October is serving culture, colour and creativity.

With the sun finally shining in full force again, I feel a bit like a butterfly breaking free from its cocoon. Never have I been more excited for everything the warm weather brings with it, from long days at the beach to summer dresses that have been waiting far too long to be worn.

But you know what I’ve noticed? That excitement isn’t just mine. It’s buzzing all over Australia this month, with everything from art exhibitions and music festivals to foodie feasts and sporting events popping up all across the country. October is practically begging us to step outside and join in the fun, and honestly? I can’t think of a better invitation.

Taylah’s top picks of the month:

• Best foodie event: Burrata Festival, Melbourne, Vic (30 October)
• Best music event: Legends on the Lawn, Mackay Isaac, Qld (11 October)
• Best cultural event: Nara Candle Festival, Canberra, ACT (25 October)
• Best outdoor event: Nature Festival, state-wide, SA (1–31 October)
• Best arts event: MASIFF, Alice Springs, NT (10–19 October)

Upcoming events to keep on your radar:

• Big Pineapple Festival, Sunshine Coast, Qld (1 November)
• Highlands Bushfest, Bothwell, Tas (22–23 November)
• Great Vic Bike Ride, Great Ocean Road, Vic (24–28 November)
• Spilt Milk, Perth, WA (7 December)
• Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, Sydney, NSW (26 December)

What’s on in NSW in October

Ghost In The Rocks
Sydney
30 October – 2 November

The Rocks in Sydney is set to transform into a spooky wonderland for the return of Ghost In The Rocks . Commonly referred to as ‘Sydney’s most haunted neighbourhood’, it’s a befitting site, with many of its streets, lanes and buildings being overtaken by all that is spooky, sinister and downright spine-chilling.

Those brave enough to attend the four-day festival can wander eerie markets, watch scary movies in the outdoor cinema, solve a murder mystery (and sip cocktails while doing so), party in a haunted house and more. Be sure to dress up, too – on Halloween night, there will be trick or treating and a Halloween parade.

Orange Wine Festival
Orange
17 October – 2 November

Experience the best of Central West NSW’s thriving foodie culture and quality cool-climate wines at the 2025 Orange Wine Festival . Over three weekends this spring, more than 40 mouthwatering events will tantalise tastebuds from near and far, including markets, workshops, masterclasses, vineyard tours, long lunches and more.

Orange boasts some of the country’s highest-elevation vineyard sites, resulting in a diverse and delicious range of vibrant, cool-climate styles. The unrivalled wineries in this altitudinous area are undoubtedly a drawcard, and the Orange Wine Festival brings it altogether under one roof for your tasting pleasure.

Sleep Under the Stars
Sydney
24–25 October

For just one night only, the Stargazer Lawn in one of Sydney’s coolest precincts will transform into a cosy camp out with a powerful purpose. Beginning at 4pm in Barangaroo, Sleep Under the Stars invites you to roll out a swag or sleeping bag, share stories under the night sky and enjoy food, live music, games and stargazing.

The family-friendly event, set against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour, aims to shine a light on the city’s hidden youth homelessness crisis. The goal? To raise $1 million for Stepping Stone House , a charity organisation providing safe homes, education and support to young people at risk. It’s not just a good night out – it’s a good cause, too.

SXSW
Sydney
13–19 October

Popular Texas-based festival South by Southwest (SXSW) is coming back to Sydney for another year. Tech, games, music, film, ideas and more are again coming together in a meteoric mash-up of A-list celebrities and companies.

This year, attendees can expect to see Google Maps co-founder Lars Rasmussen, as well as MIT Technology Review editor Niall Firth and Signal president Meredith Whittaker. And while the full line-up across its music, tech, games and screen festivals are yet to be announced, confirmed artists across each genre hint at bing things to come.

Artists & Makers Market
Bundanon
4 October

Meet the creative community of Bundanon on NSW’s South Coast this month at the Artist & Makers Market . It’s a celebration of the region’s talented First Nations artists, contemporary makers and small-batch creators, all 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, visitors are encouraged to linger a little longer for live music, lively chats and a snack in the sun.

Savour the Tweed
Tweed Shire
22–26 October

An expanded program of 35 irresistible events is enticing visitors to Savour The Tweed in late-October, an exciting new player among Australia’s food festival scene. Launched in 2024, the five-day event has become a calendar highlight, proudly showcasing the region’s best businesses and fresh produce.

