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What’s On in Sydney: Your Ultimate Guide for October & Beyond
Here's what's on in Sydney this month.
This month in Sydney (October 2026), we’re properly into spring, with warm, golden days and balmy evenings that have the whole city spilling outdoors again. From a 30th anniversary edition of Sculpture by the Sea along the Bondi coastal walk to a new harbourside sauna at Manly, a floating superyacht club moored at Circular Quay and Zoë Foster Blake bringing her new novel to life on stage, our editors rate this one of the city’s most effortlessly good months. Now is the time to book ahead for a garden lunch, catch an outdoor exhibition while the weather holds, or find a reason to linger a little longer at the water.
Read on for tickets, dates and timings.
In This Guide
Editor’s Picks:
Got 15 Minutes? You Could Score Free ASICS
Fancy a new pair of ASICS on the house? The Movement Conservation Area is popping up in the Sydney CBD on Thursday 8 October, offering four free 15-minute guided movement sessions, with every participant taking home a brand-new pair of ASICS running shoes. Spots are limited and entry is by ballot here, so you’ll need to get your answer in between 7am Friday 2 October and 7am Sunday 4 October. All you need to do is tell ASICS how you’d spend 15 minutes moving.
Where: Central Sydney CBD (exact location provided to selected participants only)
When: Thursday 8 October 2026. Sessions at 10:30am, 11:15am, 12:30pm and 2:10pm (approximately 20 spots per session).
Cost: Free. Every selected participant receives a new pair of ASICS running shoes.
Best For: Free events; Community events; Outdoor enthusiasts; Solo plans; Locals
Need to Know: Entry by ballot only — strictly 18+. Answer the question “If you had just 15 minutes to move today, what would you do and why?” and select your preferred session time. Ballot open Friday 2 October 7am – Sunday 4 October 7am. Winners notified Monday 5 October by email. One entry per person. Register via Humanitix here.
A Luxe Fragrance Experience Is Coming to Bondi
Forget your usual photo booth snap. For one weekend only, Penhaligon’s is taking over Love Letters in Bondi, turning it into a dreamy little fragrance playground inspired by The Manoeuvres of The Baroness. Pop in for a photo strip, a spritz, an orange blossom sweet treat and a handful of very nice freebies, including a limited-edition tote and fragrance samples. This is one to work into the weekend plans!
Where: Love Letters Photo Booth, 95 Gould Street, Bondi Beach
When: Friday 10 – Saturday 11 October 2026, 8am–6:30pm
Cost: Free (complimentary photo strip, tote bag, orange blossom sweet treat, fragrance samples and body lotion included)
Best For: Free events; Locals; Weekend plans; Girls’ nights
Need to Know: Walk-in, no booking required. Every guest receives a film strip, Who’s Who of London tote bag, sweet treat and fragrance samples to take home. Includes a bounce-back offer to Penhaligon’s QVB boutique with gift with purchase.
A New Summer Party Is Taking Over This Lawn
This might be Sydney’s easiest summer plan. Every weekend from October through February, a waterfront lawn at URBNSURF Sydney Olympic Park will fill with live music, giant games and cold drinks, as part of Sandy’s Summer Series. Add cabanas, surprise pop-ups and pints for schooner prices, and your weekends are looking pretty sorted.
Where: Sandy’s, URBNSURF Sydney Olympic Park, Olympic Boulevard, Sydney Olympic Park
When: Every weekend (Saturday & Sunday) from Saturday 3 October 2026 through to February 2027. Saturdays feature live music from 12pm–7pm; Sundays from 12pm–3pm (acoustic sets).
Cost: Free entry. Bookable cabanas available (editor to confirm pricing). Stone & Wood pints at schooner prices throughout October and November.
Best For: Families; Group catch-ups; Live music fans; Outdoor enthusiasts; Weekend plans; Food & drink lovers
Need to Know: Opening weekend line-up — Saturday 3 Oct: Max Lush (12–3pm), Ritchie Marriot (4–7pm). Sunday 4 Oct: Travis Drew (12–3pm). Lawn games including giant Jenga, cornhole and Connect 4 on site. Surprise food and drink pop-ups throughout summer.
