As October rolls around, Sydney starts to bring out some of its best events, spanning art, music, theatre and sport.
One thing about October in Sydney? The music program is stacked. Female powerhouses fill the program, including Zara Larsson, Lily Allen and Olivia Dean. We’ll also see the home turf concerts from a couple of Aussie stars, in the form of boyband 5 Seconds of Summer and the iconic Tame Impala.
We’re also getting an exciting theatre refresh, bidding farewell to The Lion King and Fiddler on the Roof but saying hello to SIX the Musical, Mamma Mia and A Room with a View. My Fair Lady will also continue its run, celebrating 70 years since it first burst onto the scene on Broadway.
Sculpture by the Sea returns, making the Bondi to Tamarama boardwalk even more beautiful (if that’s even possible). There’s also an amazing new exhibition set to open at the Art Gallery of NSW, celebrating Aussie artist Sidney Nolan, who’s known for his iconic depictions of bush life in Australia.
Read on for our very exciting, very detailed and very well-researched list of things to do in Sydney this October.
Things to do in Sydney in October
Our Top Picks
Sculpture by the Sea
Is there any yearly arts event more “Sydney” than Sculpture by the Sea? We think not. Each year, artists from around the world are invited to create site-specific works that line the cliffs between Bondi and Bronte (as if the coastal walk wasn’t already unfairly beautiful).
The unique clash of colour, creativity and nature makes October the best time to stroll down the iconic path from Bondi to Tamarama. You can find out more about the upcoming art walk (which will celebrate its 30th year in October) by reading up on our insider’s guide here.
Where: Bondi to Tamarama Coastal Walk and Marks Park.
When: October 16-November 2.
Price: Free.
Nolan: Origins
This October, the Art Gallery of NSW will showcase around 100 major works by leading 20th-century Australian artist, Sidney Nolan.
Featuring his iconic 1946–47 series depicting bushranger Ned Kelly, the exhibition explores how Nolan shaped and questioned ideas of ‘Australia’ through his depictions of St Kilda, the Wimmera, K’gari, Central Australia and north-eastern Victoria.
Where: Art Gallery of NSW, Naala Nura Building, Lower Level 2.
When: October 3, 2026- February 7, 2027.
Price: Tickets from $35.
Ghost Festival
Ghost Festival is back for another year of spooky soirees and haunted hangs, launching the historic neighbourhood into an immersive four-day horror festival. Hosted over Halloween weekend, Ghost Festival reshapes The Rocks with themed feasts, spooky storytelling and terrifying interactive experiences. The least scary part? It’s completely free.
Where: The Rocks, Sydney, NSW 2000.
When: October 29-November 1.
Price: Free.
Olivia Dean
When Olivia Dean performed on the Fleet Steps at the Sydney Opera House last year, fans literally chartered boats just for the chance to hear her addictive voice.
The “Man I Need” singer, who won Best New Artist at the 2026 Grammy Awards, will perform two sold-out shows at Afterpay Arena this October as part of her The Art of Loving tour. The singer is on track to become one of the most recognised names in British pop music, and there’s no doubt this concert will be one to remember.
Where: Afterpay Arena, 19 Edwin Flack Ave, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127.
When: October 9 and 10.
Price: Tickets sold out, but keep an eye on Ticketek Marketplace.
Surf + Sound Festival
A new coastal festival is hitting the shores of Manly this October. The inaugural Surf + Sound Festival will launch across three consecutive weekends from October 16 to November 1, transforming Manly Wharf through a live music program, a free public art trail, food and dining experiences, plus community programming
The festival will then wrap up with the Surf + Sound Boardrider Battle at Manly Beach on the final weekend.
Conceived as a celebration of Manly and the Northern Beaches, the new festival will feature performances by some of Australia’s most influential acts, including Skegss, The Whitlams, Skunkhour, Winston Surfshirt and Mudhoney. You can check the full festival program here.
Where: Manly Wharf and Manly Beach.
When: October 16-November 1.
Price: Events are free to attend.
Parramatta Lanes
Parramatta’s huge celebration of eats, beats and art returns this October, taking over the city’s bustling streets for four nights.
More than 70 food vendors and bars will dish up everything from local favourites to must-try trending bites, while over 400 artists will provide live music and entertainment. Meanwhile, large-scale installations, illuminated displays and immersive works will transform Parramatta into one giant open-air gallery.
Where: Level 3/1 Horwood Pl, Parramatta NSW 2150.
