Spooky season is officially here. Halloween in Sydney is pretty exciting but exploring haunted sites and going on a ghost tour is not all there is to do in October. It’s also the season of outdoor movies, pretty floral displays, cultural festivities, and bustling markets. October also marks the return of the long-awaited Sculpture by the Sea exhibition and an all-new Dinos Alive event which is sure to entertain. Check out the full list of things to do in Sydney this October.
1. See over 100 artworks at Sculpture by the Sea
Sydney’s popular Sculpture by the Sea exhibition is returning for its big 26th edition. There are over 100 stunning artworks to discover along the 2km Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk from October 18 to November 4. Get more details about it here.
2. Get spooked at Ghost in the Rocks
The Rocks is set to host a brand new Halloween event and it promises to be a hoot with street parades, zombie discos, spooky markets, and a whole lot of fun across 4 days. It’s being touted as Australia’s first Halloween festival and the event will be held from October 31 to November 3, get your tickets here.
3. Get tickets for a dazzling ballet show
A sparkling light and dance show is coming to Sydney inviting guests to experience the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty in a brand new light. Set to take over the Seymour Centre, the luminous show blends modern technology with classical ballet and it’s a feast for the eyes. Get your tickets.
4. Take a ride on vintage steam trains and buses
The annual Transport Heritage Expo is returning for three days only over the October long weekend and it’s bringing a special treat for Sydneysiders. The expo will feature heritage train, bus, and steamboat rides that will operate across Sydney from Central Station along with tours of Central Station Clock Tower and tea in a 1960s carriage. Get all the details here.
5. Check out the new Frankenstein musical
A new adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is coming to Sydney’s Theatre Royal with a twist. See the classic with LED video panels, a haunting musical score, pyrotechnics, and more. Tickets are now on sale, book them here.
6. Get groovy at the Darling Harbour roller rink
Darling Harbour has launched a vibrant roller skating rink just in time for the school holidays and it promises to be a blast for the young and old alike. The event will feature themed nights dedicated to ABBA and Taylor Swift, plus a cocktail bar on site from September 28 to October 13. You can BYO skates or rent some at the skating rink. Get more info here.
7. Shop at this creepy Halloween market
The new Halloween festival at The Rocks will also feature a spooky market where you can eat and shop during the day but when the sun sets, it transforms into a playground for the supernatural with plenty of creepy surprises for guests. The market will feature bars, food stalls, and more and it will take place from October 31 to November 3.
8. Head to the Horizon of Khufu experience
This fascinating VR experience promises to transport visitors to Ancient Egypt. Thanks to cutting-edge technology, you can step back in time and relive the reign of King Khufu, see giant pyramids up close, and learn more about the golden age of Egypt. The interactive experience will be held at the Sydney Olympic Park throughout October. Get your tickets.
9. Hop aboard the Titanique for a musical experience like no other
It’s one of the world’s greatest love stories, but a whole lot more slay. Titanique recharts the story we know and love, putting global icon Celine Dion and her greatest hits at the very centre. This hysterical, uplifting show was a mega hit in New York, and has now set sail in Sydney. Titanique is now playing at The Grand Electric for a limited season. Swim, don’t walk to get your tiquets!
10. Jump in fear at Halloscream
Luna Park’s annual Halloween festival is back with double the scares. This year’s edition will see the Big Top transformed with terrifying twists and turns, themed food and drink, and much more. It’s happening from October 25 to 31. Get more information here.
11. See the roar-some Dinos Alive exhibition
Can’t get enough of Dinosaurs? You’re in luck because Dinos Alive is coming to Sydney with giant animated replicas of these majestic creatures. See the T-rex, Stegosaurus, Ankylosaurus, Velociraptors, and many more up close in this interactive experience that is perfect for the upcoming school holidays. Get your tickets.
12. Get your flower fix at the Leura Gardens festival
The Leura Gardens Festival is returning over the October long weekend from October 4 to October 7. Walk through the lovely village of Leura and see flowers and a number of cool-climate plants in bloom across seven gardens including Foggylorne, Hill of Grace, Tree Tops and more.
Read all about the Leura Gardens Festival.
13. Drink and be merry at Parramatta Lanes
Parramatta will come alive from October 23-26 with music, food, live performances and more. Expect 40+ diverse food stalls and 120 acts over seven stages at the vibrant event. Find more information here.
14. Get fresh blooms at the Festival of Flowers
Festival of Flowers is a new event by Cambridge Markets and it’s set to take place this October across 2 days. Eden Gardens in Macquarie Park will come alive with gifts, art, homewares, handmade crafts, gourmet food, and plenty of vibrant blooms on October 12 and 13. Get more information here.