Sculpture by the Sea Turns 30 at Bondi
If there’s one sign spring has properly arrived in Sydney, it’s the sculptures popping up along the Bondi to Tamarama walk for Sculpture by the Sea. And, this year’s edition is extra special because it marks 30 years since the very first Bondi show back in 1997. From 16 October, the clifftop path turns into one giant open-air gallery, free for anyone to wander through, with 100 works from artists as far flung as Japan, India, China, Slovakia and South Africa. Look out for Japanese sculptor Keizo Ushio, marking an incredible 50th exhibition with the event, and Archibald winner Tim Storrier AM, who is back for round two after taking out last year’s People’s Choice. It’s also the first year since 2023 the whole coastal walk has reopened without rockfall closures, so you can finally do the entire route uninterrupted; ocean views and all!
Where: Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk, Bondi Beach (2km walk)
When: Friday 16 October – Monday 2 November 2026
Cost: Free entry
Best For: Art lovers; Outdoor enthusiasts; Free events; Families; Visitors; Locals
Need to Know: 30th anniversary edition featuring 100 sculptures by artists from Australia, Japan, India, China, New Zealand, Slovakia and South Africa. The full coastal walk has recently reopened for the first time since 2023. Allow at least 1–2 hours to walk the full route.
The New Sauna Where Sydney Harbour Is Your Plunge Pool
This is our kind of wellness. Harbour Heat has just opened on Q Station’s private wharf, where you can spend your session getting toasty in a traditional wood-fired sauna before cooling off with a swim in Sydney Harbour. Sessions run Wednesday to Sunday and there’s a free shuttle runs from Manly Wharf, so you can leave the car at home and make a proper morning of it. This feels like the perfect wellness activity to usher in spring and we’ll definitely be booking in! Make yours here.
Where: Q Station, North Head, Manly (behind Wharf Cafe & Bar). Free shuttle from Manly Wharf to Q Station available each session.
When: Wednesday to Sunday, sunrise to sunset (ongoing). 50-minute sessions.
Cost: Single session — $25 off-peak / $30 peak. 10-session pass — $200 off-peak / $240 peak. Bookings via fareharbor.com.
Best For: Couples; Solo plans; Group catch-ups; Premium experiences; Outdoor enthusiasts
Need to Know: Communal sessions for up to 12 guests; private group bookings also available. BYO towel and swimwear; storage on site. Ocean plunge at Quarantine Beach is steps from the sauna. Free shuttle departs from Manly Wharf so no car required.
Zoë Foster Blake’s Live Show Will Be One Big Girl Hang
Your group chat is going IRL. Zoë Foster Blake is taking her new novel, Group Chat, on the road with a live theatrical book launch celebrating the chaos, comedy and magic of female friendship. Expect candid conversations, special guests, book signings, photo opportunities and plenty of freebies, with the national tour stopping in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Canberra and Brisbane throughout October and November.
Purchase tickets here.
Where: W Hotel, Sydney
When: Wednesday 1 October & Tuesday 17 November
Cost: From $80
Best For: Girls’ nights, Group catch-ups, Locals
Need to Know: Live theatrical book-launch event celebrating Zoë Foster Blake’s new novel, Group Chat, with special guests, book signings and photo opportunities.
Sydney’s Hottest Club Is Floating on the Harbour
Summer, is that you? A 150-foot superyacht is moored on the harbour, and it’s doing double duty as a restaurant, cocktail bar and beach club. At Solaré, there’s daybeds up top, cocktails in the sun and coastal Italian plates below deck, all with the Opera House sails as your backdrop.
This feels like a floating slice of the Italian Riviera, so come for lunch, stay for the spritzes, and pretend you’ve been dropped somewhere much further from Sydney. Sound dreamy? We think so, too.
Where: King Street Wharf 3A, Darling Harbour, Sydney
When: Thursday to Sunday, two daily sessions (lunch and dinner — editor to confirm exact times per day). Each cruise runs 3–3.5 hours.
Cost: Cruise Pass (general entry): from $50 per person (access to Terrace Deck, Dining Room Bar and Harbour Platform, à la carte menu available). Five-course Dining Room tasting menu: $185 per person. Sun Deck Daybeds: from $250 (up to 4 guests). Sun Deck Booths: from $250–$500 (up to 6–10 guests). Private charter from $1,450 per hour.
