Spring is in full bloom in Sydney in October, and the weather is lovely and warm, but not hot. Daylight saving, beginning on 6 October in 2024, makes the days longer, giving you more time to get out and explore.

The first Monday in October is a public holiday, Labour Day, which honours the mid-19th-century fight for an 8-hour working day.

The School Holidays continue until 14 October. These events combined see an increase in both prices and activity at the beginning of the month. Book accommodation and tours in advance if you are visiting Sydney in early October.

Average Temperatures: 22-14°C (72-57°F)
While each year varies we had nine days of rain in October 2023

We update this page as new events are made available to us. If you would like to have your event added, please send us an email.

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Major October Events in Sydney

Sculpture by the Sea

With 100 artworks by Australian and international sculptors, the world’s largest free-to-the-public outdoor sculpture exhibition begins this month for its 26^th year. Approximately 450,000 visitors expected to attend the free three-week exhibition.

Among the highlights of this year’s exhibition are 39 first-time exhibitors, along with celebrations of significant artist milestones. Japanese artist Takeshi Tanabe and Sydney local Paul Bacon will join the Decade Club, marking their tenth exhibition at Bondi.

When: 18 October to 4 November 2024
Where: Bondi to Tamarama Coastal Walk
Cost: Free, get our tips for visiting here.

Ghost in The Rocks: Halloween Festival

Get ready for a hauntingly good time as Ghost in The Rocks transforms The Rocks into a ghost town this Halloween. The historic precinct will be filled with eerie sights, including massive tentacles slithering out from buildings, whispered tales of murder, and mysterious flickering lights.

This four-day event, Australia’s first-ever Halloween festival, promises to bring America’s beloved Halloween tradition to life right here in Sydney.

You can expect thrilling attractions like the House of Horror, Ghost Cinema, Murder Mystery Parties, a Halloween Parade, and the Zombie Disco, while the full program will be revealed in September.

When: 31st October – 3rd November 2024
Where: The Rocks, Sydney

SXSW Sydney 2024 Public Program – Tumbalong Park

Get ready for seven days of creativity, innovation, and entertainment as SXSW Sydney 2024 returns with an exciting public program at Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour.

This free event will transform the heart of Sydney into a vibrant hub of world-class activations, inspiring talks, tech demos, live music, and so much more.

Over 60 hours of free entertainment await, with highlights including:

• +91 Calling! – A single-day showcase of Indian creative culture on Sunday, 20 October, featuring six acts from India and the Indian diaspora.
  
• Music Meets Tech – A live demo session with Ben Gillies (Musician, Songwriter, and Silverchair Co-founder), Johannes Saam (Futurist), and Tushar Apte (Producer and Songwriter).
  
• Jorja Smith Live – Grammy-nominated, UK sensation Jorja Smith brings her “Falling or Flying” tour to the ICC Sydney Theatre. SXSW Sydney badgeholders can access the performance without purchasing a separate ticket.
  
• The Dome Stage – Featuring ‘Meet the Speaker’ sessions, the Innovation Showcase, and more cutting-edge technology demonstrations.
  
• Acer Predator League Academy Finals – Watch the best high school Fortnite teams from Australia and New Zealand compete for the championship, with Team PWR icons Lachlan and Loserfruit presenting the trophy.

Highlights from the speaking program include:

• Jennifer Robinson Speaks on Julian Assange – Assange’s long-standing lawyer discusses the latest developments in his case following his recent release.
• Reed Jobs on the Future of BioTech – Reed Jobs and a panel of experts explore the future of health and the role of biotech.
• Love, Sex, and Intimacy in the Age of AI – Discover how AI is reshaping human connection in a thought-provoking session led by a world authority on sextech.
• Grace Tame and Campbell Wilson on Fighting Tech-Facilitated Child Exploitation
  Tame & Associate Professor Wilson explore the dark side of digital dependency, where generative AI, social media, and the dark web are used to exploit children.

