With cost-of-living pressures meaning purse strings are pulled tighter than ever, it’s heartening to know that there’s still lots to do in notoriously exxy Sydney that doesn’t cost a cent. We’ve pulled together a gratis guide to the best free events happening over the next month. From the cool to the quirky, there’s something for everyone with festivals, talks, live gigs, family fun and much more, and, best of all, it won’t blow the budget.
Artworks from the group exhibition Under the Big Blue Sky at the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre.Credit: Wolter Peeters
UNDER THE BIG BLUE SKY
Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, until July 20
Recently opened group exhibition Under the Big Blue Sky asked artists from a wide range of cultural backgrounds for their take on the colour blue, with the resulting artworks on show spanning from small pieces to immersive installations. The exhibition also has a launch event on May 3 with visitors able to register to attend for free and take part in artist-led tours of the show with insights from exhibiting artists Ara Dolatian, Eugenia Lim and Neil Beedie. Youngsters can also get creative at the opening with hands-on art activities designed for children. casulapowerhouse.com
Metro A.i.R x Porcelain Alice
METRO A.I.R X PORCELAIN ALICE
Metro Theatre, Wednesdays until May 21
The Metro A.i.R program, short for artist-in-residence, has been handing over their intimate Metro Social space once a week for labels, collectives and artists to showcase local talent. In May they are giving the curatorial reins to former Miss Burlesque NSW Porcelain Alice for the neo-burlesque variety show Porcelain Alice’s Pet Palace. Delight in some saucy fun with a rotating cast featuring showgirls and circus performers. Tickets are free, but bookings are essential. metrotheatre.com.au/metro-air
Jazz Sessions in the Rocks.Credit: Anna Kucera
JAZZ SESSIONS IN THE ROCKS
The Rocks Square, Thursdays until September 25
Both jazz newbies and long-time aficionados are welcome at this outdoor evening of weekly tunes. Sydney Improvised Music Association oversees the line-up with jazz reggae trio The Sonic Drops, R&B singer-songwriter Ruby Jackson and duo Lauren Tsamouras and Tom Avgenicos among those sharing their sounds in May. The event has become so popular as an after-work chill-out spot that the season has been extended this year to allow even more ears to enjoy the vibes. therocks.com
Cockatoo Island Open Day.
Cockatoo Island Open Day
Cockatoo Island, May 4
As part of the Australian Heritage Festival, Cockatoo Island welcomes visitors to discover more at an open day with several talks focused on the history and biodiversity of the area. Learn about seahorses, convicts and shipbuilding among the eclectic mix of topics. Visitors can also step back in time as they learn to dance the Charleston or view steam crane demonstrations, while kids can play old-fashioned pastimes including hopscotch, quoits and kite flying. Registering online to attend is encouraged. cockatooisland.gov.au
May The 4th. Star Wars party.
MAY THE 4TH
Pitt Street Mall, May 4
Celebrate Star Wars Day (May the 4th, may the Force be with you – geddit?) with fans young and old invited to partake in the intergalactic revelry and share their love for the space opera franchise. Attendees can swing a lightsaber at Jedi training, get their face painted to transform into Chewbacca or R2-D2, snap a pic with an adorable inflatable Grogu, decorate doughnuts with space-inspired designs and groove along to tunes from the famous Tatooine cantina band. There will even be a 6.5-metre-high life-sized TIE fighter on display for those wanting to embrace the dark side. disney.com.au
COLUM MCCANN: THE TRUTH DISCONNECT
Roundhouse, UNSW Kensington, May 6
The acclaimed Irish author and National Book Award winner is in conversation with Sam Koslowski from The Daily Aus about his new novel, Twist, which follows a journalist travelling on a cable-laying ship. McCann will discuss his latest book, but also larger questions on the paradox of how in the digital age of information excess, true authenticity and connection is scarcer than ever. Free to attend, but bookings are essential. events.unsw.edu.au
WESTSIDE VIBE
Dural Lane, Hornsby, May 9