Best For: Couples; Girls’ nights; Group catch-ups; Premium experiences; Food & drink lovers
Need to Know: Strictly 18+ only. Bookings via SevenRooms. Sun Deck daybeds and booths suit groups — book ahead as capacity is limited.
Bondi’s Pizza Darling Is Making a CBD Pit Stop
Bondi’s beloved New York-style outpost Pizza Laundry is making a little city-side detour, taking over Tommy Panini once the lunch crowd clocks off. From Wednesday to Friday, the space transforms from daytime sandwich shop to late-night pizza and wine bar, with thin, crisp, foldable slices and whole pies coming out from 5pm until late.
The Bondi favourites are along for the ride, including the Margherita, Tie-Dye and Spicy Roni, but there are two CBD-only creations worth making the trip for: a white-base spanakopita pie piled with silverbeet, dill and confit garlic, and a seriously loaded pepperoni number with ricotta and pork-fennel sausage. Add a cocktail or a glass of wine and you’ve got your midweek dinner plans sorted! Bookings made here.
Where: Tommy Panini, 1 Farrer Place, Sydney CBD
When: Wednesday to Friday, 5pm–9pm, until Friday 16 October 2026
Cost: Pizzas from $22
Best For: Food lovers; Food & drink lovers; Nightlife; Midweek plans; Locals
Need to Know: There’s two CBD-exclusive pies not available at the Bondi original which are worth ordering. Whole pies and slices available. Wine and cocktails on offer.
Sydney Is Getting A Jewellery Pop-Up With 250,000 Options
Fine jewellery brand HEIREST is making its Australian debut with a one-day Sydney pop-up, and if you’ve ever wanted to design a piece exactly to your taste, this one’s worth knowing about. You can browse the collection before getting hands-on with its digital configurator, which lets you play with metals, gemstones, cuts and carat weights across more than 250,000 possible combinations. Sounds pretty cool, right?
Where: Prim Haus, Darlinghurst
When: Wednesday, 30 September 2026, 10am–4pm (last appointment 3:30pm)
Cost: Varies by piece
Best For: New openings, Premium experiences, Locals, Visitors
Need to Know: Walk-ins welcome, but bookings are strongly recommended; last appointment is at 3:30pm.
Your Next Bottomless Lunch Has Entered the Chat
Clear your Saturday afternoon because Zaffi is turning lunch into a two-hour affair of Middle Eastern share plates and free-flowing drinks. For $99, settle in with the likes of hummus, burrata, twice-fried potatoes and spiced chicken while spritzes, wine, beer and cocktails keep coming. There’s also a DJ in the mix, because lunch is always better with a soundtrack, right?
Bookings made here.
Where: Zaffi, Hunter Street, Sydney CBD
When: Every Saturday, sittings from 12pm–2:30pm (ongoing)
Cost: $99 per person (two-hour bottomless feast and free-flowing drinks). Upgraded Bottomless Feast package: $139 per person (additional dishes and full cocktail list).
Best For: Girls’ nights; Group catch-ups; Food & drink lovers; Food lovers; Premium experiences
Need to Know: Two-hour sittings only, bookings recommended. Includes a signature Zaffi spritz on arrival, chef-selected share feast and free-flowing espresso martinis, Aperol spritz, sparkling, wine and beer. Resident DJ throughout. Ideal for birthdays and hens parties.
Festivals & Major Events
Sydney’s Bingo Night Where Plants Are The Prize
Forget dusty old bingo halls, because this Darlinghurst night comes with drag queens, big laughs and houseplants up for grabs. Hosted by Hannah Conda, Bingo Botanica puts a botanical spin on the classic game, with gorgeous plants and garden-themed prizes replacing the usual cash. Bring your competitive streak, settle in with a drink and see if you can leave with a new leafy roommate. This sounds like a bit of us.
Where: Universal Sydney, Darlinghurst
When: Usually every second Thursday, 6:30pm. Thursday 1 October, Thursday 15 October.
Cost: From $39pp
Best For: Girls’ nights; Group catch-ups; Nightlife; Locals; Community events
Need to Know: Hosted by drag queen Hannah Conda. Plants and garden-themed prizes replace cash. Bookings required.