When: 14 – 20 October 2024
Where: Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour, Sydney
Cost: These are free public events
More Info: Visit sxswsydney.com for the full schedule and more details.

Parramatta Lanes

Over four fun-filled nights, explore new tastes, sounds, and artwork as Parramatta morphs into a labyrinth of free after-dark entertainment for Parramatta Lanes.

Sample new flavours from bars and food trucks, get your groove on to the beat of eclectic musical performances, and check out striking art displays tucked away within the alleys.

This year’s event is loaded with more than 120 music performers, exceeding 40 food stalls and three massive pieces of art. There is so much to take in that a single night may not be enough. So take advantage of reduced prices from nearby hotels and immerse yourself in the full experience.

When: 23-26 October 2024
Where: Parramatta Square and surrounding laneways

Festivals, Fairs and Community Events

Gymea Spring Fair 2024

The Gymea Spring Fair, one of the biggest events in the Shire, returns this year, attracting over 50,000 visitors. On offer are more than 200 stalls stretching along Gymea Bay Road from The Kingsway to President Avenue, featuring a wide variety of goods from food to fashion, wine to flowers.

Explore an array of traditional and homemade items, arts and crafts, clothing, cakes, preserves, and more. The event also features live entertainment, including performances by jazz musicians and youth bands, as well as a world food section with delicious global eats. It’s a perfect family day out.

When: Sunday October 27.
Where: Gymea Bay Road, Gymea

The Makers and Shakers Market

Support local creators at the Spring Makers and Shakers market. Over 120 stalls of slow fashion, homewares, food and best of all, it is all Australian Made!

When: 26-27 October 2024
Where: White Bay Cruise Terminal, 2041 James Craig Rd, Rozelle
Cost: $5 for adults, Kids under 12 years free, and no pets allowed

Granny Smith Festival

In 1868, Ryde resident Maria Ann Smith grew the first crop of shiny green apples. Now known as Granny Smith’s, these crispy, crunchy apples are sold all over the world.

The Granny Smith Festival celebrates the woman, the apple and is just a fun day out for the whole family.

When: Saturday 19 October 2024 from 9am – 8:30pm.
Where: Eastwood Plaza and surrounding streets
Cost: Free

Norton Street Italian Festa

Since 1986, the Norton Street Italian Festa has been helping the local community celebrate Italy and all things Italian. With four stages of music, dance and cooking to entertain you and 100s of stalls to fill your belly and your shopping bags, this is a great community day out.

When: 10am-5pm, 27th October 2024
Where: Norton Street in Leichhardt
More: Find more information on the event site

Musicals, Opera and Drama

The Queen’s Nanny

Timed perfectly to coincide with the upcoming royal visit by King Charles and Camilla in October, The Queen’s Nanny is a play inspired by true historical events. This sparkling new comedy-drama by Melanie Tait delves into a royal scandal that ignites a fierce conflict between the resolute Queen Mother and her children’s devoted nanny.

Marion ‘Crawfie’ Crawford loved her role as governess to Princesses Lilibet and Margaret Rose—until she was suddenly cast out, despite dedicating her life to their upbringing. The reason for her abrupt ostracism? A revealing memoir that shook the royal family.

When: 6^th September – 12^th October
Where: Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall Street, Kirribilli
Tickets: $43-95 get your tickets direct from Ensemble

SIX the Musical – Live in Australia

Get ready to lose your head with SIX the Musical, the globally celebrated sensation that has taken the world by storm! With 35 major international awards, including two Tony Awards and a Grammy nomination, this high-octane 80-minute musical experience sees the feisty Tudor queens boldly rewrite five hundred years of history.

The all-star Australian cast features:

• Kimberley Hodgson as Catherine of Aragon, fresh from her iconic role in Handa’s West Side Story.
• Deirdre Khoo as Anne Boleyn, following her role in The Rocky Horror Show.
• Loren Hunter returns as Jane Seymour, continuing her acclaimed performance from previous tours.
• Zelia Rose Kitoko takes on the role of Anna of Cleves, bringing her experience from Hamilton and Dita Von Teese’s tour.
• Chelsea Dawson reprises her role as Katherine Howard, after her impactful performance on the recent Australian tour.
• Giorgia Kennedy joins the cast as Catherine Parr, having understudied leading roles in & Juliet and Jagged Little Pill.

