Spring is in full bloom in Sydney in October, and the weather is lovely and warm, but not hot. Daylight saving, beginning on 5 October in 2025, 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 10 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.
Temperature range: Lowest 16°- highest 28°C (61-82°F)
While each year varies we had two days of rain in October 2024
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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.
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 27th 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: 17 October – 3 November 2025
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.
You can also expect thrilling attractions like the House of Horror and Murder Mystery Parties,
When: TBC
Where: The Rocks, Sydney
SXSW Sydney 2025 Public Program – Tumbalong Park
Get ready for seven days of creativity, innovation, and entertainment as SXSW Sydney 2025 returns with an exciting public program at Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour.
Details are not yet confirmed but mark your diaries.
When: October 13-19 2025
Where: Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour, Sydney
More: Visit sxswsydney.com for the full schedule.
Festivals, Fairs and Community Events
Sydney Ceramics Market
The Sydney Ceramics Market is set to return this October for its forth year, showcasing over 120 ceramicists from NSW and ACT as part of Sydney Craft Week.
This two-day event at Carriageworks offers a unique opportunity to discover and purchase stunning ceramic art, from sculptural pieces to functional tableware, directly from local artists and makers.
When: 8 –19 October 2025
Where: Carriageworks Bays 22–24, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh NSW
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: TBC
Where: Eastwood Plaza and surrounding streets
Cost: Free
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.
When: 22-25 October 2025
Where: Parramatta Square and surrounding laneways
Gymea Spring Fair
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 26 October 2025
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: TBC
Where: White Bay Cruise Terminal, 2041 James Craig Rd, Rozelle
Cost: $5 for adults, Kids under 12 years free, and no pets allowed
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, 26th October 2025
Where: Norton Street in Leichhardt
More: Find more information on the event site
Spookfest at Haymarket and Flemington
Get into the Halloween spirit at Spookfest this October and November at Paddy’s Markets, Haymarket and Flemington!
Get your face painted and transform into your favorite Halloween character with the help of talented face painters. Plus, explore family-friendly activities perfect for kids and adults alike, including a chance to shop for your Halloween costumes, decorations, and pumpkins!
When: Dates TBC
Where: Paddy’s Markets, Haymarket and Flemington
Theatre and opera
Coming soon
Music, Comedy and Dance
Liveworks Festival
Performance Space presents the Liveworks Festival showcasing bold, experimental performances. This year’s program pushes creative boundaries, exploring themes like intimacy, resilience, and joy through thought-provoking art.
When: TBC
Where: Carriageworks, Sydney
Cost: Tickets and schedule here
Art and Exhibitions
Coming soon
Film Festivals & Events
Irish Film Festival Australia
The Irish Film Festival showcases the best dramas, most compelling documentaries and of course, the famous Irish sense of humour.
Opening night will kick off with the Australian Premiere of Pat Collins’ That They May Face the Rising Sun. Based on the internationally acclaimed novel by Irish author John McGahern, this film captures the beauty of rural Irish life in the 1980s, with a breathtaking blend of nature, humanity, and the rhythms of daily life.
When: TBC
Where: Dendy Cinema, Newtown
More details on the event site
Japanese Film Festival
Experience the rich tapestry of Japanese storytelling at the 2025 Japanese Film Festival.
Check the festival website for the full list of films.
When: TBC
Where: Palace Norton Street
Pasifika Film Festival
Pasifika Film Festival returns, offering a unique opportunity to dive into the stories and cultures of the Pacific Islands. This festival celebrates the art of Pacific storytelling through an exciting mix of feature films, documentaries, and shorts, showcasing the vibrant heritage and diverse voices of the Pacific Islander communities.
When: TBC
Where: Riverside Theatres, Parramatta
Tickets: Available at [Riverside Theatres website]
Jewish International film Festival
The Jewish International Film Festival (JIFF) returns, offering an exceptional selection of films that explore the diversity and richness of Jewish culture.
From thought-provoking dramas to heartwarming comedies, you’ll experience a broad spectrum of Jewish stories, both historical and contemporary. Highlights include the festival’s opening night film A Real Pain and the closing night feature The Performance, along with special screenings and exclusive Q&A sessions with filmmakers.
When: TBC
Where: Ritz Cinemas, Randwick
Events for Food lovers
Luna Lu’s Dumpling Classes
Looking for a fun, hands-on activity this October? Luna Lu, the popular Asian-fusion restaurant in The Rocks, is hosting an open Dumpling Masterclass. You’ll start with a glass of sparkling wine before diving into a 90-minute class led by Luna Lu’s experienced Dumpling Master.
Learn to make two types of dumplings, including the delicious Purple Fan Jiaozi Dumpling with slow-cooked duck. Suitable for all ages and experience levels, the class ends with a tasting session where you can enjoy your creations alongside stunning views of Sydney Harbour.
When: Sunday 27 October, 4pm – 6pm
Where: Luna Lu, 7-27 Circular Quay West, The Rocks
Cost: $100 for adults, $55 for children (plus booking fee)
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: TBC
Where: The Domain
Cost: $79.90 Full guide here
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: Usually the 3rd Sunday in October – TBC
Where: Choose your starting point from the list above.
Cost: $59 early bird or $99 last minute
Monster Jam – Sydney 2025
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.
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: TBCm
Where: Accor Stadium, Edwin Flack Ave, Sydney Olympic Park
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: TBC
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: 24 October – 2 November 2025
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 56 years, their gardens festival has attracted visitors keen to check them out in full bloom.
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: 3-6 October 2025
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, mid Sept to mid Nov 2025 dates to be confirmed
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: 12- 25 October 2025
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 October 2025 – Register
Where: Southern Highlands in New South Wales
Have questions about things to see and do in Sydney?
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This is a fantastic resource, thank you!
Thanks Mel, it takes quite a bit of time to pull together but we think it’s worth it!