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

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 22–23 October.

Sculptures By The Sea returns for its 26th year, with artists from across the world displaying their creations across the iconic Bondi coastline until 4 November.

AGNSW is presenting three special After Hours nights in October exploring rituals and coming-of-age celebrations with the likes of Betty Grumble, Matthew Aberline and CREATION on Wednesday 23 October.

The inaugural Potts Point In bloom festival is running until October, transforming the streets of Potts Point with vibrant floral displays.

Western Australian artist Reif Myers will present his first solo exhibit in Sydney. 'Bird Bath' will be shown at Rainbow Studios from 24 October until 7 November.

Cyrstalbrook Byron is inviting guests to join them every Sunday in October for a delightful, Bottomless Mimosa experience for just $35 per person.

The Jewish International Film Festival (JIFF) returns from 27 October to 22 December, presenting an extraordinary line-up of films that reflect the diversity, complexity, and richness of Jewish culture.

Tickets to Australia's biggest outback music festival, the Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash, will go on sale on October 24 via their website. The festival is scheduled for August, 2025, and will see acts like Missy Higgins, Birds of Tokyo, Kasey Chambers, and The Cat Empire take to the stage.

Sydney's beloved Good Ways Deli will partner with Breville to bring a Jaffle Tuckshop from October 24 - 27, at 7am until 4pm. The delectable menu will include savoury creations like bolognese with parmesan bechamel, and sweet treats like apple pie.

South Eveleigh is celebrating wellness this month, transforming into a hub of activity designed to promote mental and physical health. From 8 October until November 2, stop by to experience pop ups like an Unfit Run Club, Puppy Playtime, and a Smash and Release Rage Room.

Felons Brewing Co., one of Australia’s most innovative craft breweries, opens the doors on its first Sydney outpost this month. Taking over Manly Wharf Bar, Felons will bring its award-winning craft beer and vibrant community spirit to the famed Sydney waterfront destination.

From 24–27 October, Redfern’s iconic Good Ways Deli will be transformed into a jaffle lover's paradise, serving up mouthwatering creations like a Bolognese Jaffle with Parmesan Bechamel, Three Cheese Jaffle, and our personal favorite—an Apple Pie Jaffle.

To celebrate the opening of their fourth venue, Pelicano, this week, Rivage Hospitality Group is offering 40% off drinks for the entire week at Armorica, Franca, and Parlar... all day, every day until Sunday 27 October.

South Eveleigh are supporting physical and mental wellbeing with their livewell program, including Unfit Run Club on Wednesdays, the Nimbus Plunge Club on Thursday 24 October and Skin Checks from Tuesday 22 to Thursday 24 October.

Harry’s Horror Hotel will making a return on Saturday 26 October for a night of frightening fun.

CHALK HORSE Gallery will unveil artist Alexandra Standen's latest exhibition Under The Big Blue Sky on Saturday 26 October, showcasing a series of 10 new large-scale hand-built ceramics.

The Festival Of Tequila has arrived at Woollahra Hotel. From now until December 1, the venue will be transformed in partnership with Don Julio tequila, serving up $15 Don Julio Frozen Margarita Slushies and $15 Elderflower Blanco Spritzes.

Sydney's newest rooftop bar, JŌJI, has officially opened its doors. Situated on the corner of George and King streets, head here for lively cocktails and reimagined Japanese-inspired dishes.

QLD

The Sydney Dance Company will head north to perform their captivating choreography, Twofold. You can book tickets for the shows, which run until 19 October, via Ticketek.

The Brisbane Good Food and Wine Show will return for its 23rd year, with chefs like Donna Hay and Miguel Maestre taking over the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre until 27 October.

West End's Metro Arts will play host to the Australian Independent Film Festival, which runs from 25–27 October . The program spans the very best Australian and international short films, plus documentaries, animations, and experimental films.

Mooloolaba Beach will hold the second swim in the Ocean Swim Series on 19 October, with plenty to do after the event for participants and spectators alike.

The Quicksilver Group has completed a $1.1 million refit of the 24 metre dive and snorkel catamaran Poseidon to offer new citizen science tours where guests can participate in an Eye on the Reef survey and visit three different reef sites at the Agincourt ribbon reefs off Port Douglas.

Barefoot Tours has launched a new tour, the Atheron Tablelands Day Tour – an ultimate day trip to the Atherton Tablelands’ rainforests and waterfalls. This is the perfect experience for travellers who enjoy diverse landscapes, refreshing waterfall dips and adventure without the rush.

Mission Beach operator Reef Adventures has expanded into Cairns with a new half day reef tour to Upolu Cay departing daily from the Cairns Marina. Taking just 50 minutes to get to the Great Barrier Reef, this product promises a fast paced, high energy snorkelling experience with two hours at Upolu Cay.

VIC

Melbourne International Jazz Festival (MIJF), returning for its 27th year from 18–27 October.

Melbourne Fringe Festival's jam-packed program — which boasts over 450 captivating events -- will take place across the city until 20 October.

For the first time since 2019, the vibrant Circus Oz Hub returns with a stacked program featuring some of Australia’s most exciting circus acts, school holiday fun for the family and electric late night entertainment for the duration of Melbourne Fringe until 20 October.

To celebrate the relaunch of  their iconic Queen Screen, Ultra Violette will host an interactive pop-up at Chadstone Shopping Centre until 20 October. Visitors will be treated to activations like free SKINSCREENTM consultations, and a charm-making station to attach to your mini Sheen Screen.

Bespoke Letterpress are set to open their first stores in Victoria. The first is located on level 1 of The Emporium, and will officially open its doors on October 30. The brand has also recently expanded into new stores in Chatswood, NSW, and Chermside, QLD.

Melburnians will be able to try Grey Goose's premium new vodka, Grey Goose Altius, at Le Martini in Crown Melbourne. Available for a limited time only, this intimate venue will showcase the new drop via a curated menu of bespoke martini cocktails.

SA

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 23 October, and book tickets on the AFF website.

WA

Experience the St. Ali Italian Film Festival in its 25th year, until 31 October with films showing in Palace Raine Square, Luna Leederville, Luna on SX and Windsor Cinema.

Fremantle Design Week will take place from 18–25 October, with a program of over 50 events, conversations, tours and workshops scheduled throughout the week, celebrating the theme 'transition.'

ACT

In 2024, the Canberra Art Biennial returns for its 5th year. Taking place until 23 October, the festival will showcase artworks and installations that respond in some way to Canberra’s history, from 65,000 years to the present day.

On Sunday 20 October, Australia's biggest curated thrift market, Fashion Thrift Society, will return to Exhibition Park, so you can bolster your Summer wardrobe with some pre-loved gems.

Gang Gang Cafe will host Sundowner, a music festival featuring 17 artists across two stages, from 12 - 10pm, Saturday 26 October. There's also set to be market stalls, plenty of food options, and spaces to relax. Tickets are available through Humantix.

TAS

Hobart Gin Festival 2024 will happen from 25–26 October, and will see over 50 Aussie craft distillers in attendance, along with food trucks and Schibello Coffee available to keep you fuelled up throughout the day.

The Woolmers Estate Annual Art Exhibition will surprise visitors to the galleries from 26 October with vibrant and colourful accents, picturesque surfaces, the variety of medium and finishing touches delivering an exhibition of exceptional quality for all tastes.

NT

Mindil Beach Sunset Market will be taking place until 31 October, and is the heart of Darwin's cultural melting pot and truly epitomises the word 'multicultural'.

Darwin International Laksa Festival Food Tour is being held until 31 October and is a celebration of the Territory’s multicultural community, tropical lifestyle and love of laksa.