What’s On

Welcome to our events, exhibitions and showcase listing page. If you have a special showcase, exhibition or event that you’d like us to promote on this page, please email us the full details of the program along with the relevant photos to editor@dailystraits.com. We accept listings from around the globe, just be sure to shoot us an email with the complete details and we will do the rest.

Free Scoops, Mum Deals

Sydney, May 4: SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium will host a Free Cone Day on May 5, offering visitors a complimentary scoop of ice cream at the Ben & Jerry’s kiosk from 12pm to 8pm.
The promotion is open to all guests and will take place at the aquarium exit.
Separately, Merlin Entertainments is rolling out a “Bring Your Mum For Free” promotion across selected attractions in Australia and New Zealand for Mother’s Day.
The offer runs from May 10 to 14 and allows one free adult ticket with the purchase of a full-priced ticket, valid for general admission only and booked online in advance.
Participating attractions include SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Madame Tussauds Sydney, Sydney Tower Eye, SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium and SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium, as well as SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. DailyStraits.com may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.

Tia Brittany Premieres DTF

Sydney, May 6: Sydney artist Tia Brittany will premiere her highly anticipated music video for “DTF” at The Red Rattler Theatre in Marrickville on Thursday, May 21, 2026.
Hosted by Sheba Williams, the event will transform the historic venue into a French speakeasy-style celebration, with performances from RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under alum Ivory Glaze, Fine China and Malaika Mfalme.
The evening will end with a debut musical showcase from Tia Brittany.
The event will also feature roaming canapés and beverages from Heineken, Miraval and Poco Vino.

Event details

When: Thursday, May 21, 2026
Time: 7pm to 9pm
Where: The Red Rattler Theatre, 6 Faversham St, Marrickville NSW 2204
Tickets: Register online

Christmas Market Returns

Perth, May 14: Christmas in July Festival will return to The Rocks from Friday 10 July to Sunday 19 July 2026, bringing snowfall, fairy lights, mulled wine and a European-style Christmas market experience back to Sydney.
The free-entry festival will transform The Rocks into a winter village for 10 nights, with wooden chalets, festive food, artisan shopping, live music, winter drinks and entertainment across the historic precinct.
More than 30 vendors will take part, offering Christmas gifts, handmade creations, festive treats and curated winter food experiences inspired by markets across France, Germany and the Alpine regions.
Returning highlights include Snow Lane in Kendall Lane, where artificial snow falls beneath fairy lights, alongside mulled wine bars, melted raclette, fondue, hot chocolates, desserts, fire pits and artisan stalls.
“We created Christmas in July Festival to bring the magic and atmosphere of the great European winter markets to Sydney,” said Vincent Hernandez.
“There’s something incredibly special about walking through glowing wooden chalets, drinking mulled wine beneath fairy lights, watching snow fall in The Rocks and sharing melted cheese with friends and family. People genuinely embrace the experience and make it part of their winter traditions.”
The festival will be held at The Rocks, Sydney, with free entry.
More information is available at christmasinjuly.com.au.

Ray Pups Born

Perth, May 14: Two endangered Eagle Ray pups have gone on display at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium after being born on 16 March 2026.
The two male pups, born to Nova and Eddie, can now be seen in the aquarium’s Oceanarium Bay of Rays habitat.
They are currently around the size of a dinner plate, with tails close to one metre long.
The brothers are already showing different personalities, with one described as more adventurous and the other more shy.
Quinn Clarke, General Manager, SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast, said, “Watching the eagle ray pups thrive has been incredibly special for the team. Guests have the opportunity to see the next generation of one of the ocean’s most graceful and fascinating species as the pups confidently glide through the Oceanarium tunnel. “
SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast has also launched a “Parent and Child Weekday Special,” offering entry for one adult and one child under two for $30 on weekdays when booked online in advance.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. DailyStraits.com may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.

Penguin Chick Named Dunkin

Perth, May 14: SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium has named its three-month-old King Penguin chick “Dunkin” in honour of the Sydney Kings basketball team.
The name was inspired by the chick’s high-pitched call, which the aquarium’s animal care team said sounds like sneakers gripping a basketball court.
Sydney Kings players Tyler Robertson and Keli Leaupepe visited the aquarium’s Sub-Antarctic exhibit to meet the chick.
“At three months old, Dunkin is doing exceptionally well,” said Renee Howell, Curatorial Supervisor, Sub-Antarctic Penguins. “Each day the chick is becoming more adventurous and exploring the ice. Little Dunk is a favourite for our team and visitors.”
Dunkin was born to parents Quentin and Forrest, who have been sharing parenting duties. Guests can see the chick at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium’s Sub-Antarctic penguin habitat.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. DailyStraits.com may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.

