May in Sydney is serving up a full plate of flavour, theatre, and friendly competition.
Whether you’re sipping your way through a boutique gin and spirits festival, belting along to Les Misérables at the theatre, or taking on the ultimate hot wing challenge with Wingboy — this month is packed with things to see, do, and taste. Here’s what’s on in Sydney this May.
Return of the Classics: Iconic $25 Pasta Series Lands at The Dolphin Hotel
The Dolphin Hotel is bringing back the favourites with its new culinary series, Return of the Classics, running for eight weeks from May 5 to June 29. Each week, a beloved regional Italian pasta dish will take centre stage, reimagined by Executive Chef Danny Corbett and served for just $25 until sold out. Expect hearty, handmade plates like Bucatini all’Amatriciana and Rigatoni Pork Ragu—served daily with a whole lot of soul. Book here.
Botanica Gin & Spirits Journey Returns to The Coal Loader
Back by popular demand, the Botanica Gin & Spirits Journey is returning to North Sydney for four days of immersive experiences and top-tier tastings. From May 8th–11th, the historic tunnels of the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability will transform into a botanical wonderland, where over 25 of Australia’s best craft distillers will showcase native-inspired gins, vodkas, rums, and more. Wander through 150 metres of preserved tunnels, sampling award-winning spirits, meeting passionate makers, and diving into the native botanicals behind each drop. With tasting stations, artisan producers, and interactive installations, this one-of-a-kind journey is the perfect day out for spirit lovers, foodies, and curious explorers alike. Get tickets here.
Feel-Good Film ‘TINĀ (Mother)’ Hits Australian Screens This May
Fresh off its success as a #1 box office hit in New Zealand, TINĀ (Mother) is set to strike a chord with Australian audiences from May 1. This uplifting, feel-good drama follows Mareta Percival, a Samoan teacher navigating grief after the Christchurch earthquake. When she steps into a substitute teaching role at a prestigious private school, she finds herself guiding a group of disconnected students — and in the process, rediscovers her voice. With humour, heart, and a powerful musical thread, TINĀ is a moving celebration of culture, resilience, and the unifying power of song. Watch the trailer here.
Wingboy’s Epic Wing Challenge Lands This May
Got an appetite for competition? Wingboy Darling Square is turning up the heat this May with a fiery, finger-lickin’ showdown. Groups of three head-to-head with none other than world champion eater James Webb — the man who devoured 211 wings in one sitting. This spicy throwdown features a brand-new Tabasco flavour and bragging rights you won’t want to miss. It’s bold, messy, and seriously fun. Bonus? Register here.
Les Misérables Hits Sydney, Melbourne & Brisbane
Fresh from sold-out shows across Europe, the global phenomenon Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular is heading to Australia in 2025 — and due to overwhelming demand, extra performances have just been added. Cameron Mackintosh’s epic reimagining of the world’s longest-running musical celebrates 40 years of Les Mis with a massive arena-scale production that’s already wowed audiences across the UK and Europe. The Australian leg kicks off with 15 shows at ICC Sydney Theatre from 30th April, followed by 15 shows at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena from 14 May, and 7 performances at Brisbane Entertainment Centre from 28 May. Tickets available here.
Celebrate The Start of Vivid at Ripples Chowder Bay
This Vivid season, swap the city crowds for a night of waterfront elegance with Ripples Chowder Bay’s new Dine & Cruise experience. Kick things off with a luxury 45-minute cruise through Sydney Harbour, then head indoors to Ripples in Mosman for a refined four-course degustation. The menu is as creative as the lights outside—think wild mushrooms with celeriac cream and black garlic, poached Balmain bug with buttermilk and fennel, blue eye cod in a Jerusalem artichoke broth, and a rich chocolate dessert with cremeaux, soil, and sponge. With a glass of sparkling on arrival and views of the illuminated skyline, it’s the ultimate way to dine during Vivid. Happening Friday 23rd May and Friday 13th June. $195pp – book here.