15. See Olivia Rodrigo perform in Sydney
Olivia Rodrigo is set to bring her highly anticipated Guts world tour to Qudos Bank Arena on October 17 and 18. The Grammy award-winning artist has performed in sold-out arenas around the world and will now perform in Melbourne and Sydney in October. Get your tickets here.
16. Go on a ghostly garden tour
This Halloween promises plenty of fun in Sydney and one way to make the most of the scary holiday is going on a ghost tour. This one takes place at the Royal Botanic Garden with access to the garden after-hours, creepy stories about the location and more. Book a spot here.
17. Shop at this new “thrift boutique”
Mega global second-hand retailer Savers is set to open a new “thrift boutique” in Sydney after the successful launch of their first-ever outpost in NSW. The new shop will feature a variety of pre-loved clothes, books, and accessories with new additions every week. Read more here.
18. Experience the magic of a Candlelight Concert
Attend one of Sydney’s beautiful Candlelight concerts and get lost in a number of familiar tunes this October. Tickets are available to tribute shows to Taylor Swift, Coldplay, Hans Zimmer, and more.
🕯️Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen
🕯️Candlelight: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons St. Stephen’s Uniting Church
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Coldplay
🕯️Candlelight: Hans Zimmer’s Best Works
🕯️Candlelight: Best of Joe Hisaishi
🕯️Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
🕯️Candlelight: Latin Pop Hits
🕯️Candlelight: Rings & Dragons
19. Fill your bags at the Round She Goes market
The Round She Goes vintage market is bringing 70+ stalls to Sydney on Saturday, October 12. Expect a variety of timeless clothing pieces and accessories along with specialty coffee at the venue. Get the details here.
20. Plan a long weekend getaway
The October long weekend is coming and if you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, there is a lot on offer around Sydney. From the mountain scenery and rainforest trails of Blackheath to the cosy bookstores and antique shops of Bowral and the quiet, laidback vibe of Yamba further away, find the best long weekend getaways here.
21. Grab your tickets for Fear Island
Cockatoo Island is allegedly one of Sydney’s most haunted places which makes it the ideal spot for Halloween festivities. This spooky season, the popular spot will transform into Fear Island with haunted tunnels, spooky asylums, and more to explore. Read all about it here.
22. Step into a rainforest right here in Sydney
Alchemy of a Rainforest is an exciting new experience at the Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney that allows you to immerse yourself in a vibrant rainforest atmosphere without leaving the CBD. See beautiful sculptures, leafy canopies, and one of the largest living green walls in the Southern Hemisphere throughout October. Read more here.
23. Attend a new street festival in Barangaroo
Spring in the Streets is a brand new festival that will take over Barangaroo over three nights in October. Enjoy live music, delicious bites, happy hour deals, an amazing community atmosphere, and a one-night-only Festival of Foods on October 11, 18, and 25.
24. Book a ghost tour in Sydney
Spooky season is the perfect time to discover the dark side of Sydney and there’s no better way to do it than one of the city’s popular ghost tours. Perfect for history buffs and ghost hunters, these ghost tours are held in some of the spookiest parts of town including an abandoned gaol and a haunted island. Pick your favourite here.
25. Be dazzled by the LiteBrite event
Lite-Brite: Worlds of Wonder is an immersive event that has taken over Luna Park with a limited number of tickets available for September. Travel through three dreamy worlds filled with thousands of colourful lights at this immersive event. Get your tickets before they sell out.
26. Watch a movie at Taronga Zoo
Taronga Zoo will host a late-night Harbour View Cinema over the October long weekend so you can catch one of your favourite flicks surrounded by harbour views and wild animals. From Finding Nemo to Romeo and Juliet, the cinema will screen a variety of titles with cocktails, snacks, and more available at the venue. Find more information here.
27. Attend The Rocks Markets’ wellness edition
One of Sydney’s favourite weekend markets is hosting a special wellness edition this October with a range of free experiences and workshops including organic tea tasting, yoga under the bridge, mini massages and facials and a lot more on October 12 and 13. Read more here.
28. Grab a tipple at Pinot Palooza
Pinot Palooza is bringing a sweet celebration of all things pinot on October 4 and 5. Over 50 producers will showcase a range of pinot noir, like organic, biodynamic, vegan, and low-intervention wines. Read more here.
29. Treat your pooch to yappy hour at Forrester’s
Happy hour is even better when it’s shared with your best fur friend. Surry Hills pub Forrester’s is doing a special “yappy hour” with a dog-friendly menu and photo opportunities every Tuesday from 6pm to 8pm. Make a booking here.
