la carte and banquet options also available.
This is Your Sign to Plan Ahead for Newcastle Food Month
Sydney, consider this your excuse for a coastal detour. Across April, Newcastle transforms into a month-long celebration of eating well, drinking beautifully and backing local talent. Think $30 Plate Dates — signature dish and drink pairings across dozens of venues — alongside chef-led long lunches, seafood feasts, winemaker collaborations and one-off dinners that sell out fast.
It’s generous, flavour-forward and refreshingly unpretentious, stretching from beachside tables to inner-city wine bars. Time it with a long weekend, book the train north and make a night of it — Newcastle’s dining scene has never looked better.
April 2026
Art, Culture & Performance
This Paddington Pub Is Making Mondays Magical
After a year of sell-out events and growing waitlists, Paddo Inn is turning its cult-favourite experiences into a monthly Monday night ritual. Launching next month, Paddo Nights Inn blends wine, Italian bites and expert-led sessions in an intimate format designed for a relaxed midweek night out. Upcoming sessions are centred around tarot and astrology.
This sounds like a goodie! Bookings made here.
Where: Paddo Inn, 338 Oxford St, Paddington NSW 2021
When: Monday May 11th
Cost: $60pp
Best for: Unique experiences, Girls’ night, Date night, Intimate events
Need to know: This is a new monthly series and includes wine, Italian bites and an expert-led experience; bookings are essential.
Markets & Shopping:
Kirribilli’s Chicest Treasure Hunt Is Back
Mark your calendar because Kirribilli Markets are back this March with two much-loved editions.Explore artisan-made finds in the Burton Street Tunnel and a curated mix of fashion, accessories and creative treasures across the Green and Gravel areas, with everything from vintage gems and pre-loved pieces to antiques, collectables and homewares. Be warned… this is the kind of treasure hunt that rewards an early start and an empty bag!
Where: Kirribilli Markets, Burton Street Tunnel, Green & Gravel areas, Kirribilli
When: Saturday May 3rd (Art, Design & Fashion Market)
Cost: Free entry
Best For: Markets, Fashion finds, Vintage lovers, Weekend plans
Need To Know: The Art, Design & Fashion Market focuses on artisan-made pieces and creative labels, while the General & Fashion Market features vintage, pre-loved style, antiques and homewares. Arrive early for the best finds.
Outdoor & Active
Self-Care Sessions in Balmain & Rozelle: Sydney’s Inner West Wellness Circuit to Treat Yourself to this Month
Balmain and Rozelle have self-assuredly become two of Sydney’s most compelling wellness villages: places where movement, recovery and whole-body care sit at the centre of everyday life. The mix is both diverse and beautifully complementary: high-energy studios, therapeutic spaces, grounding rituals and next-level recovery tools, all within a few leafy streets.
Start with Soul Agenda Yoga & Pilates, where community and connection shape every class. The schedule moves from breath-led meditation to Pilates, vinyasa and strength work, with teachers who hold space with warmth and depth. For deep rest, City Cave Balmain is a must-do for float therapy, an infrared sauna, and therapeutic massage in a serene environment designed for nervous system support and everyday recovery.
The Studio Rozelle brings a different energy, one formed by reformer, mat, physio, strength, prenatal movement, and Over 50s classes — all under one light-filled roof. It’s functional, thoughtful and grounded in real clinical expertise. Just up the road, CalmBar Rozelle delivers Sydney’s most intentional contrast-therapy experience. Ice baths, sauna, breathwork and coaching are woven into sessions that feel purposeful and transformative.
For those craving a full sensory reset, Nature’s Energy Balmain sets the benchmark. This award-winning bathhouse blends magnesium pools, sauna, steam, red-light therapy, spa rituals and healing therapies in a stunningly renovated space. Rounding out the circuit is Beattie Street Health Studio, a calm sanctuary led by Dr Melinda Webb, where acupuncture, naturopathy, bodywork and neuroscience-backed practices encourage long-term change from the inside out.
Balmain and Rozelle are now among the most exciting wellness destinations in Sydney, an Inner West haven where wellbeing can be explored through movement, heat, rest, community, and care. Make moves to get amongst it this month in Sydney.
Take a Spin on One of Sydney’s Electric Picnic Boats
Soak up some spring sun on your very own environmentally friendly picnic boat — no boat licence needed! Set sail from The Spit in Mosman with up to seven friends (pups included), load up a picnic and take in the sparkling Sydney harbour views. Sounds like the perfect spring day out if you ask us!
Where: D’Albora Marina, Mosman (departing from The Spit)
When: Available seasonally
Cost: From $149
Best For: Harbour days, Group outings, Dog-friendly plans, Outdoor activities
Need To Know: No boat licence required. Each electric picnic boat accommodates up to seven people, with dogs welcome on board.
Free Things To Do:
A Giant Plush Flower Market Is Set to Bloom in Sydney
Come May, prepare to step into a surreal sea of colour as artist Cj Hendry transforms The Domain into a whimsical greenhouse filled with 100,000 hand-crafted plush blooms. Like something out of a picture book, the installation is designed to feel otherworldly and larger-than-life. Better yet, it’s also free to visit and will see you taking home your very own flower, too. It’s part art, part daydream, and a seriously photogenic escape from reality.
