Things to do in Sydney in May 2023
May sees Sydney fast marching toward winter, which begins next month. The days are shorter, temperatures drop, and it’s unlikely you will swim outdoors this month.
Visiting in May can be great value for money, with accommodation prices low for all but the last week of the month when they begin to rise with events like Vivid starting.
This is a lovely time of year for walking, so check out some of our most popular walks, including The Rock’s self-guided walk and Cremorne Point on the lower north shore of Sydney Harbour.
Average Temperatures: 19.8 – 11.8 °C 54-67 °F
While each year varies the last May saw only one day of rain. This year we are expecting a little more.
New events and updated content are added to these pages as it becomes available. Please contact us if you have an event you would like to share.
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Major Annual Events in May
- Vivid Sydney
- Sydney Writers Festival – May 22, 2023 – Sun, May 28, 2023
- Mother’s Day – Sunday 14 May
- Australian Fashion Week
Check out our guide to the best places to head for Mother’s Day dining
Afterpay Australian Fashion Week (AAFW)
Celebrate Afterpay Australian Fashion Week with a week of non-stop style featuring some of Australia’s top fashion labels. Featuring 45 designer runway shows and presentations from new and notable names live at Carriageworks in Sydney showcasing 11 First Nations fashion designers and curated conversations and special events.
Where: Carriageworks
When: 15-19 May 2023
Festivals, Markets and Community Events
Mind, Body, Spirit Festival
Australia’s largest health, well-being, and natural therapies event offers several free workshops, paid experiences, and over 200 exhibitors for you to chat with. There will be tastings and readings, seminars and sound healings, and chair yoga!
See, try, and buy products and gifts including jewellery, cosmetics, music, books, giftware, clothing, crystals, educational courses, body treatments, and more!
Where: ICC Sydney, Darling Harbour
When: 18-21 May 2023, 10am-7pm
Sydney Vegan Market
Get ready to feast on some of the BEST FOOD Sydney has to offer. It’s free entry and we’ve got LOADS of food and cruelty-free goodies! There’ll be live vegan artists at the main stage, free yoga, and face painting at the Art Space for $5!
Where: Cathy Freeman Park, Sydney Olympic Park
When: 21 May 2023 at 9am – 4pm
Drag Expo Sydney
A celebration of Drag, Pop Culture & Beauty. The first-ever Sydney Drag Expo will take place over two days at the International Conference Centre (ICC) on the 19th-21st of May 2023, bring the whole family! Visitors to Drag Expo can meet the very best in Local & International Drag and Pop Culture superstars, see Australia’s legends and learn their inspiring stories, whilst enjoying a plethora of informative panels, tutorials, chill-out spaces, fabulous shopping, runways with Q&A sessions, meet and greets, official merchandise, a drag market and so much more.
Where: ICC Sydney 14 Darling Drive Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia
When: 20 – 21 May 2023 (Saturday 20 May at 10 am / Sunday 21 May at 4 pm)
Tickets: Visit their website for more info.
Twilight Penrith Festival
The festival brings together many local businesses, organisations, and groups along with a fantastic variety of food trucks and market stalls. This is a prime opportunity to showcase and grow awareness for all CBD businesses.
Where: High Street, Penrith
When: 19 May 2023 at 5 – 9 PM
Full guide here
Boho Luxe Market – Sydney
Don’t miss this special opportunity to shop and explore a curated selection of over 125 artists, makers, and designers in Boho Luxe’s iconic bohemian setting.
Where: High Street, Penrith
When: 5- 7 May 2023
Tickets: Entry to the market is $5 (plus a booking fee) or $10 at the door. FREE entry for kids 12 & under. More details here
WOODSTOCK ARTISANS MARKET
The perfect opportunity to find a unique gift from the heart for Mum as the pre-Mother’s Day Woodstock Artisans Market is always a very special event. filled with quality goods crafted by local makers and designers, there’s no reason you cannot find amazing handmade homewares, jewellery, body care products, gourmet food and wine, ceramics, fashion, art, curios, and much more.