This year, guests can expect more of well, everything! From chef collaborations and local markets to pasta-making workshops and guided farm walks, grumbling bellies are sure to be sated. Don’t miss Walking Together, a deeply moving dining experience between Bundjalung chef Mindy Woods and festival curator Christine Manfield.

Jacaranda Festival
Grafton
24 October – 2 November

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. And what better way to celebrate this burst of colour than a flower festival?

Experience Grafton like never before at its 10-day Jacaranda Festival , as pretty petals rain down across town. As always, there will be plenty to see and do for the whole family in 2025, from garden parties and long lunches to creative workshops and local markets.

Sculpture by the Sea
Sydney
17 October – 3 November

The outdoor Sculpture by the Sea exhibition in Bondi has long been a stalwart on Sydney’s annual events calendar. It’s the perfect opportunity to get outside and enjoy the sunshine, all backdropped by one of the best beaches in Sydney.

The two-kilometre stretch of more than 100 unique artworks is the largest free-to-the-public sculpture exhibition in the world, making it a must for Sydneysiders this spring. You’ll also get your steps up along the iconic Bondi to Tamarama track, one of the city’s top coastal walks.

Lisa Reihana: Voyager
Southern Highlands
Until 9 November

Marking Ngununggula’s first-ever international project, Lisa Reihana: Voyager is an Australian exclusive survey exhibition by the acclaimed artist from New Zealand/Aotearoa. Running throughout the month, the landmark display transforms all four gallery spaces with Reihana’s immersive works.

The exhibition also features a major new outdoor installation specific to Ngununggula. Titled Belong, the incredible piece adorns the entrance of the gallery with hundreds of reflective discs that glisten in the sun and move with the wind. Get in quick, Voyager is set to wrap up in early November.

Maitland Riverlights
Maitland
11 October

The Levee, Central Maitland, will once again transform into a global village as over 50 different cultures from around the world collide at the Maitland Riverlights festival . The one-day event celebrates the region’s diversity and multiculturalism through food, art, music and performance.

Join the rural town of Maitland as it comes alive in a delicious melting pot of cultural delights, from dance workshops to interactive games. Sample cuisine from around the world. Learn about different traditions. Watch the colourful parade. Plus so much more!

Leura Gardens Festival & Village Fair
Blue Mountains
3–6 October

Eight magical gardens bursting with a kaleidoscope of spring bulbs, dazzling rhododendrons and vibrant azaleas will open to the public this month for the Leura Gardens Festival & Village Fair . Known as one of the best towns in the Blue Mountains, nowhere does spring quite like Leura.

Greenthumbs will be spoilt for choice, with both buzzy new entrants, such as Carramar and Westholme, and returning favourites like The Braes and Hill of Grace, all ready to bloom. You can visit every gardens for $40, three for $20 or one for $10. A hop-on-hop-off bus will run between all eight gardens, too.

Horizontal Festival
Southern Highlands
4–5 October

Renowned Australian chef Mark Best will headline the inaugural Horizontal Festival in the Southern Highlands over the first weekend of October. He will be joined by top local chefs like Simon Evans of Bangalay Dining and ex-MasterChef contestant Mindy Woods, as well as artisan producers, acclaimed winemakers and more.

The picturesque Centennial Vineyards will host the event, featuring a roster of exclusive masterclasses, tastings and culinary adventures. Don’t miss the designated themed zones, from the cheese den and barrel room to the sparkling bar and Italian-inspired vineyard.

What’s on in Victoria in October

Bendigo Wine Week
Bendigo
10–18 October

It’s all in the name here – Bendigo Wine Week is a celebration of the Victorian region’s vibrant vineyard scene, as well as its fresh produce and foodie offerings. Oenophiles will get to taste over 80 delicious tipples from 17 local cellar doors, meeting the makers along the way.

What’s more, a range of interactive events will fall across the nine days, including tastings, workshops, walks, tours, dining experiences and more. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover the region’s top wineries – all in one place.

Face Everything
Melbourne
From 11 October

The Heide Museum of Modern Art in Melbourne will begin a six-month showcase of Face Everything this October, a major exhibition by celebrated Australian artist Nell. The site-responsive display will turn one of the city’s most iconic cultural spaces into a vibrant, layered environment of over 80 works.

Face Everything isn’t just a retrospective, though – in exciting news for the art world, it will also include 50 new works by the Sydney-based creative. The immersive exhibition incorporates found household objects and natural motifs from the Heide environs into tapestries, mosaics, sculptures and more.

