We might be nearing the end of the year, but that doesn’t mean there’s any less to do across Australia. As the days get warmer and the nights get brighter, cities across the country are coming alive with music festivals, markets, live shows, and more. Planning your month? We’ve done the hard work for you. Find our pick of things to do across Australia in October, 2024, below.
NSW
Taronga Zoo is combining two of our favourite things this October: the iconic Sydney harbour, and great films. Their Harbour View Cinema is a pop-up open-air cinema that will run from October 3 until October 6, with popcorn, ice cream, beer, wine and other delicacies on offer.
Creatives, listen up. This month, SXSW Sydney will play host to an array of insightful panels, inspiring performance, and more across its week-long program, which runs from October 14 - 20.
Australian electronic music duo Electric Fields will join forces with The Sydney Symphony Orchestra, for a unique performance at the Sydney Opera House on October 16.
After being postponed in 2023, The Weeknd is finally bringing his 'After Hours Til Dawn' tour to our shores. Shows in Sydney will take place on the 22nd and 23rd of October.
Sculptures By The Sea returns for its 26th year, with artists from across the world displaying their creations across the iconic Bondi coastline from October 18 to November 4.
QLD
Howard Smith Wharves will welcome a new restaurant to its outdoor waterfront venue, with the opening of Stan's at Stanley on October 3.
Tyla, John Summit, 21 Savage, Skepta, Flo Milli and Sub Focus are headlining Listen Out festival, which is slated for October 5 at the Brisbane Showgrounds.
The Brisbane Powerhouse will be transformed for a month-long culinary experience with Night Feast. You can experience delicious creations from the likes of Gerard's, Gelato Messina, Southside, and Byblos, beginning from October 16.
The Sydney Dance Company will head north to perform their captivating choreography, Twofold. You can book tickets for the shows, which run from October 17 - 19, via Ticketek.
West End's Metro Arts will play host to the Australian Independent Film Festival, which runs from October 25 - 27. The program spans the very best Australian and international short films, plus documentaries, animations, and experimental films.
VIC
Melbourne Fringe Festival's jam-packed program -- which boasts over 450 captivating events -- will take place across the city from October 1 - 20.
The Gluten-Free Expo will take over the Convention and Exhibition Centre for a weekend gluten-free goodness. From October 5 - 6, you can indulge in gluten free delights from the likes of Well and Good, Arnotts, Senza, Two Bays Brewing Co., and Venerdi.
Spring is the perfect season to explore Victoria's world-class wineries, and what better way than with Shedfest? From October 12 - 13, the weekend festival will see 14 of the Yarra Valley's most popular wineries open their doors to ticket-holders for tastings, live music, and more.
The Sydney Dance Company will perform Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela’s latest full-length work, Momenta, for the first time in Melbourne. Performances will take place at the Arts Centre Melbourne from 8-12 October.
SA
Nestled on the west coast of the Eyre Peninsula is the Ceduna Oyster Festival, a two-day celebration of the region's illustrious oyster industry. Taking place on October 5 and 6, there's set to be everything from cooking demos to oyster eating competitions.
The Adelaide Film Festival will showcase 110 films from over 40 countries across a thought-provoking week-long schedule. You can check out the program, which begins on October 23, and book tickets on the AFF website.
For three days in October, Adelaide Fashion Week will celebrate local fashion, beauty, art and food. In addition to runway presentations, the stacked program includes lunches, shopping experiences, and styling sessions.
WA
On October 3, Lums Wine Bar in Subiaco will host an intimate feast in partnership with Below and Above, a premium producer of truffles and wine. Guests will indulge in four courses, heroing aromatic truffles and delicious wine pairings.
Experience the St. Ali Italian Film Festival in its 25th year, with films showing in Palace Raine Square, Luna Leederville, Luna on SX and Windsor Cinema.
ACT
In 2024, the Canberra Art Biennial returns for its 5th year. Taking place from September 27 to October 23, the festival will showcase artworks and installations that respond in some way to Canberra’s history, from 65,000 years to the present day.
