Runways, comedy and pop-ups: What to do in Sydney this month
image via @kissing.sydney/instagram
WORDS BY RUBY FOX
Booked and busy.
In a matter of days, an influx of the country’s most stylish will descend on Sydney for Australian Fashion Week (AFW). It’s about to get very busy. Whether you’re there for the runways and afterparties, or just looking for a way to fill your weekend, then rest assured, because there’s no shortage of things to do.
Stay updated on the latest fashion and design events at FJ’s Events section.
From AFW’s public showcases and industry talks, to fashion pop-ups, markets, comedy shows and writers’ panels, May is not the month to stay at home.
Australian Fashion Week
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When: May 11 to 15
The main attraction in Sydney this month, AFW, will feature a lineup of runway shows, pop-ups, industry talks and more, spread out across the city. Although most of the AFW shows are limited to invitations, there are a number of public runways, with tickets available to purchase. This includes a solo showcase from Carla Zampatti, Hansen and Gretel, Mariam Seddiq and Iordanes Spyridon Gogos, plus two group runways.
For more details, head here.
Kissing Sydney Catwalk
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When: May 9
Fashion showroom and art gallery Kissing is hosting a collaborative community-led runway called ‘Alleycat’. See new collections from over 20 local labels, including Jess Grindell, Ossinger, Annie Berry, Saigey, Troubled Water and Bizarre.
For more details, head here.
Pinky and Kamal Sydney Pop-Up
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When: May 8 to 13
Pinky and Kamal is bringing the first edition of its pop-up series to Sydney. Across six days in Paddington, you’ll have the opportunity to browse and try on its yoga collection, limited-edition Cherry Red styles and Autumn/Winter ’26 pieces.
For more details, head here.
Katalyst Parallel Frames Resort ’27 Showcase
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When: May 9 to 15
Sydney’s Slip Gallery in Darlinghurst is set to present Katalyst’s new Resort ’27 collection this May. The showcase, titled Parallel Frames, explores our relationship with our bodies, the clothes we dress them in, and the societal expectations of a ‘flattering fit’. Explore made-to-order pieces, ready-to-ship styles and experimental custom work.
For more details, head here.
P.JOHNSON Sydney Sample Sale
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When: May 14 to 17
Australian designer label P.JOHNSON is hosting a Sydney sample sale in Paddington. Over four days, you can browse past-season styles and exclusive samples from both the womenswear and menswear collections, all at heavily discounted prices.
For more details, head here.
Kahe Sydney Runway and Party
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When: May 15
Melbourne-based label Kahe is packing its bags and heading up to Sydney. Taking over Room 22 in Potts Point, the runway-turned-party will feature a lineup of DJs and performance artists throughout the night. General admission and door tickets will be available up until the night of.
For more details, head here.
Fashion Thrift Society Warehouse Sale
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When: May 16 to 17
One of Australia’s biggest fashion markets, Fashion Thrift Society, is coming to Olympic Park, Sydney. For one weekend, you can shop hundreds of pre-loved and vintage pieces, with food trucks, DJs, photobooths, hairdressers, nail techs and more on site.
For more details, head here.
Sydney Comedy Festival
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When: Until May 17
Bringing together local and international performers, the Sydney Comedy Festival features a lineup of stand-up, theatre, improv and more. Running at venues across the city until May 17, you can choose between solo sets from comedians like Sashi Perera, Diana Nguyen and Steph Tisdell, or opt for a group showcase.
For more details, head here.
Sydney Writer’s Festival
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When: May 17 to 24
Sydney Writers’ Festival is bringing together some of the world’s most celebrated writers, thinkers, and storytellers. Held at different locations throughout Sydney, the lineup features panels and talks from writers, including R. F. Kuang, Lily King, Madeleine Gray, Charlotte Wood, Tony Birch and more.
For more details, head here.
Yes Ceramic Sydney Pop-Up
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When: May 1 to 31
Korean artist, Yes Ceramic, is hosting a pop-up with Niamh Galea at its Darlinghurst store. With 31 unique pieces made specially for the event, you can expect playful, whimsical designs.
For more details, head here.
Sydney Biennale Art Show
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When: Ends June 14
Running until June 14, one of Australia’s largest contemporary art events, Biennale Sydney, exhibits artists from all over the world. With five locations across the city, presenting industrial to abstract, there is plenty to explore, presenting artwork to suit everyone’s tastes.
For more details, head here.
To explore more events in Sydney, head here.
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