SIX the Musical promises a night of electrifying performances and unforgettable music.

When: 25 October to 28 November 2024
Where: Theatre Royal Sydney
Cost:
Under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Proof of age may be required.

Yentl – Live at the Sydney Opera House

Yentl tells the story of a young woman who defies Jewish orthodox tradition, which forbids females from studying religious scripture. After her father’s death, Yentl disguises herself as a man to continue her studies, setting off a journey where religion, gender, and love collide as she searches for her truth.

In this modern adaptation of Nobel Prize laureate Isaac Bashevis Singer’s iconic short story, Yentl explores feminist undertones and queer subtext while celebrating Yiddish culture and the revival of its endangered language.Harbour audiences are invited to experience the convergence of religion, gender, sexual politics, and traditional Yiddish culture in this powerful and beloved tale.

When: 17 October 2024
Where: Playhouse, Sydney Opera House
Cost: Tickets available from yentl.com.au

Dear Evan Hansen

Dear Evan Hansen, a Broadway musical sensation, tells the poignant story of a socially anxious high schooler who becomes unexpectedly entangled in the aftermath of a tragedy, inventing a significant role for himself.

This award-winning show, celebrated for its raw and inspiring narrative, explores the depths of teenage turmoil with grace and humor.

When: 12 Oct to 17 November
Where: Roslyn Packer Theatre 
Tickets – From $135 from Sydney Theatre Company

Well-Behaved Women – A Musical Celebration

Get ready for a musical feast that celebrates the women who refused to behave! Well-Behaved Women, a song cycle by Carmel Dean, brings legendary figures like Cleopatra, Mary Magdalene, Virginia Woolf, Frida Kahlo, Billie Jean King, Cathy Freeman, and Malala Yousafzai to life through powerful and often hilarious songs. These women, and a few surprises, are reimagined as they sing their thoughts, showcasing how their bold actions helped them make history.

Directed by Blazey Best, with orchestrations by Lynne Shankel, this production features an outstanding cast including Zahra Newman, Stefanie Caccamo, Ursula Yovich, and Elenoa Rokobaro, each delivering unforgettable performances. Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals.

When: 28 September – 3 November 2024
Where: Upstairs Theatre
Cost: from $39-95

Liveworks Festival 2024: Art, Identity, and Innovation

Performance Space’s 2024 Liveworks Festival returns to Carriageworks from 23rd to 27th October, showcasing bold and captivating performances that push the boundaries of creativity and storytelling. This year’s program features a diverse lineup of experimental art exploring themes of care, intimacy, and the power of small actions to create big change.

Highlights include Emily Parsons-Lord and Shan Turner-Carroll’s speculative installation, Hossei’s theatrical extravaganza Thunderboom Live, and Marcus Whale’s visceral solo show Ecstasy. Don’t miss this celebration of cutting-edge art from Australia and the Asia Pacific.

When: 23-27 October 2024
Where: Carriageworks, Sydney

Music, Comedy and Dance

Electric Fields with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Multi-award-winning Australian electronic music duo Electric Fields will join forces with the full power of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra for one night only.

Earlier this year, Zaachariaha Fielding (vocals) and Michael Ross (keyboard and producer) made history at the Eurovision Song Contest by performing the first song to include Aboriginal language. Now, their evocative works, reimagined for orchestra by composer Alex Turley, will be showcased on a grand scale.

When: Saturday, 19 October, 7:00 pm
Where: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Tickets: From $55.00* (Concessions available). Booking fee of $8.95 applies per transaction. Tickets available from 25 July at Sydney Symphony

Herbie Hancock – Live at the Sydney Opera House

Jazz legend and multiple Grammy Award-winner Herbie Hancock makes his highly anticipated return to the Sydney Opera House for two unforgettable performances. Celebrating seven decades of musical innovation, Hancock will perform a career-spanning set in the Concert Hall, featuring new material alongside his beloved classics.

