Your essential guide to October’s homegrown highlights.

With the sun finally out in full force again, I feel a bit like a butterfly shedding its cocoon. Something about the warm weather softly settling back in triggers a rolling film of childhood nostalgia in my mind: running barefoot across scorched bitumen, summer dresses that haven’t been worn in months, sand that takes a few washes to finally get out of your hair.

I’m not alone in that sentiment, either. It’s a feeling most Aussies know well, and it’s being embraced all across the country this month. From art exhibitions and live music gigs to foodie feasts and spring festivals in full bloom, October is practically begging us to get outside and make some new memories. Australia, it’s time to play like kids again.

Taylah’s top picks of the month:

• Best foodie event: Savour The Tweed, Tweed Shire, NSW (21–25 October)
• Best music event: Savannah in the Round, Mareeba, Qld (8–11 October)
• Best cultural event: Nara Candle Festival, Canberra, ACT (24 October)
• Best outdoor event: Bloom Festival, Great Southern, SA (Until 11 October)
• Best arts event: Studio Art Trail, Huon Valley, Tas (23–25  October)

Upcoming events to keep on your radar:

• Mural Fest, Sheffield, Tas (1–7 November)
• Pair’d, Margaret River, WA (19–22 November)
• Sunset on Seppeltsfield Road, Barossa Valley, SA (20 November)
• Hamilton Island Ocean Swim, Hamilton Island, Qld (22 November)
• Great Vic Bike Ride, Great Ocean Road, Vic (23–27 November)

What’s on in NSW in October

Ghost In The Rocks, Sydney

When: 29 October – 1 November

Best for: Getting into the Halloween spirit

Why go: The four-day Ghost in the Rocks festival is officially returning to The Rocks this spooky season. Commonly referred to as Sydney’s most haunted neighbourhood, its streets, lanes and buildings will be filled with all things creepy and cool. Think murder mystery cocktail parties, macabre markets, roaming performers, DJ sets, themed bars and an outdoor cinema screening nothing but horror. Best of all, entry is free – but not for the faint-hearted!

Orange Wine Festival, Orange

When: 16–25 October

Best for: A day of cellar-door hopping

Why go: Experience the best of Central West NSW’s thriving foodie culture and quality cool-climate wines at Orange Wine Festival. Over 10 days this spring, more than 40 mouthwatering events will unfold across the region, from markets and masterclasses to vineyard tours and dining experiences. The unrivalled wineries in this altitudinous area are undoubtedly a drawcard, and the Orange Wine Festival brings it all together under one roof for your tasting pleasure.

Artists & Makers Market, Illaroo

When: 3 October

Best for: Trinket hunters

Why go: Meet the creative community of Bundanon this month at the Artist & Makers Market, a celebration of the region’s artists, makers and creators backdropped by the stunning Shoalhaven River. For just one day only, you can browse locally led market stalls touting everything from ceramics and textiles to gourmet goods and jewellery. After finding a treasure or two, linger a little longer for live music, lively chats and a snack in the sun.

Savour the Tweed, Tweed Shire

When: 21–25 October

Best for: Trying new flavours

Why go: Savour The Tweed is again enticing visitors to experience this peaceful pocket of Northern NSW through the palate, bringing another year of flavour-packed fun. Launched in 2024, the five-day event has become a calendar highlight, proudly showcasing the region’s best businesses and produce through chef collaborations, local markets, long lunches, curated masterclasses and guided farm walks.

Jacaranda Festival, Grafton

When: 30 October – 8 November

Best for: A colourful country escape

Why go: At its core, spring means flowers. And nowhere knows this better than Grafton in NSW’s Clarence Valley. Each year, the town is painted purple thanks to the countless blossoming jacaranda trees that call it home. To celebrate, the aptly named Jacaranda Festival invites you to experience the magic for yourself as petals rain down across garden parties, long lunches, local markets and more.

Sculpture by the Sea, Sydney

When: 16 October – 2 November

Best for: A sunny day by the sea

Why go: Sydney’s beloved Sculpture by the Sea exhibition has long been a favourite event in Bondi, inviting winter-worn Aussies to shed their winter layers and enjoy the sun at one of the city’s best beaches. The two-kilometre stretch of more than 100 unique artworks and installations is the world’s largest free-to-the-public sculpture exhibition, making it a must for Sydneysiders this spring.

Horizontal Festival, Bowral

When: 2–4 October

Best for: Treating yourself

Why go: Following a successful debut last year, Horizontal Festival is returning to Bowral’s Centennial Vineyards this October. The three-day affair is inspired by the viticultural concept of horizontal tasting, where different producers of the same vintage are tasted side by side. In 2026, guests can expect bold flavours served up by culinary heavyweights like Matt Moran, Mark Best and Francis Mallmann, back on Australia’s east coast after 15 years.