Jazz & Blues Festival
Wangaratta
31 October – 3 November

If you crave sweet crooning melodies, you’d better be making tracks towards north-east Victoria for the annual Wangaratta Jazz & Blues Festival . The exciting four-day program unfolds across 11 local venues, where some of the most exciting voices from Australia and around the world will take to the stage.

Apart from many mesmerising live performances, attendees can also look forward to the 35th National Jazz Awards and the Tiny Jazz Series, as well as a bustling festival hub and free community stage. Best start warming those vocal chords!

Burrata Festival
Melbourne
30 October

This month, Melbourne will welcome Australia’s first-ever festival dedicated to burrata , a delicate Italian cheese characterised by an outer shell of fresh mozzarella that encases a creamy centre of stracciatella and cream. From that description alone, you can probably imagine how beloved the dish has become among cheese lovers Down Under.

Held in the upper carpark of the South Melbourne Market by That’s Amore Cheese, the Burrata Festival will bring together some of Melbourne’s top restaurants and chefs. Add in live Italian music, cooking demos, bars and masterclasses, and you’ll be shouting bellissimo in no time!

Shedfest
Yarra Valley
11–12 October

Calling all wine lovers! Run don’t walk to Shedfest 2025 in Victoria’s pristine Yarra Valley, where you can find some of the best wineries in the state. This beloved spring festival invites you to sip your way around 13 family-owned boutique cellar doors.

Along the way, expect delicious bites, stunning views, lawn games, live music and more. There will be more than 100 cool-climate wines on offer across a range of varietals, from merlot and malbec to riesling and rosé. Happy sipping!

Eat Drink Play Gippsland
Leongatha
18 October

The Leongatha Railway Precinct will host the inaugural Eat Drink Play Gippsland  this month, a one-day festival of the region’s finest in food and drink. The historic hub is set to transform into a buzzing marketplace of flavour and fun, with live music, interactive tastings and producer-led talks to match.

By day, festival-goers will sip and sample their way through a curated line-up of Gippsland’s gourmet producers, from cult wineries to destination diners. Come nightfall, an open-air concert takes over, with major acts like Melbourne Ska Orchestra and Emma Donovan set to perform.

What’s on in Queensland in October

Savannah in the Round
Mareeba
9–12 October

Held at the Mareeba Rodeo Arena, Savannah in the Round is one of Queensland’s biggest music festivals, celebrating all things country, from ballads to bull-riding. If you love classic Aussie musicians, this is for you – think Daryl Braithwaite, Kasey Chambers, James Johnston, Amy Sheppard and more.

Making a trip out of it? No stress, there are festival campgrounds adjacent to the site, plus a free shuttle bus service for all ticketed guests. Just don’t forget to bring your Akubra – it’s gonna be hot in more ways than one!

Night Feast
Brisbane
15 October – 9 November

Who’s hungry? Night Feast’s free spring edition will ignite your senses this month, delivering insatiable flavours and tantalising tastes direct to your palate. Held at the iconic Brisbane Powerhouse, the culinary event is also paired with art and performance – a truly delightful combination.

An exclusive line-up is sure to get bellies grumbling, with some of Brisbane’s best restaurants making an appearance; think Olé, Donna Chang, Layla, Southside, Byblos and more. Come for the incredible food, stay for everything else Brissy has on offer.

Coolangatta Gold
Gold Coast
18–19 October

One of the most challenging endurance races in surf sports, the Coolangatta Gold is returning to the Gold Coast for another year of fitness and fun. The best part? Shaw and Partners’ mind-blowing prize pool of over $170,000.

Participants can choose from a range of sporting events, from individual races and team courses to recreational paddles and youth-centric challenges. Whether you’re in it to win it or just keen to cross the finish line, it’s going to be a beautiful day out in the sea and sun.

Legends on the Lawn
Mackay Isaac
11 October

Harrup Park in Mackay Isaac will transform into an open-air concert this month for Legends on the Lawn . The delightful day of live music is a highlight on the region’s calendar, with big names like Crowded House, Angus & Julia Stone, The Waifs and more set to perform.

Those attending don’t need to bring anything other than a comfy camp chair and an appetite for good tunes, as there will be a public bar and plenty of food vendors on the day. Or pay a little extra for access to the Legends Bar, a private beer garden with its own bar, express entry, outdoor furniture, private bathrooms and even a barbecue dinner.

