The best things to do in Sydney in May 2025

Forget summer, Sydney is at its absolute best in May. Vivid lights up the city, the Sydney Comedy Festival keeps the laughs coming, and the Archibald Prize puts Australian talent in the spotlight.

We’ve rounded up a list of the best things to do in Sydney in May, including French markets, new restaurant openings and beer festivals. There’s also some inspo for Mother’s Day events and activities (we’ll pretend like you didn’t forget). Scroll to find out about all the best happenings in Australia’s best city, as well as how to enter our exciting new competition.

1. Vivid Sydney

Sydney’s annual multi-artform festival is back this month, lighting up Sydney as winter fast approaches. Vivid will deliver dazzling light displays, cultural performances and incredible dining experiences across the city. Special guests include celebrity chef Nigella Lawson, Icelandic band Sigur Rós and the OG influencer Martha Stewart. On a budget this month? Check out our ultimate list of free things to do at Vivid Sydney 2025.

Where: Citywide.
When: May 23 until June 14, 2025
Price: Varies per attraction.

READ MORE: Take a kayak tour of Vivid Sydney at the Maritime Museum this year

2. Admire artworks at the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes 2025 Exhibition

The Archibald Prize Exhibition is arguably Australia’s most prestigious and influential portrait exhibition. The prize draws in over 2,000 entries from artists all over Australia and New Zealand. Past winners include iconic artists such as John Olsen, Vincent Namatjira and Brett Whiteley. There is also the Wynne Prize for landscape painting or figure sculpting and the Sulman Prize, which goes to the best subject painting, genre painting or mural project.

There is also the Young Archie prize, which is always a favourite among those who visit the exhibition. This competition is open to budding artists aged 5-18 years and showcases the creativity and imagination of Australian youngsters.

The winner of the Packing Room Prize (which is chosen by the Art Gallery Staff who receive, unpack and hang the entries) will be announced tomorrow on Thursday, May 1, alongside the full lists of finalists for the Archibald, Wynne, Sulman and Young Archie prizes.

Where: Lower Level 2, Naala Nura building, Art Gallery of NSW, Art Gallery Rd, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: May 10–August 17 2025.
Price: $25 adult admission.

3. Plan the perfect Mother’s Day

This is your reminder that Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, May 11. We made a list of all the best Mother’s Day High Teas, as well as all of the best Mother’s Day lunches in Sydney, so there’s really no excuse not to plan the perfect day for your well-deserving mum this year. Head to the Barangaroo Artisans Market on Saturday, May 10, for some last-minute gift buying, or go all out with a fancy afternoon tea in Vaucluse.

When: Sunday, May 11
Price: Depends on how generous you’re feeling

READ MORE:The 10 best Mother’s Day high teas in Sydney

4. Sydney Comedy Festival

Sydney Comedy Festival is enjoying its biggest year yet, with sold-out shows and laughs all over town. There’s a huge variety of shows, including solo stand-up comedians such as Luke McGregor and Tom Cashman, to showcases with hilarious line-ups of international and Australian stars. Craving some feel-good fun? Check out the full list of events here.

Where: Citywide.
When: April 21 until May 18, 2025.
Price: Varies per show.

READ MORE: Review: Sydney Comedy Festival Gala Night – Laugh? I could have died…

5. Jazz Sessions in the Rocks

It’s free, funky and in one of our favourite parts of Sydney CBD. Jazz Sessions in the Rocks is a celebration of Australian jazz with live performances taking place in across the precinct. Sip on a delicious cocktail from Hickson House as you enjoy the free live jazz. This event will be on every Thursday in May, so pop down to the Rocks and tap your feet along to the swinging tunes of the hand-picked performers.

Where: The Rocks Square, Playfair St, The Rocks, NSW 2000
When: April 3 to September 25, every Thursday, 6pm-8.30pm
Price: Free

6. Barangaroo Artisan Market

The Barangaroo Artisan Market is back, just in time for last-minute Mother’s Day gift shopping. Around 70 stallholders will be taking over the streets for a day, celebrating creativity and fun. Peruse the stalls of ceramics, homewares, hand-crafted jewellery and locally-designed textiles while you enjoy free music and delicious food along Sydney’s waterfront.

Where: The Streets of Barangaroo, Barangaroo Ave, Sydney NSW 2000
When: Saturday May 10, 10am-3pm
Price: Free

7. Les Misérables at the ICC Sydney Theatre

Many have dreamed a dream of Les Mis arriving in Sydney, and now it’s finally here. Les Misérables, the Arena Spectacular, begins its highly anticipated 5-week stint at the ICC Sydney Theatre this week. This production will be May’s main theatre focus, so book your tickets to see the epic musical now.

The arena production boasts a star-studded cast, including Tony Award winner Alfie Boe and top British musical theatre star Killian Donnelly sharing the leading role of Jean Valjean. Expect an epic evening as you are dazzled by the incredible actors and an orchestra of more than 65 musicians.

