May brings some of Sydney’s most anticipated annual events, from the lights of Vivid Festival to the thought-provoking Sydney Writers Festival. Whether you’re interested in arts, food, sport or family activities, this month’s calendar is packed with options for every interest.
There are also plenty of regional events worth planning a getaway around from oyster celebrations on the South Coast to Celtic gatherings in the Central West.
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Major Events in May 2026
- Mother’s Day – Sunday 10 May 2026
- Australian Fashion Week – usually 2nd week in May
- Sydney Writers Festival – usually 3rd week in May
- Vivid Sydney – 223 May–13 June 2026
- Sydney Comedy Festival – starts in April and continues for the first 2 weeks in May
Planning Mother’s Day celebrations?
See our guide to Sydney’s best Mother’s Day dining spots.
Sydney Writers Festival
The 29th Sydney Writers’ Festival returns with an exciting lineup of international and local authors.
The week-long festival features author talks, panel discussions, workshops and special events across various Sydney venues, with both in-person and livestreamed sessions available.
The full program is available here.
When: TBC
Where: Sydney Town Hall, Sydney Opera House, Carriageworks and more
Cost: Free – $45 per session, Festival passes from $140
Accessibility: Wheelchair access, hearing loops, Auslan interpretation available
Vivid Sydney
Sydney’s largest festival transforms the city into a canvas of light, music, and ideas for 23 nights. The Vivid Festival features over 50 light installations and projections, including the iconic Opera House sails and a number of new free events and areas.
Delight in the diversity of flavours at pop-up markets and dining events, celebrating our community’s cultural richness. One new space this year is Hollywood Quarter in Surry Hills. The festival offers audio description tours and sensory-friendly viewing sessions on Tuesday nights.
More info: read our Vivid Guide for this year’s highlights or view official full program
When: May 22 – June 13, 2026
Where: Sydney Opera House, The Rocks, Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Surry Hills
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible viewing areas at major sites, Audio description tours available, Accessible toilets at all major locations, Free companion cards accepted for ticketed events.
Australian Fashion Week
AFC Australian Fashion Week returns to Carriageworks this May, bringing together Australia’s leading and emerging designers. Led by the Australian Fashion Council and presented by Shark Beauty, this five-day event showcases world-class creativity and innovation in Australian fashion.
While the runway shows are invitation-only industry events, the public can experience the excitement at The Studio at Carriageworks. Here you can watch live streams of the shows and enjoy brand partner activations throughout the week.
When: TBC
Where: Carriageworks, Eveleigh
Cost: public access to The Studio is free
Accessibility: Wheelchair access available throughout Carriageworks
Festivals, Fairs and community events
The Other Art Fair
The Other Art Fair brings together over 100 of Australia’s most exciting independent artists in one vibrant space. This unique event breaks down the traditional barriers between artists and art lovers, creating an environment where you can meet creators face-to-face and buy artwork directly from them.
The fair features emerging and established artists, immersive installations, and hands-on experiences. There’s a café on site, and the venue is close to several good local pubs and restaurants if you want to make a day of it.
When: expected May/June 2026
Where: White Bay Cruise Terminal James Craig Rd, Rozelle
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible venue, ramps throughout
Cronulla Jazz and Blues Festival
Eleven stages, over 100 artists, and everything from Jazz, Blues, Funk Soul, Alt-Country & Americana. Head to Dunningham Park, Monro Park, street buskers, or one of the ticketed performances at local venues.
When: usually last weekend in May
Where: Cronulla Street Cronulla l Cost: Most events are free
More: Check the official website for the schedule.
Sydney Comedy Festival at Riverside Theatres
The year the festival brings an exceptional lineup to Western Sydney’s Riverside Theatres,
Where: Riverside Theatres, Corner of Church and Market St, Parramatta
Cost: Tickets range from $25-65 depending on the show
More: Book tickets at Riverside Parramatta website
Markets
Barangaroo Artisan Market
The Streets of Barangaroo transforms into a vibrant marketplace with over 60 local artisans and makers showcasing their work. Perfectly timed for Mother’s Day shopping, this waterfront market combines shopping, live music, and gourmet treats.
Highlights include:
- Sustainable home fragrances from CandleXchange
- Award-winning local salami by Goose on the Loose
- Upcycled glassware art
- Interactive sand art for children
- Raw honey from Maya Sunny Honey
When: TBC
Where: The Streets of Barangaroo
Cost: Free entry More: Visit the market website
Theatre, Musicals and Drama
2026 details to come.
Music, and Dance
Kids Proms: Epic Quest
The Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra presents their popular Kids Proms concerts, featuring an ‘Epic Quest’ theme. These family-friendly performances are hosted by children’s entertainer Emily Who-McKnight and conducted by Edward McKnight, making classical music accessible and enjoyable for young audiences.
