October is shaping up to be a busy one. Across Australia, there are new exhibitions to see, festivals to attend, restaurants to try and all in all, plenty of things to pop in the calendar. Here’s what’s on this month in your state.
NSW
From October 13–18, Arcaa presents a pop up concept store and gallery to 17 Oxford St, Paddington, bringing together art, fashion and objects alongside exclusive pieces and new arrivals from SS ’26. Alongside Arcaa's collection, Formed: Women in Art, featuring works by Niah McLeod, Rikki Day, Hattie Zampa, Helene Koenig and Tahuna Collective from Byron.
Shellhouse is spotlighting Yamba Pipis with its new 'Shell to Table' signature dish, courtesy of Head Chef Jarrod Walsh. It's part of the venue's new spring summer menu, on offer now.
To celebrate the launch of Chatswood Chase’s new store, Canada Goose is teaming up with Harry’s Bondi for a complimentary limited-edition matcha pop-up from Friday 2 October to Sunday 4 October. When you visit the Chatswood Chase store, treat yourself to a Mango Horizon or Maple Cloud matcha, while stocks last.
The Great Graze is returning to Barangaroo on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October, bringing a lineup of dishes from a curated line-up of food stalls in the area. Entry is free.
Ragazzi is celebrating its 7th birthday with lunch on Sunday, October 11. Guests will be treated to a seven-course pasta tasting menu, as well as an optional wine pairing menu. Bookings are available here.
Surf + Sound Festival will take over Manly Wharf and Manly Beach from 16 October - 1 November. Alongside music, there’ll be a free immersive art program curated by Arts-Matter, as well as a two-day Surf + Sound Boardrider Battle at Manly Beach. View the full program here.
Sandy’s Summer Series is bringing a new weekly lawn session to URBNSURF Sydney Olympic Park, with live music, food and drinks by the water every weekend until February. More information is available here.
Maybe Sammy, El Primo Sanchez and CHELL-OH! are taking over the Pool Bar at InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach for three consecutive Sundays this October. The program runs from 2-6pm on October 11, 18, and 25. Tickets are $30 per person and include a cocktail on arrival.
Explore the Redo Haircare range firsthand at its Westfield Sydney pop up, running until October 4.
Dave Verheul from Melbourne's Embla and Saison Aperitifs will be taking over Bessie's in Surry Hills for one night only on October 12. Tickets are now available for $120 per person, here.
From 29 September to 25 October, Provider Store will take over the ground floor of The Galeries with a Japanese-inspired market stall and bespoke scent experience, created in collaboration with Incu, Books Kinokuniya and Salomon. There will be three limited-edition candles on offer, and anyone who spends $300 at The Galeries in a single day able to redeem a complimentary 295ml Provider Store candle.
From October 16 to 18, SURPLUS will take over Darlinghurst, with a lineup spanning underground music, local brands, art, community, food and movement, all brought to you by Supply Store and Nike.
Embrace the spirit of Halloween on 31 October, at Victor Valdes: Viva Mexico – Day of the Dead Spectacular, a one-night-only celebration at Seymour Centre. More information and tickets are available here.
Get into the spooky season spirit with A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics, an intimate candlelit concert experience on October 30. More information and tickets are available here.
The Great Artist Market returns to Manly Wharf on 10 October, bringing together more than 60 local artists and makers. From 8am to 3pm, browse art, illustration, ceramics, photography, homewares and handcrafted goods across two spaces at the Wharf.
Chin Chin Sydney is turning World Noodle Day into a week-long celebration, with five of its noodle dishes available for $25 each from Monday 5 October. Reservations available here, and walk-ins also welcome.
VIC
Melbourne Fashion Week will take place from 19 - 25 October. There are seven runway shows on the schedule, as well as Fashion Capsules popping up throughout the city, dinner events, and sustainability initiatives. You can view the full program and purchase tickets to shows here.
Elle Ferguson has teamed up with Northland shopping centre as part of Vicinity Centres’ Self Expression Matters campaign. From October 1 - 4, shoppers will be able to recreate Elle's style with her handpicked favourites available from across the store, plus the option to have their purchases personalised with embellishments curated by Elle Ferguson.
Adore Beauty is opening its largest-ever store at Melbourne Central on October 1. To celebrate the opening, the first 1,500 customers through the doors will receive a gift bag valued at more than $150.
Hyde Melbourne Place's new wellness offering, The Sunday Reset, kicks off on October 4. It includes a 45-minute breathwork session led by Carly Woods, a certified Buteyko practitioner and naturopath, followed by a fully catered breakfast on Cleo's rooftop for just $79pp. There's also an optional add-on for ear seeding. Bookings can be made here.
Celebrate Oktoberfest at Hofbräuhaus Melbourne, until October 31. The festivities include imported German bier, Bavarian food, live music and traditional games. More information is available here.
Chandon Australia is opening parts of its Yarra Valley home to the public on Friday 16 and Sunday 18 October as part of LVMH’s Les Journées Particulières 2026. There are just 80 places available across four intimate sessions, with 20 guests per session. Bookings available here.
The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne is introducing Diptyque’s Les Rituels de Soin collection with Rituals of Renewal, an overnight experience centred around rest and restoration. Guests can enjoy a Diptyque bath prepared in-room, access to the hotel’s wellness facilities and a take-home Evening Discovery Set. Available until February 28, 2027, with bookings open here.
QLD
The Book Of Mormon continues its run at QPAC until October 4. Tickets are still available here.
Enjoy the beauty of Mt Coot-tha at night with Botanic By Night, a lantern-lit installation in the Botanic Garden, running until October 10. Tickets are available here.
Melt Festival kicks off for another year from October 21, celebrating Queer arts and culture across Brisbane. More information is available here.
WA
The Perth Royal Show returns to Claremont Showgrounds, with animals, rides, fireworks and more running until October 3. More information is available here.
Celebrate Oktoberfest at Little Creatures in Fremantle from October 1 - 4, with German food, entertainment and of course, beer. More information is available here.
