May 2026 Edition

What’s On

As Mother’s Day approaches, there’s no better time to celebrate the women who do it all. In this edition of What’s On, we’ve curated a thoughtful mix of experiences and inspiration - designed to make planning effortless.

From elegant long lunches at the city’s top tables to a considered edit of gifts she’ll truly love, discover meaningful ways to celebrate, whether close to home or with something a little more indulgent.

Beyond Mother’s Day, explore new dining openings, cultural highlights and global events still to come - each selected to keep you inspired for the months ahead.

From thoughtful moments to unforgettable experiences, discover everything this edition has in store below.

Mother Knows Best

Sunday 10th May, 2026

  • Run, Celebrate and Acknowledge Mum - Mother's Day Classic

    The Mother’s Day Classic is more than an event- it’s a nationwide movement celebrating the fierce spirit of mums. Every Mother’s Day, people of all ages lace up and unite across Australia to walk or run in honour of the incredible women in our lives, while raising vital funds for breast cancer research. It’s community, remembrance, and hope in motion.

    Across All Major Cities
    Sunday 10th May, 2026

  • Maison Bâtard - Parisian Mother’s Day

    Infuse your Mother’s Day celebrations with a touch of Parisian sophistication at Maison Bâtard. A specially curated Chef’s Selection menu showcases an elegant progression of dishes, designed to delight and indulge. Set within the restaurant’s refined, European-inspired surrounds, it’s a considered way to celebrate- where exceptional cuisine, warm service and a sense of occasion come together effortlessly.

    - $135pp Chef’s Selection menu
    - 23 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000

  • Gimlet - Iconic like Mum

    Celebrate Mother’s Day at Gimlet with a refined, seasonal three-course menu, offering your choice across each course. Showcasing the finest produce of the moment, the menu reflects Gimlet’s signature elegance and precision. Set within its grand, European-inspired dining room, it’s an effortlessly sophisticated way to gather, indulge, and mark the occasion with considered food, wine and atmosphere.

    - $170 per person
    - 33 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000

  • Longrain - A Thai Feast

    Celebrate Mother’s Day at Longrain with a vibrant, flavour-led lunch experience. Opening especially for the occasion, guests can enjoy the full à la carte menu alongside signature banquets—perfect for sharing. From caramelised pork hock to modern Thai curries and the iconic crispy whole fish, it’s a bold and memorable way to gather and indulge.

    - $130 per person
    - 44 Little Bourke Street, VIC 3000

  • Olympus Dining - A Greek table

    Celebrate Mother’s Day at Olympus with a generous, Greek-inspired feast designed for sharing. Gather for lunch or dinner and enjoy a menu of signature dishes, seasonal seafood, slow-roasted lamb and indulgent desserts. Choose between a relaxed Taverna-style experience or a more elevated offering, with thoughtful gifting options available- beautifully wrapped and ready at your table.

    - $88 | $118 per person Lunch or Dinner
    - 2 Baptist Street, Redfern, 2016

  • Catalina - Harbourfront Indulgence

    Celebrate Mother’s Day with an unforgettable harbourside dining experience at Catalina. Guests will enjoy an elegant four-course menu, beginning with chef’s canapés, followed by a choice of entrée, main and dessert, and concluding with coffee and petits fours. Set against a stunning waterfront backdrop, it’s a refined and memorable way to spoil Mum and mark the occasion.

    - $250 per person
    - Lyne Park, New South Head Rd, Rose Bay NSW 2029

  • Aria - Five Courses, Harbour Views

    Celebrate Mother’s Day at Aria with a refined five-course menu overlooking Sydney Harbour. Curated by Executive Chef Tom Gorringe, the menu showcases seasonal highlights- from lobster raviolo to seared scallops and an indulgent chocolate finale. Each guest will be welcomed with a glass of Champagne, setting the tone for an elegant and memorable celebration.

    - $275 per person | five-course tasting menu
    - $70 per person | children (12 years and under)
    - 1 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000

  • OTTO - La Dolce Vita Lunch

    Celebrate Mother’s Day at OTTO with sweeping views over the Brisbane River and a relaxed, Italian-style long lunch. Enjoy the full à la carte menu—no set menus - just vibrant dishes, flowing vino, and time well spent. Whether gathering the whole famiglia or keeping it intimate, it’s a warm, effortless way to make Mum feel truly special.

    - Reservations from 12pm-2:30pm

    - River Quay, Sidon St, QLD 4101

For Mum, with love
A considered edit of gifts to celebrate Mum - timeless, thoughtful, and designed to make her feel truly special.

