What’s on in Sydney in October 2024

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 will surprise and delight for its 26th year, with approximately 450,000 visitors expected to attend the free three-week exhibition.

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

Parramatta Lanes

Explore new tastes, sounds, and artwork over four fun filler nights 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: 2024 dates TBC
Where: Parramatta Square and surrounding laneways
Cost: Free

Festivals, Fairs and Community Events

The North Sydney Living Futures Sustainability Festival

An event not to be missed! This is a day for inspiration and information, entertainment, fun, networking and socialising. Stage entertainment, workshops, stalls, kids’ activities, guided walks and tours are just a few of the things that will be on offer for a great day out at one of Sydney’s most iconic harbourside sites.

When: dates TBC
Where: The Coal Loader, 2 Balls Head Dr, Waverton
Full guide here

Granny Smith Festival

Back 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.

Credit: Ryde Council

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

When: 2024 dates TBC
Where: Eastwood Plaza and surrouning streets
Cost: Free, more information on the website

Way Out West Festival

A festival for children, young people, and their families in Liverpool and beyond. Expect immersive and engaging family fun with a wide range of arts, cultural events and activities suitable for children, young people, and families of all ages and all abilities.

Colorful crowd and lively stalls at the 2023 Way Out West Festival in Sydney
Way Out West Festival in Sydney

When: 2024 TBC
Where: Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre
Cost: Free, for more updates, visit their website

Sydney Streets on Stanley Street

Expect festival vibes along the street with plenty of live music, entertainers and alfresco dining. There’ll be lots of alfresco wining and dining from all of your Stanley Street favourites.

When: Saturday 21 October 11am-10pm
Where: Stanley St. Darlinghurst 
Cost: Free, more information on the event site

Musicals, Opera and Drama

Gaslight

evening noises and dimming gas lamps in her sitting room trouble her deeply. But is her relationship with her partner, Jack, as loving as it seems?

Patrick Hamilton’s 1938 play, which coined the term “gaslighting,” describes this form of psychological manipulation. The 2022 Shaw Festival saw the world premiere of a liberating adaptation by Johnna Wright and Patty Jamieson. This version is a thrilling, reimagined suspense story filled with doubt and bravery. The play questions whether Bella will succumb to the gaslighting or find her inner strength.

When: 21 August to 15 September 2024
Where: Roslyn Packer Theatre
More details here

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: 2024 TBC
Where: Dendy Cinema, Newtown
More details on the event site

Japanese Film Festival

Experience the rich tapestry of Japanese storytelling at the 28th Japanese Film Festival (JFF) in Australia. the festival theme revolves around the enduring link between the past and the present. Whether it’s a young fishmonger suddenly catapulted into nobility or the journey of scientists unravelling shamanic mysteries, JFF underscores the significance of history in shaping our current narratives.

When: 2024 TBC
Where: Palace Norton Street
More details on the website

Music, Comedy and Dance

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 Erskinville
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: Home the venue
Cost: $50
Secure tickets here

Museums & Galleries / Art and Exhibitions

Nights at the Museum

Enjoy live music and a drink at the pop-up bar as Sydney’s favourite FREE after-hours culture fix is back! Explore our incredible galleries and exhibitions and be inspired by our natural history and cultural collections.

When: Every Wednesday in November 5pm – 9pm
Where: Australian Museum
Cost: Free, More info on the official site.

Les Sculptures Refusées

Les Sculptures Refusées (LSR) presents a show of sculptures born out of this grand tradition. This initial rejection forced artists of the calibre of Courbet and Manet to create opportunities of their own – defying the academy.

When: 2024 dates TBC
Where: 1 North Head Scenic Drive, Manly
More details are here

Hidden Rookwood Sculptures

Rookwood is the oldest, largest and most multicultural cemetery in Australia. Hidden Rookwood sees 36 sculptures set in place through the oldest part of the cemetery. Join photo tours, heritage tours and art-making sessions most for free.

When: 2024 dates TBC
Where: Rookwood Cemetery
Cost: free

Events for Foodies

Oktoberfest In the Rocks

It’s an atmosphere that you won’t find anywhere else: pumping music, traditional games, and MASSIVE steins flowing the whole time! Oktoberfest is known for traditional Bavarian food, music, and beers, and we’re bringing all of that and more to this year’s blowout!

When: Dates TBC
Where: The Rocks. Book here

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: 2024 TBC
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: 2024 dates TBD
Where: Carriageworks – Bay 22 & 24
Cost: $65
More information about tickets and the venue, check their website

18th Annual Aussie Hotel Beer Festival

Over the Labour Day Long weekend, The Australian Heritage Hotel will celebrate the 18th Annual Craft Beer and Food Festival with over 30 different craft breweries showcasing the best beer and cider our country has to offer.

When: 2024 TBD
Where: 100 Cumberland Street, The Rocks
Tickets: Free, full details 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.

Aerial view of Anzac Bridge and buildings in Sydney, Australia.
The 7 Bridges walk includes the Harbour Bridge, Pyrmont Bridge, Anzac Bridge and more.

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 22 October 2023
Where: Starts and ends in Milsons Point
Cost: $70 early bird or $90 after Sept 30

Yoga in the Park

Get fit and flexible every Sunday morning with FREE Yoga in The Park! The focus on breathing, the concentration required to find balance in certain poses, the flow of the movements – it’s all an active meditation that can help clear the mind, quieten anxieties and strengthen your body.

When: 9:30 am, every Sunday (All Year)
Where: Corner of Lower Fort St. and George St. at Dawes Point Park, right under the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Tickets: Free, more Info here 

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

Rugby World Cup Live and Loud

Get ready for the Rugby World Cup!

We’ve partnered with our mates from Asahi to bring you all the action live & loud from France. You can expect the best footy atmosphere in the Eastern Suburbs with our giant screens and stadium-like sounds – the perfect place to see the Wallabies bring the trophy home for the first time since 1999!

When: 14-28 October
Where: 253 Coogee Bay Rd Coogee

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.

Grafton Jacaranda Festival
Grafton Jacaranda Festival Credit: Destination NSW

When: 27 October-5 November 2023
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. 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: 29 September-2 October 2023
Where: Leura, Blue Mountains
All details here

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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