Here in Australia, November is the last month before summer really hits its stride. The air is warmer, the days stretch a little longer, and the energy of the year’s end (and the festive season) begins to hum in the background.

It’s the month of balmy outdoor dinners, weekend escapes, and first swims in the ocean.Across the country, galleries, festivals and open-air events start to fill calendars again — a reminder that the season for gathering, celebrating and staying out just a little too late has arrived.

Whether you’re in the mood for live music, art that stirs something, or food that tastes like the start of summer, November is brimming with possibility. Below, we’ve rounded up the best events, exhibitions and experiences happening across Australia this month.

NSW

Aperol Spritz is launching the official taste of Italian summer together with the Italian Consulate General.  To celebrate, Aperol waiters will hit the streets of Sydney and Melbourne on Saturday November 8 — just spot, scan, and sip for a complimentary Spritz

The Louboutin Bar will return to level 7, David Jones, Elizabeth Street from 6th November until 5th January. Stop by and celebrate the holiday season with cocktails, champagne, coffee, and croissants.

To celebrate turning one, Island Radio is serving $1 upgrades from 5–6pm, 24–30 November. More info and bookings available here.

On 24 November, The Paddo Inn will host Cocktails & Crime Stories – a candlelitevening of curated drinks and gruesome true crime stories from 19th century Sydney, with crime historian Max Burns-McRuvie. More info an tickets available here.

JAG is bringing the spirit of the weekend to Bondi with The JAG Weekender. From 31 October to 2 November, JAG joins forces with Sonoma Bakery to turn Bondi into a coastal hangout, complete with free coffee for the first 100 guests daily, limited-edition summer flans, custom picnic kits, and icy pole carts.

Just in time for summer, the Central Coast is getting its own slice of Queensland with Terrigal Pavilion — a sprawling, multi-level venue inspired by Burleigh’s iconic beachfront institution. The new space comes complete with an all-day hub, The Tropic restaurant, and a casual takeaway spot, The Corner Store. Open on November 19.

Christopher Kulendran Thomas’ powerful new exhibition, Safe Zone, is opening at Artspace on 14 November. The works are a haunting exploration of memory, media, and modern imperialism.

After a full-scale renovation, Rozelle favourite The Sackville is back and better than ever. To celebrate its grand reopening (4–9 November), The Sackville is offering $19 glasses of Veuve Clicquot, $7 schooners, complimentary Happy Hour snacks, and a week-long lineup of live entertainment.

Kyiv Social is firing up the grill this Sunday, 2 November, with the launch of its Laneway BBQ Summer Series — a weekly celebration of charcoal cooking, live music, and art running from 12–5pm. Each week, some of Sydney’s best chefs and restaurants will take over the laneway, serving BBQ dishes from just $15.

Bach Akademie Australia closes its 2025 season with all six Brandenburg Concertos from 14–16 November, led by Artistic Director Madeleine Easton. Catch performances at The Joan, Penrith (14 Nov) and The Neilson, ACO on the Pier (15–16 Nov). Tickets available here.

Letra House is hosting the third edition of its ‘El Camino’ series with a one-off Valencian paella party on 9 November. Culinary Director Scott McComas-Williams and Head Chef Brandon Jones will cook two signature arroces — Paella de Butifarra y Sepia and Paella de Marisco — alongside a selection of Valencian tapas and desserts. Tickets available here.

Barangaroo Spirits & Bites 2025 is landing at Manjit’s Restaurant on Darling Harbour from 14–16 November. Expect 70+ high-end spirits, from Tasmanian single malts to Ube liqueur, paired with free-flowing canapés and exclusive tastings like Hugo Vodka with a caviar bump.

VIC

Hawker Hall is turning 10 this month, and launching a $66 Birthday Banquet, limited-edition Pidapipó collaboration dessert, $2 birthday dumplings, and a pair of cocktails served throughout November.

Sunday Salon is presenting 'Pure X', a solo exhibition by Melbourne-based artist Julian Hocking, running 10-16 November hosted at Saloon Store in the iconic Curtain House building.

ST. ALi and Serai are teaming up this November for a South Melbourne takeover in celebration of ST. ALi’s second café opening in Manila. The collaboration will see chef Ross Magnaye bring Serai’s fire-driven Filipino flavours to ST. ALi for a one-night-only dinner on Thursday 13 November, followed by a limited-edition dish available for a month from Friday 14 November.

QLD

Brisbane's biggest pre-loved market returns on November 15, giving you the chance to either shop pre-loved goodies, or sell your wardrobe. More information is available here.

Just in time for the Noosa Triathlon, Venroy has teamed up with Blended Noosa to create the Venroy Hydrator — a refreshing cold-pressed juice of celery, cucumber, lemon, aloe vera, and mint. Available 31 Oct–2 Nov, with the first 20 customers at Venroy Noosa receiving a complimentary juice. Find it at both Blended and Venroy, on Hastings street.

The QAGOMA Store Christmas Design Market returns Saturday 29 – Sunday 30 November at the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), offering a curated and creative festive shopping experience.

The Hamilton Island Ocean swim returns on 16 November. The annual open-water event features a 750m and 2km race, plus a junior swim, offering a sun-soaked day of fitness and fun in the heart of the Whitsundays.

The Wynnum Wonderland Christmas Festival returns from 28 November to 22 December. From the founders of Wynnum Fringe, expect a mix of world-class talent and local charm. More details here.

WA

From 20–23 November, Pair’d returns to the Margaret River region, turning the picturesque destination into a celebration of world-class wine, food, and music. Tickets available now.

Gather & Gourmet is a vibrant, themed market taking place on 8 November, celebrating all things gourmet and home. With over 80 carefully curated stallholders, the event brings together premium food, beverages, and homewares.

TAS

The Bicheno Food & Wine Festival is back on November 15,  for a one-day beachside feast of flavour, fun, and live music. Showcasing Tasmanian wine, local brews, and bites from favourite local producers, the Bicheno Food and Wine Festival is not to be missed.

Point To Pinnacle (the world's toughest half marathon) takes place in Hobart on November 16. You can cheer on the participants as they raise money for various charities from 7am.