  • Flowers by Vassette

    Bespoke floral arrangements

  • Maison Francis Kurkdjian

    Niche scents for Her

  • Alba Springs Thermal Spa

    Spa Experience

  • Skims

    Silk loungewear for everyday

  • Jimmy Choo

    Boots for the winter season

  • Cartier

    Mother’s Day engraving

  • Dyson

    Airwrap for flawless hair styling

  • LA MER

    Skin and Body essentials

  • Ritz Carlton

    Overnight Hotel Stay

  • Omega

    Seamaster Aqua Terra Shades

Dining

The city’s top tables

  • Bar Bouni: Lebo-terranean in Melbourne

    Southbank welcomes Bar Bouni, a vibrant new opening from Tommy Collins, inspired by founder Ben Avramides’ Lebo-terranean roots. Expect warm, jewel-toned interiors and a menu led by former Añada chef Jessica Mantilla, with a focus on rotisserie favourites and bold flavours. Paired with curated wines and relaxed cocktails, it’s a lively spot made for long, convivial evenings.


    -153 Sturt Street, Southbank

    - Wednesday to Sunday, 12 - 9pm

  • Las Palmas: Waterside margs in Manly

    Manly’s Las Palmas brings a vibrant slice of coastal Mexico to the waterfront, with margaritas flowing beneath festoon lights and palm-fringed surrounds. Led by chef Victor Uriegas, the menu celebrates Pacific seafood- from prawn tacos to tuna tostadas and charred swordfish. Paired with tequila-led cocktails and a lively atmosphere, it’s a sun-soaked spot made for long, easy evenings.

    - Manly Pavillion, West Esplanade, Manly
    - Wednesday, 4pm - late
    Thursday to Sunday, Midday - late

  • The French Exit: Bistro in Brisbane

    Brisbane welcomes The French Exit, a chic neighbourhood bistro blending Parisian flair with a relaxed, local sensibility. Expect classic French dishes reimagined with a modern touch, alongside a thoughtful wine list and low-lit, intimate interiors. Effortlessly stylish yet approachable, it’s a go-to for long lunches, late dinners, and everything in between.

    - Open 7 days, 11:30am - 3pm, 5pm - late
    - 169 Mary Street, Brisbane City, QLD 4000

Travel

Turn pitstops to the ultimate destination

  • TOKYO

    Tokyo is a seamless blend of ancient tradition and neon-lit futurism, offering a sensory experience unlike any other. From serene shrines to the energy of Shibuya, the city balances heritage with cutting-edge culture.
    You can fly direct to Tokyo from select Australian capital cities. From Tokyo you can then fly non-stop to 18 destinations across Europe.

    STAY: Bvlgari Hotel

    DINE: Teppanyaki Akasaka

    EXPERIENCE: TeamLab Planets

  • SRI LANKA

    Sri Lanka is a richly layered island escape where lush landscapes, cultural heritage, and coastal serenity come together effortlessly. From tea plantations to golden beaches, it offers a slower, more immersive stopover experience. 
    You can fly direct to Sri Lanka from Melbourne and Sydney. From Sri-Lanka you can fly non-stop to 6 destinations across Europe.

    STAY: Amanwella

    DINE: Virticle By Jetwig

    EXPERIENCE: Tea Plantation

  • SINGAPORE

    Singapore is a sophisticated urban oasis where lush greenery, modern design, and vibrant culture intersect effortlessly. From luxury resorts on Sentosa to dynamic dining and hidden city experiences, it offers a refined, immersive stopover. 
    You can fly direct to Singapore from 8 Australian cities. From Singapore you can fly non-stop to 19 destinations across Europe.

    STAY: Capella, Sentosa Island

    DINE: Mott 32

    EXPERIENCE: Vintage Vespa Tour

  • NEW YORK

    It's vibrant, fast-paced city where iconic architecture, cultural experiences and exceptional dining come together effortlessly. From chic hotels to private gallery tours and curated culinary moments, it turns a stopover into an unforgettable experience. 
    You can fly from major Australian cities via Auckland or the West Coast of the USA direct to New York. From New York you can fly non-stop to over 40 destinations across Europe.

    STAY: Faena Hotel

    DINE: The Grill

    EXPERIENCE: Chelsea Gallery Tour

Global Sporting

Game. Set. Summer.

  • FIFIA World Cup 2026

    The world’s biggest sporting event returns across three nations, uniting fans for five weeks of unforgettable matches, global talent, and cultural celebration on football’s grandest stage.

    11th June - 19th July, 2026
    USA, Canada & Mexico

  • F1 Monaco Grand Prix

    The most glamorous race on the Formula 1 calendar, Monaco fuses high-speed drama with Riviera opulence. Set against Monte Carlo’s harbour and historic streets, the Grand Prix is as much about superyachts, champagne and celebrity-filled terraces as it is about precision driving on one of the sport’s most challenging circuits.