Where: Woodstock Community Centre, 22 Church St, Burwood
When: Sunday, May 7, 2023 at 10.00am – 3.00pm
Tickets: Free Entry. More details here
Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour Spa
From cosy, inner-city neighbourhood restaurants and landmark pubs filled with live music, to glam disco brunches and unique stargazing experiences in the magical Royal Botanic Garden, you’re spoilt for choice.
Where: Appellation Rock Oysters at Fauna Restaurant & Bar, Surry Hills
When: May 2023
More details here
Musicals and Theatre
Tina – The Tina Turner Musical
One of the world’s best-selling artists of all time, Tina Turner is a woman who dared to defy the bounds of her age, gender, and race to become the global Queen of Rock’n’Roll. And finally, the musical was inspired by her life story

Ruva Ngwenya will play Tina Turner in the Australian production of Tina the Musical. She has been performing since 2013, appearing in musicals such as The Lion King, We Will Rock You, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Ragtime and Moulin Rouge The Musical.
Triple threat performer Tim Omaji will play the role of Ike Turner in the upcoming production. Omaji’s theatre credits include Moulin Rouge! The Musical, In The Heights, and Fame The Musical.
Where: Theatre Royal Sydney 25 Martin Place
When: 04 May – 01 October 2023
Check their website for more details.
Mamma Mia! The Musical
Can’t you hear me, S.O.S.? Calling all dancing queens, the jukebox musical to end all jukebox musicals is voulez vous-ing its way back to Sydney for a strictly limited season. You’d have to have been living under a rock since the mid-2010s not to have a passing awareness of Mamma Mia!
Where: Sydney Lyric Theatre, The Star Pirrama Rd Pyrmont
When: 24 May – 18 June 2023
Tickets: $95. Full details here
Do Not Go Gentle
Witness this moving exploration of human frailty at the ends of the Earth as performed by an all-star cast. John Bell, Peter Carroll, Vanessa Downing, John Gaden, and Brigid Zengeni will join forces with STC Associate Director Paige Rattray to tell this lyrical and moving story of resilience in the face of insurmountable adversity.
When: 23 May – 17 June 2023
Tickets: Tickets to all Sydney Theatre Company productions and special events can be purchased on the website
Three Marys
Terror. Survival. Hope. Experience this hauntingly beautiful chamber opera, which tells the powerful story of three women’s journey at sea in exile from their homeland.

Where: Sydney Opera House
When: 11 May -Sat 13 May 2023
Tickets: Standard tickets are $65
Comedy, Music, and Dance
PONY
A mortifyingly hilarious confessional of the undeniably pregnant Hazel, Pony offers a belly-laughing, heart-bursting meditation on womanhood not to be missed.

Where: SBW Stables Theatre
When: 2th May – 17th June 2023
Tickets: $20 -$62 More details on the official site
Shen Yun 2023 – Sydney
More than just a performance, Shen Yun is a taste of a world and a culture that can inspire us to be better. Discover a magical land where emperors, generals, and philosophers seek harmony with the Way of the Universe, where celestial maidens dance with ethereal grace and warriors battle with explosive athleticism. leaving behind a culture that inspired generations. Ancient Chinese wisdom, infused with Buddhist and Taoist spirituality and values, gave birth to everything from medical innovations to opera, dance, architecture, and even martial arts.
Where: Sydney Lyric Theatre, Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont, NSW 2009
When: 07 May 2023
Hot Brown Honey – The Remix
Featuring a stellar party of phenomenal global First Nations women, the splendid mash-up of hip-hop, dance, cabaret, circus, poetry, and comedy will spin tradition on its head, challenge boundaries and embrace resilience.