Eat & Drink
Suntory House Brings Tokyo Izakaya Nights to Sydney’s CBD
Suntory House is returning to Sydney for its third year in a row, taking over Sakura House in the CBD for a two-month residency from July 31 to October 3. This year’s residency leans into the lively spirit of a Tokyo izakaya, inspired by Japan’s nomikai drinking culture and inspired by Suntory’s global movement to bring authentic Japanese drinking culture to the world and “inspire the brilliance of life”. Serving up creative cocktails like the melon-inspired Mazda Zoom Zoom and wasabi-spiked Nagano Sawa alongside Suntory classics and paired with elevated share plates such as Famichiki-style fried chicken with smoked bonito cream and caviar, mini Balmain bug katsu sandos, aburi salmon temaki, and strawberry Pocky mochi ice-cream. The final touch? Putting their very own playful spin on Japan’s iconic vending machine culture, you’ll find exclusive merch, Japanese snacks and prizes.
Sitchu Tip: Stop by on a Wednesday for Hi-Kara, one of Japan’s most iconic pairings, a Suntory Kakubin Whisky Highball with crispy chicken karaage—all for just $25.
Where: Sakura House, Sydney
When: Friday, 31 July to Saturday, 3 October. Monday to Saturday: 5pm til late
Cost: Free entry, drinks and share plates at additional cost
Best For: Couples, Group catch-ups, Girls’ nights
Need to Know: No bookings—walk-ins only.
This Paddington Pub Is Making Mondays Magical
After a year of sell-out events and growing waitlists, Paddo Inn is turning its cult-favourite experiences into a monthly Monday night ritual. On the first Monday of every month, Paddo Nights Inn blends wine, Italian bites and expert-led sessions in an intimate format designed for a relaxed midweek night out. Upcoming sessions are centred around tarot and astrology.
This sounds like a goodie! Bookings made here.
Where: Paddo Inn, 338 Oxford St, Paddington NSW 2021
When: Monday October 19th
Cost: $60pp
Best for: Unique experiences, Girls’ night, Date night, Intimate events
Need to know: This is a new monthly series and includes wine, Italian bites and an expert-led experience; bookings are essential.
Art, Culture & Performance
Bondi Beach Just Got Even More Picture-Perfect
The photo booth that’s had all of Byron Bay lining up has finally made the trip south. Love Letters Photo Booth built its following around simple idea, black-and-white photo strips that give you something to actually hold onto after a date night or day out. Bondi now gets its own version of the setup right along the beach, behind a red door and a lace curtain, and it looks every bit as charming as you’d expect.
Where: 95 Gould Street, Bondi Beach
When: Open daily, 10am–8pm (ongoing)
Cost: $9 for three photos and two printed strips
Best For: Couples; Group catch-ups; Girls’ nights; Locals; Visitors
Need to Know: Black-and-white photo strips printed in minutes. Walk-in, no booking required.
The 25 Hours Hotel Launches the Odeon Cult Film Club
Honouring the history of the Olympia, the 25 Hours Hotel has launched The Odeon Cult Film Club, a series of curated screenings for an evening of cocktails, elite snacks and nostalgia. Transforming the hotel’s screening room into a neighbourhood cinema, the programme will show films like ‘The Great Gatsby’ and ‘Lost in Translation’, bringing both locals and visitors alike together for a luxe, intimate cinema experience. Indulge in a glass of wine, a cocktail and a selection of curated snacks from the menu at The Mulwray or start the night with dinner at The Palomar and head downstairs for a cinema experience like no other.
Where: The Odeon, The 25 Hours Hotel, 1 Oxford Street, Paddington
When: Wednesdays from the 15th of July
Cost: General Admission is free, with food and drinks available at an additional cost (Bookings required)
Best for: Unique experiences, Girls’ night, Date night, Film lovers
Markets & Shopping:
Kirribilli’s Chicest Treasure Hunt Is On
Mark your calendar because Kirribilli Markets are back this March with two much-loved editions. Explore artisan-made finds in the Burton Street Tunnel and a curated mix of fashion, accessories and creative treasures across the Green and Gravel areas, with everything from vintage gems and pre-loved pieces to antiques, collectables and homewares. Be warned… this is the kind of treasure hunt that rewards an early start and an empty bag!
Where: Kirribilli Markets, Burton Street Tunnel, Green & Gravel areas, Kirribilli
When: Saturday July 5th (Art, Design & Fashion Market)
Cost: Free entry
Best For: Markets, Fashion finds, Vintage lovers, Weekend plans
Need To Know: The Art, Design & Fashion Market focuses on artisan-made pieces and creative labels, while the General & Fashion Market features vintage, pre-loved style, antiques and homewares. Arrive early for the best finds.