Where: The Domain Sydney
When: 15 – 17 May 2026, 10am – 6pm
Cost: Free
Best For: Art lovers; Exhibitions; Free events; Outdoor enthusiasts; Families
Need To Know: Visitors can take home a plush flower
Gilded Gaze
Sydney Harbour has a new star attraction. Ancient Feelings by British artist Thomas J Price is a towering, three metre high bronze sculpture of a woman’s head. Gazing out across the water, the figure stands proudly on Tallawoladah Lawn. This is the first in a year-long public art series designed to spark conversation and reflection. Be sure to pay it a visit for a moment of culture between coffee runs and harbour strolls.
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Tallawoladah Lawn, Circular Quay
When: Until April 2026
Cost: Free
Best For: Public art, Harbour walks, Cultural experiences, Outdoor activities
Need To Know: Ancient Feelings by British artist Thomas J Price is a three-metre-high bronze sculpture and the first installation in a year-long public art series on Sydney Harbour.
Set Mo Are Playing A Free Morning Rave in Bondi
Anytime Fitness is turning 18 and instead of a late-night club crawl, they’re throwing a 7am rave at North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club (and honestly, we respect the vision). On Saturday 9th May, Sydneysiders are invited to Hit the Club – a free high-energy morning rave headlined by DJ duo Set Mo, who’ll be spinning tracks from 2008 to 2026. There’s also a dedicated Recovery Zone stocked with wellness shots, protein balls and goodie bags to keep the good vibes going.
Tickets here
Where: North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club, Bondi
When: Saturday 9 May, 7am–9am
Cost: Free (ticket registration required)
Best For: Free events, Group catch-ups, Live music fans, Locals, Outdoor enthusiasts
Need To Know: Activewear is the dress code. Spots are limited — register via Humanitix ahead of time to secure your place.
Coming Soon:
Bastille Festival Is Back At The Rocks
Bonjour, Sydney! Your favourite winter tradition is coming back. Bastille Festival returns to Circular Quay and The Rocks from July 17-20th, bringing four days of French food, wine, music and culture to the harbour’s edge. Think molten raclette, champagne, regional French wines, live cabaret, street performers and over 110 free performances, all spilling across the cobblestones of one of Sydney’s most iconic precincts. The French do winter better than anyone, and this is your proof.
What’s On This Month: FAQs
Sydney’s April calendar is stacked, from the Maybe Cocktail Festival bringing 25 of the world’s best bars to the city, to free lunch pop-ups at Sydney Place. There’s also a luxe Easter seafood buffet at Hyatt Regency and a family-friendly Dinosaur Safari at Sydney Zoo. For something different, you can even enter to win a four-day escape to Victoria’s Heartland.
Food lovers are well covered with the return of Gin & Jazz at The Apollo, pairing live music with Greek feasts and cocktails. Newcastle Food Month is also worth planning a trip for, with $30 Plate Dates and chef-led events across April. Closer to home, The Jackson’s summer series offers a high-end harbour dining and drinks experience.
Don’t miss Ancient Feelings, a striking bronze sculpture by Thomas J Price now on display at Barangaroo. Paddo Inn’s new monthly experiences blend wine, Italian bites and astrology or tarot sessions for something more interactive. Moonlight Cinema also continues to deliver open-air film experiences with a crowd-curated program.
The Maybe Cocktail Festival is a standout, with guest shifts, collaborations and parties across the city. Pamela Anderson’s live in-conversation event also offers a rare on-stage appearance from the global icon. Meanwhile, Gin & Jazz at The Apollo delivers live music in a relaxed long lunch format.
Sydney Zoo’s Dinosaur Safari is a must for families, with interactive installations and activities included in entry. Moonlight Cinema also caters to families with early screenings and a relaxed outdoor setting. For something hands-on, Kirribilli Markets offer a lively weekend outing with plenty to explore.
Head to Sydney Place for free lunch pop-ups featuring top local eateries throughout April. Public art lovers can visit Ancient Feelings at Barangaroo, a large-scale sculpture set against the harbour. Looking ahead, a giant plush flower installation by Cj Hendry will transform The Domain into a colourful, immersive (and free) experience.
Mane Land is set to take over Hordern Pavilion, bringing together top stylists, cult hair brands and immersive beauty experiences. Expect live demos, product launches and hands-on sessions in a high-energy setting. It’s shaping up to be a standout for beauty lovers and anyone keen to refresh their look.
Looking for more fun things to do in Sydney? We have plenty to keep you entertained. From Sydney’s best new degustation menus and best bottomless brunches to the best Mexican restaurants in town and where to go for a dreamy Sydney staycation, here’s all you need for a weekend in the city.
Our Sitchu editors work hard to deliver you the best products, events and venues that we hope you will love, each one is selected independently. Sitchu may receive an affiliate commission when you follow some links.
