My top picks for the 2025 October Long Weekend in Sydney

While the start of the year is peppered with public holidays, the second half stretch is fairly quiet until we hit the Christmas holiday break. And that’s why the October Long Weekend is always so hotly anticipated for Sydneysiders aching for some extra beach time, or an extra day off to check out the latest arts exhibition, see a show, or take the family to one of the city’s many kid-friendly institutions.

In 2025, Labour Day is on Monday, October 6. This means the weekend is going to be packed full of life as locals leave the office carefree on Friday, October 3, knowing they don’t have to even think about work until Tuesday rolls around. Couple this with a solid wave of springtime weather, following months of miserable winter blues, and you’ll get a tremendous surge of energy across the city. This is the weekend when those “spring is sprung” proclamations are flying thick and fast, directing the city’s psyche towards end-of-year mode with a festive outlook.

Wondering where to soak up the festive spirit? Take note of the following Sydney highlights to help you pack your October long weekend with fun, culture and

How to make the most of the October long weekend in Sydney

On Friday…

1. Take the kids to Space Day

Sydney’s annual IAC 2025 Space Day powered by LEGO Play is scheduled for the October Long Weeknd, landing safely in Darling Harbour on the Friday as part of Space Week. It’s a great opportunity to take the kids along for a day of nothing but interactive science experiences, where guests can build rockets, play in several Lego Space play zones, and meet-and-greet with real-life astronauts who are more than willing to answer any questions.

Where: ICC Sydney, Darling Harbour
When: Friday, October 3
Price: Free with registration at iac2025.org

2. Check out Sydney’s newest theatre

Broadway smash The Addams Family musical is the first production to open at Sydney’s newest theatre, the 300-seat Teatro. It’s but one small part of a large effort to revive Leichhardt’s once-vibrant Italian Forum, propping up fresh performing arts space with smart, dynamic programming that should only improve as the months roll on. But for now. The Addams Family: the Tony Award-nominated smash hit musical that’s flying straight from Broadway to bring Sydney the life of fiction’s kookiest family. Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice’s clever musical gets a local polish with stars from the acclaimed THEeatreBRIDGE program. It opens just in time for the long weekend, so book ahead if you want to add some culture to your three-day fun run around Sydney.

Where: 23 Norton St, Leichhardt 
When: From Friday, October 3
Price: From $65-$75 at teatroitalianforum.com.au

3. Learn some magic tricks at Sydney Opera House

Take the kids along to a world of wonder as Australian master magician Adam Mada puts on a special school holiday workshop for would-be magic makers aged 8-12. Everyday objects will be manipulated with the mind, showcasing show-stopping tricks and secrets so kids and their parents get a complete walkthrough of what it takes to be a true magician. All guests of the one-hour workshop will leave with their own bag of tricks to help them make life a bit more interesting.

Where: Centre for Creativity at Sydney Opera House
When: Friday, October 3
Tickets: $29 from sydneyoperahouse.com

On Saturday…

4. Spend the weekend whale watching from land

October is a great time for some land-based whale watching around Sydney, given thousands of whales will be making their way down Australia’s east coast before ending up in Antarctica. You can spot them from various vantage points around Sydney, so use the extra time to get the family together and head to some of the prime whale watching spots in Sydney. This includes Barrenjoey Lighthouse and North Head as the two most obvious.But you’ve also got the Federation Cliff Walk and Cape Solander. If you want some closer sightings, hop aboard a whale-watching cruise with Captain Cook Cruises.

READ: Our guide to the best whale watching spots and tours in Sydney this year.

5. Catch some Mozart at City Recital Hall

Experience Mozart’s masterpiece with Opera Australia. Mozart’s final gift to the world, his Requiem in D Minor, is the stuff of legends and this one-night-only concert brings it to life with the full force of Opera Australia’s Orchestra and Chorus. You’ll hear the dramatic ‘Dies Irae’ and heart-wrenching ‘Lacrimosa’ alongside orchestral favourites like the overture from The Marriage of Figaro. It’s a sophisticated option for your long weekend that gives you some quality time in the elegant City Recital Hall.