Outdoor & Active
GoBoat
Take a Spin on One of Sydney’s Electric Picnic Boats
Soak up some spring sun on your very own environmentally friendly picnic boat — no boat licence needed! Set sail from The Spit in Mosman with up to seven friends (pups included), load up a picnic and take in the sparkling Sydney harbour views. Sounds like the perfect spring day out if you ask us!
Where: D’Albora Marina, Mosman (departing from The Spit)
When: Available seasonally
Cost: From $149
Best For: Harbour days, Group outings, Dog-friendly plans, Outdoor activities
Need To Know: No boat licence required. Each electric picnic boat accommodates up to seven people, with dogs welcome on board.
Free Things To Do:
Free Art, Workshops and Oysters at the Fish Market
Sydney Fish Market is doing a lot more than prawns right now. Seascapes is a free live performance program running at the waterfront until October 2026, bringing 14 artist commissions spanning printmaking, sound installations, workshops and immersive experiences, all inspired by the sea, the market and the harbour. Highlights include a gyotaku fish printing session with chef Ben Devlin on 7 June, a foghorn trumpet orchestra on 21 June, an oyster shucking workshop in August where you make your own shucker handle before eating the goods, and a waterfront vocal performance in October.
Where: Sydney Fish Market, Sydney
When: Until October 2026, various dates
Cost: Free
Best For: Free events, Art lovers, Cultural experiences, Families, Locals
Need To Know: Highlights include a gyotaku fish printing session with chef Ben Devlin (7 June), a foghorn trumpet orchestra (21 June), an oyster shucking workshop (August) and a waterfront vocal performance (October). Check Sydney Fish Market for the full program schedule.
What’s On This Month: FAQs
Sculpture by the Sea returns to the Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk from 16 October, marking 30 years since its first Bondi exhibition with 100 free artworks lining the clifftop. Zoë Foster Blake brings her live theatrical book launch, Know Thyself, to the W Hotel on 1 October, and Suntory House wraps up its Tokyo izakaya residency at Sakura House on 3 October, so it’s worth squeezing in before it closes.
Solaré, a 150-foot superyacht moored at King Street Wharf, is doing double duty as a restaurant, cocktail bar and beach club, running lunch and dinner sessions Thursday to Sunday. Bondi’s Pizza Laundry is making a CBD pit stop at Tommy Panini, Wednesday to Friday from 5pm until Friday 16 October. Zaffi’s $99 bottomless lunch runs every Saturday in the CBD, and Nespresso’s Dua Lipa-inspired Cloud World pop-up is open Thursday to Saturday at the Pitt Street Lab until 10 October.
Sculpture by the Sea is the standout, transforming the Bondi coastal walk into a free open-air gallery from 16 October to 2 November. Sydney Fish Market’s Seascapes program continues its free artist commissions and workshops through October, including a waterfront vocal performance. The Odeon Cult Film Club at the 25 Hours Hotel also continues its curated Wednesday night screenings with cocktails and snacks.
Zoë Foster Blake’s Know Thyself live show lands at the W Hotel on 1 October, with a second Sydney date on 17 November. Bingo Botanica’s drag-hosted plant bingo night continues its fortnightly run at Universal Sydney, with dates on 1 and 15 October.
Sculpture by the Sea is a great family outing, with the full 2km coastal walk now reopened for the first time since 2023. Sydney Fish Market’s Seascapes program also offers free, hands-on workshops and performances suited to all ages, running throughout October.
Sculpture by the Sea is free to walk through for its entire run from 16 October to 2 November. Sydney Fish Market’s Seascapes program remains free throughout October, and the Odeon Cult Film Club offers free general admission to its screenings, with food and drinks available at an additional cost.
Looking for more fun things to do in Sydney? We have plenty to keep you entertained. From Sydney’s best new degustation menus and best bottomless brunches to the best Mexican restaurants in town and where to go for a dreamy Sydney staycation, here’s all you need for a weekend in the city.
Our Sitchu editors work hard to deliver you the best products, events and venues that we hope you will love, each one is selected independently. Sitchu may receive an affiliate commission when you follow some links.
