Get out and about with our guide to the best things to do this May in Sydney.
The days may be colder and the sun isn’t shining quite as bright, but it’s not all doom and gloom in Sydney. The change of seasons brings about a change of menus highlighting Autumnal ingredients, new exciting brunches and lunches to fill your weekend calendar, boozy events to keep you warm from the inside out, and fun activities that are sure to brighten up your days.
Pacific Club x Don Julio Launches Tequila Terrace
Bondi’s favourite waterside venue has partnered with the tequila gods at Don Julio to launch their very own tequila terrace. Throughout May, Pacific Club will be serving limited edition premium tequila cocktails for just $15 bucks, alongside tasty South American-inspired morsels. Head Chef Tapo has created a bespoke bar snack menu to pair perfectly with Julio’s crisp, citrusy flavour notes. Sip your way through the Blueberry Habanero Margarita, or the classic Tommy’s while tucking into a bunch of share dishes including Yellowfin Tuna tostadas, half-shell scallops in prawn head butter, slow-cooked Wagyu on sourdough with smoked Crème Fraiche, and more. Tequila lovers, this one’s for you. Book here
The Star Sydney Presents: Indulgence, Festival For The Senses
The Star is creating a carnival of pleasure across its venues with specially curated menus, artist collaborations and imaginative drinks, all in the theme of indulgence. Each of the stars signature restaurants Sokyo, Chukka, Black Bar & Grill, Flying Fish and Cucina Porto have created menus that represent the vision of indulgence – silky-textured seafood crudo, marbled meat cooked over flames and desserts laced in decadent chocolate. Find out more here
American Express delicious. Month Out at The Streets of Barangaroo
The Streets of Barangaroo are honouring the flavours of Australia and shining a spotlight on indigenous ingredients with a month of delicious set menus and special offers. Visit some of Barangaroo’s best waterside venues and embark on a culinary journey through Australia. From a specially-crafted 3-course Native Menu at BANKSII, Hibiscus infused Aperol and Davidson Plum cocktail at LOTUS and a huge 30% off the bill at MUUM MAAM when you make a booking with the code AMEX21, your date nights and post-work tipples are sorted for this month. Find more special offers here
Australian Cocktail Month
Savour a selection of carefully crafted cocktails at your favourite watering holes between 1 – 31 May. Cocktail enthusiasts will be able to unlock unique bar experiences across the city for just $20 bucks. This exclusive ticket will give you free rein to a specially crafted cocktail menu, available at 18 venues including Dead Ringer, Jangling Jacks, The Lobo and Duke of Clarence. With cocktails priced at $14, and non-alcohol options at $10, nightlife in May just got cheaper and more delicious. Get your tickets here
Bottomless Margaritas at Mejico
Throughout May, Mejico will be opening its doors on Sundays for the very first time and serving up Bottomless Margaritas between 11am – 4pm. For $99pp, sip your way through 1.5hrs of free-flowing zesty margaritas, alongside signature Mejico share plates. The menu features their famous table smashed guac, juicy beef brisket empanadas, spicy fried chicken with hibiscus sauce, and even margarita cheesecakes. Book here
Shanghai Nights
Merivale and The Glenlivet are combining forces to bring you one very special laneway experience with Dan Hong on the 6th and 7th of May. Experience the sights, sounds, smells and flavours of Shanghai, right on Bridge Lane in the heart of the CBD. From dumplings and wontons to stir-fried and grilled eats, Dan Hong will be cooking up a storm that’s sure to be tasty! Find out more here
Sydney’s 24-Hour Party
To make up for lost time, Sydneysiders have just been granted the ultimate 24-Hour Party featuring 80 of the country’s best DJ and live acts performing across 11 of the city’s venues throughout Saturday 15 May and the early hours of Sunday 16 May. Performer highlights include I Know Leopard, DJ KLP (DJ Set), Mickey Kojak (DJ Set), Hayley Mary, Claire Morgan, and more. (postponed due to COVID safety restrictions) See the full line up here
YCK Laneways Presents Live at Barrack Street
It’s no secret that Sydney’s small bar scene has had a rough trot in the last 14 months, which is why YCK Laneways was a much-needed celebration. The 6-week block party, created to showcase emerging talent and promote the small bars, is now closing out with a one-off major live music event, Live at Barrack Street, headlined by ARIA award winner Jarryd James on Wednesday, 19th of May. Find out more here
I maccheroni Wine Dinner
I Maccheroni and Piero tantini from Godot wines are inviting guests to take a trip from the Appennini Mountains, through the rolling green hills and all the way to the Po River, with their exclusive Emilia-Romagna Wine Dinner on Thursday 20th May. Guests can enjoy a 5-course meal while tasting 7 premium drops from the Emilia-Romagna region. Highlights include the traditional northern cappelletti reggiani in brodo (broth), gnocchi fritto plus spugnolata with slippery jack mushrooms and parmigiano purée. See here for more information here
Salt Meats Cheese Exclusive Gnocchi Night
Shining a spotlight on the pillowy goodness, that is gnocchi, Salt Meats Cheese are hosting a dedicated gnocchi night on Tuesday 25th May. For one night only, sample a selection of specially crafted dishes all in the theme of mouthwatering gnocchi with flavourful sauces. The 6-item menu features dishes including creamy salmon gnocchi, gnocchi alla romana made with semolina and served with glorious cheese, deep-fried gnocchi with prosciutto di San Daniele, as well as creamy Tuscan sausage gnocchi. It will be available at all SMC venues with limited seating. Find out more here