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What’s On in Sydney: Your Ultimate Guide for October & Beyond
Here's what's on in Sydney this month.
Sydney’s forthcoming spring event calendar is just as swish as the weather with plenty to see, do and eat. From markets and street parties to world-class exhibitions, this October is set to be a busy one. Read on for our edit of what’s on in Sydney this month…
What’s On in Sydney This Month: Don’t Miss
Once-In-A-Lifetime Comet Lights Up Aussie Skies
Newly discovered comet, C/2025 R2 (SWAN), is swinging by for a rare cameo across the Southern Hemisphere. Making its closest approach to Earth around October 20, small binoculars will give you the best view, and under dark, clear skies, some lucky stargazers might even spot it with the naked eye. Comets don’t hang around for long, so take a moment to sweep the western horizon near Mars and constellations Libra–Virgo for this once-in-a-lifetime sky show — yep, the experts think this cosmic traveller will take more than 20,000 years to orbit the Sun. Don’t blink, or you’ll miss it!
Find the Golden Bite
Renowned chef Luke Mangan is taking notes from Willy Wonka with his latest dessert. Serving up a decadent twist of nostalgia, the Golden Chocolate Bar is handcrafted with rich chocolate mousse. The twist? Ten golden bars contain a salted caramel centre which unlocks a share of $50,000 worth of prizes. Ranging from luxury food and drink experiences to a 4-day cruise, each prize is designed to make your golden find unforgettable. Find them across three venues: Luke’s Kitchen (Kimpton Margot Sydney), Luke’s Bistro & Bar (Qantas Domestic Terminal), and Luc-San (Potts Point).
Participation is available from now until October 30th
Discover more details here
What’s On in Sydney This Month: Top Picks
Treat Yourself at ButterBoy’s Pitt Street Pop-Up
Sydney’s cult cookie brand, ButterBoy, is bringing its sweet creations to Westfield Sydney, starting this long weekend. The two week pop-up will feature all the usual suspects ( think signature 6-packs, cookie tins and the viral Cookie Milk), plus two exclusive flavours made just for the city; matcha and white chocolate and blueberry and lemon. To sweeten the deal, every purchase comes with a ButterBoy Scratchie with a 1in 6 chance to win prizes ranging from free treats to limited-edition merch.
Monday 6th October – Sunday 19th October
Level 2 Pitt Street Entrance, Westfield Sydney
A Series of Multi-Day Raves Are Coming to Carriageworks This Summer
This summer, Carriageworks will transform into a high-energy nightclub with The Works, a series of epic warehouse-style events. Expect Carriageworks’ industrial vibe but not as you know it — electrifying lighting, world-class production a lineup of international acts guaranteed to blow the roof off. Taking to the stage: Underworld, Ben Böhmer, Chris Stussy, CamelPhat, I Hate Models, Ross From Friends (pres. Bubble Love), Josh Baker, VTSS, Marc Rebillet, Prospa, Sim0ne, A-Trak, Roza Terenzi, Pretty Girl and more than 20 artists across four unmisssable weeks.
Presale opens September 30, 10 am
General sale, October 1, 10 am
Sign up for presale here.
Back by Popular Demand: Continental Deli’s Hit Bake Sale Has Scored a Weekly Slot
If you missed the Paisano & Daughters inaugural bake sale, fear not. In a spot of glorious news, you can now pick up one of Australia’s best pastry chefs, Lauren Eldridge’s wonderful creations, every Saturday. Expect Lauren’s famous honeycomb, a swathe of sweet treats (including rhubarb jam slice, passionfruit melting moments and maratozzi buns) as well as loaves of bread and savoury delights. We smell a golden, toasty new Saturday ritual.
Every Saturday, 9am to 11am
212 Australia Street, Newtown
Pearls & Plates
Drive just 90 minutes out of Sydney and you’ll come across NSW’s only pearl farm. This October, they’re inviting guests to Broken Bay Pearl Farm (and a nearby secret lunch location) to indulge in a six-course feast, curated by Chef Guy Jeffreys. Guests will also be treated to a live pearl harvest and riverside performances whilst they indulge in fine wines, cocktails and champagne. Just the way we like to celebrate Spring!