When: October 21-24.
Price: Free entry.
What’s on in Theatre
SIX the Musical
Six the Musical transforms Henry VIII’s six wives into pop icons, remixing 500 years of history into an electrifying 80-minute concert. A global hit from the West End to Broadway, this riotous celebration of the women wronged by the infamous king is fit for royalty.
Where: Theatre Royal, 108 King St, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: October 9-December 20
Price: Tickets start at $69.50.
Mamma Mia!
This dreamy celebration of love, laughter and friendship transports audiences to sunny Greece, soundtracked by ABBA’s greatest hits. Packed with dynamic choreography, infectious energy and feel-good fun, this dazzling production is guaranteed to have audiences smiling.
Where: The Concourse, 409 Victoria Ave, Chatswood NSW 2067.
When: October 9-25.
Price: Tickets from $89.
The Lion King
The blockbuster musical The Lion King continues its run in the Harbour City. The original Australian production of The Lion King premiered at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney in October 2003, returned for a second run in 2013, and is now back at the iconic venue 13 years later.
You can read our review of the stunning show here.
Where: Capitol Theatre, 13 Campbell St, Haymarket NSW 2000.
When: Until November 1, 2026.
Price: From $165.
A Room With A View
Grace Chapple transforms E.M. Forster’s beloved novel of love and discovery into a passionate stage production filled with romance, yearning and self-discovery. Follow Lucy Honeychurch through sun-drenched Tuscany as she finds herself navigating a life-changing choice between two men.
Where: 25 Belvoir St, Surry Hills NSW 2010.
When: October 3-November 1.
Price: Tickets from $58.
Bugsy Malone
Based on the 1976 Academy Award-winning film, this world-famous musical features unforgettable songs, hilarious gangsters, glamorous showgirls and iconic splurge gun battles. Head to Leichhardt to see Australia’s next generation of musical theatre talent tackle this classic.
Where: Teatro at the Italian Forum, Shop 30A/23 Norton St, Leichhardt NSW 2040.
When: October 2-11.
Price: Tickets from $65.
The Elevator
Sharp, funny and fearless new Australian comedy The Elevator made its world premiere in September, and will continue to entertain audiences through to mid-October. This no-fluff office satire is a whirlwind of laughs and truth bombs as CEO Margot returns from mat leave, ready to face the fallout from her company’s PR nightmare.
Where: Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall St, Kirribilli NSW 2061.
When: September 18-October 18.
Price: Tickets from $90.
My Fair Lady
Opera Australia is celebrating 70 years of My Fair Lady since its glorious Broadway debut. Catch the beloved story of Eliza Doolittle’s transformation from Cockney flower girl to society lady, featuring charming classics including ‘Wouldn’t It Be Loverly?’ and ‘I Could Have Danced All Night’.
Where: Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: September 10-October 31.
Price: Tickets from $89.
Gigs and Concerts
Lily Allen
Sydney’s response to hearing that this West End girl is heading Down Under was huge. The English singer-songwriter returned with West End Girl seven years after No Shame, delivering lyrically honest and vocally striking songs that firmly cemented her comeback as a huge success.
Where: TikTok Entertainment Centre, 2/14 Darling Dr, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: October 25 and 26.
Price: From $109.90.
Zara Larsson
The Swedish pop sensation has recently been making waves on her Midnight Sun Tour, thanks to her viral “Lush Life” dance, stunning, colourful makeup looks and overall incredible vibes. Her album Midnight Sun is full of confidence, dance hits and songs that show off the singer’s impressive vocal range. This performance is guaranteed to be a highlight in Sydney’s pop calendar.
Where: Hordern Pavilion, Gate C/3 Driver Ave, Moore Park NSW 2021.
When: October 15 and 23.
Price: $119.90.
Move My Way at Carriageworks
Carriageworks is busy providing us with some great events in October, and day festival Move My Way is here to kick it all off.
The one-day celebration of jazz, soul and hip-hop will include performances from Mercury Award-winning jazz-funk collective Ezra Collective, rapper Freddie Gibbs, Afrobeat seven-piece Kokoroko and Sampa the Great, alongside a curated selection of local and international artists.
Where: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh NSW 2015.
When: October 3, doors open 2:30pm.
Price: Tickets from $189.90.
