The 7 Best Things To Do In Sydney This May
While we weep into our cereal bowls over the demise of our once great nightlife, you might be surprised to know that there still some excellent things happening across Sydney this May. So buck up bud, and head on out there to support the city.
#1 Put a spring in your step
Spring Street Social in Bondi Junction is transforming into a moody, candle-lit Spanish speakeasy on May 19. This event will make you dream of long European evenings, full of Sangria and delicious Spanish morsels. Flamenco will be the hero of the night, and watch out because the enthusiasm is contagious with singing, guitar, dancing and palmas (handclapping) a must. The event is free and doors are open until 3am.
#2 Everything will be all white
Celebrating all things mountain-culture, sports and environment, the Banff Mountain Film Festival has been going since 1976 and is the premier film festival for mountain shorts and documentaries. Held on the slopes of Banff in October each year, Sydney gets a look-in with a tour held at the Seymour Centre. The week-long festival in Banff is condensed into two hours of the most thought-provoking films on anything from remote landscapes and cultures to bone-shattering sports. This event runs at the Seymour Centre in Chippendale from May 3 to 7.
#3 Write-off
Sydney Writers Festival (May 14 to 22) is an opportunity for scribes and bookworms alike to celebrate and share the love of the written word. This year’s line-up is jam-packed with phenomenal guests, writers and commentators, and takes places at Walsh Bay Cultural Precinct and surrounds.
While we’re not picking favourites, Night of the Nerds is a night to celebrate nerd culture in all its comical and educational forms, and it’s sure to be a crowd pleaser. Resident genius, maths whiz and all-round funny guy Adam Spencer will be wowing you as MC with a whole host of Festival geeks. Celebrate nerdism in all its glory at this one-night only event at the Roslyn Packer Theatre on May 19. Check out more info here.
#4 This is a zoo-per doper offer!
Remember when a giraffe had a better view of Sydney than you did? Maybe it’s time to reacquaint yourself with Taronga Zoo in all its harbourside glory. Taronga Zoo is celebrating 100 years this year, but you too get to make the most of their birthday, on your birthday! If you’re turning another year older and wiser in May (in fact, on any day in 2016) you’ll get to visit the zoo on that day for just $1.
To redeem the offer, register on their website and you’ll receive a voucher for future birthday use. Plan ahead to make sure you get your birthday off work/school/household duties because this is offered for one day only.
#5 Dr Sketchy’s
Get the right side of your brain into gear with an evening of art, culture and food as the months get shorter and the call is to get cosier. Nestled in the city at Attic Bar is Dr Sketchy’s – where art school meets cabaret. On every second Tuesday, the doors are thrown open to the general public and Australia’s most beautiful burlesque performers, cabaret singers and vintage models.
There’s a live performance, comedy skits and audience participation, and, oh yeah, you’ll be essentially drawing for your supper. There’s no prerequisites here – you may have barely passed finger painting back in kindy, or you may be a budding Ben Quilty. Whatever your art experience, join for an art class that “will cure you of every boring art class you’ve ever been to”. Entry includes a welcome drink, and dinner packages are also available.
#6 Head north-west to Eastwood
Eastwood is quickly gaining notoriety as a food and entertainment hub and on Saturday nights until the end of May, head out for a festival experience in your own backyard – the Eastwood Night Markets. If the smell of barbecued squid doesn’t excite your tastebuds try seafood dumplings, noodles or Turkish treats. With entertainment for all, and artisan stalls too, this is a night for everyone. Festival runs from 4pm-10pm until May 28 at Rowe Street in Eastwood.
#7 Cinco de Mayo…and Star Wars. Together.
Back in 1862, in an event that surprised everyone, the Mexican Army defeated the French forces. This has been known ever since as Cinco de Mayo (the 5th of May), commemorating that day of celebration. Since then people across the globe have been celebrating, with food, dance, and Mexican beverages. Sydney is no different.
In an unlikely twist, the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration outside of North America is to be held at the Imperial Hotel on Friday May 7. If this wasn’t odd enough, this event is a Cinco de Mayo Star Wars Fiesta to include the fourth and fifth day of the month. (“May the forth be with you”. Get it?) There’ll be DJs all night kicking off two separate dance areas, a smorgasbord of Mexican food, and a delicious Mexican beers, tequila and frozen margaritas. Throw in some Darth Vader and themed-cocktail specials and that’s this night in a nutshell. Turn up from 7pm and plan nothing for Saturday because the party is going all night.
(Lead image: Spring Street Social/Facebook)
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