Brisbane Writers Festival
Brisbane
9–12 October

More than 100 live events headlined by 200 literary A-listers, half of them from Queensland, will make up Brisbane Writers Festival ‘s epic 2025 program. The Brisbane Powerhouse will play host this year, seeing big names like Helen Garner, Trent Dalton, Sally Hepworth and Anita Heiss through its doors over four days.

From author talks and in-depth conversations to interactive panel discussions and plenty of other special events, bookworms have a lot to look forward to. Planning to attend? Don’t forget to bring your favourite book to have it signed by the author!

What’s on in Tasmania in October

Royal Hobart Show
Hobart
23–25 October

Celebrating 200 years in 2025, the Royal Hobart Show at the city’s Regatta Grounds is set to be bigger than ever. From country heritage and agriculture to top-level competition and the latest in entertainment, the show has been a Tassie favourite for two centuries now.

With so much on, it’s the perfect spring day out for families in the Tassie capital. This year, you can look forward to petting zoos, art exhibitions, thrilling rides, food trucks, live performances, interactive activities and more.

Freycinet Challenge
Coles Bay
4–5 October

For fitness enthusiasts across Tassie, the Freycinet Challenge gets marked on calendars long before it actually rolls around. The varied event combines everything from kayaking and mountain biking to road cycling and trail running, rivalling some of our most southerly state’s best hikes. 

Now in its 25th year, the challenge invites endurance athletes to push themselves to the limits, with both one-day and two-day challenge options. Whether you’re keen to tackle it solo or with a team, it makes for an unforgettable tour along Tasmania’s east coast.

Tulip Festival
Wynyard
11 October

The small town of Wynyard explodes with beauty in October for its annual Tulip Festival , which occurs just as the region’s most coveted flower blossoms. Guests will be treated to plenty of festive fun, from rides and live music to roving entertainment and markets.

Held at Gutteridge Gardens, the event promises a big display of blooms, so be sure to bring your camera! If you have a bit of extra time, be sure to pop over to Table Cape Tulip Farm , too. Just a 10-minute drive away, it’s home to rows of immaculate tulips backdropped by the Bass Strait.

The Unconformity
Queenstown
16–19 October

Against the wild backdrop of the west coast, The Unconformity emerges as a celebration of grassroots arts, culture and music. Born from the grit of the region’s history, this biennial event offers a weekend of brave and bold experiences for all.

Tassie is known for its boundary-pushing festivals like Dark Mofo and Mona Foma, and this one is no different. Expect everything from live music and performance art to the annual Unconformity Cup on Queenstown’s iconic gravel football oval.

Mortal Reflections
Launceston
Until 19 October

Launceston’s Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery will round out its role as host of Mortal Reflections this month. An uncanny and unguarded exhibition by celebrated Australian sculptor Sam Jinks, it’s the first-ever display of his work in Tasmania.

The entire upper level of the Launceston site has been transformed with Jinks’ work into an immersive and intimate experience. The collection, most of which is not typically accessible to the public, is made up of hyper-realistic figures suspended from above, inviting guests to reflect on the mysteries of life, death and everything in-between.

What’s on in Western Australia in October

Bledisloe Cup
Perth
4 October

One of rugby’s biggest nights returns to Perth this October, and it’s shaping up to be better than ever before. The iconic Bledisloe Cup game has been keeping footy fans on the edge of their seats since the 1930s, but who will win in 2025?

An annual rugby union match between Australia’s Wallabies and New Zealand’s All Blacks, it is a fiercely supported and passionately played game. The atmosphere will be electric at Perth’s Optus Stadium this year – with even the most laidback spectators sure to be biting their nails.

Bloom Festival
Great Southern
27 September – 26 October

If WA is known for anything, it’s the wildflowers that come in the 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.

What’s more, the area is also home to some of WA’s best-kept secret beaches, including Bremer Bay and Little Beach. With summer just around the corner, the secluded spots are perfect for a dip minus the crowds and a great way to further explore the south west.

Country Music Festival
Mandurah
25 October

Grab your favourite pair of cowboy boots and make haste, the Mandurah Country Music Festival is back in town! And the 2025 line-up is sure to please, with artists like Brad Cox, Travis Collins, Hayley Jensen and Taylor Moss all taking to the stage.

Food trucks and a public bar offering beer, wine, spirits and cider will also be onsite to keep festival-goers sated at the Rushton Park event. With cowboy culture on the rise in Australia, there’s no excuse not to be boot scootin’ with the best of them.