Catalina Launches Th Provenance Series
Catalina’s new Provenance Series kicks off on Wednesday 21st May with an unforgettable evening of fine food, wine and storytelling. The first event shines a spotlight on sustainably sourced seafood, with a six-course tasting menu featuring Glacier 51 Toothfish, West Australian marron and Catalina’s iconic New Zealand snapper — all paired with wines curated by their expert sommelier team. Special guests Frank Theodore and Jason Craus of GetFish will join for the night, sharing stories and insights into ethical harvesting and the journey behind each ingredient. Tickets are $300pp and include champagne on arrival, the full tasting menu and wine pairings. Book here.
Bathurst & Backroads Website Launches with Star Ambassadors to Showcase the Best of the Region
The charm of regional NSW gets a serious spotlight with the launch of Bathurst & Backroads — a new digital platform celebrating the people, produce, and landscapes that make the Bathurst region so magnetic. Helmed by well-loved ambassadors Edwina Bartholomew and Matt Moran, the site brings together immersive story trails, secret stopovers, and insider guides that showcase everything from boutique stays to historic towns and local food heroes. Created by regional initiative Elevate, the platform is part travel companion, part storytelling hub — designed to inspire slow, soulful exploration. Explore it here.
Earn Rewards by ‘Going Out’ with DoorDash
Dining out just got a digital glow-up thanks to DoorDash’s brand-new feature, Going Out — now live in Sydney and Melbourne. Whether you’re a serial bruncher or a loyal local foodie, this clever in-app addition lets you unlock exclusive deals, discounts and rewards simply by eating out at participating restaurants. Just tap into the “Going Out” tab in the DoorDash app, claim your deal, and check in at the venue to activate it. With up to $25 off each visit and even more perks for repeat diners, it’s a delicious way to support your go-to spots (and discover new favourites along the way). Expect to see it roll out nationwide soon — but for now, Sydney foodies, your next meal just got more rewarding.
$2 Oysters All May Long at The Boathouse Group
Coastal dining just got even better — The Boathouse Group is serving up $2 Sydney Rock Oysters all day, every day this May across their iconic waterfront venues. In partnership with East 33, Australia’s leading producer of premium Sydney Rocks, you can enjoy freshly shucked oysters at stunning spots like Barrenjoey House, Manly Pavilion, Patonga, Shelly Beach and more. Find more info here.
Hot Bakes Are Coming in Hot at Brooklyn Boy Bagels
Start your Saturday with the smell of freshly baked New York-style goodness wafting through Marrickville. From May 10, Brooklyn Boy Bagels is launching Hot Bakes — a brand-new weekly ritual serving hot, fresh bagels, croissants, pretzels, cookies and more straight from the oven every 20 minutes until midday. That means you can swing by for a still-warm Everything bagel, a flaky almond croissant, or their cult-favourite chocolate babka, all made the proper Brooklyn way. Find out more here.
Dance of Dreams with Danielle Alvarez Comes to the Sydney Opera House
Step into a dreamlike world where fine dining meets contemporary dance at Dance of Dreams with Danielle Alvarez — a one-of-a-kind event at the Sydney Opera House this June. Culinary queen Danielle Alvarez has curated a surreal three-course menu inspired by the fluid, ever-evolving nature of dreams. As you dine, expect three mesmerising live performances from NON co-founders Davide Belotti and Chloe Chignell — each dance echoing the emotion and flavour of the dishes served. More info here.
Margarita May Takes Over The Sussex Hotel Rooftop
This May, the Rooftop at The Sussex Hotel is shaking things up with a month-long margarita celebration high above the streets of Barangaroo. Every Tuesday to Saturday from 5–7pm, sip your way through five $15 margaritas — from the classic and Tommy’s to spicy, watermelon, and coconut — all served with sunset views and Mediterranean flair. Settle in beneath grapevine-covered pergolas and striped umbrellas, and snack on mezze-style bites like lamb kofta, crispy squid and spicy cauliflower with whipped feta. With its leafy surrounds and city skyline views, The Sussex’s rooftop is your go-to for golden hour margaritas this May. More info here.