Steeped in the Word of The Mother and packing a punch of Hip Hop politics, Hot Brown Honey is an extraordinary production that spins tradition on its head, going above and beyond to challenge boundaries and embrace resilience. Everything you love about the smash hit show, with extra sweet treats of radical fierce love and joyous rage – Centrestage.
Where: Sydney Opera House
When: Thu 04 May 2023-Sat 13 May 2023
Tickets: From $55
Ballet Revolucion
Don’t miss the breathtaking spectacle that is Ballet Revolucion when it takes over the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth. Experience an evening of pure talent – ballet fused with contemporary dance, hip-hop, and Cuban passion, all to number-one hits from your favourite artists such as Dua Lipa, Justin Bieber, Adele, Daft Punk, Justin Timberlake, and more!

Girl Band
It’s 1994 and powerhouse record label managers, Craig and Darren, have created the girl band to end all girl bands. They have been molded, twisted, and worked to become the girls everyone wants. The Sensation Girls. Problem is, The Sensation Girls don’t know who they are anymore. When unofficial leader DeeDee unexpectedly quits, things begin to unravel. The girls are getting older and bolder, and they know what they want, what they really, really want.
Where: Lennox Theatre, Riverside Theatres – Corner of Church and Market Streets, Parramatta
When: 18-27 May 2023
Tickets: From $59. Check details here for further information on the performances and tickets to all shows.
Empty Voices
Empty Voice is a gift of purity, love, and liberty. Let this music spread through your heart, leaving you empty of self-interest but filled with love.

The multi-generational ensemble led by Sadeghi and comprised of internationally renowned Australian Jazz figures Sandy Evans, Paul Cutlan, and Lloyd Swanton and rising stars Michael Avgenicos, Thomas Avgenicos, and Adem Yilmaz, delivers a mystique work.
Where: Sydney Opera House
When: 14th May 2023
Tickets: From $45
Lightscape
Lightscape is an internationally acclaimed multi-sensory experience of light, color, and sound set to wow visitors. Begin your journey under glowing tree canopies filled with color, stroll beneath larger-than-life flowers and alongside neon roots bursting from the undergrowth, where shards of light fizz through trees like fireworks. Soak in the breathtaking light works created by the best local and international artists.

Where: Queen Elizabeth II Gate via the Sydney Opera House Forecourt only
When: 26 May – 18 June 2023 & 21 June – 16 July 2023
Tickets: $30 for adults and $18 for children. Visit the website for more info.
Sunset Bash
The Wolfe Brothers headline Australia’s newest country music festival event, Sunset Bash, along with show-stopping fan-favourites Brooke McClymont and Adam Eckersley, country pop princess, and 5 times Golden-Guitar-winning Amber Lawrence, and Duncan Toombs and Lyn Bowtell
Where: The Backyard at Penrith Panthers 123 Mulgoa Road, Penrith
When: 27 May 2023
London Symphony Orchestra Programme 1 – Adams, Debussy & Ravel
This program brings together three signature favorites that show this to perfection. John Adams’ Harmonielehre calls for more than a hundred musicians – the kind of piece that’s normally too big for orchestras to tour.
Where: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
When: 1 May 2023 at 19.00
Tickets: $129
Identity
Two of Australia’s leading choreographers join forces to explore the theme of Identity as they both explore what identity means to them, whether it be the identity of Australia, the identity of the community, or the identity of art. In honor of our 60th anniversary, we look at the sense of identity in today’s artists.”
Where: Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House
When: Wednesday 03 May 2023 at 19:30
Tickets: from $48
Quatuor Van Kuijk
This acclaimed Parisian string quartet makes a highly anticipated Sydney debut with Mozart, Mendelssohn, and Debussy – music showcasing their youthful energy and joyous music-making. Style, energy…and, above all, a sense of risk… These four young Frenchman made the music smile.
Where: Utzon Room, Sydney Opera House
When: Sunday 7 May 2023 at 15:00
Tickets: $105
Stephen Hough performs Rachmaninov 2
Stephen Hough, one of the world’s most acclaimed pianists, performs the work that rocketed Rachmaninov to stardom. Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No.2 is an arresting testament to youthful exuberance. In three powerful movements, the composer creates a dramatic journey from darkness to light.
Where: Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House
When: 11 – 13 May 2023, Thursday 11 May at 7 pm / Saturday 13 May at 2 pm
Tickets: from $28
OPERA IN THE PUB AT THE HAROLD
Bringing you the world’s favourite opera highlights in the relaxed environs of a great local pub. This historic pub was actually our first ever Opera in the Pub venue, way back in 2010! It’s now under new management, freshly refurbished, and better than ever.

