Say goodbye and good riddance to October this weekend. It was a month packed with festivals like SXSW Sydney and Grapevine Gathering – with one of the best, being Harvest Rock, to take place in Adelaide this weekend. It was also a month of protests, from the failed Voice referendum to the news coming out of Gaza. To cap it off, this weekend is Halloween, which is perfect timing when the world feels like a scary place. So hit up the group chat, dust off your best Halloween costumes and enjoy the thrill of being someone else, even if only for the evening. And for those who aren't joining in on spooky season festivities, there's still plenty to take part in. Below, find a list of things to do this weekend across Australia in October 2023.
NSW
There are still tickets left to see Paul McCartney perform live! A once in a lifetime opportunity.
Ricos Tacos has a new home at The Norfolk and will be slinging tacos, asada, tortas and more.
Experience Liveworks Festival from October 19 until 29, with performances from Rainbow Chan, Brook Stamp, and more.
Merrigong Theatre Company is presenting Sydney Theatre Company’s acclaimed new show The Visitors at the IPAC from October 25–28.
From October 5 until December 12, Phoenix Central Park will host performers including MOUNTAIN: Clark x Melanie Lane, Mildlife, Zion Garcia, xmunashe, Omega Ensemble, Ngulmiya, They Hate Change, and many more.
See Bell Shakespeare’s touring production of Twelfth Night at the Sydney Opera House, featuring original music from Sarah Blasko. Open until 19 November.
Chrissy Flanagan and Barry du Bois lead The Trail Tutorials, which are back this weekend on October 28–29.
VIC
All Is A Gentle Spring is hosting its Spring Fete at from October 25–29. Make your way to Saloon Store, Level 4/252 Swanston St Melbourne to experience the collection, along with vintage books, art, paintings, perfumes, and more.
House of Darwin and Laundry Gallery are doing a pop-up in Melbourne from October 25 through to November 23, celebrating all things good from the Top End.
W Melbourne and KLP team up for FORMAT, a workshop that nurtures women and gender-diverse DJs. Get tickets to the workshop and afterparty here.
Japanese omakase restaurant, Warabi, have paired up with DJ Prequel to launch a Jazz Kissa Concept in line with a new, approachable $165pp multi-course omakase sashimi and sushi menu.
The Palestinian Film Festival will land in Melbourne from October 26-29 with vital cultural storytelling.
ACT
Step into the National Gallery of Australia and experience the photographs of Nan Goldin.
The Palestinian Film Festival will land in Canberra from October 27–29 with vital cultural storytelling.
Catch Queensland Ballet's performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream this weekend at Canberra Theatre Centre.
See Illy and SAFIA perform at UC Hub and Kambri, respectively on October 27.
SA
The Australian Ballet presents Swan Lake at Adelaide Festival Centre from October 7 until 14.
Harvest Rock is here this weekend. See Jamiroquai, Julia Jacklin, Warpaint, Nile Rodgers and Chic, and more.
WA
See Nile Rodgers & CHIC, The Whitlams, and Amity Affliction perform this weekend.
The Palestinian Film Festival will land in Perth from October 27–29 with vital cultural storytelling.
NT
There are still tickets left to see Legally Blonde the musical in Alice Springs this Saturday.
Pick up your cup of coffee from DuYu Coffee Roasters' new spot at 9 Hele Crescent, Alice Springs.
If you're itching to go vintage shopping, step into Alice Texas secondhand shop and rifle through its racks.
QLD
See Rainbow Serpent by Daniel Boyd at the Institute of Modern Art.
The Australian Ballet presents Swan Lake at QPAC from October 24 until 28.
Harries unite! The Wickham is hosting a Harryween party.
Good Food & Wine Show Brisbane is a mecca for gourmands, hosting over 300 Australian producers from 27–29 October 2023.
TAS
Drapht, C.O.F.F.I.N, and Nathan Cavaleri are just some of the acts set to perform in Hobart this October.
There's always Salamanca Market.
Image: Pinterest
