October in Australia brings spring into full swing. The winter chill has mostly lifted, blossoms are in full bloom, and the long weekend (for some) is the perfect excuse to stretch into the new season.
It’s a month of warm afternoons, breeze felt through open windows, and the slow return of outdoor plans. Whether you're chasing art, music, film or food, October feels like a gentle push to get out and explore.
Need a little inspiration? Below, we’ve rounded up the best events, exhibitions and experiences happening around the country this October.
NSW
Saardé is launching 'Saardé Social' a series of intimate gatherings hosted in their Redfern flagship store. The first event will take place on October 27, to celebrate the launch of OPA!, a cook book of recipes inspired by greek tavernas by Helena & Vikki Moursellas. Tickets available here.
In honour of champagne day, Manly Wharf is hosting a ten-day celebration across its harbourside venues (Felons Manly, Hugos, and Felons Seafood), running from 17 to 26 October.
One Playground is opening its 9th location in Sydney, and first-ever on the North Shore. Opening its doors on 10 October, there are 4 levels, featuring 5 unique training studios, recovery saunas, plus a dedicated strength and stretch floor.
Nude By Nature is hosting a sunrise takeover at Volume 1 Café, Bondi Beach on 11 October, from 7am - 10am. The first 100 guests will be treated to radiance-infused beverages and bites, an aura-based DJ set by Yemi Sul, plus a complimentary Nude by Nature gift to keep your glow going at home.
OTTO Ristorante is marking 25 years with a creative take on Italy’s most iconic dessert: Boozy Dolci. Indulge in a decadent cannoli, infused with your choice of Aperol, Limoncello, Espresso Martini or Nocello, crafted tableside from a roving trolley all summer long.
Chiswick is hosting their first-ever wine market, a one-day celebration of boutique and local Australian producers on the Chiswick lawn. On October 25 from 12pm - 7pm, guests can experience an afternoon of wine tasting, bites from the Chiswick kitchen, live entertainment, and a pop-up St-Germain Spritz Bar. More information here.
Rasã House is teaming up Avani Wines to celebrate Diwali. On 20 October, they will host an intimate 23-seat dinner illuminated entirely by candlelight, featuring five Avani wines expertly paired with a special Diwali-inspired menu, plus stories from the makers themselves. RSVP here.
Ace Hotel in Sydney is hosting an evening of mahjong and chess in the Lobby Bar from 4pm on Sunday 12 October. The event, hosted by @___mschess and @noflowers.mahjong is free to attend, and guests are invited to move, think, and slow down together.
Butterboy Cookies are landing in the CBD for two weeks only. From October 6–19, Butterboy will be popping up at Westfield Sydney, Pitt Street, bringing their signature cookies, cookie tins, and the now-famous Cookie Milk to the CBD, plus two exclusive, limited-edition flavours: Matcha & White Chocolate and Blueberry & Lemon.
Parramatta Square will transform into a space hub for the Sydney Science Festival on October 4. From 10am–3pm, expect a jam-packed program of science, space and creativity across Parramatta Square, PHIVE and Parramatta Town Hall.
Crown Sydney is bringing together its most icnoc restaurants for 'Degustation at Epicurean', running from 23 to 25 October. Expect delicious dishes and appearances from renowned chefs, with tickets going for $295 per person. Bookings available here.
The Corner Palm Beach has officially opened its doors, offering everything from elevated breakfasts, providore shopping, homewares, and European bistro-style dinners with a weekly-changing set menu.
PIER dining has officially relaunched, bringing sweeping views and menu that celebrates contemporary Australian flavours. Bookings are now available here.
Brooklyn Boy Bagels is taking over The Corner House, Bondi. Kicking off on October 3, and running every Friday - Sunday from 7am - 12pm, you'll find bagels, challah french toast, and lots more.
It's pistachio month all throughout October at Tutto Cucina + Bar, in celebration of the Sicilian festival, Sagra del Pistacchio. There is a pistachio-centric degustation menu, with each course infused with pistachio in some way. Bookings are available here.
Solaré, Sydney’s first full-service restaurant on the water, housed on a 150-foot classic superyacht, is officially launching on October 30. It will operate from Thursday to Sunday, with two cruises daily. Bookings are now open here.
VIC
Sandringham’s beloved patisserie, Dzert, is launching a Tiramisu Galleria on October 12. Expect 12 delectable and inventive tiramisu flavours available at all times (including two monthly specials), served by the slice.
Following the success of acclaimed two-hatted restaurant, Ishizuka, Melanie Zhang has opened the doors to Oden – Melbourne’s first elevated Oden dining destination. Bookings are now available here.
Melbourne Fashion Week returns from 20 - 26 October, for a week-long celebration of fashion, creativity and culture across the city. Plan your visit here.
The Finders Keepers Melbourne Design Market will take place from 10 - 12 October, at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton. See the lineup and purchase pre-sale tickets here.
The Melbourne Italia Festsa & Expo will take place on 18 and 19 October for a celebration of Italian culture, including food, music, wine, and children's activities. Purchase tickets here.
Melbourne Fringe Festival is back, until the end of October. See the full program and book tickets here.
QLD
Night Feast is returning to the Brisbane Powerhouse, running from October 15 to November 9. Expect delicious bites from your favourite restaurants, plus a vibrant program of free art and music.
Bell Shakespeare will bring their production of Romeo & Juliet to the Brisbane Powerhouse, on October 17 and 18. Tickets available here.
Archie Moore’s kith and kin is on display at GOMA until 18 October. The exhibition features chalk drawings on blackboard, capturing the common ancestors of all humans alongside animals, plants, waterways and landforms in order to emphasise our kinship responsibilities to each other and our surroundings.
The Good Food & Wine Show will return to the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre from 24–26 October. Expect live demonstrations from Australia's top chefs, wine tastings, and plenty of good food. Plan your visit here.
WA
The Bledisloe Cup is returning to Perth, with The Wallabies set to take on the All Blacks on Saturday 4 October. Tickets are available here.
The Perth Gin & Food Festival is back for its fifth year from October 17-19 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. Tickets (which include unlimited tastings, and plenty of merch) are available here.
The second edition of Perth Art Weekend is slated for the weekend of October 17 - 19. All events are free, and hosted by various galleries, museums, and other organisations across the city. More details available here.
SA
Adelaide Fashion Week will take place from October 8 - 12. View the full program and purchase tickets here.
CheeseFest is back on October 18 and 19, putting South Australia's artisan cheese producers on show. Expect lots of cheese, plus goodies in the realm of wine, produce, and plenty more. More information here.
Nature Festival of South Australia continues for its 6th year, running until October 12. Explore the program here.