Where: The Harold, 70A Ross Street Forest Lodge NSW 2037
When: Wednesday 31 May – Sunday 4 June 2023
Tickets: $45 + booking fee. Check their website for more details.
Driftwood the Musical
The uplifting and inspiring story of escape and survival as Driftwood the Musical tells the story of renowned Austrian/Australian sculptor Karl Duldig and his artist-inventor wife, Slawa Horowitz-Duldig.
Where: Eternity Playhouse, 39 Burton Street, Darlinghurst
When: Tuesday 2nd May 2023 at 7.30 pm
Tickets: $49 – $89. Check their website for more details.
Studio Party: Future Classic (18+)
Returning to shake Vivid LIVE with one of their iconic Studio parties, beloved Sydney electronic label Future Classic prepare to take over the Sydney Opera House with back-to-back sets from the city’s best DJs, live performances, and much more.
Where: Concert Hall and Joan Sutherland Theatre
When: 27 May 2023 at 21:00
Tickets: $59. Check their website for more details.
A Clockwork Orange and Beyond
A Clockwork Orange is as much Carlos’s film as Stanley Kubrick’s. Its blend of original composition with synthesised treatments of classical music was audacious and wildly influential.
Where: Concert Hall
When: 14 May 2023
Tickets: from $49. Full details here
Tommy Emmanuel
Australia’s internationally acclaimed acoustic guitar icon Tommy Emmanuel CGP will once again bring the power and dynamism of a full band to his solo acoustic playing, with incredible charisma, stunning speed and dexterity and unerring command of melody.
Where: Concert Hall
When: 21 May 2023
Tickets: from $79.90. Check their website for more information
Talks
Relativity
The private life of Albert Einstein is brought on stage, famous for his quotable quotes and his flagrant disregard for combs as he is for his outstanding contribution to physics.
Where: Lennox Theatre, Riverside Theatres – Corner of Church and Market St, Parramatta
When: 10-13 May 2023
Tickets: Members tickets $43-$47 | Non-Members Tickets $45-$49 | Groups 6+ $ 44 each. More details are here.
CLYDE’S
Led by Montrellous, the team aims to juggle customer orders and achieve their aspirations without getting into trouble. Clyde’s truck stop diner, located on a remote highway, is run by a group of formerly incarcerated kitchen staff who dream of creating the perfect recipe while dealing with their dark pasts and their boss’ mind games.