When: April 30- May 11, 2025
Where: ICC Sydney, 2/14 Darling Dr, Sydney NSW 2000
Price: Prices start at $79 for C Reserve seats with a partially obstructed view

READ MORE: Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular opens at ICC Sydney this month

8. Try Vegemite beer and chocolate orange stout at the Great Australian Beer Festival

The annual Great Australian Beer Festival, now one of the world’s biggest beer festivals, has been known to get a bit wacky with experimental brews. Each year, breweries from around the world descend upon Australia’s major capitals for this travelling bastion of beer. Beer lovers line up along the country’s longest pop-up bar to sample from 120 taps all running on one line.

This year’s lineup is as surprising as ever, with milk chocolate orange stout, Vegemite beer and a green ant and emu bush tucker beer among the brews on offer.

In total, 500 beer taps taking over the ICC in Darling Harbour, sitting alongside other drinks including cocktails, whiskies, wines and non-alcoholic flavours to present a fully-rounded scope of what drinking looks like in 2025.

Where: ICC, Darling Harbour
When: Friday May 30-Saturday May 31, 2025
Price: From $42

READ MORE: Vegemite and stale bread beer? GABS Festival brings bizarre brews to Sydney

9. Opening soon: tqm.

Paddington’s Tequila Mockingbird will reopen as a funky yet sleek new restaurant. For almost a decade, Paddington’s Tequila Mockingbird has served Latin American share plates and innovative cocktails to Sydney’s masses. However, the restaurants new iteration, titled tqm, looks brighter, bolder and better than ever.

The new menu has been curated by Jose Garcia, who’s past roles include executive chef at Buenos Aires restaurant Fogón Asado, a Michelin-rated restaurant that was ranked 36th best steak restaurant in the world. Head to the bright yellow terraced restaurant this month to enjoy the flavours of South America.

Opening date: Thursday, May 8 2025
Address: 6 Heeley st, Paddington NSW 2021
Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday from 4:30pm, Friday to Sunday from 12pm ’til late

READ MORE: Tequila Mockingbird transforms into a South American restaurant led by a Michelin-rated chef

10. Le Marché French Markets

Bonjour! Le Marché French Markets will take over the Entertainment Quarter every first Sunday of the month. May’s market will feature over 45 stalls, selling all the best French goods and fashion, including cheeses, truffles, baguettes, berets and more. There will also be opportunities to try French wine and other delicious delicacies that will make you feel like you’re on the streets of Paris.

Where: 122 Lang Road, Moore Park NSW 2021
When: Sunday, May 4, 9am-2:30pm
Price: Free

11. The Other Art Fair

The Other Art Fair is all about making art inclusive and accessible for all. This global art fair spotlights independent artists and includes immersive pieces, DJ sets and even the chance to get tatted. There will be thousands of original artworks to enjoy, by over 130 up-and-coming artists.

Australian Fair Director Luke Potkin said, “This isn’t a place for quiet admiration – it’s a place to connect, to explore, and to find art that actually speaks to you. We’re all about breaking down barriers between artists and art lovers, and this May, we’re back with more bold, weird, and wonderful work than ever.”

Where: White Bay Cruise Terminal, 2041 James Craig Rd, Rozelle NSW 2039
When: Thursday May 8, 5-10pm, Friday May 9, 3–10pm, Saturday May 10, 10am–6pm, and Sunday May 11, 10am–5pm
Price: Tickets start at $24

12. Competition: Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru

It’s your last chance to see the Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru exhibition at the Australian Museum this May. More than 130 artefacts reveal the secrets of five ancient Peruvian Empires, and VR takes you on a tour of Machu Picchu so you don’t even have to leave Sydney!

Unfortunately the exhibition will be closing on May 11. The good news? We’re running a competition on our Instagram to win a pair of tickets to the exhibition. Head over to @sydneytravelguide.com.au for more information and the chance to win.

Where: The Australian Museum, 1 William St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
When: Until May 11, Open 10am-5pm everyday except Wednesday- open 10am-9pm
Price: $37.50 for adults, $20 for children

13. Find $2 oysters across Sydney

Big news, fresh today: The Boathouse Group will be serving premium Sydney Rock Oysters for $2 each, all day through May. East 33 is one of Australia’s largest Sydney Rock Oyster producers and suppliers, and will be providing the goods across eight venues. The Boathouse Shelly Beach is a firm favourite with Manly’s visitors, while the North Wollongong is a fantastic option if you’re heading south this month.

Where: The Boathouse (Patonga, Shelly Beach, Balmoral, Rose Bay, North Wollongong), Barrenjoey House, The Mona Social, Manly Pavilion
When: All day, all May

READ MORE: Things to do in Manly: The ultimate guide