Culture Up Late
Rather than heading straight home after work, check out Sydney’s galleries and museums after dark. The popular event sees extended opening hours and additional programming until the end of June.
This month sees the return of the Sydney Opera House's nightly projection. The vibrant new video celebrates the work of 6 female First Nations artists and will appear each night from sunset.
This program is part of the Events in the City program funded by the NSW Government.
Throughout May
Wine and dine in the city
If you’re back in the city and looking for new places to go for after-work drinks, find the best city bars and pubs, as recommended by our Instagram followers.
If you love live music, you’ll be delighted about how much is going on at the moment. Don’t miss Lazy Sundays at the Barbershop or Live on the garden stage at Since I Left You.
And if you want a change of scenery on the weekends, this May you’ll find great weekend deals at bars and restaurants in the city. Head to Mejico for a Mexican party with bottomless margaritas. Or have a Japanese feast washed down with bottomless spritz at Kid Kyoto.
Throughout May
The National 2021
Discover the latest ideas in contemporary Australian art. Find the exhibition at the Art Gallery NSW, Museum of Contemporary Art and Carriageworks. Together, the galleries highlight many of the ideas and concerns motivating artists in Australia today.
Throughout May
American Express Delicious Month Out
Find yourself a bargain this month as restaurants and bars hold special dining offers and experiences. Cocktail parties, brunches and supper clubs are just a few of the events you can get stuck into.
Throughout May
Australian Cocktail Month
Get your hands on cocktail specials and support Sydney’s bar industry. For the whole month Sydney’s best bars including Employees Only, Maybe Sammy and The Barbershop will be shaking up the best local and international spirits, liqueurs, and mixers.
Throughout May
The Rocks night markets
Celebrate the end of the working week each Friday night at The Rocks. Expect art classes, courtyard cabaret and vintage vinyl DJs.
Throughout May
Soulful nights at World Square
Liverpool Lane is coming to life each week from Thursday to Saturday with live music and great food.
Throughout May
YCK Laneways block party
York, Clarence and Kent streets in the heart of the city centre boast some of the best bars in the city. They’re coming together to throw us a block party like no other. Live music, drag nights, poetry, magic, tarot, comedy and performance: there’s something for everyone, don’t miss it.
Until Saturday 22 May
Mother’s Day
If you’re looking for inspiration on how to celebrate your mum this year, look no further. From lunches and high-tea at the zoo to paint classes and cruises, find a selection of events to say thank you.
Sunday 9 May
Sydney Comedy Festival
Plan a night of laughs at Sydney’s biggest comedy event at venues around Sydney.
Until 16 May
Home, I’m Darling at Sydney Opera House
Catch this thought-provoking comedy from Sydney Theatre Company before it’s over.
Until Saturday 15 May
Whisky Week
15 May is World Whisky Day and in the week leading up to it, Sydney will become home to dinners, tastings and events that showcase the best varieties on offer.
Saturday 8 to Sunday 16 May
Guided bike rides and courses
Discover the safest and smoothest ways to get around your neighbourhood and the city using separated cycleways, shared paths and low-traffic streets. These guided rides are free, easy and open to everyone.
Saturday 15, Thursday 20 and Saturday 23 May
Reboot small business webinars
A stellar line-up of experts from some of Australia’s fastest growing companies share their expertise in a series of free webinars.
From Monday 17 May
The Creative Hub
This month, Sydney’s most prolific creatives and innovators will offer a series of hands-on creative experiences at the Pier One. Book a creator workshop and get inspired or grab a drink and watch a Sydney creative icons panel discussion.
Need more ideas?
- Learn to grow beautiful edible flowers for salads, cakes and festive drinks. Or learn to prune and shape fruit trees, berries and vines.
- Take a trip into outer space with DJs, art projections and fashion-tech performers.