Hilary Duff
Millennial icon Hilary Duff will bring her lucky me tour to Australia this October, featuring special guest La Roux (the artist behind the hit song “Bulletproof”). The multi-platinum Lizzie McGuire star made a smooth transition from early-2000s teen pop to a more mature electropop sound, which she’ll be bringing Down Under to Sydney’s Afterpay Arena.
Where: Afterpay Arena, 19 Edwin Flack Ave, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127.
When: October 24 at 7:30pm.
Price: Tickets from $159.90.
5 Seconds of Summer
5 Seconds of Summer is Australian boyband royalty, gaining international fame in 2013-14 after supporting One Direction on their Take Me Home tour.
Their Everyone’s A Star! world tour sees them return to their home stage in Sydney at Afterpay Arena, where they’ll play the explosive singles “NOT OK,” “Boyband,” and now “Telephone Busy”, as well as some of their popular, older hits (we’re hoping for “She Looks So Perfect”).
Where: Afterpay Arena, 19 Edwin Flack Ave, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127.
When: October 30.
Price: From $101.85.
Conan Gray
American singer-songwriter Conan Gray is bringing his Wishbone World Tour down under this October, kicking off an incredible month of music. The “Heather” singer recently sold out legendary spaces like Madison Square Garden, the Kia Forum, and Wembley Arena, so his return to Australia is set to be a very exciting event.
Where: Afterpay Arena, 19 Edwin Flack Ave, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127.
When: October 1.
Price: $99.90.
Tame Impala
Psych-pop star Kevin Parker, also known as Tame Impala, is returning to Australia with four huge arena shows in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth this October.
Following the release of his acclaimed fifth studio album, Deadbeat, the singer of “The Less I Know The Better” (which was number 4 on 2015’s Hottest 100 and number one for Hottest 100 of the 2010s) will bring special guest Ninajirachi along for the ride. There’s no doubt that fans will be fighting for tickets to this dreamy, psychedelic rock gig.
Where: Afterpay Arena, 19 Edwin Flack Ave, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127.
When: October 19.
Price: From $119.90.
Hans Zimmer
The iconic Hans Zimmer is taking his live show to the next level with his latest The Next Level tour. Expect spectacular sound, ambitious staging and his powerhouse 19-piece band, joined by Australian vocal sensation Lisa Gerrard and a host of other acclaimed vocalists. This is one live music experience you won’t want to miss.
Where: Afterpay Arena, 19 Edwin Flack Ave, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127.
When: October 28 and 29.
Price: Tickets from $175.
Mode Festival
Mode Festival is taking over Cockatoo Island the October long weekend, bringing a huge celebration of electronic and dance music to the island’s striking industrial structures. With artists like Barry Can’t Swim, Richie Hawtin, Ben UFO and Avalon Emerson leading the lineup, this one-day party is the perfect way to spend your long weekend Sunday,
Where: Cockatoo Island, Balmain, Balmain NSW 2041.
When: October 4, gates open 12:15pm.
Price: Resale tickets: $259.60.
Art Exhibitions and Events
David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)
The 11-metre-high walls of the industrial Bay 17 at Sydney’s multi-arts centre Carriageworks will be transformed into a colourful, magical, imaginative world of vibrant landscapes, brilliant blue swimming pools and glorious mountain ranges this October.
The exhibition is David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away), an immersive production years in the making. After drawing sell-out crowds around the world, it will make its Australian debut on October 22, allowing Sydneysiders to experience the world through Hockney’s eyes and celebrate his legacy.
Where: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh NSW 2015.
When: October 22-January 24.
Price: Tickets from $39.90.
The Great Artist Market at Manly Wharf
A successful debut in May saw The Great Artist Market take over Manly Wharf, bringing with it a colourful array of stalls showcasing exciting designs and artwork. This October, the market will return with over 60 artists and makers, taking over Felons Barrel Room, but also expanding to the upper level of Manly Wharf.
While you peruse the markets, make sure to enjoy an ice cold lager from Felons, as well as coffee, pastries and baked goods upstairs. There’s also no better time to check out Stanley Restaurant, the new addition to Manly Wharf’s eateries, offering up Cantonese food and some of the best duck pancakes I’ve ever had.
Where: Manly Wharf, 1 E Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095.
When: October 10, 8am-3pm.
Price: Free.
Margaret Olley: Australian Intimiste at NAS
Celebrating one of their own alum, the National Art School (NAS) is currently presenting Margaret Olley: Australian Intimiste, presenting an intimate look at one of Australia’s most beloved painters. Through the lens of the European artistic tradition of intimisme, the exhibition pays homage to the quiet poetry of domestic life, with a focus on Olley’s six-decade career.