SEA LIFE Supports Petrel Rescue

Perth, May 14: SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s is helping rescue, rehabilitate and release vulnerable Cook’s petrels in Auckland, as the seabirds make their annual journey between breeding grounds and the open ocean.
The nocturnal birds can become disoriented by bright city lights and end up stranded on streets, rooftops and construction sites, often exhausted, injured and unable to return to sea.
Working with BirdCare Aotearoa, the SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s team supports the birds’ recovery through specialist care including fluid therapy, medical treatment, tube feeding, feather restoration and supervised pool sessions.
This year, 39 Cook’s petrels have been admitted into care, with 70 per cent successfully rehabilitated and returned to the wild.
“We’re proud to support the rehabilitation and release of Cook’s petrels alongside BirdCare Aotearoa. Seabirds like these are deeply connected to ocean health and protecting them is part of our wider conservation mission. We encourage everyone to join us!” SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s general manager Dan Henderson said.
BirdCare admitted 100 Cook’s petrels in 2025, with an average of 105 admissions recorded annually over the past four years, compared with 24 rescues in 2019.
The aquarium said the rescue effort also relied on community support, including one recent case where an NZTA construction crew found a grounded petrel overnight and helped arrange emergency transport for the bird at 3am.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. DailyStraits.com may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.

Alpine Escape Arrives

Perth, May 21: Melbourne travellers can experience a European-style winter break without leaving Australia, with Fondue Chalet partnering with DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne for a seasonal city escape.
Fondue Chalet has returned to Federation Square with private wooden chalets, French Alpine recipes and melted cheese dining, while DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne is offering winter-themed rooms to extend the experience into an overnight stay.
The experience is operated by a French team and is designed to recreate the feel of an Alpine village in the heart of Melbourne.
“Across France and the Alps, fondue and raclette bring millions of people together around the table every winter. It’s what we simply call the joy of the table,” says Vincent Hernandez, founder of Fondue Chalet. “In France they are not just meals, they are moments shared with family and friends. Seeing that same ritual happening here in Melbourne is incredibly special.”
The DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne winter room package is available for bookings from May 14 to August 31 and includes an overnight stay in the Winter Chalet Loft Room, a free-flowing hot chocolate station in the room, and breakfast in bed for two.
Guests also receive 15 per cent off their Fondue Chalet experience, which runs from May 14 at Federation Square. Tickets start from $79 per person, with chalets seating six or eight guests. Children under six dine free.

KLIMS Tickets Open

Perth, May 21: The Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show 2026 will return with support from major Malaysian industry and tourism organisations, positioning the event as one of the country’s key mobility and business events.
KLIMS 2026 is organised by the Malaysian Automotive Association and managed by Qube Integrated Malaysia, with strategic partners including the Malaysia Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority.
The show is also recognised under the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau’s ‘Meet in Malaysia’ and Tourism Malaysia’s ‘Visit Malaysia 2026’ campaigns.
“KLIMS has always been about creating experiences that bring people together, from enthusiasts, policymakers, industry leaders, brands, and Malaysians. It is exciting to see how the show continues to evolve into something much bigger than a traditional motor show, and we are proud to work alongside MAA, our partners, exhibitors, and all stakeholders to make that happen,” said Mr. Richard Teo, Executive Chairman, Qube Integrated Malaysia.
Ticket options include an Unlimited Access Pass priced at RM80 for the full show week and a five-person bundle pass priced at RM100.
Admission is free for children below 12 throughout the event, while adult entry is free from Monday to Thursday and RM30 on Friday, weekends and public holidays. Senior citizens, OKU visitors and students with ID receive discounted rates on Friday, weekends and public holidays.
Visitors can access MITEC through bus pickups from MRT Titiwangsa and LRT Pasar Seni, van shuttles from MATRADE open car park and National Hockey Stadium, and shuttle services from several nearby locations.

Sabah Impact Summit

Perth, May 27: Sabah will host the inaugural Asia-Pacific Impact Investing for Sustainable Development Summit 2026 in Kota Kinabalu from July 13 to 14.
The summit, known as Sabah AIMS 2026, will bring together leaders from investment, philanthropy, academia, policymaking, civil society, conservation and industry to explore how impact investing can support sustainable development across the region.
Jointly organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah and the George Town Institute of Open and Advanced Studies at Wawasan Open University, the summit aims to position Sabah as a regional hub for sustainable finance and impact investing.
The event will focus on practical ways to mobilise capital for social and environmental initiatives, including sustainable bonds and sukuk, venture equity, blended finance structures and risk-sharing models.
The summit is expected to attract invited delegates from across the Asia-Pacific region, with conference fees fully covered for eligible participants.