Nolan: Origins

When: From 3 October

Best for: A brush with Aussie art history

Why go: One of Australia’s leading 20th-century artists takes centre stage this spring in Nolan: Origins at Sydney’s Art Gallery of New South Wales. Featuring roughly 100 works created before Sidney Nolan moved to the UK in 1953, the in-depth exhibition charts the formative years that shaped his artistic vision, from sweeping outback landscapes to his now iconic Ned Kelly series.

Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize, Sydney

When: 2 October – 29 November

Best for: Discovering emerging talent

Why go: Small in scale but big on creativity, the Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026. See works by 49 Australian and international finalists, spanning everything from bronze, glass and ceramics to recycled materials and 3D printing. While you’re there, cast your vote in the Viewers’ Choice Award or join an artist talk or gallery tour.

What’s on in Victoria in October

Festival of Stories, Echuca Moama

When: 16–18 October

Best for: Meaningful conversations

Why go: Echuca Moama’s historic wharf and port precinct comes alive in celebration of the art of storytelling this October. The inaugural Festival of Stories brings together some of Australia’s most celebrated writers, musicians, poets and artists on the banks of the Murray to share stories of joy, resilience, identity and belonging, immersing guests in the region’s creative spirit and strong sense of community.

Bendigo Wine Week, Bendigo

When: 9–18 October

Best for: Serious sippers

Why go: Bendigo Wine Week celebrates this Victorian region’s vibrant vineyard scene, its fresh produce and foodie offerings. Winery hopping between some of Bendigo’s top cellar doors, oenophiles will taste a variety of delicious tipples, meet the makers and learn the stories behind the bottle along the way.

Passage: The Art of Atong Atem, Melbourne

When: From 30 October

Best for: Art beyond the canvas

Why go: Photography becomes a powerful vehicle for identity and storytelling in Passage: The Art of Atong Atem at the National Gallery of Victoria’s Ian Potter Centre. The first major solo exhibition by the South Sudanese, Melbourne-based artist spans more than 65 works from the past decade, including Atem’s richly layered self-portraits that blur the line between creator and muse.

Jazz & Blues Festival, Wangaratta

When: 30 October – 1 November

Best for: Getting your groove on

Why go: If you crave crooning melodies, make tracks for the Wangaratta Jazz & Blues Festival in regional Victoria. The exciting three-day program unfolds across local venues, where some of Australia and the world’s most exciting voices will take to the stage. Apart from mesmerising live performances, attendees can also look forward to the 36th National Jazz Awards and the Tiny Jazz Series.

Dracula, Melbourne

When: Until 25 October

Best for: Ballet with a bite

Why go: Sink your teeth into a darker side of ballet with this cinematic reimagining of Bram Stoker’s classic novel. Choreographed by Joel Burke, Dracula pairs a powerhouse cast with Gothic grandeur and a dramatic score featuring works by Bach and Mozart. Following sold-out international seasons, the Australian-born production returns home for an extended run at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne.

Shedfest, Yarra Valley

When: 10–11 October

Best for: Wine-country wandering

Why go: Spend a spring weekend sipping your way through the Yarra Valley as Shedfest celebrates 23 years in 2026. More than 16 family-run wineries will open their cellar doors for two days of cool-climate wine tastings, gourmet bites and live music, plus plenty of lawn games and exclusive cellar-door specials. Better yet, most participating venues welcome four-legged friends, too.

Comedy in the Vines, Coldstream

When: 22–25 October

Best for: A weekend of wine and wit

Why go: Good wine and big belly laughs go hand in hand at Comedy in the Vines, returning to CherryHill Orchards in Victoria’s Yarra Valley this October. Guests can look forward to four days of stand-up, live music, wine tastings and gourmet dining, with appearances from Aussie favourites such as Derrick Watts, Dave Hughes, Rhys Nicholson, Mel Buttle and Lizzy Hoo.

What’s on in Queensland in October

Savannah in the Round, Mareeba

When: 8–11 October

Best for: A boot-scooting boogie

Why go: Held at the remote Mareeba Rodeo Arena, Savannah in the Round is one of Queensland’s biggest music festivals. As well as celebrating all things country, the outback bash will welcome classic Aussie musicians like Icehouse and Missy Higgins to the stage. Making a trip out of it? No stress, you can camp out right next door, with a free shuttle bus service for all ticketed guests.

Once We Were Mudskippers, Brisbane

When: From 3 October

Best for: A multi-sensory art experience

Why go: Dive into the colourful and chaotic world of Brisbane-based artist Justene Williams at her largest exhibition to date, coming to QAGOMA this month. Spanning video, sculpture, sound and installation, Once We Were Mudskippers brings together key works from the past two decades alongside ambitious new creations that dance the blurred line between our physical and virtual worlds.