Book tickets here
South Eveleigh’s Month-Long Live Well Festival
One of our favourite precincts, South Eveleigh, is kicking off spring with a host of free and budget-friendly health and wellness activities. We’re talking pilates, wellness checks and plenty more. See below for the highlights:
- Fitness Fridays: Every Friday in September, Body Fit Redfern will be serving up free community pilates classes between 12:30pm and 1:15pm. This midday class is suitable for all fitness levels so be sure to give it a crack! Book your spot here.
- Fine Line Tattoos: Finelines Bondi will be popping up throughout the month with 40-minute fine line tattoo sessions from a curated flash sheet themed around wellness. Book a spot here. $175 per tattoo.
- Happy Hoops Hula Hoop Fitness: A fun new way to work out! Give it a try with a free class, run by Fembot Juju. Catch all the details here.
- Bonsai and Brews: Sip on a BrewDog brew whilst learning the fundamentals on bonsai. $50 per person. Book here.
- Pickleball Pop-Up: Always wanted to try Pickleball? Now is your chance! Head down to Innovation Plaza between 8am and 6pm, Monday 15th to Saturday 20th, and get involved.
South Eveleigh
A Dreamy Bottomless Brunch (& Stay) at Charlotte Forestville
Charlotte has always had a way with atmosphere — that perfect blend of warmth, charm, and ritual. With the unveiling of their most sophisticated outpost yet in Forestville, that signature magic reaches a new level of refinement. Bathed in natural light and anchored by a 17-metre Italian travertine bar, the space hums with quiet luxury, where soft curves and Mediterranean tones invite you to sip slowly, savour deeply, and stay awhile.
The seasonal menu is thoughtful and beautifully executed, but the crown jewel is the saj — a traditional Middle Eastern flatbread, handmade to order and served with a rotating selection of savoury accompaniments. It’s a little slice of culinary theatre.
This spring, the Forestville courtyard transforms into a bottomless brunch haven — a celebration of generous hospitality, culture, and connection, reimagined through Charlotte’s signature lens. For the month of July, enjoy 90 minutes of free-flowing cocktails like espresso martinis and margaritas across three booking sessions, with a four-person minimum. Dishes include shared plates of saj and dips, squid ink king prawn spaghetti, steak frites, and a fall-apart lamb shank. Trust us — this is one brunch worth clearing your calendar for.
Sitchu Tip: Elevate your Forestville outing with a stay at the Charlotte Hotel. Light-filled by day and moody by night, this boutique Airbnb mirrors the brunch’s quiet luxury — from the king-sized bed to the stylish living space. Upstairs from the cafe, and steps from shops and scenic trails, it’s the perfect base to wander, sip, and return to soft lighting, modern comforts, and cosy elegance for a wholly indulgent escape.
Stay and Dine on Us: Book a minimum of two nights at Charlotte Hotel and receive a complimentary meal for two at Charlotte Cafe or in-room dining. The meal comes from the current restaurant menu.
Offer redeemable on stays during September and October 2025. Send code SITCHU to your host to activate. Book Charlotte Hotel here.
Bottomless Brunch in the Courtyard, $99 per person
22 The Centre, Forestville
Sydney Nights Go Wild: Taronga After Dark
This October, Sydney Harbour sparkles with a new kind of magic at Taronga After Dark, where wildlife, cocktails, live music, and cinema collide under the stars. Arrive by ferry just as the sun dips, sip cocktails at the Archie Rose Sunset Bar overlooking the African Savannah, and wander lantern-lit trails to discover mystical Mermaid Shows, Sunset Seal Presentations, and the immersive Wildlife Cinema. Cosy up by the firepit with street food and desserts, or for thrill-seekers, tackle the illuminated Wild Ropes Adventure with the city skyline as your backdrop.
With live acoustic music and unforgettable experiences at every turn, Taronga After Dark transforms the Zoo into a starlit playground — perfect for friends, couples, or anyone seeking a wild night out.
