May events in Sydney
There are heaps of events to look forward to this month
Winter is on the way but that's no reason to stay indoors. Sydneysiders make the most of ‘thinking season’ with talks and ideas festivals like Sydney Writers’ Festival, Vivid Ideas and Semi-Permanent. It’s also whale-watching season and Mother's Day. If you just want to get out and explore, see our guide to Sydney's harbour islands, the best picnic spots and the best bush walks.
The biggest events in May
Finders Keepers Markets
What started as a 20-stall marketplace in the inner west is now a grand nationwide operation that supports more than 1,000 local artists, designers and makers. The Finders Keepers Markets are marking their milestone birthday by uprooting from Australian Technology Park and moving into the Cutaway at Barangaroo. Or as founder Brooke Johnston calls it: “an inspiring empty canvas filled with potential.” “We like to think we’re always and forever evolving,” says Johnston. “We’ll be taking a different approach in terms of the look and feel [of the markets], and our new venue has a big part to play in the inspiration for this."
My Dad Wrote A Porno Live
Australia will get two chances to laugh (and cringe) with Jamie Morton this year when the My Dad Wrote A Porno star brings his podcast down under. What would you do if you found out your dad wrote a porno? Would you ignore its very existence? Would you bring it up with him? Or would you, say, create a podcast with two of your friends and read out chapters to the wider world? Let’s just say, Jamie Morton made the right decision.
Kinky Boots
For a musical largely set in a Northampton shoe factory, Kinky Boots is surprisingly energetic. Directed and choreographed by Broadway favourite Jerry Mitchell, it’s buoyed by buckets of charm, a gung-ho approach to storytelling, and – in this Australian iteration – superlative performances. The show barrels along in a shower of sequins and triumphant lyrics – almost distracting its audience from significant narrative issues.
Mark two milestone events this month
Reconciliation Week
This year marks two milestone dates: the 50th anniversary of the 1967 referendum and the 25th anniversary of the Mabo decision. Reconciliation Week starts on May 27, which is the anniversary of the 1967 referendum, and it runs to Mabo Day on June 3, the day the High Court of Australia recognised the land rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It’s an annual celebration of how far we’ve come, but also a recognition of what’s yet to be achieved.
