What’s On

May 7, 2026 BY
Northern Rivers Events May

Methyl Ethel. Photo: Supplied.

BYRON

Methyl Ethel and The Belair Lip Bombs with Yellow The Sun

15 May, 8pm

Perth art-pop project Methyl Ethel, the creative outlet of Jake Webb, and Victorian indie rock outfit The Belair Lip Bombs will co-headline a special night at the Byron Bay Beach Hotel. Methyl Ethel brings its ethereal alternative pop and psych-leaning soundscapes, while The Belair Lip Bombs deliver heartfelt, grunge and indie rock, combining for a dynamic coastal show blending dreamy atmospherics and raw emotional energy. Special guests Yellow the Sun will add their psych and jangle style pop with elements of shoegaze to the mix. This is not one to miss. Book tickets at Moshtix.

A Story of Change: A Community Talk on New release The Natural Five & Free Afternoon Tea

17 May, 3pm-4pm

Local author Trent Pfisterer will share behind-the-scenes stories about the inspiration and experiences behind The Natural Five in this free community gathering at Clarks Beach Park, directly in front of Beach Byron Bay Restaurant. A healthy afternoon tea will be provided, along with thank you gifts for attendees, and a signed copy of the book awarded for the best question. Open to all, the event explores natural health, wellbeing, spirituality and the writing process.

Selene

14 May, 7pm-8:10pm

From the internationally award-winning team behind Orpheus and the smash hit Helios comes Selene, a bold new sibling work landing at Brunswick Picture House. Wright&Grainger reimagine the myth of the goddess of the moon in a radical retelling that follows a life in orbit – from childhood fascination to adolescent uncertainty and adult discovery. This is a story of light and shadow, identity and becoming, and all the wild things within us. Buy tickets at Eventfinda.

Thirst Trap. Photo: Supplied.

 

Tweed

Great Southern Nights presents: Thirst Trap

16 May, 6pm-9pm

Thirst Trap are a five-piece from the Northern Rivers blending hip-hop, rock and reggae into a raw, high-energy sound that’s hard to pin down. Young, tight and full of fire, they don’t just play a set – they throw it at you. With real local momentum and an explosive live presence, they’ll bring their crowd-shaking energy to Murwillumbah’s M-Arts Precinct. This show is presented by Great Southern Nights. Book tickets at Humanitix.

ZAHALKAWORLD – an artist’s archive

Finishing 17 May

ZAHALKAWORLD – an artist’s archive at Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre presents the work of Anne Zahalka, one of Australia’s leading photo-media artists with over 40 years of exhibitions nationally and internationally. The major survey brings together key bodies of work and archival material, recreating her house-studio within the gallery space. Imaginative and immersive, the exhibition offers insight into her creative process and closes on 17 May. For more information visit gallery.tweed.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/exhibitions/zahalkaworld

SOUL’D

16 May, 7:30pm

SOUL’D is the Northern Rivers’ biggest live band, featuring 10 musicians dedicated to recreating the retro sound of the golden era of big band music. They perform the classics from legendary soul, Motown, funk, blues and R&B artists, delivering high-energy live music built for the dance floor. With a four-piece horn section, male and female vocalists, and a tight, driving rhythm section, SOUL’D will be bringing their feel-good live experience to Club Tweed. Book your party table for SOUL’D at Trybooking.

Joe Conroy. Photo: Karla Conroy Photography.

 

Ballina

Joe Conroy

15 May, 9pm-12am

Joe Conroy’s music fuses earthy acoustic guitar storytelling with epic layers of otherworldly synths, all driven by deep, hypnotic rhythms that pull you in. With intricate musicianship, evocative storytelling, and a voice that lingers like a half-remembered dream, he explores the space between reality and myth, creating a world that feels both familiar and entirely his own. He’ll bring this immersive live set to Ballina’s Australian Hotel for a free gig.

Line of expression – Dianne Ingram

Running from 30 April – 21 June

Dianne Ingram’s work investigates the tension between memory and actuality in rural landscapes, embodied through personal experiences that dissolve and re-form within the image. Her mixed-media abstract works convey the textures, rhythms and nuances of her environment, layered with traces of her travels throughout Australia and her sense of self. The exhibition is held at Northern Rivers Community Gallery in conjunction with Ignite Studios. For more information visit nrcgballina.com.au/v1/exhibitions/upcoming-exhibitions/1004-may2026dianneingram

Milo Green

16 May, 6pm-9pm

Under different stage names, Milo Green is an award-winning songwriter and musician who has supported iconic artists including Diesel, Dragon, Josh Pyke, Glen Shorrock from Little River Band and more. With true artistry and a warm, engaging presence, he has built a live project that blends well-known songs with his own soulful originals. Whether reimagining Amy Winehouse or The Rolling Stones on acoustic guitar, Milo delivers performances that consistently connect with audiences. Come down and enjoy this free gig at Ballina RSL. For more information visit ballinarsl.com.au/event/milo-green

Lisa Hunt. Photo: Supplied.

 

Lismore

Great Southern Nights presents: Lisa Hunt Forever Soul

16 May, 7pm-10pm

Lisa Hunt’s Forever Soul concert is a high-energy celebration of Motown, soul, funk, and disco, featuring powerhouse vocals, audience participation, and a dance-floor-filling repertoire of classic hits. Lisa Hunt’s Forever Soul shows are renowned for their dynamic, feel-good performances that blend Sweet Soul, Motown, R&B, funk, and disco, creating an unforgettable live music experience. Presented by Great Southern Nights, Lisa Hunt Forever Soul concert at the Lismore City Bowling Club is more than just a show – it’s a celebration of soul music, blending powerful vocals, timeless hits, and an interactive, joyous experience that resonates with fans. Book tickets at Ticketebo.

Sandra Kaji O’Grady – Boding

Running from 2 April – 24 May

Sandra Kaji O’Grady’s exhibition Boding is on show at Lismore Regional Gallery. With a background in architecture and philosophy, she brings conceptual rigour and precision to works that explore the overlaps between text-based meaning and visual systems. Referencing misprints, signage, camouflage and interference patterns, she tests the limits of legibility while examining how risk and danger are communicated, from everyday hazards to existential threat, using humour and layered visual code. For more information, visit lismoregallery.org/exhibitions/boding

The Star Court Theatre Games Show

15 May, 7pm

Star Court Theatre’s free monthly event returns, featuring the Star Court Theatre Players Troupe in a fast-paced showdown. Pre-selected teams go head-to-head in a series of short improvisation games, judged by a panel assessing technical skill, narrative and entertainment value. Hosted by the fabulous Beth Would and supported by the Timekeeper and Stage Faerie, the Games Show promises audiences an unpredictable night of sharp wit, chaos and laughter at Lismore’s Star Court Theatre. For more information visit starcourttheatre.com.au/events/sctgs26