Drawing from significant public and private collections, the exhibition traces Olley’s preoccupations from early interiors to her later richly textured compositions featuring floral arrangements, antiques, and domestic objects.
Where: 156 Forbes St, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010.
When: July 31-October 24, Monday-Saturday, 11am-5pm.
Price: Free.
Brett Whiteley: Coming Home
The Brett Whiteley Studio in Surry Hills recently underwent a two-year renovation and has now opened to the public with an incredible new exhibition, titled Brett Whiteley: Coming Home.
Upstairs, Whiteley’s studio remains an intimate time capsule, a look into his workspace, his famous graffitied walls and his extensive collection of books and trinkets. Downstairs, the new opening exhibition brings together some of his most celebrated works, from the 1976 Self-portrait in the Studio to the monumental 16-metre-wide Alchemy.
Where: Brett Whiteley Studio, 2 Raper Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010.
When: Open Thursday to Sunday, 10am-4pm.
Price: Free.
Black Myth at White Rabbit Gallery
White Rabbit Gallery’s latest free exhibition, Black Myth, opened to the public on June 25, marking the 33rd exhibition in the gallery’s history. The exhibition draws on the viral Chinese video game Black Myth: Wukong, which is a contemporary retelling of the classic novel Journey to the West.
The Assistant Curator at White Rabbit Gallery, Meng-Yu, tells us that the exhibition “poses the question: what role does myth still play in an age driven by technology and rapid urban development?”
Where: White Rabbit Gallery, 30 Balfour St, Chippendale NSW 2008.
When: June 25-November 15, Wednesday to Sunday, 10am-5pm.
Price: Free.
Near at Hand: Dobell Australian Drawing Biennial 2026
Featuring 11 contemporary artists from across Australia, the Dobell Australian Drawing Biennial is the country’s leading exhibition dedicated to contemporary drawing.
Titled Near at Hand, the exhibition explores drawing as an intimate art form, showcasing personal mark-making, inner imaginings and up-close observations of the everyday. Artists make use of a range of materials, from pastel and pencil to watercolour, light and thread, showcasing the evolving possibilities of one of the world’s oldest art forms.
Where: Art Gallery of New South Wales, Naala Nura, Art Gallery Rd, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: September 12-March 7.
Price: Free.
Body Worlds: The Anatomy of Happiness
Want to discover the fascinating facts behind the human body? This globally acclaimed exhibition explores how the body works, bringing real specimens and interactive displays to Sydney for an educational experience that’s as fascinating as it is fun.
Seen in more than 175 cities by over 58 million visitors, it’s finally Sydney’s turn to get up close with the human body at Body World: The Anatomy of Happiness.
Where: 155 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000.
When: September 17-April 4.
Price: Tickets from $37.
Definitive Dupain at State Library of NSW
This exhibition at the State Library of NSW is the first major retrospective of Australia’s most famous photographer, Max Dupain. Drawing from his complete body of work, visitors can discover 200 images and original prints on display, from his most iconic photographs (including Sunbaker) through to unseen works and experimental gems.
The images will be shown alongside Dupain’s own words, offering a rare insight into the man behind the lens and his creative philosophy.
Where: Galleries, State Library, 1 Shakespeare Place, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: August 24, 2026-July 18, 2027.
Mervyn Bishop: Close Up at State Library of NSW
Another one of Australia’s most important photographers, Mervyn Bishop: Close Up celebrates the historic moments and pivotal people he famously captured, while exploring the private influences that shaped his groundbreaking career as Australia’s first Aboriginal press photographer.
His body of work chronicles both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australia, and has featured in dozens of incredible exhibitions over several decades.
Where: Exhibition Galleries, State Library, 1 Shakespeare Place, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: October 18, 2025-February 7, 2027.
Price: Free.
Lorrie Graham: Photojournalist at State Library of NSW
Another impressive photography exhibition at the State Library displays five decades of photography by Lorrie Graham, the pioneering and influential photojournalist.
Curated by Graham herself, this major retrospective brings together significant events, remarkable people and everyday moments, alongside intimate interviews in which Graham shares personal reflections on her career and the stories behind her photographs.
Where: Photography Gallery, State Library, 1 Shakespeare Place, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: September 14, 2026-October 31, 2027.
Price: Free.
