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 Rocks 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. I have a feeling 2022 might be a different story!

New events and updated content are added to these pages as it becomes available.

• Vivid Sydney
• Sydney Writers Festival
• Mother’s Day
• Australian Fashion Week

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: This year there is a variety of starting points. Check the official site for more details.
When: Mother’s Day – Sunday 8 May

Check out our guide to the best places to head for Mother’s Day dining

Sydney Writers Festival

Australia’s celebration of literature, stories and ideas. The theme of the 2022 festival is Change My Mind, an invitation, a challenge, and a promise of intent. With over 30% of the 400 events offering free entry, everyone can get along to hear more from our most talented and inspiring writers at this annual event.

This year’s festival hubs are Carriageworks, City Recital Hall and Sydney Town Hall however there are a number of suburban events across the city. Check the festival guide linked below for more details.

Where: From the City Recital Hall and Sydney Town Hall and Carriageworks, to suburban events.
When: 16-22 May, 10am-7pm
Check the full guide here.

Mind, Body, Spirit Festival

Australia’s largest health, wellbeing 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: 26-29 May, 10am-7pm

Australian Fashion Week

Celebrate Afterpay Australian Fashion Week with a week of non-stop style featuring some of Australia’s top fashion labels.

Where: Carriageworks
When: 9 – 13 May  
Visit aafw.com.au 

Taste of the Beaches

For 32 years the Taste of Manly has been feeding Sydneysiders the best of their local restaurants and cafes teamed up with live music across six stages. This year things are a little different with the Taste of the Beaches lasting the entire month and offering everything for tastings to cooking classes.

Key events:

• Palm Beach Wine Garden – April 30-1 May
• Taste of Manly – 28-29 May
• Food Truck Party at Mona Vale – 21 May
• Spanish Sunsets – Market Lane Live – Thursday evenings in May

Where: Across the northern beaches council area
When: 1 – 31 May
Check the full guide here

Check out our list of things to do in Manly while you are visiting

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.

• May 7 – DJ set with Carolina Gasolina and a live performance by Okenyo
• May 14 – DJ set with Red Rey, a live performance by Gemma Navarrete, and hosted by Fetu Taku 
• May 21 – DJ set with Jonny Seymour and live performance by Chela 

Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, 140 George Street, The Rocks
When: Fridays in May
Check the full guide here

Casula Up Late

It’s not just city galleries that stay up late at night, Casula Powerhouse (CPAC) is hosting CASULA UP LATE, a new series of evening mini-festivals throughout April to June 2022. The festivals off local DJs and musicians and new film, and lots of opportunities to get hands-on through a range of art-making workshops.

Where: Casula Powerhouse
When: April to 4 June
Check full details here

Pub Choir

Pub Choir is coming to Sydney Olympic Park and is here to prove that being dead average at singing should never stop you from having a lovely time. In 90 minutes, experience the magic as an entire crowd of randos is transformed into an electrifying, incredible choir.

As seen in the New York Times, Vogue Magazine, Australian Story, or even on a national TV special, “Australia’s Biggest Singalong”, Pub Choir is here to let you know that we are always better when we work together.

When: 21 May 2022,  6pm – 7:30pm (Doors – 5pm)
Where: Hall 5, Sydney Showground Sydney Olympic Park
Cost: $19

Sydney Surf Pro

The Sydney Surf Pro is one of the biggest events on the World Surf League calendar and will be hosted at Manly Beach in 2022, as surfers compete to qualify for the Championship Tour.

Where: Manly Beach
When: 17 – 24 May
Check full details here

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 7 2022
Where: Moree Secondary College Albert St, Moree

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: 6 & 7 May
More details here

Australian Celtic Festival

Each year at the Australia Celtic Festival they highlight a different area. The 2020 festival will celebrate Ireland and the Isle of Man.

Where: Glen Innes NSW
When: 28 April – 1 May
More details on the official site

Mudgee Classic

Ride through the vineyards, national parks, and iconic country towns. Three events make up the event. The Maxi Classic (170km), Challenge Classic (110km) and the Social Classic (35km)

Where: Mudgee NSW
When: 1 May
More: get full details on the race 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: Spinnifex Group via Destination NSW

Share this page with a friend