Renowned for his genre-defying contributions to jazz, funk, R&B, and electro, Hancock first gained prominence in the 1960s as a member of the Miles Davis Quintet. His groundbreaking album Head Hunters catapulted him to stardom, blending electric jazz with funk and rock, and producing timeless tracks like “Watermelon Man” and “Rockit.”

When: Friday 11 & Saturday 12 October 2024
Where: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Cost: Tickets from $139 + booking fee
More Info: Tickets available at sydneyoperahouse.com or by calling +61 2 9250 7777

Passenger – Live at the Sydney Opera House

Global indie-folk superstar Mike Rosenberg, known as Passenger, is making his highly anticipated debut at the Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House, on Monday, 21 October 2024. After years of captivating audiences worldwide with hits like “Let Her Go” and “Holes,” Passenger returns to Sydney, a city that holds a special place in his heart. 

Having spent months busking, writing, and recording here early in his career, this performance is a homecoming of sorts, promising an intimate and unforgettable night filled with songs from his extensive back catalogue.

When: 8pm, Monday 21 October 2024
Where: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Cost: Tickets from $99 + booking fee

La Clique – 20th Anniversary Season

Celebrate two decades of the trailblazing cabaret variety show La Clique as it makes its Australian-exclusive return. Kooky, classy, sassy, and risqué, this fusion of burlesque, circus, and new vaudeville has captivated audiences worldwide, achieving cult status with 54 sell-out seasons across Europe, North America, Asia, and Oceania. 

This special anniversary season brings together fan-favourite acts and the next generation of performers for a night of exceptional entertainment. 

When: 10 October – 17 November 2024
Where: Studio, Sydney Opera House
Cost: Tickets from $89.90 + $8.95 booking fee
More Info: Visit the official Sydney Opera House website for details and tickets.

Listen Out 2024 – Sydney

Get ready to dance the day away at Listen Out 2024, Australia’s premier national dance music festival. Since its inception in 2013, Listen Out has been the go-to event for fans of hip-hop and electronic music, featuring a dynamic lineup of national and international talent. With multiple stages, bars, extensive food offerings, and large chill-out zones, this festival has everything you need for an unforgettable experience.

When: Sunday, 6 October 2024, Noon-10pm
Where: Brazilian Fields, Centennial Park, New South Wales, Australia
Who: Ages 16 and over
Transport: Public transport recommended; limited parking available

Drag N’ Dine

Want a quiet burger on the side while sashaying to a live drag show? Now you can! It’s an elevated local dining experience, spiced up with the grandeur of live, riveting performances. Indulge in our delectable $15 burger specials every Wednesday and savour the taste of $15 pasta on Thursdays! It’s a culinary delight!

Please be aware that all individuals under the legal drinking age must be accompanied by a responsible adult and, all minors must have left the premises by 9pm.

When: Wednesday – Sunday for dinner from 4-10pm
Where: Imperial Hotel Erskineville
Booking and reservations here

Feel The Magic: Magic Men Live

Get ready to experience the ultimate night out with Australia’s rated #1 male revue show! Magic Men’s “FEEL THE MAGIC” features the hottest hunks, bringing the heat to town with their sizzling performances.

When: Every Saturdays 6pm-9:30pm
Where: The Shark Building
Cost: $50 Secure tickets here

Art and Exhibitions

Hiroshi Sugimoto: Time Machine – MCA Australia

Discover the breathtaking work of internationally renowned Japanese artist Hiroshi Sugimoto in Time Machine, the largest exhibition of his career to date, now on display at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA Australia). This major exhibition brings together nearly 100 of Sugimoto’s most significant works, spanning five decades of his influential career.

