WHAT'S ON Here’s everything that’s going down in Sydney this October

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s officially October, and spring is in full swing. Gone are the days we hibernate and hide away in our oodies. ‘Tis the season for rooftop Aperols, festivals and hot girl walks.

But when it comes to October, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Highlights also include SXSW, which is returning to Sydney for it’s second year of innovation. We’re also on the countdown for Cockatoo Island’s Mode Festival, Stanley Street’s block party, and who could forget Sculptures by the Sea?!

Everything’s coming back to life this month, and let me say, it’s about bloody time. Ok, Google calendars prepped? Ready to go? Here are the best things to do in Sydney this month.

SXSW

If you’ve been forever confused about what actually happens at Sydney’s SXSW Festival, trust me when I say you’re not alone. Managing Director Colin Daniels tells us it’s a “World Fair for creative content industries,” and a spinoff of the Austin South By South West Festival that started in 1987. This year, Sydney will host over 1,000 events covering topics from technology, to innovation, to music and gaming.

In other words, it’s essentially one big networking and idea-sharing event for creative industries. Our top picks include performances by Jorja Smith and The Kid Laroi, guest speakers such as Grace Tame, and of course, who could forget Luke Hemsworth’s session on how to bring back the Tassie tiger. Random, but vibes.

• WHEN: Various locations, main HQ Tumbalong Park
• WHERE: Monday 14 to Sunday 20 October
• HOW MUCH: Free and ticketed events
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Sydney Streets Series

Our favourite block party is officially back, and if that’s not a sign that summer is nigh, then I don’t know what is. You guessed it, Sydney Streets has returned, bringing an epic lineup of live music, entertainers, shopping deals and alfresco dining to the city. This month, expect takeovers of Glebe Point Road on Saturday 12 and Stanley Street on Saturday 19.

If we had to pick a favourite, it’s gotta be the Stanley Street series. Last time it was absolutely heaving—the perfect spot to kick off your evening festivities.

• WHEN: Saturday 12 and Saturday 19 October, 11am to 10pm
• WHERE: Glebe Point Road and Stanley Street
• HOW MUCH: Free
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Rosé Rising at Barangaroo House

Call us basic, but there’s nothing quite like sipping on a rosé tipple when the weather warms up. Sure, the complex flavours are nice, but let’s be real—I’m only drinking it because it’s cute and pink. Luckily, Barangaroo House isn’t here to judge, which is why they’re hosting a month-long rosé celebration in partnership with Moët Hennessy.

All three levels are getting a rosé-themed makeover, with drink specials like frosé, Veuve Clicquot Rosé bubbles, and our personal fave—the Whispering Angel classic French rosé. Naturally, there’s pink bar bites to match. Catch us inhaling Skull Island pink bao buns and strawberry fried ice cream.

• WHEN: Tuesday 1 to Thursday 31 October
• WHERE: Barangaroo House
• HOW MUCH: Varies
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Mode Festival

We’ve officially landed right back into festival season, and we’re not mad about it at all. This month, Mode Festival is officially back and taking over Cockatoo Island for the coolest music and arts festival in town. The lineup is absolutely jam packed, but you can expect to see Club Angel, Mabel, Bored Lord and Pearson Sound just to name a few. Surprisingly, there are still tickets left. Take my advice and make this your sign to nab the last of them.

• WHEN: Saturday 12 October
• WHERE: Cockatoo Island
• HOW MUCH: $190
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

BROOKtoberfest

Forget the pub crawl, we’ve all been there and done that. This month, Sydney’s Northern Beaches is scoring a brewery crawl that really shouldn’t be missed. Introducing BROOKtoberfest, Brookvale’s very own take on the iconic German festival. Over the course of the day, you’ll move between venues including including Freshwater Brewing, 7th Day Brewing, Bucketty’s, Dad & Daves, Manly Spirits, and Goodradigbee on a German-style crawl. Other than the obvious choice of beer, there’ll also be plenty of cocktails, German snacks and entertainment to keep you busy. It also runs for six hours, so remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

• WHEN: Saturday 12 October
• WHERE: Brookvale
• HOW MUCH: $75
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Innocent Bystander Takeover at Babylon

A sunny day. A rooftop. A tipple of wine. Name a better day, I’ll wait. And you can have just that and more this month, as beloved Yarra Valley winery Innocent Bystander takes over Babylon in the CBD for over two weeks. While tastings are available anytime, it’s the weekend activities that really steal the show.