From 3rd to 12th October, 5:30pm to 9pm each night
Tickets: Adults $41, Children 4–15 $36, under 4 free
Purchase tickets here
What’s On in Sydney: Art
Gilded Gaze
Sydney Harbour has a new star attraction. Ancient Feelings by British artist Thomas J Price is a towering, three metre high bronze sculpture of a woman’s head. Gazing out across the water, the figure stands proudly on Tallawoladah Lawn. This is the first in a year-long public art series designed to spark conversation and reflection. Be sure to pay it a visit for a moment of culture between coffee runs and harbour strolls.
The sculpture is on display from September 26th 2025 – April 2026 at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Tallawoladah Lawn, Circular Quay
Experience Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Right Here in Sydney
After an Australian debut in Brisbane and a tour around the globe, it is finally Sydney’s chance to experience this iconic immersive exhibition. Visitors will be able to experience 34 of Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes with Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition. You’ll be able to view these masterfully recreated pieces at eye level, where details often missed will be revealed. You’ll also be able to glean plenty of background on the pieces via informative signage and audio guides, illuminating how these pieces have shaped art, fashion, film and design to this day.
From $24, tickets available here
What’s On in Sydney: Entertainment
Soft Forest: A Free, Immersive Performance
Enter the enchanting world of Soft Forest, an interactive performance for little ones (and the young at heart) that brings nature’s fragility and beauty to life, exploring the importance of conservation. At its heart is Fauna, a 4-metre-tall illuminated puppet born from mycelium, who speaks for the trees and invites curious young minds to explore the wonders of the natural world, guiding them to protect it. A message many of us adults could use reminding of, too. Accompanied by a mesmerising soundscape and glowing fireflies, this free event is best suited for children aged 4–12. Presented by Erth Visual & Physical Inc.
Thursdays to Saturdays, September 4th to September 20th, running three sessions nightly: 5:30pm, 6:30pm & 7:30pm.
Paddington Reservoir, Oatley Road and Oxford Street
Wander Through This Immersive Light Show
From Friday 5 September to Monday 6 October, the heritage-clad Bella Vista Farm will glow with an immersive sound-and-light extravaganza that is set to whisk you straight back to the 1700s. At Echoes, wander along a convict‑reimagined trail, drift through fluorescent flower fields, and soak up stories from the Dharug sky‑watchers to early settlers Elizabeth and John Macarthur — all brought to life with lasers, mood‑setting soundscapes and interactive zones.
Sessions kick off every 15 minutes from 6:15 pm each night, and most folks spend around an hour soaking it all in. Tickets are a breezy $17.50 for adults, $12.50 for kids (ages 3–17), with free entry for little ones under 2, and a family bundle at $49. Hungry after your stroll through the illuminated past? Street‑food style trucks are on-site, dishing up tasty treats to keep you fuelled.
From 5th September to 6th October
Get your tickets here
Be Transported to the Streets of New Orleans at The Jazz Room
If you’ve ever dreamt of slipping away into the smoky speakeasies of the 1920s, this is your chance to experience the charm of New Orleans, right here in Sydney’s Inner West. Happening at the opulent, heritage‑listed Art Deco belle Albert Palais in Leichhardt, The Jazz Room has already dazzled crowds across Europe, the UK and the US — and now it’s bringing the soul to our fair city.
Expect sultry sax, brassy beats and velvet vocals as local jazz maestros riff through timeless favourites. And yes, true to jazz form, there’s plenty of spontaneous improvisation cooking throughout the show.
This toe‑tapping journey runs on selected Friday nights from early September through December, with two showtimes each evening — one at 6:30 pm and another at 8:30 pm . Tickets kick off from around A$49, making it an affordable slice of swing for date nights, catch‑ups or solo adventures with a cocktail in hand.
Until 5th December
Book your tickets here
What’s On in Sydney: Markets
Sydney Ceramics Market
Sydney Ceramic Market is back, just in time for some early Christmas shopping, with over 130+ of NSW and ACT’s best ceramic artists. The perfect spring day out, you’ll also be able to catch live wheel-throwing demonstrations and showcases as well as matcha to sip whilst you browse. If you get hungry, Donut Papi, Brooklyn Boy Bagels and Gargano Pizza will sort you out.
Saturday 18th October to Sunday 19th October, 10am to 4pm
245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh
What’s On in Sydney: Festivals
Darling Square’s Moon Festival is Back for Another Year!