Time Machine explores Sugimoto’s philosophical inquiry into time, memory, and photography’s unique ability to document and invent. The exhibition features iconic series such as Dioramas, Portraits, Theaters, and Seascapes, as well as lesser-known works and the artist’s most recent series, Opticks. Visitors can also enjoy a range of public engagement programs, including special events, performances, and family-friendly activities inspired by Sugimoto’s work.

When: 2 August – 27 October 2024
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney
Cost: $28 adults, $20 Concession  Under 18 years and members free

Exhibition: Ulan & Rachel 

Ulan and Rachel, partners in life and art for over two decades, will be exhibiting a new collection of their work this month. Their intricate and almost contradictory sculptures made from copper, steel and bronze invite viewers to contemplate and appreciate the interconnected relationship between humanity and the natural world. 

This artistic collaboration seamlessly blend their respective backgrounds in biology, horticulture, and fine arts to create compelling and innovative works – a harmonious fusion of scientific inquiry and artistic expression. 

When: Thursday 17 October – Sunday 27 October 2024 
Where: 5 Comber Street, Paddington

Film Festivals

Irish Film Festival Australia

The Irish Film Festival showcases the best dramas, most compelling documentaries and of course, the famous Irish sense of humour.

Among the highlights this year is the opening night premiere, Lakelands, an exploration of masculinity, loneliness and the role of sport in rural communities.

When: 17 October to 24 November 2024
Where: Dendy Cinema, Newtown
More details on the event site

Japanese Film Festival

Experience the rich tapestry of Japanese storytelling at the 2024 Japanese Film Festival.

• The festival kicks off with the feel-good opening night film Mom, Is That You?!, a heartwarming tribute to family and love. Directed by the legendary Yoji Yamada and starring four-time Japan Academy Award winner Sayuri Yoshinaga, this film also offers a subtle yet timely social commentary on Japanese workplace culture.
  
• Drama lovers won’t want to miss Shadow of Fire, a heartfelt historical drama by cult director Shinya Tsukamoto. This moving story follows a family of choice—a sex worker, a young orphan boy, and a demobilized soldier—struggling to survive amidst the ruins of World War II.
  
• Thrill-seekers won’t want to miss MATCHED, a sinister tale of online dating gone wrong, featuring Japan Academy Film Prize winner Uchida Eiji. And for a gritty, real-life inspired story, OUT chronicles the journey of a 17-year-old former gang leader seeking redemption after his release from juvenile detention.

Check the festival website for the full list of films.

When: 9 October to 10 November 2024
Where: Palace Norton Street

Events for Foodies

Oktoberfest in the Gardens

Gather your mates, grab your tickets, and dust off your lederhosen for an action-packed day of fun, delicious beers, authentic German delights, and more at Australia’s biggest Oktoberfest celebration! 

When: 26 October 2024
Where: The Domain
Cost: $79.90 Full guide here

Pinot Palooza

For wine lovers, this is for you! Join the Pinot Palooza Community and get loads of perks including hard-to-get ‘drops’, event tickets, merch, free shipping and more.

When: 4-5 October 2024
Where: Carriageworks – Bay 22 & 24
Cost: $65 More information about tickets and the venue, check their website

Sports and Outdoor Events

Our first sport-related event this week is fundraising for incredibly worthwhile causes. Why not get outdoors, get some exercise and do some good this month?

Seven Bridges Walk

The Seven Bridges Walk will challenge you to cover 28km as you walk around the spectacular harbour and across 7 iconic bridges.

A major fundraiser for the Cancer Council, the Seven Bridges Walk, is a fantastic event that, along with providing a great challenge for walkers and a source of funds for the Cancer Council, is just a brilliant walking route for anyone to take.

The walk is long, 28km in total, but there is plenty of fun along the way with entertainment set up at Pyrmont, Rozelle, Hunters Hill, Lane Cove, Wollstonecraft and Milsons Point. Buses will be available for transport along the route if needed.

