We blinked, and somehow we're in May. If you're anything like the RUSSH team, the passage of time probably has you booking out your calendar in an effort to make sure you're making the most of the (diminishing) rest of the year.
Well, lucky for us, there's no shortage of goings on across the country this May. From art fairs to restaurant openings and just about everything in between, busy yourself with our guide to everything happening across Australia in the m0nth of May.
NSW
Australian Fashion Week returns for 2026 from May 11 - 15. Tickets to consumer events are available here, and read the RUSSH insider's guide to everything worth doing throughout the week.
Foot Locker and ASICS SportStyle are celebrating the women redefining sneaker culture with Her Sole, Her Story on May 6. This immersive event will blend conversation, community and style with activations including an interactive insole workshop, a thought provoking panel and a relaxed dining experience.
Gowings at QT Sydney is bringing together iconic Italian-Australian chefs Alessandro Pavoni, Giovanni Pilu, Danny Russo and Richard Ptacnik, alongside Executive Chef James Kidman for Dal Mare alla Città this May and June — a two-night chef series. More details and bookings are available here.
The Barangaroo Artisan Market is back on 9 May from 10am to 3pm. Taking over the streets of Barangaroo, expect more than 70 artisan stallholders showcasing a selection of locally made goods, plus live music, roving entertainment, and plenty of food.
Audrey Atelier is hosting its second-ever Sydney pop up on May 2, from 10am to 4pm at 31 Norfolk Street, Paddington. Expect a curated mis of vintage and designer gems, plus new Audrey Atelier pieces.
The Australian Ballet will present Romeo And Juliet at the Sydney Opera House from May 1 - 13. Tickets are still available here.
FENN is launching new Australian skincare brand Bon Elliot and marking the occasion with an intimate ‘in conversation event with founder, Dr Bonnie Fergie, on May 19. Tickets are available here.
The Pyrmont Food and Wine festival takes place on May 23 and 24, celebrating wine, beer, spirits and fresh produce from regions across NSW.
The Potts Point Urban Wine Walk is back on 9 May, allowing you to wander at your own pace as you try wines at various venues in the area. More event details are available here.
VIC
Melbourne Design Week is here, running from 14 - 24 May, with over 400 events taking place across the city. More details here.
Every Friday - Sunday for the month of May, Gigi’s Gelato will be serving authentic Italian profiteroles in a cup. Finished with fresh cream, each dessert is handcrafted by award-winning Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef Gigi Pozzoli.
The first-ever Sydney edition of The Great Artist Market (TGAM) will take place on Saturday 2 May at Felons Barrel Room, Manly Wharf. Entry is free, with the market running from 8am to 3pm.
RISING Melbourne kicks off on May 27, until the first week of June. The 12-night program includes Lil' Kim, Kae Tempest, Daniel Avery, and many more.
Melbourne Writers Festival returns from 7 - 10 May, assembling emerging and established literary voices. Plan your visit here.
The annual Rocky Road Festival is back for the month of May, at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie, and Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie. Enjoy tastings and specialty creations for the entire month. Entry is free.
The Good Food and Wine Show takes place on 29 - 31 May, bringing together more than 300 exhibitors. View the full program and purchase tickets here.
QLD
LINDELLI is hosting a two-day Brisbane residency at The Calile Hotel on May 14 and 15, giving customers a chance to experience the brand’s collection of lab-grown engagement rings, fine jewellery, and wedding bands in person. Book your appointment here.
The Affordable Art Fair lands in Brisbane on 7 May - 10 May, with 55+ galleries, and thousands of pieces of art ranging from $100 to $10K.
Paniyiri Greek Festival is back for its 50th year on May 23 and 24. Expect food, interactive activities (from dancing to plate smashing), plus live entertainment and market stalls.
Brisbane Comedy Festival continues until May 23 across Brisbane Powerhouse, The Tivoli, Fortitude Music Hall and The Princess Theatre. See the program and buy tickets here.
Celebrate mum at the King Street Mother's Day Market on May 9, with gifts and food on offer from 4pm until 9pm.
WA
Perth Comedy Festival is still on for the first half of the month, with shows continuing until May 17. Plan your visit with the full program, and purchase tickets, here.
The Bottega Vintage Series takes place throughout May, celebrating curated vintage finds — with different categories, from tableware to cameras — released each week. Each piece is priced at $70 or under. More details are available here.
The best of Perth's food and wine will be on display at UnWined Perth on May 15 and 16. More information is available here.
TAS
The Urban Wine Walk lands in Hobart on May 9, celebrating local wines from across the city. Tickets are available here.
The Tasmanian Mushroom Festival takes place from 11 - 24 May, spotlighting the role of mushrooms in Tasmania’s food, science, and local businesses. Get acquainted with the program here.
ACT
Canberra Cheese Festival will take place at the Grainger Gallery in Fyshwick from May 8 - 10, bringing together cheesemakers from across Australia for a weekend of tastings. More details are available here.
In need of a holiday? The Viva Italia festival brings Italian culture to Canberra from May 7 - 9, with food, music, cinema, and more. More details here.