Coolangatta Gold, Gold Coast

When: 17–18 October

Best for: Adrenaline junkies

Why go: One of the most challenging endurance races in surf sports, the Coolangatta Gold is returning for another year of fitness and fun. Participants can choose from a range of events, from individual races and team courses to recreational paddles and youth-centric challenges. Whether you’re in it to win it or simply watching from the sidelines, it’s guaranteed to be a great day out on one of the Gold Coast’s best beaches.

Brisbane Writers Festival, Brisbane

When: 8–11 October

Best for: Wordsmiths

Why go: More than 200 literary luminaries from Australia and around the world make up the 2026 Brisbane Writers Festival program. Hosted across four days at the Brisbane Powerhouse, the annual event brings together author talks, in-depth conversations, interactive panel discussions, live performances and more. Don’t forget to bring your favourite book either; you might just leave with a signed copy to treasure.

What’s on in Tasmania in October

Great Eastern Wine Week, East Tasmania

When: 22–25 October

Best for: A wine with a view

Why go: Follow the vines along Tassie’s spectacular East Coast during four delicious days dedicated to the region’s cool-climate drops. Great Eastern Wine Week covers over 200 kilometres, with a vibrant program of vineyard tastings, long lunches, masterclasses and intimate dinners.. Along the way, meet the growers, winemakers and producers shaping one of the state’s most scenic wine regions.

Royal Hobart Show, Hobart

When: 22–24 October

Best for: Farmyard fun with the family

Why go: Proving some traditions only get better with age, the Royal Hobart Show is back again this spring, after celebrating 200 years in 2025. From country heritage and agriculture to top-level competition and the latest in entertainment, the carnival fair has been a Tassie favourite for over two centuries now – and this year will be no different.

Freycinet Challenge, Coles Bay

When: 3–4 October

Best for: A serious test of stamina

Why go: For fitness enthusiasts, the Freycinet Challenge gets marked on calendars long before it rolls around. The event combines everything from kayaking and mountain biking to road cycling and trail running, rivalling some of our most southerly state’s best hikes. It invites endurance athletes to push themselves to the limits, with both one-day and two-day challenge options that make for an unforgettable tour along Tassie’s coast.

Tulip Festival, Wynyard

When: 10 October

Best for: Community spirit

Why go: It’s almost impossible to miss spring’s arrival in Wynyard, as thousands of tulips burst into bloom across the small town. To mark the occasion, the annual Tulip Festival fills Gutteridge Gardens with food stalls, markets, live music and dazzling floral displays, all free to attend. For the ultimate souvenir, pick your own bouquet from the immaculate rows at nearby Table Cape Tulip Farm.

Huon Valley Studio Art Trail, Huon Valley

When: 23–25 October

Best for: An art-filled road trip

Why go: Take the scenic route through regional Tassie this month, as over 60 artists open their workspaces for the Huon Valley Studio Art Trail. Stretching more than 100 kilometres, the self-guided journey winds through the pastoral Far South, punctuated by studio tours, live demonstrations, art sales and the chance to meet local creatives across all artistic disciplines.

What’s on in Western Australia in October

Bloom Festival, Great Southern

When: Until 11 October

Best for: Spring in full bloom

Why go: If WA is known for anything, it’s the wildflowers that bloom all across the state each spring. Nowhere knows this better than the Great Southern region, which hosts a month-long celebration because of it. Bloom Festival is all about showcasing the flowers that burst to life here, with everything from creative workshops and themed markets to guided walks and open gardens.

Entwined in the Swan Valley, Perth

When: 5–18 October

Best for: Epicurean adventurers

Why go: Eat, drink and explore your way through WA’s oldest wine region as Entwined returns to the Swan Valley. The two-week celebration brings together local winemakers, growers, chefs and artisans for long-table lunches, curated tastings and intimate dinners, plus hands-on workshops and behind-the-scenes tours that offer a deeper taste of the region.

Mandurah Country Music Festival, Mandurah

When: 3 October

Best for: Dancing the day away

Why go: Grab your favourite pair of cowboy boots and make haste; the Mandurah Country Music Festival is back in town! The 2026 line-up is sure to please, with artists like Kaylee Bell, The Wolfe Brothers, Lane Pittman and Max Jackson all taking to the stage, alongside food trucks and an onsite bar. With cowboy culture on the rise in Australia, there’s no excuse not to be boot scootin’ with the best of them.

No night is long enough for us to dream twice, Perth

When: From 3 October

Best for: Visual storytellers

Why go: More than 100 photographs and video works come together for No night is long enough for us to dream twice, a major new exhibition at the Art Gallery of Western Australia. Featuring nine artists connected to South West Asia, North Africa and their diasporas, the thought-provoking showcase explores lived experience through themes of love, friendship, displacement and identity.