Where: Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall Street, Kirribilli
When: 5th May 2023 – 10th June 2023
Tickets: $38-80. Full guide here.
SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER
Deep amongst the monstrous flytraps and ferns in Sebastian’s garden, tendrils of a sordid family secret are beginning to unfurl. Vibrant, funny, and beautiful, Tennessee Williams takes us into the poetic world of redemption and love, shadowed by the dark secrets a family can hold.
Where: ENSEMBLE THEATRE, 78 McDougall St Kirribilli NSW
When: 15 May 2023 – 10 June 2023
Full details on their website.
Barka: The Forgotten River
Barka (the Darling River) is more than a body of water; Barka is a mother, an Ancestor, a life source, and in peril, along with everyone that lives along it. Find out more about the stories, culture and people who have Barka running in their veins in this exhibition developed by Uncle Badger Bates and Justine Muller with the Barkandji community.
Where: Hintze Hall, Upper Ground
When: Now on until 23 July 2023/ Daily, 10am – 5pm
Tickets: Free. Full details on their website.
The Talbot Oration: Coral Reefs in Hot Water
In this free talk, Dr Anne Hoggett AM explores the plight of our coral reefs and how we can help protect their future.
Where: Hintze Hall, Upper Ground
When: Wednesday 31 May 2023 at 6.30pm – 8pm
Tickets: Free, registration required. Full guide here
Food and Drink Events
Marco Pierre White – Out of the Kitchen
Over 2 hours, Marco will take you on a journey – from his humble beginnings, arriving in London as a 16-year-old from the north with ‘£7.36, a box of books and a bag of clothes’ to beginning his classical training as a commis with Albert and Michael Roux at Le Gavroche. This special evening is dedicated to the magic of food, the allure of restaurants, determination, grit, and the endless pursuit of personal fulfillment.
Where: State Theatre
When: Thursday, 25 May 2023 at 7.30 pm
Buy tickets here
Meatstock – The Music and Barbecue Festival
At the heart of Meatstock is a huge unmatched line-up of BBQ pit-masters and authentic ‘low and slow’ barbecue, cooking on some of Australia’s biggest and craziest smokers and barbecues. Vendors include Phat Boyz Smoking, Smokin’ Hot ’N Saucy, 2 Smokin’ Arabs, Black Iron Smokers, Black Bear Barbecue, and many more.
This year Meatstock will also feature the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) for some extreme edge-of-your-seat entertainment. Buckle up for the toughest 8 seconds in sports and find out what it means to be a cowboy. From cowbells to dumbbells, get primal in the Strongman arena, with some of the biggest weapons in Australia battling it out to be Australia’s Strongest Man and Woman with events including Frame Carry, Viking Press, Truck Pull, Hercules Hold, and more.
Where: Sydney Showground, NSW
When: Friday 5 – Sunday 7 May 2023 at 3:00 pm 5 May and 6:00 pm 7 May
Tickets: From $46.50. Visit their website for more info.
Seasonal Feasts: Creative Chilies
Seasonal Feasts is a free cooking demo class providing practical information on how to eat sustainably. This season, join The Sustainable Food Kitchen and the Coal Loader Team to learn about (nearly) a million and one exciting ideas for using and preserving seasonal chilies.
Where: The Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability 2 Balls Head Dr, Waverton
When: Sat 27th May 2023 at 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Tickets: Free
PYRMONT FESTIVAL
The Pyrmont Festival is a festival celebrating food, wine, and art, which includes the 2-Day food and wine event. A festival is a community-run event that fosters a strong connection with the country and the city. This year we celebrate the 11th Pyrmont Festival. We welcome all parts of the community to be part of this important festival.

Where: The Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability 2 Balls Head Dr, Waverton
When: 6-7 May 2023 at 11AM – 5PM
Tickets: Free. Details here
Dining in the Dark: Italian Cuisine
Treat yourself to a blind tasting of a secret Italian-themed menu and become part of a mysterious and interactive experience with lots of vegetarian options available.
Where: Capriccio Osteria
When: Wednesday, 24 May 2023 at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Tickets: $110. Details here
Film
Polestar x Mov’in Car
The Swedish electric performance car brand will electrify the ‘drive-in’ and host Australia’s first-ever electric vehicle drive-in cinema, delivering a much-loved Aussie pastime with a modern twist. Commenting on the event, Jonathan Williams, Head of Marketing at Polestar Australia said, Polestar is all about redefining norms and reimagining the world around us in a more sustainable way.

Where: Roof Top Carpark, Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park, Sydney
When: 4 – 7 May 2023 From 6 pm to 11 pm
More details on the official site
CHILDREN’S INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Featuring daring adventures in the Himalayas, a journey through the fascinating world of art, heartwarming friendships, and an exciting blend of live-action and animation, the Children’s International Film Festival (CHIFF) returns for its fifth year, showcasing a program filled with family-friendly films.