Half-Price Noodles & Rice at Delta Rue
Delta Rue is bringing the heat to the start of your week with half-price noodles and rice every Monday and Tuesday night from 5pm. Starting May 19th and running through to June 24th, every rice and noodle dish on the à la carte menu is up for grabs — think spicy crab noodles with chilli sambal, wok-fried sate egg noodles with Thai basil, or Delta’s famed fried rice with pork belly and crispy chicken skin. Dishes start from just $13.50, so you can enjoy bold, flavour-packed eats without breaking the bank. Find out more info here.
Coravin World Wine Offers By-the-Glass Access to Rare Bottles
This May, some of Australia’s best wine bars are doing something seriously exciting — pouring every single wine on their list by the glass. As part of the Coravin World Wine Tour, venues like Love, Tilly Devine in Sydney, Clover in Melbourne, and Jennie Wine Bar in Adelaide are opening up their full cellars using Coravin’s signature preservation tech. That means you can sip your way through rare, premium drops without committing to the full bottle. Whether you’re a seasoned sipper or just wine-curious, this is your chance to explore top-shelf wines, one glass at a time.
Divino Osteria Opens
Tucked into the heritage-rich walls of the former Sebel Townhouse — once graced by Elton John and David Bowie — Divino Osteria is bringing soul-stirring Southern Italian fare to Elizabeth Bay. Helmed by Sicilian-born Head Chef Andrea Di Stefano (whose resume spans from homestyle kitchens to Michelin-starred dining), the menu is a masterclass in elegance and comfort. Expect dishes like the Medaglioni — pillowy oversized ravioli stuffed with wagyu sirloin MBS9+, bathed in brown butter and sage — and the perfectly pink Costoletta d’Agnello. Intimate, refined, and full of heart, this is one to put on your radar. Book here.
Lindt Launches Viral Dubai-Style Chocolate in Australia
TikTok’s most mouthwatering trend has officially landed Down Under — and Lindt is leading the charge. Inspired by the viral “Dubai chocolate” that racked up over 122 million views globally, Lindt’s Master Chocolatiers have crafted their own luxurious take on the treat, available now exclusively in Lindt Chocolate Shops across Australia. The new Lindt Dubai Style Chocolate block is a rich milk chocolate creation with a creamy centre made from 45% pistachios, crunchy nut brittle, and crispy Kadayif pastry for that signature layered texture. It’s indulgent, nutty, and destined to fly off shelves faster than you can say dessert TikTok. Available for a limited time only, this one’s for the true chocolate connoisseurs.
Espolòn x Second Life Markets Launch Iconic Vintage Fashion Pop-Up
Vintage fashion is having a major moment, and this May you can shop it with a side of tequila. For one weekend only (10–11 May), Espolòn Tequila and Second Life Markets are teaming up for the Original Archive Sale Pop-Up at Machine Hall. Expect one-of-a-kind fashion finds with serious street cred — we’re talking Sisqo’s Thong Song trousers worn by Foxy Brown, archival Prada leather boots from 1998, and limited-edition Off-White and Miss Sixty pieces. Only 20 pieces will be up for grabs, each with a killer backstory, sold by two of Second Life’s finest. Bonus? Score a free Espolòn cocktail while you browse. Tickets here
Pizza Hut Launches a Kickin’ New Menu Inspired by The Karate Kid
Get ready to crane kick your cravings — Pizza Hut’s new Karate Kid Legends range has officially landed, and it’s throwing down bold, fiery flavours inspired by the iconic franchise. From dojo to dinner table, this limited-edition menu is all about big hits and even bigger taste. Think Dragon Kick Hot Sauce or Legends Aioli drizzled across pizzas, wings, loaded garlic bread, mac & cheese, and even chips. And for the ultimate finish? A Dragon Kick Chilli Lava Cake that’s got just the right amount of heat.
Club 77 Turns 28 with a Month-Long Birthday Blowout
Club 77 turns 28 this May, and they’re throwing a month-long party to match — think late nights, legendary names, and the long-awaited return of Bang Gang, the crew that defined Sydney’s wild 2000s dance floor energy.