30. Have a ball with Sydney Streets
Sydney Streets is back and encouraging people to get out and about with a program of food, music, live entertainment and more. The event will take over the neighbourhoods of Surry Hills, Pyrmont, Darlinghurst, Redfern, Haymarket, Glebe and Potts Point for free one-day-only celebrations. Learn more here.
31. Enjoy Breakfast with koalas for company
Enjoy breakfast surrounded by cute koalas and other Aussie animals at Wild Life Sydney Zoo this October. This special experience also includes a guided tour of the zoo and photo opportunities. Get your tickets here.
32. Enjoy the starlit Night at the Barracks concerts
Night at the Barracks is hosting a series of concerts under the night sky featuring some incredible performers like Icehouse, The Presets, Pete Murray, and more. Located in the historic Barracks at North Head Sanctuary, the event will take place until October 6. Grab your tickets here.
33. Go jacaranda hunting around Sydney
As spring continues to unfold, vibrant jacaranda blooms transform the city into a purple paradise. From parks and gardens to hidden streets, embark on a jacaranda hunting adventure in the months of October and November.
34. Stay out late at Talk and Tease
Enjoy a bewitching night of burlesque, comedy and cabaret at the Talk and Tease on select days this October. There’s a delicious 2-course dinner on offer along with bottomless bubble ticket options. Get your tickets.
35. Fill your bags at the Maroubra Beach Markets
The sun is out and it’s the perfect time to head outdoors. For a stellar selection of artisan goods, accessories, clothes, food, and more, we suggest making your way to the beachside markets in Maroubra that are held on the first Sunday of each month, just steps from the beach. Read more about it here.
36. Enjoy a cheeky night out with Magic Men
The Magic Men will be strutting their stuff every Saturday throughout October and tickets are now on sale for the heart-racing spectacle. Don’t miss out on seeing Australia’s best male dancers doing their thing in this electrifying show. Get your tickets before they sell out.
37. Go on a ghostly candlelit tour in Parramatta
The Old Government House in Parramatta is hosting ghostly night tours every month this year and it’s guaranteed to give you the creeps. This month the tour takes place on October 18 with snacks and hot drinks afterward. Read all about it here.
38. Discover a sea of paper daisies near Sydney
A short 1-hour drive from Sydney will bring you to a field filled with delightful paper daisies at the Mount Annan Botanic Gardens. The stunning exhibition offers a kaleidoscope of colours and best of all, entry is completely free. The colourful display is only around for a short period of time, don’t miss out. Find more info here.
39. Head to this colorful rhododendron festival
The Campbell Rhododendron Gardens in the lovely town of Blackheath are hosting Spring Welcome Weeks from September 28 to November 3. Guests can immerse themselves in the vibrant rhododendrons and azaleas on-site, enjoy the walking trails, and grab some scones and delicious cream teas from the tea house at the venue. Read more here.
40. See cherry blossoms in and around Sydney
The best part about spring is all the colourful flowers around town. If you’re keen to get your fix of cherry blossoms, there are a few spots in and around Sydney that should be top of your list. Find them here.
41. Head out of town for a Jacaranda Festival
Grafton’s annual Jacaranda Festival is making its return from October 25 to November 3 and it’s totally worth getting out of town for. Expect blossoming jacaranda, markets, float parades and much more. Read more about it here.
42. Enjoy a sugar rush at this super sweet high-tea
Shangri La Sydney is bringing an ultra-sweet high tea just in time for the school holidays. The decadent offering will include giant lollies, dessert stations, gooey marshmallow brownies, and many more sweet options along with savoury treats too on October 5, 6, 11, and 13. Read more here.
43. Book high tea around Sydney
Discover the city’s most delightful spots for afternoon tea this spring, from elegant hotels to hidden cafes. From delicious pastries and scones to handcrafted teas and excellent views, each spot offers something unique. Find the full list here.
44. Check out Luna Park’s Dream Circus
Luna Park’s captivating Dream Circus offers a mesmerizing blend of stunning projections, holograms, and surround sound that will transport you to a whole new realm. This first-of-its-kind attraction is the perfect weekend adventure, book your tickets here.
45. Catch Hamilton at the Sydney Lyric Theatre
Hamilton is now showing in Sydney for a strictly limited season at the Sydney Lyric Theatre until the end of this year. Featuring a brilliant a score that combines hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, the Olivier and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical tells a groundbreaking story that you can’t afford to miss. Get your tickets here.