Where: Sydney: Ritz Cinemas Randwick; Melbourne: Classic Cinemas Elsternwick, Lido Cinemas Hawthorn and Cameo Cinemas Belgrave
When: 27 May 2023 – 12 June 2023
Tickets: Single Admission $15.00, Member tickets $13.00, Family Pass $52.00. More details on the official site
Art & Exhibitions
MCA Up Late
Sounds on the Terrace is back for another season. Head to the rooftop of the MCA for live performances and music, or enjoy cocktails with a harbour view. Before you head up check out the current exhibitions, entry is free.
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, 140 George Street, The Rocks
When: Fridays in May
White Rabbit Gallery – SHUO SHU 说书
The artists in ‘Shuo Shu’ map the evolution of the story from timeless myths and literary romances to political propaganda and modern-day censorship. Artists become shapeshifters, and their stories twist and turn to fit within codes and secret messages. Whilst a closed mind is like a closed book, stories reveal themselves to those who are open.
Where: 30 Balfour Street, Chippendale NSW
When: 14 May 2023
Tickets: Free
The Other Art Fair
A combination of original yet affordable works from 130 independent artists with immersive installations, performances, DJs – and a fully stocked bar. Experience seekers, this one’s for you. We’re reframing art and how you experience it, so if you are someone who loves art, why not do something impulsive, get excited, and revel in creativity?
Where: The Cutaway at Barangaroo Reserve
When: Thursday, May 11, 2023 – Sunday, May 14, 2023
More details here
GLOW
Get ready to GLOW! Be dazzled by over 70 giant animal lanterns and installations including the enormous 27m Kaurna Skink, immerse yourself in the magical 7NEWS Underwater Wonderland, and e the fun-filled Neon Playground and dreamy Sky Castle by ENESS. Test your skills in the retro Neon Arcade and Glowy Golf by Carnival Cruise Line, check out the view from the glowing 7NEWS Ferris wheel, and experience the thrill of the KIIS Rides Zone including the NEW mind-blowing Vortex Tunnel, gigantic 8-lane Superslide, dizzying Space Jam, and Kids Dodgems.
Where: Sydney Zoo, 700 Great Western Highway, Bungarribee
When: 12 May – 3 June 2023, Sessions: 5:30pm, 6:00pm, 6:30pm, 7:00pm, 730pm – Limited tickets each night.
Tickets: Adults 16+ $29.99/ Children 3-15 $24.99/ Infants 0-2 FREE. More details here
Public Choir – Big Heart Sing
Open up your heart to creativity and the power of song! On Monday nights, the Centre for Creativity opens its doors to the people of Sydney to join our monthly Big Heart Sing Choir – a joyous celebration of the simple power of communal song.
Where: Check their website
When: 8 May 2023 at 5:30pm – 7pm
Tickets: Free, Registration required
Art Workshop: Portrait Painting on Tin
Create your own piece of art to take home in this Barka-inspired art workshop led by renowned artist, Justine Muller.
Where: LG, Patricia McDonald Education Rooms
When: Saturday 20 May 2023 at 10.30am – 1pm & 2pm – 4.30pm
Tickets: $100 Members, $125 non-Members. Check their website for more information
Songline
A visually striking new exhibition now on display at NSW Parliament House will immerse visitors in the stories, imagery and heritage of the Bundjalung people.
Where: NSW Parliament House (6 Macquarie Street, Sydney)
When: Weekdays from 30 May until 27 July from 9am to 5pm
Tickets: Free entry. For more details, check their website.
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.
Where: The Domain
When: Sunday 14 May 2023 from 6am to 1pm.
Check the full details here
Million Paws Walk 2023
The paw-feet event is for fur parents and animal lovers. Whether your pet dog likes to strut, crawl or bolt, they will be more than welcome on this fun-filled day out.
Where: Various locations in NSW including Sydney
When: Sunday 28 May 2023
Check the complete guide here
GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented By Bonsoy
The GWM Sydney Surf Pro presented by Bonsoy is one of the biggest events on the World Surf League calendar. In 2023, North Narrabeen will play host to a WSL-rated Challenger Series event, the ultimate battleground for surfers to showcase their talents and qualify for the Championship Tour
Where: 2 Malcolm Street Narrabeen
When: Wednesday 17 May 2023 to Wednesday 24 May 2023
Check the complete guide on their site
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
Isuzu UTE A-League Men Finals Series
The Isuzu UTE A-League Finals Series continues this weekend with Sydney FC playing Melbourne City in the first leg of the semi-finals.
When: Semi-finals- Friday 12 May 2023/ Finals- Saturday 3 June 2023
Where: Semi-finals- Allianz Stadium/ Finals- Sydney at CommBank Stadium
More details here
Walks and Tours
NIGHTS AT NURSES WALK
Nestled in the heart of The Rocks, the enchanting Nurses Walk beckons with its cobblestone laneway steeped in history. A laneway concert series that combines live music, delicious eats, and fine wine … Nights at Nurses Walk is what the Doctor ordered.
Where: Nurses Walk, The Rocks NSW
When: May- June, Every Thursday
Tickets: FREE. Full details on their website.
Regional Events
Robertson Potato Festival
It’s time to head to Robertson and join this celebration of the humble potato at the first-ever Robertson Potato Festival. While people joke about the town’s Big Potato, which let’s face it is not exactly a draw card, the town’s edible potatoes are something special.