When: Sunday 20 October 2024
Where: Choose your starting point from the list above.
Cost: $59 early bird or $99 last minute

Monster Jam – Sydney 2024

Get ready for the ultimate motorsports spectacle as Monster Jam returns to Sydney. This adrenaline-charged event features an all-star lineup of 12,000-pound monster trucks, including fan favourites like Grave Digger, El Toro Loco, Max-D, and Megalodon. In a thrilling series of freestyle, skill, and racing competitions, these mechanical giants will tear up the dirt, with special appearances by The Amazing Spider-Man, Iron Man, Black Panther, and Thor.

You can also enjoy the Monster Jam Pit Party before the main event, where you can see the massive trucks up close, meet your favourite drivers, and enjoy family-friendly activities like the Sand Box play area and remote control truck course.

When: Saturday, October 12, 2024, Pit Party: 1:30pm – 4pm, main event: 6pm
Where: Accor Stadium, Edwin Flack Ave, Sydney Olympic Park
Cost: From $29 More Info: Visit MonsterJam.com

Sydney Harbour Hike

Secure your VIP entry in The Fred Hollows Foundation Sydney Harbour Hike. Hike from Bondi and enjoy an incredible scenic walk through some of Sydney’s most beautiful coastlines.

When: Sunday 13 October 2024
Where: North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club Cnr Ramsgate Ave &, Campbell Parade
Sign up here

NSW Regional Events in October

Grafton Jacaranda Festival

If you are heading north, schedule a stop in Grafton for one of the most colourful festivals in the country. With the streets full of purple blooms, the markets, exhibitions, concerts and parade will play second fiddle.

When: 25 October-3 November 2024
Where: Across Grafton 
Check the festival website

Leura Gardens Festival

Leura is the prettiest village in the Blue Mountains and every October for the last 55 years, their gardens festival has attracted visitors keen to check them out in full bloom.

This year, eight gardens are open to the public.

LEURA GARDENS

• Avila
• Carinya (1 day only)
• Ewanrigg
• Hill of Grace
• Himalaya
• Seasons

WENTWORTH FALLS GARDENS

• Allawah
• Tree Tops

Highlights include stunning displays of azaleas, tulips, bluebells, rhododendrons and my favourite peonies. There is a festival bus to ferry visitors between the properties and art and music events to complement the garden displays.

When: 5-7 October 2024
Where: Leura, Blue Mountains
All details here

Spring at Nooroo Garden

Celebrate the beauty of spring at Nooroo Garden, one of Australia’s most renowned gardens. Established in 1880, Nooroo Garden offers a spectacular display of both international and Australian native plants, making it a must-visit destination this season.

Immerse yourself in over 100 years of horticultural history, enjoying spring blooms like daffodils, camellias, magnolias, and rhododendrons. Explore vibrant azalea banks, bluebells, and crocus beds, and admire century-old oaks, chestnuts, and beech trees.

Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Please remember to dispose of your rubbish responsibly. Nooroo Garden is also pet-friendly, with the requirement that pets are kept on a leash and supervised at all times.

When: Daily, 14 Sept. – 10 Nov. 2024
Where: 11-15 Church Ln, Mount Wilson
Cost: $10 per adult or $2.50 under 12 year olds.

Griffith Spring Fest

See Griffith burst into bloom at this colourful festival with jaw-dropping citrus sculptures, incredible open gardens and an entertaining launch party featuring live music, local food and kids’ activities.

When: 13 – 27 October 2024
Where: Corner Banna & Jondaryan Avenue
More details on the website

Bowral Classic

Hop on your bike and sign up for this year’s Bowral Classic cycling Gran Fondo. With three road cycling courses and The Criterium Race to choose from, all showcasing the most beautiful Southern Highlands scenery you can experience on two wheels, there’s a ride for everybody.

You can conveniently park at the intersection of Moss Vale Road and Eridge Park Road. Additionally, there will be parking spaces at Chevalier College, accessible from Moss Vale Road across from Riversdale Ave. Look out for the signs indicating parking areas.

When: 19-20 October 2024 – Register
Where: Southern Highlands in New South Wales

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