What’s on in South Australia in October

Nature Festival, State-wide

When: Until 11 October

Best for: Greenthumbs

Why go: Dedicated to showcasing South Australia’s diverse flora and fauna, Nature Festival returns for its seventh year with an estimated 350 events across the state. There’s something on for every green thumb to enjoy, from open gardens on Kangaroo Island and nature journalling in the Adelaide Hills to guided walks on the Fleurieu Peninsula and creative workshops in Port Augusta.

Cabernet Celebrations
Coonawarra
1–30 October

When: 1–18 October

Best for: Budding sommeliers

Why go: Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations is a wine festival like no other. Enjoy over 50 food and wine experiences throughout the month, all featuring the Limestone Coast’s signature drop: cabernet sauvignon. With some of the region’s best vineyards participating, guests are treated to a month-long pour of good times, including cellar door tours, vertical tastings, degustation dinners, winery walking trails and more.

Cheesefest, Adelaide

When: 17–18 October

Best for: Charcuterie enthusiasts

Why go: Adelaide’s favourite fromage-filled festival returns for its 21st birthday this month, bringing 100+ cheese, food and beverage producers to Rundle Park. Spend the weekend tasting your way through artisan produce, joining masterclasses and catching live cooking demos from culinary talents like Miguel Maestre and MasterChef winner Laura Sharrad, all accompanied by live music.

What’s on in the Northern Territory in October

International Laksa Festival, Darwin

When: 1–30 October

Best for: Flavour chasers

Why go: If you’re in the Top End this month, you simply must put aside some time for the Darwin International Laksa Festival. Celebrate the diverse and flavourful elements of this aromatic Southeast Asian noodle soup, which has become an integral part of this Northern Territory community. For a full month, dip into as many laksa-inspired recipes, dishes and snacks as your tastebuds can handle.

MASIFF, Alice Springs

When: 15–26 October

Best for: Stories that stay with you

Why go: Often abbreviated to MASIFF, the Mparntwe Alice Springs International Film Festival will take over the small town at Australia’s beating heart for its third year. Showcasing both global stories and local narratives, this special event aims to spark conversation, challenge norms and bring communities together through cinema.

Beach Bash, Darwin

When: 3 October

Best for: Free school holiday fun

Why go: Pop over to the Darwin Waterfront during the first weekend of October, and you may get a shock, as giant kites loom and soar over the beach. Don’t worry, it’s all part of the Beach Bash, a two-day festival full of free entertainment for all. Whether you join a DJ dance party, jump on the inflatable obstacle course or simply admire the creative kite display, it’s a day out the whole family will enjoy.

Desert Mob, Alice Springs

When: Until 25 October

Best for: Cultural connection

Why go: Head out to Alice Springs/Mparntwe this spring to experience the convergence of more than 30 Art Centres from across Western Australia, the Northern Territory and South Australia at Desert Mob. The result is an unforgettable collection of events – exhibitions, artist talks, after-dark events and a huge artwork marketplace – celebrating First Nations artists and culture on Arrernte Country.

What’s on in the ACT in October

Canberra Writers Festival, Canberra

When: 15–18 October

Best for: Inquisitive readers

Why go: Flip the script on an ordinary weekend at Canberra Writers Festival, where storytellers and big thinkers unite for four days of lively conversation. This year’s program moves from fiction, memoir and poetry to politics, science and First Nations storytelling, with author talks, workshops and performances unfolding across some of the capital’s most iconic cultural institutions.

Floriade, Canberra

When: Until 11 October

Best for: Day-to-night festivities

Why go: Arguably the biggest celebration of spring in the country, any mention of flower festivals would be incomplete without Floriade. Held for a full month in the nation’s capital, its been blooming every spring since 1988. In 2026, expect live entertainment, food, workshops, market stalls and art displays, plus four nights of after-dark magic as NightFest illuminates Commonwealth Park come October.

Nara Candle Festival, Canberra

When: 24 October

Best for: A slice of Japan

Why go: Each October, the Canberra Nara Candle Festival transforms Nara Peace Park into a glowing haven, with more than 2000 candles lighting up the dark to honour Canberra’s Japanese sister city, Nara. Locals and visitors are encouraged to join in for an evening of cultural artistry, from live performances and martial arts demos to lantern-making workshops and food stalls.

Arthur Boyd: Tapestries, Canberra

When: Until 18 October

Best for: Design devotees

Why go: Purveyors of fine art won’t want to miss Arthur Boyd: Tapestries, on display at Canberra’s National Gallery of Australia until mid-October. The major exhibition marks the first time the complete set of Boyd’s 20 monumental tapestries has been presented together, offering a rare glimpse into one of the Australian artist’s most ambitious and visually striking bodies of work to date.