Join in with the fun:
- Cooking demonstrations from leading local chefs and the likes of celebrity chefs including ‘Fast’ Ed Halmagyi.
- Competitions with major prizes such as Hessians On The Field, featuring handmade potato sack couture that will strut the catwalk for a chance to win a heavy-duty Singer sewing machine and a cash prize worth $1000.
- Family-friendly activities and competitions with prizes up for grabs including competitive peeling and mashing, spud ‘n’ spoon races, sack races, spud survivors,s and more.
- Live entertainment from a variety of local musicians and artists
When: 6 – 7 May 2023
Where Robertson Showgrounds, 2315 Kangaloon Rd, Robertson
Tickets: Free
Bathurst 12 Hour
Australia’s International Endurance Motor Race at Mount Panorama in Bathurst.
When: 12-15 May 2022
Where: Mount Panorama Bathurst
More: Visit bathurst12hour.com.au
May is a great time of year for a road trip so jump in the car and head off for a weekend escape at one of these unique events.
Moree on a Plate
Producers from around the New England North West Region will turn Moree into a food & wine lover’s delight when they gather in the most productive agricultural shire in Australia, Moree NSW. Come along and enjoy the tasty delights of the region during a relaxed, social day out the whole family can enjoy.
When: Saturday, May 13 2023
Where: Moree Secondary College Albert St, Moree
More: Check their website
Narooma Oyster Festival
Narooma is the heart of Australia’s Oyster Coast, the festival has won 3 tourism awards so its well worth the drive. Live music, local art and culture, fresh produce, and the world’s best oysters!
Where: Narooma NSW
When: 5- 7 May 2023
Australian Celtic Festival
Each year at the Australia Celtic Festival they highlight a different area. The 2023 festival will celebrate Scotland.

Where: Glen Innes NSW
When: 4 -7 May 2023
Ironman Australia Port Macquarie
Australia’s oldest IRONMAN event takes place in the stunning town of Port Macquarie. At the home of the Oceania TriClub Championship, you’ll experience a truly unique swim in the calm water of the Hastings River, a spectacular ride alongside the Pacific Ocean and a high-energy run in the heart of Port Macquarie, with crowds cheering you all the way to the line.
Where: Port Macquarie
When: 7 May 2023
Nooroo Garden Open Days – Autumn 2023
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 and 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.
Where: Church Lane, Mount Wilson, NSW, Australia
When: 7 April 2023 – 28 May 2023 opens every day from 10 am to 4.30 pm
More details on the official site.
Autumn Colours Tour to the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden
Celebrate autumn in the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah, as the Garden’s maples (Acers) turn into burning colours of orange, yellow, and red. This is your perfect, most convenient opportunity to appreciate and explore the Garden’s expansive collection of 198 different maples and their vibrant autumn colours with an expert horticulturist.
Where: Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah
When: Friday 12 May 2023 at 8 am – 4 pm
Tickets: $220 ($200 Foundation & Friends Members). Check the full guide here
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!