Fast becoming an annual calendar highlight for Sydneysiders, Darling Square’s Moon Festival is back again with glowing lantern installations, lion dancing, live entertainment and fun food and drink offerings.
The festival, rooted in custom, is one of Asia’s most celebrated holidays and provides a forum for people to gather and honour the harvest season.
Highlights of Darling Square’s two-week festival include XOPP by Golden Century’s mooncake collection, 15cenchi’s salted egg mochi moon cheesecake, Gelato Messina’s mooncake special gelato and banquet meals.
Hundreds of lanterns will set the scene whilst guests that spend over $30 or more at Darling Square retailers on weekdays will receive a free light-up lantern. Mooncake clay-making workshops, scavenger hunts and lion dances are also on the cards. Catch the full program here.
Saturday 27th September to Saturday 11th October
Darling Square
Oktoberfest in The Gardens
Carriageworks
Who could say no to a day sipping German biers and cider, whilst chowing down on bratwurst, pretzels and pork hocks under the October sun? Oktoberfest in The Gardens is back at The Domain, and it’s bringing a jolly atmosphere we want in on. Don your Oktoberfest best and prepare for entertainment galore with plenty of live music, silent discos and roving performers.
Tickets available here
Saturday 25th October, 1pm to 9pm
The Domain
Australian Native Food Festival
Explore the heritage and flavour of native ingredients with a weekend of market stalls, cooking demos and guest appearances. Helmed by Sharon Winsor, the founder behind iconic brand Indigiearth, and Weilwan culinary expert, the festival will explore the rich history of storytelling through food. Entry to the event is free but if you’re keen on catching a particular chef in action, you can secure tickets here.
Free, register here
Saturday 27th September to Sunday 28th September
Moon Festival at Sydney Observatory
Head to Sydney Observatory for a unique program celebrating the traditional Chinese Moon Festival this October. Kicking off from 5pm, there will be food, parades and even some hands on workshops. The festival, that originated as way to offer gratitude to ancestors at harvest time, Sydney Observatory’s iteration will be celebrating Asian Australian artists, traditions and cuisine. Visitors will be able to enjoy classic Vietnamese dishes from Mumma Le’s Vietnamese Food Truck, lions dances by Qing Fong Dragon and Lion Dance Team and tunes from DJ Small FRY. More details here.
Thursday 2nd October, from 5pm
Sydney Observatory
Sydney Fringe Festival
Sydney’s most independent arts festival is back, taking over the city this September with boundary-pushing theatre, comedy, music, visual arts and more. From bold premieres to hidden gems in unexpected spaces, Sydney Fringe Festival champions creativity in all its glorious, genre-bending forms.
Expect laneway takeovers, immersive pop-ups, and late-night energy across the Inner West and beyond. With a jam-packed program dropping soon, now’s the time to clear your calendar and lean into the weird, the wonderful, and the wildly original.
1st to 30th September September
Various Locations across Sydney
Checkout the full event guide here
Parramatta Lanes
Sydney’s biggest street festival, Parramatta Lanes, is back with over 80 food stalls, 200 artists, and plenty of illuminated installations, scattered over 20 sites.
You can browse the full foodie lineup here which includes highlights like gooey knafeh, Mama Sela’s Polynesian Treats, Filipino bites and NYC’s bodega icon The Rocky Way.
There will be plenty of places to sit down and recharge, including Terrazza Aperol, a pop-up Mediterranean oasis in the Parramatta’s Town Hall Forecourt.
And that’s just the beginning. A bunch of local and international artists will be descending on Parramatta to provide a rotating daily soundtrack whilst installs and shows take over local institutions. You’ll need more than one visit to sample the goods!
Wednesday 22nd October to Saturday 25th October
Ghost in The Rocks Festival
It’s well and truly spooky season which means Australia’s biggest Halloween festival is set to descend on The Rocks once again.
Start your journey with a visit to The Haunted Woods where you’ll find live entertainment and over 20 Halloween-themed food stalls. When you’re ready, it’s off to The Murder Bar for potions for all inclinations. The Halloween Market and parade are beckoning so don’t linger too long!
Entry to the festival is free but certain events like The Dark Dinner, Ghost Cinema and Murder Mystery Party are ticketed.