Where: City Recital Hall, Sydney CBD
When: Saturday, October 4
Price: Tickets sold out but waitlist available

6. Drive up to the Hunter Valley Balloon Fiesta

Drive up to the Hunter Valley at any point over the October long weekend and you’ll see a spectacular sight. Three-time Australian Ballooning Champion pilot Matt Scaife will be leading the charge as 30 hot air balloons launch at sunrise each day, flying high over the vineyards for a visually unique, Cappadocia-adjacent event that only flies around once a year. Hit up Balloon Aloft if you want to participate as a passenger.

Where: Hunter Valley, NSW
When: Friday, October 3 – Monday, October 6
Price: Varies from balloonaloft.com

On Sunday…

8. See some Sydney Fringe Festival highlights

The Sydney Fringe Festival typically runs from the top-to-bottom of September, but there are a few shows that linger around for a few weeks to give people more chances to catch this year’s highlights. Maybe you want the high-flying thrills of circus act Elixir Revived, or perhaps the kid-friendly One Man Circus is more your speed. You can also catch immersive experiences like an 80s party gameshow, a one-man-show from a former Cirque du Soleil performer, and an online disco BBQ. These are just some of the fantastic shows taking Fringe into the first few weeks of October. For the full list head to the event’s official website.

9. Spend the day at a French market

This October long weekend, the Entertainment Quarter’s Market Canopy transforms into a vibrant celebration of all things French at Le Marché French Markets. Wander among more than 45 stalls run by talented French artisans, sampling delectable cuisine and browsing exquisite craftsmanship that showcases the rich tapestry of French culture. It’s a perfect Sunday morning activity and something a bit different if you’re looking for your Sunday plans.

Where: The Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park
When:  Sunday, October 5 from 9am
Price: Free

10. Party at the Loose Ends Spring Awakening bash

Sydneysiders don’t need to drag themselves into the office on Monday, so of course everyone will be looking for somewhere to party the Sunday night away. Almost every club will be doing something that night, but if you want a quick, decisive choice: head on over to Oxford Art Factory. Renowned party starts Loose Ends will be using the long weekend as an excuse to throw their annual Spring Awakening bash, which will go for all night with some of Sydney’s hottest DJs helping fill that mid-sized dancefloor with nothing but colour.

Where: 3/46 Oxford St, Darlinghurst 
When: Sunday, October 5
Price: $64 from Moshtix

On Monday…

11. Dedicate the day to kids shows

A lot of Fringe Kids shows are extending beyond September, plus you’ve got an entire kid-friendly cultural festival in Parramatta to keep your Monday busy. If the Spring School Holiday fever has got a hold of you, take note that there are a number of kids shows around Sydney that you’ll want to spend your extra day on. Head along to Riverside Theatres for the varied Spot On Children’s Festival with entertainment and workshops designed to spark creativity. If you and the little ones share a love of classical music, take the family along to Where to Hide a Star while the Australian Chamber Orchestra illustrate story of imagination, courage and empathy. One of the highlights of the Fringe Kids program this year is Bee Story, a “narrative circus” working in acrobatics, dance and live music for the whole family.

12. Visit the Tulip Time Festival in Bowral

If you’re feeling like a picture-perfect day trip into nature then drive on down to Bowral for the annual Tulip Time Flower Festival. Wrapping on Monday, October 6, the epic nature festival brings in over 80,000 mass planted tulips to the Corbett Gardens in the Southern Highlands, creating a spectacular visual scene that regularly draws in people from all across Australia. It always takes place over the October Long Weekend, so there are plenty of activities being planned for visitors, from walking tours of Bowral’s historic streets to sparkling high teas and long lunches.

Where: Corbett Gardens, Bowral
When: All October long weekend (from 9am to 4:30pm)
Price: $18-$20 per person from visitsouthernhighlands.com.au

Lead photo: Dee Kramer | Destination NSW