When: TBC
Where: Turramurra Uniting Church
Cost: Visit kpo.org.au for tickets
Art & Exhibitions
Titanic: The Human Story
This compelling exhibition brings the legendary Titanic’s story to life through over 200 original artifacts from passengers and crew members. The exhibition features life-size recreations of the ship’s interiors, personal belongings, and untold stories of those aboard during that fateful journey.
Visitors can explore detailed recreations, hear passenger testimonies through audio guides, and view photographs and handwritten letters that paint a deeply human picture of the historic tragedy. The exhibition, created by award-winning Musealia, arrives in Sydney following its successful Australian debut in Brisbane.
When: Opens May 2025 (Opening date TBC)
Where: Walsh Bay Pier, Sydney
Cost: Adults $49, Children $39
Tickets: Available from April 9, 2025
FoodCrafting Life: Stories from the Japanese Studio
The Japan Foundation’s latest exhibition explores contemporary Japanese craft through three distinct practices: Karatsu ceramics, traditional lacquerware, and sashiko needlework.
Each artisan and collective showcases how traditional techniques are being reimagined for modern life, from functional everyday objects to technically masterful artworks.
When: Until September 27, 2025
Where: The Japan Foundation Gallery, Central Park Mall, Level 4, 28 Broadway, Chippendale
Cost: Free admission and Drink Events
Seeing Sydney, Knowing Country
This thought-provoking exhibition at the Museum of Sydney explores the complex history of land ownership and dispossession in colonial Sydney, from Governor Phillip’s first territorial claim at Manly Cove to contemporary understanding of First Nations custodianship.
Created in collaboration with the Sydney Coastal Aboriginal Women’s Group, the exhibition examines the impact of colonial boundary-making and land ownership, starting with Governor Phillip’s first territorial claim at Manly Cove in 1788. It offers visitors a deeper understanding of Sydney’s landscapes from both colonial and First Nations perspectives.
When: April 1 – August 3, 2025
Where: Museum of Sydney
Cost: Museum entry fees apply
Film Festivals
South African Film Festival (SAFF)
The South African Film Festival returns for its 7th year, showcasing compelling stories from South Africa through both in-cinema and online screenings. The festival features award-winning films including South Africa’s Oscar submission “Old Righteous Blues” and the Oscar-nominated short “The Last Ranger.”
When: TBC
Where: Select cinemas in Sydney and online
Cost: In-cinema: $20-45 Online options from $6-90 for a full festival pass. More: Visit the festival website
Palestinian Film Festival Australia
The 13th Palestinian Film Festival returns with a powerful program of new cinema exploring resilience, love, and freedom.
The Sydney program features acclaimed international works and new voices in Palestinian cinema.
When: TBC
Where: Dendy Newtown
Program Highlights: Visit festival website
Food and Drink
Meatstock
Australia’s biggest BBQ and music festival returns with three days of smoke, sound and spectacle. Headliners Bliss n Eso and Illy lead a massive music lineup, while international pitmasters battle it out in BBQ Wars.
Features Fire Kitchen tastings, Butcher Wars, Dad Bod Contest, and the Australia’s Strongest competition.
When: TBC
Where: Sydney Showground, Olympic Park.
Cost: from $55
Pyrmont Food and Wine Festival
The Pyrmont Festival returns for its 14th year, transforming Pirrama Park into a celebration of NSW food and wine.
Beyond wine tasting and gourmet food, visitors can enjoy live music across two stages, art exhibitions, family activities, and cooking demonstrations. The festival is dog-friendly and includes a jumping castle and face painting for kids. Local artists will host workshops and exhibitions throughout the weekend.
When: TBC
Where: Pirrama Park Pyrmont l Free entry
Find all Sydney’s best dining deals here
Sports and Outdoors
The Mother’s Day Classic
Celebrate Mother’s Day and raise funds for breast cancer research. Choose to walk or run either the 4.8km or 7.5km course. The main Sydney event will start from the Domain. The Western Sydney event will start at Lizard Log, Western Sydney Parklands, Abbotsbury with slightly different course lengths on offer.
When: Sunday 10 May 2026
Where: The Domain
Yoga in the Park
Get fit and flexible every Sunday morning with FREE Yoga in The Park!
The focus on breathing, the concentration required to find balance in certain poses, the flow of the movements – it’s all an active meditation that can help clear the mind, quieten anxieties and strengthen your body.
When: 9:30am, every Sundays (All Year)
Where: Corner of Lower Fort St and George St at Dawes Point Park, right under the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Tickets: FREE. More Info here
NSW Regional Events
The first weekend in May is packed with fabulous regional festivals, so if you are considering an autumn getaway this is a great time to jump in the car and check out regional NSW.
Australian Celtic Festival
Each year at the Australia Celtic Festival they highlight a different area. The 2026 festival transforms Glen Innes into a Scottish wonderland. The main festival on Saturday includes over 75 market stalls selling Celtic crafts and food, poetry readings, fashion parades, and a Celtic dog show, all set around the Australian Standing Stones.