Free
Thursday 30th October to Sunday 2nd November
What’s On in Sydney: Eat & Drink
Kaiza
Japanese x Vietnamese fusion bites paired with bottomless sake, spritz, wine or lager are the order of the day at Kaiza. Head in on a weekend for their bottomless offering and you’ll be treated to six generous courses. Expect sashimi and house-made chilli lamb, teriyaki-glazed meats and smoky wok-tossed fried rice, topped with a delightfully convivial atmosphere.
$89 per person
95 Enmore Road, Newtown
Sunset Sessions at Q Station
With some of the best harbour views in Sydney, you won’t find a more scenic backdrop for Saturday drinks. Sunset Sessions at Q Station are back for spring and summer with a limited number of dates available from now until March 2026. Pack your picnic rug, pre-order a hamper and kickback, whilst local artists serenade you with tunes.
1 North Head Scenic Drive, Manly
Suntory Bar at Prefecture 48
Get ready: Suntory Bar is landing in Sydney, and it’s bringing serious Japanese flair to Prefecture 48, the ultimate CBD precinct celebrating food, drink and culture. Kicking off on Friday 8 August, this two-level pop-up offers a refined, yet playful drinking experience inspired by ‘nomikai’ — Japan’s art of post-work socialising.
Sip over curated cocktails made with Toki whisky, Roku gin, Haku vodka and more, paired with inventive dishes created in collaboration with distinguished Japanese chef Tetsuya Wakuda.
Nestled inside heritage-listed Prefecture 48, this is where traditional craft meets local sophistication — perfect for whisky lovers, curious drinkers or anyone chasing a memorable evening. Walk-ins are welcome, or book a spot for one of their limited-time, chef-collab activations.
Tuesday to Thursday, 5pm to 11pm & Friday to Saturday, 5pm to 12am
8th August to 8th November
Prefecture 48, 230 Sussex Street
What’s On in Sydney: Outdoor Adventure
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!
Prices start from $149
D’Albora Marina, Mosman
Sculptures by the Sea Returns
Every year, as the temps start to rise and the swimmers come out of hibernation, Sydney gets a little extra sparkle courtesy of Sculpture by the Sea. Returning to the iconic Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk from 17 October, this larger-than-life outdoor exhibition transforms the cliffs into an open-air gallery, with jaw-dropping views and impressive installations in every direction.
Celebrating artists from 20 countries, this free-to-the-public art trail draws more than 450,000 visitors annually and has rightfully earned its rep as the unofficial kick-off to Sydney’s summer. Expect bold, brilliant and bizarre sculptures perched along the coast, each competing with the ocean for your attention. It’s sunshine, surf and surrealism, all wrapped up in one very photogenic stroll.
Starts 17th October
Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk
The Ultimate Winter Sleepover At Roar and Snore at Taronga Zoo
For a night at the zoo unlike any other, Taronga Zoo’s Roar and Snore is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Perched high above Sydney Harbour, this all-inclusive overnight adventure invites guests to stay in safari-style tents with uninterrupted views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Kick things off with a welcome drink before enjoying a delicious buffet dinner, followed by a guided night safari where you’ll meet some of the zoo’s most iconic residents after dark. The tents come with all the creature comforts — think electric blankets, comfy beds, and a front-row seat to the zoo’s nocturnal soundtrack.
In the morning, wake to the roar of lions before heading off on behind-the-scenes tours and up-close animal encounters, all before the crowds arrive.
This is glamping, Taronga-style — wild, wonderful and completely unforgettable.
What’s On in Sydney: Coming Soon
Fever Pavilion, Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park
Bondi Beach NYE Returns After a Decade With Fireworks, Family Fun + Big Surprises
For the first time in over a decade, New Year’s Eve is returning to Bondi Beach. Fuzzy, the team behind Harbourlife, Field Day and Listen Out Presents, has secured the license to bring an all-new celebration to Sydney’s most iconic shoreline on December 31. Promising a world-class party with a distinctly Bondi feel, the over-18s ticketed event will run alongside a free, family-friendly celebration featuring food trucks, roaming entertainment and 9 pm fireworks. With limited capacity and major announcements still to come, this one is tipped to redefine how Sydney rings in the new year. Sign up at fuzzy.com.au.
Bondi Beach
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.