    5th – 7th June
    Monaco, Franca

  • Royal Ascot

    A pinnacle of the British social season, Royal Ascot blends elite horse racing with centuries-old royal tradition. Held over five days, it’s renowned for its strict dress codes, pageantry and refined hospitality. From the Royal Enclosure to Champagne Lawns, Ascot is where sport, style and society converge.

    16th - 20th June
    Ascot, UK

  • Pallo di Siena

    The Palio di Siena is one of Italy’s most historic and exhilarating spectacles, where centuries-old rivalry comes alive in the heart of Tuscany. Held in Siena’s Piazza del Campo, this bareback horse race sees neighbourhood contrade compete in a thrilling, high-stakes contest steeped in pageantry, tradition and pride. It’s an electrifying cultural event unlike anywhere else in the world.

    2nd - 16th July
    Siena, Italy

  • Wimbledon

    Exclusive offer to Quintessentially members:
    Wimbledon, the world’s oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament, returns as the highlight of the summer season. Begin the day with optional on-court play alongside a former professional, before enjoying exclusive access to a VIP enclosure. Indulge in fine dining, afternoon tea and a Centre Court match of your choice.

    29th June–12th July 2026
    All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon, UK

  • Singapore Grand Prix

    Experience the original Formula 1 night race at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, while in prime position to soak up all the atmosphere that the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix has to offer.

    9th - 11th October
    Singapore

SydneyHarbourBridge.jpg

Art & Culture

  • Cartier at NGV

    Cartier arrives at the NGV with a landmark exhibition celebrating the Maison’s enduring legacy of art, design, and craftsmanship. Showcasing an extraordinary collection of high jewellery, iconic timepieces, and historic objects, the exhibition traces Cartier’s influence across cultures and eras. It’s a rare opportunity to experience one of the world’s most prestigious luxury houses up close.

    - June 2025
    - National Gallery Victoria

  • Archibald Exhibition

    The Archibald Prize returns to Sydney in 2026, celebrating the very best in Australian portraiture. Held at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the exhibition showcases compelling works capturing notable figures from culture, politics, and beyond. Bold, intimate and often conversation-starting, it remains one of the country’s most anticipated and talked-about art events.

    Running from 9th May - 16h August 2026
    - Art Gallery of New South Wales

  • Vivid Sydney

    Sydney comes alive in 2026 as Vivid transforms the city into a vibrant canvas of light, music, and ideas. Iconic landmarks are illuminated with large-scale installations and projections, while a dynamic program of performances and talks brings the city to life after dark. It’s an immersive celebration of creativity, drawing visitors from around the world each year.

    - Running from 22nd May – 13th June 2026
    - Sydney CBD, NSW

Entertainment & Concerts

  • Upcoming Concerts

    JASON DERULO | SEP 2026
    17th - Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
    19th - Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
    21st -Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
    23rd - RAC Arena, Perth

    OLIVIA DEAN | OCT 2026
    5th & 6th – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
    9th & 10th – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
    13th – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane

    TAME IMPALA | OCT 2026
    9th - 11th - Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
    14th - 17th - Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
    19th - 21st - Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
    24th & 25th - RAC Arena, Perth

    HILARY DUFF | OCT 2026
    22nd - Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
    24th - Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
    26th & 27th - Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne

    J COLE | NOV 2026
    25th - Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
    28th & 29th - Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
    1st Dec - Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney



  • Melbourne Plays & Musicals

    PRETTY WOMAN
    The Musical brings the iconic 1990 film to life in Sydney with dazzling glamour, romance and anthemic pop songs by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance. Follow Vivian and Edward’s modern fairy-tale love story in a feel-good, high-energy production filled with charm, humour and big Broadway spectacle.
    - Regent Theatre
    - From 14th July

    WAITRESS
    Broadway’s hit musical WAITRESS arrives in Melbourne, bringing Sara Bareilles’ uplifting score and a heartwarming story of resilience, friendship and second chances. Follow Jenna, a gifted pie maker seeking a fresh start, as a baking contest and unexpected romance open the door to change. Sweet, soulful and feel-good, it’s an irresistible crowd-pleaser.

    - Her Majesty’s Theatre
    - From May 2026

  • Sydney Plays & Musicals

    THE LION KING
    Disney’s The Lion King returns to Sydney’s Capitol Theatre, bringing its breathtaking costumes, powerful music and visionary staging to life. Experience Simba’s epic journey through the Pride Lands, featuring Elton John and Tim Rice’s iconic score. A global theatrical phenomenon, it’s a must-see celebration of storytelling, colour and imagination.
    - Capitol Theatre
    - From April 2026

    FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
    Fiddler on the Roof arrives in Sydney in 2026 with a fresh new production. Featuring iconic songs and a timeless story of tradition, family, and change, it’s a heartfelt classic that continues to resonate across generations.
    - Theatre Royal Sydney
    - From 31st July