Community bash Westside Vibe returns for an evening of fun and flavours. Five hours of toe-tapping live tunes are planned with sets from Gang of Brothers, The Funky Monkeys, Phat Brass and others. A fleet of food trucks will also be driving in to keep tummies from going hungry with gozleme, German sausages, burgers, dumplings and more on the multicultural menu. hornsby.nsw.gov.au/westsidevibe
BARANGAROO ARTISAN MARKET
The Streets of Barangaroo, May 10
Perfectly timed for just before Mother’s Day, this free-entry bazaar is ideal for those looking for a one-of-a-kind gift with its emphasis on local makers and creatives. Take a browse of 70 stalls selling everything from homewares to jewellery, artworks to tasty treats. The area should also be full of roving performers with colourfully costumed stilt walkers, a brass band and a hula-hoop and juggling duo among the many acts brightening up the day. thestreetsofbarangaroo.com/artisanmarket
PYRMONT FESTIVAL
Pirrama Park, May 17-18
Pack a picnic blanket for this annual outdoor festival which brings together wineries, breweries and distilleries, alongside food vendors slinging pizzas, fried chicken, paella, oysters and more. Boogie along at the two stages for live music with performances from Jo Fabro, Crown Jewel and others. And while there’s plenty for adults to enjoy, the festival is also very family-friendly (even dogs are invited!) with face painting, oversized games, art classes and a jumping castle. pyrmontfestival.com.au
The Eurovision Party in 2023.Credit: Creative Events Photography
EUROVISION SONG CONTEST LIVE BROADCAST PARTY
Marana Auditorium, Hurstville, May 18
Set that alarm early as doors open at 4.30am for a live Eurovision watch party where Hurstville’s Marana Auditorium will turn into a Swiss winter wonderland in honour of this year’s host nation. Fingers crossed for a good showing from Australia’s entry, pop star and viral streaming sensation Go-Jo and his campy track Milkshake Man, but really half the fun is uncovering your new favourite bop from countries big and small. Attendees are invited to embrace the Eurovision love of sparkle with prizes on offer for the best dressed. Tickets are free, but must be booked in advance. georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/eurovision
VOLUME PRESENTS: FIXTURES WITH SEAWORTHY AND MATT ROSNER
Art Gallery of New South Wales, May 21
The art gallery’s experimental music series Volume has recently started a free monthly live program, Volume Presents: Fixtures, which is currently focusing on musicians and performers whose work examines experiences of climate change. In May they host sound artists Seaworthy and Matt Rosner, who have created instrumental improvisations inspired by the environment. Bookings are essential to secure tickets. artgallery.nsw.gov.au
CURIOSITY LECTURE SERIES
Carriageworks, May 22-24
Sydney Writers’ Festival always provides much to mull over and their free Curiosity Lecture Series should provoke ample conversation with a terrific line-up of talks from authors happening across three days. Hear from Toby Walsh on understanding AI, Linda Jaivin on the Cultural Revolution in China, Norman Swan on raising primary school-aged kids and Jess Hill on stopping family violence, with several other talks rounding out the schedule. swf.org.au
VIVID SYDNEY
Various locations, May 23-June 14
Sydney favourite Vivid is soon to take over the streets with its illuminated magic and this year the entire Vivid Light Walk is free, so absolutely everyone can brave the crowds to check out the installations. Another free highlight of the 2025 program is the stellar live music line-up at Tumbalong Nights with shows from Grammy-winning Ivorian artist Dobet Gnahore, Winston Surfshirt, Ayesha Madon and Bob Downe hosting a night of choirs. Free entry foodie fave Vivid Fire Kitchen also returns to The Goods Line with live demonstrations and flame-cooked cuisine. vividsydney.com
NGANA BIRRUNG
Parramatta Square, May 27
First Nations musical extravaganza Ngana Birrung (Dharug for Black Stars) returns for its fourth and final year, so get along to check out some of the freshest talent around. The show is headlined by Gomeroi man and rapper Kobie Dee, whose storytelling skills and impressive flow should get the crowd going. He’s supported by sets from Akilaqui, Reggie Brown and DJ Mali. The action is not only free, but also all-ages, so even younger hip-hop heads can get along. atparramatta.com
Find out the next TV, streaming series and movies to add to your must-sees. Get The Watchlist delivered every Thursday.