Beyond the main festival site, events spread throughout Glen Innes with workshops in the Celtic Cauldron marquee covering everything from music and dance to language lessons. Evening entertainment includes the Saturday Night ‘Sesh’ featuring Bush Gothic and Austral performing Celtic music with an Australian twist.val will celebrate Brittany, Cornwall & Wales.
When: 30 April – 3 May 2026
Where: Australian Standing Stones, Glen Innes, NSW
Cost: $45 daypass $82 for a weekend pass
Make Good Festival at Bundanon
The inaugural Make Good Festival brings together authors, artists, and makers for a weekend of talks, workshops, and hands-on experiences focused on sustainable and mindful living.
The festival offers accommodation packages in Bundanon’s award-winning Bridge building, including special dining experiences and guided tours.
When: 2026 TBC
Where: Bundanon, Shoalhaven
Cost: Some events free, ticketed events from $18 (includes Art Museum and Homestead entry)
Narooma Oyster Festival
The Narooma Oyster Festival celebrates the South Coast’s famous rock oysters with a week of special events starting April 26. Visitors can enjoy estuary adventures, masterclasses, and shucking lessons at various locations from Shoalhaven River to Pambula Lake during Rock Oyster Week.
When: Main Festival: May 1-3 2026
Where: Quota Park, Narooma NSW
Sail Port Stephens
Sail Port Stephens returns to the pristine waters of Port Stephens with both keel boat racing and the Bay Series for off-the-beach classes. The Bay Sailing Centre at Salamander Bay hosts sports boats, trailer sailers, dinghies and windsurfers in this popular autumn regatta.
Competitors in the Bay Series can register Friday afternoon or early Saturday morning, with racing taking place over the weekend of May 3-4. The event showcases the beautiful Port Stephens waterways and brings together sailing enthusiasts from across the region.
When: 2026 TBC
Where: Bay Sailing Centre, Salamander Bay, Port Stephens
Registration: Friday 4pm-5pm Saturday 7:30am-9am.
Ride Wollongong- Festival of Cycling
Ride Wollongong’s Festival of Cycling combines community rides with competitive racing, offering routes for all skill levels. Choose from the family-friendly 1.8km Loop the Lighthouse or challenge yourself with 10km, 20km, and 29km community rides. All participants receive a finisher medal and can enjoy the festival’s recovery station and expo area.
Where: Marine Drive, Wollongong
Cost: Various entry fees (supports SYFS charity)
Berry Celtic Festival
The Berry Celtic Festival kicks off at 9:30am with a grand street parade featuring pipe bands in kilts, clan representatives, medieval knights, and Scottish Terrier dogs. Throughout the day, the Berry Showground transforms into a castle keep with Scottish soldiers’ camps, Celtic musicians, spinners and weavers, and artisan stalls surrounding the main parade ground.
Highlights include thrilling jousting displays by armoured knights, pipe and drum bands performances, Highland dancing, and traditional craft demonstrations. The festival, organized by the Rotary Club of Berry, raises funds for disaster relief projects and community development.
When: Saturday 23 May 2026
Where: Berry Showground
Cost: Adults $15, Children under 15 free
Moree on a Plate
One of regional Australia’s premier food and wine festivals returns to Moree, celebrating the diverse produce of North West NSW. Food writer Roberta Muir headlines this year’s event, which brings together regional producers, cooking demonstrations, and wine tastings in one delicious day out.
When: 2026 TBC
Where: Moree Racecourse, Boggabilla Rd, Moree
Cost: $2
Mudgee Classic Cycling
The Mudgee Classic offers a full weekend of cycling through NSW’s picturesque wine country. Saturday features the Dirty Mudgee Gravel ride showcasing rural charm and vineyards, while Sunday’s road events cater to all abilities with routes through historic towns like Gulgong.
Cyclists can choose from multiple Sunday courses including a family-friendly vineyard ride, mid-distance routes for enthusiasts, and challenging gran fondos through rolling countryside. Those doing both Saturday’s gravel ride and Sunday’s road event can save 20% on registration.
When: TBC
Where: Mudgee, NSW
Nooroo Garden Open Days
Nooroo Garden is one of Australia’s best-known gardens and showcases the beauty and spectacle of plant and flower species from around the world, as well as Australian native plants. Come along with your family and friends and admire the wonderful maples, forsythia, liquid amber, and many other rare plants in all their autumn splendour.
When: 2026 dates Not yet available
Where: Church Lane, Mount Wilson, NSW, Australia
More info on their website.
Start planning how you will spend winter in Sydney – Check out the lists of June and July events.
Have you got questions about Sydney in May? Pop over to our Facebook group and we would be happy to help.
Main Image Credit: Spinifex Group via Destination NSW
Excited to go to that Wellness Festival, gonna tell my friends to join me. Thanks!
are there any classic music concerts in sydney in the 2nd half of May