Sporting Events
Telstra Premiership Grand Final
The 2026 NRL & NRLW Telstra Premiership Grand Final will bring the season to a thrilling close at Accor Stadium, with the competition’s best teams battling it out for the ultimate prize. In the NRLW, the Sydney Roosters will face the Brisbane Broncos, while the Roosters will also feature in the men’s NRL decider, taking on the Newcastle Knights.
Where: Accor Stadium, Edwin Flack Ave, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127.
When: October 4.
Price: Tickets from $229.
Bledisloe Cup
The annual rugby union rivalry returns in October, with Australia and New Zealand going head-to-head for the huge trophy (which weighs more than eight kilograms!). Head to Accor Stadium to watch the Wallabies take on the All Blacks on home turf.
Where: Accor Stadium, Edwin Flack Ave, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127.
When: October 17.
Price: Tickets from $55.
Where to Eat and Sip
Try Potion at Cantina OK!
Cantina OK! continues to elevate our idea of what a cocktail can be with their new three-drink menu, Potion. Jeremy Blackmore, the Creative Director at MUCHO Group, says the new menu is “dedicated to the everyday magic waiting at the bottom of a glass”, stating that these new cocktails share the “gentle alchemy” of a cocktail.
The menu features Keepsake OK!, with tequila, watermelon, crema, salted cucumber and basil seed; Shindig OK!, with tequila, coconut, cherry and prosecco; and Redwing OK!, a smoky, spicy mix of tequila, mezcal, rum, lime, macadamia and amari. We’ll take all three, thanks.
Where: Council Pl, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Open Sunday-Tuesday, 4pm-12am, Wednesday-Saturday, 4pm-2am.
Price: Cocktails cost $25 each.
SRG Hospitality’s The Spring Club
As we head into the end of the year, SRG Hospitality is launching the Spring Club, Taittinger Champagne at $99 a bottle and fresh oysters at $3 each, across nine venues: Riva, Ripples Rose Bay, Akti, Ripples Chowder Bay, Ripples Little Manly, Sails, Summer Salt, The James, and The Fenwick.
Where: Across nine of SRG Hospitality’s venues.
When: October 6-November 15.
Price: $99 bottles of Taittinger Champagne, $3 oysters.
Try Instagram-worthy smoothies at Super Mercato
There’s a new superfood grocer in Double Bay, promising smoothies that are worthy of your ‘gram, plus premium fresh produce, seasonal fruit and vegetables, a fresh deli, prepared meals and boutique pantry goods.
The grocer brings a Mediterranean way of eating to Sydney’s east, meaning healthy, fresh produce that’s already been vetted by its founders. One of the best parts of the grocer is that it has digital displays that let shoppers tap their phone to a product to instantly see its calorie count, nutrition panel and the story behind the brand, making it perfect for health-conscious shoppers.
Where: Shop G9, 2/22 Knox Street, Double Bay NSW 2028 (Cosmo Shopping Centre).
When: Open Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:30pm.
Price: Varies per item.
ABODE Bistro. Bar X with Vic’s, The Chef’s Butcher
ABODE Bistro. Bar, the award-winning eatery by PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, is partnering with Vic’s — The Chef’s Butcher this October for a four-week culinary journey revolving around Australian farmers, producers and premium meats.
This month-long menu residency will feature a new premium dish each week, with a signature cocktail crafted to complement the flavours. Menu highlights include Paroo Kangaroo, White Rocks Veal Osso Bucco, Maremma Duck Leg Confit and Kurobuta Pork Chop, making this a menu tailor-made for meat lovers.
Where: ABODE Bistro. Bar, Sydney CBD – 150 Day St, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: October 5-November 1.
Price: Price varies based on dish.
Check out Spezia at The Lands by Capella
Located in one of Sydney’s most landmark buildings, Spezia is a new Italian restaurant led by the talented Michelin-star chef, Jae Bang. Spezia, which means spice in Italian, will allow guests to dine in an open-air piazza, nestled between the heritage-listed sandstone walls of the former Department of Lands building at Circular Quay.
Menu highlights include spaghetti chitarra tossed through a blue swimmer crab bisque with anise and fresh chilli, topped with prawn tartare. There’s also pecorino-filled pasta served in an egg yolk and dukkah oil emulsion, enriched with beef jus and finished with asparagus. Time to book that table.
Where: 5 Gresham St, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Open for lunch, Tuesday-Saturday, 12pm-3pm, Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday, 5pm-9pm.
Price: Price varies based on dish.