Starting at 1pm on Saturdays and Sundays, Babylon will be hosting long lunch events with live DJs, collaborative menus, and a free pop-up tattoo studio. You’ll get two hours of food and wine for $79, with the option to extend for an extra hour at $20. Bottomless wine and free tattoos? What could possibly go wrong?

• WHEN: Thursday 10 to Sunday 27 October
• WHERE: Babylon, Westfield CBD
• HOW MUCH: Long lunch tickets from $79
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

McGuffin Park at Ensemble Theatre

If you fancy a little dinner-and-a-show moment this month, check out the world premiere of McGuffin Park at Kirribilli’s Ensemble Theatre. Set in the small Aussie town of McGuffin, the play follows the chaos that unfolds when the mayor unexpectedly resigns just one week before mid-term elections. Expect anti-government agendas, meddling journalists, blackmail, and friendships pushed to the edge. It’s funny, thought-provoking, and definitely worth a watch.

• WHEN: Friday 18 October to Saturday 23 November
• WHERE: Ensemble Theatre, Kirribilli
• HOW MUCH: From $43
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

The Other Art Fair

Let’s be real, unless you majored in Art at uni, diving into the art scene can feel pretty intimidating. The whole industry tends can be notoriously out of reach, and that’s where The Other Art Fair comes in. This month, it’s landing at White Bay Cruise Terminal for just four days, bringing with it affordable, accessible, and refreshingly unfussy art. With 120 independent artists showcasing across different mediums, live DJs, and of course, a bar, it’s set to be a vibe. Plus, if you’re feeling adventurous, there’ll be two stick-and-poke tattoo artists on-site.

• WHEN: Sunday 3 to Wednesday 6 October
• WHERE: White Bay Cruise Terminal
• HOW MUCH: Entry ticket from $20
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Sculptures by the Sea

The largest public sculpture exhibition in the world is back this month and hitting Bondi shores once again. That’s right, Sculptures by the Sea is returning late October and giving you yet another reason to go on that hot girl walk. The Bondi to Tamarama showcasing will extend 2km, and feature over 100 international and local sculpture artists. This is your sign to mark a date in the calendar, grab your mate and order that iced matcha latte.

• WHEN: Friday 18 October to Wednesday 4 November
• WHERE: Bondi to Tamarama Walk
• HOW MUCH: Free
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Titanique: The Musical

We love Celine Dion. We love the movie Titanic. But honestly, never in a million years did we think we’d be combining the two icons in the one sentence, let alone the same show. If you’re confused, let me explain. Titanique: The Musical is the weird, wild and wonderful musical, where the story of Jack and Rose is told from Celine Dion’s perspective. Originally a one-night-only production in Los Angeles back in 2017 quickly took off, with the off-Broadway parody having won three awards at the Lucille Lortel Awards in 2023. Now, the show’s hit Sydney and the shores of The Grand Electric in Surry Hills. We reckon it’s worth giving a shot.

• WHEN: Until Sunday 3 November
• WHERE: The Grand Electric, Surry Hills
• HOW MUCH: From $75
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Sister Act: The Musical

Calling all musical buffs, this one’s for you. Sister Act is officially reaching Australian shores this month, and delivering a show that’s bound to get your habit in a twist. Australian idol star, Casey Donovan, will be appearing as Dolores Van Cartier, alongside Genevieve Lemon as Mother Superior, and Rhonda Burchmore as Sister Mary Lazarus. Tony and 8-time Oscar award winner Alan Menken also did the original soundtrack, so you can expect some seriously good hymns and hallelujahs. 

• WHEN: Until Saturday 26 October
• WHERE: Capitol Theatre
• HOW MUCH: From $70
• CHECK IT OUT HERE.