What’s on in South Australia in October

Nature Festival
State-wide
Until 12 October

Dedicated to showcasing the diverse flora and fauna of South Australia, the aptly named Nature Festival will return for its sixth year this month. With an estimated 300+ events happening across the state, there’s something for every green thumb to enjoy.

This year’s festival program is stuffed to the brim with hands-on outdoor experiences. Think guided bird watching on the Limestone Coast, nature journalling in the Adelaide Hills, guided walks on the Fleurieu Peninsula and coastal care in Port Augusta.

Riverland Rose & Garden Festival
Renmark
10–19 October

The Riverland Rose and Garden Festival  sees this stunning South Australian region shine in a kaleidoscope of colour. Held over 10 days each October, the festival includes open gardens, markets, floral displays, a four-course gala dinner and the annual Waikerie Flower Show.

While the 2025 program is yet to be announced, the event is known to host talks by horticulturalist superstars from TV programmes like Gardening Australia and Better Homes & Gardens. Local greenthumbs would be silly to miss it!

Cabernet Celebrations
Coonawarra
1–30 October

There’s no doubt about it; the 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 wine and good times. Don’t know where to start? Try a guided cellar door tour, vertical tasting, degustation dinner, pasta making workshop or winery walking trail – the list goes on!

Harvest Rock
Adelaide
25–26 October

Adelaide’s annual Harvest Rock festival transforms Rymill and King Rodney Parks into a sonic playground in the heart of the city. This October, massive headline acts like Vance Joy, The Strokes and Lime Cordiale will dominate the stage across two full days of live music magic.

But believe it or not, it’s not just about the tunes. From wine tastings and comedic appearances to a pop-up collection featuring some of the city’s best restaurants, Harvest Rock is a feast for all your senses.

What’s on in the Northern Territory in October

International Laksa Festival
Darwin
1–31 October

If you’re in Darwin 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 the Northern Territory community.

For a full mouth-watering month, dip into as many laksa-inspired recipes, dishes and snacks as your taste buds can handle. But that’s not all – there will also be plenty of live music, entertainment, roving performances and cooking demonstrations, as well as the announcement of the highly anticipated Golden Bowl 2025.

MASIFF
Alice Springs
10–19 October

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

Audiences can expect everything from cultural documentaries and poignant love stories to films that confront authority and new voices in storytelling. The first-ever Central Australian Shorts Showcase will round out the program, marking another year of MASIFF’s ability to uplift and unite.

Beach Bash
Darwin
3–4 October

Head down 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.

While the event is mainly aimed at children, adults can still get in on the fun. 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.

Glow
Katherine
12 September – 17 October

Held at Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts & Culture Centre in Katherine, Glow is a group exhibition created by 25 artists from the Katherine Regional Arts’ weekly access program. The intricate and balloon-like installations were handcrafted from scratch and now hang from the ceiling above visitors.

It’s just one of a brilliant collection at the regional arts centre, a not-for-profit cultural precinct that acts as both a communal space and platform for the local community. Head to Godinymayin, named after a local respected Aboriginal Elder, for a true taste of this spectacular region.

What’s on in the ACT in October

Floriade
Canberra
Until 12 October

Arguably the biggest celebration of spring around the country, any mention of flower festivals would be incomplete without Floriade . Held for a full month in the nation’s capital, this epic event has been blooming every spring since 1988.

Floriade is the perfect day out for the whole family. Visitors can look forward to live entertainment, music, food and wine, horticultural workshops, market stalls, art displays and more. This year’s theme is ‘Science and Nature’, so get ready to put your thinking cap on!

Mr Squiggle & Friends
Canberra
Until 13 October

If you grew up in the 90s, you’re about to take a serious trip down memory lane. For the last three months, Canberra’s National Museum of Australia has hosted Mr Squiggle & Friends, a behind-the-scenes look at one of Australia’s most iconic children’s TV shows.

The world-first exhibition celebrates the imagination of the show’s creator, Norman Hetherington, with more than 300 objects such as artwork, scripts, puppets, costumes and sets. And this month is your last chance to catch it, with the nostalgic showcase set to officially close come mid-October.

Nara Candle Festival
Canberra
25 October

Each October, the Canberra Nara Candle Festival transforms Lennox Gardens’ Nara Peace Park into a peaceful, glowing haven. Come nightfall, more than 2000 candles light up the dark to celebrate the bond between Canberra and its sister-city, Nara in Japan.

Join in for an evening of Japanese artistry, including everything from live performances and martial arts demos to lantern-making workshops and food stalls. Don’t miss the symbolic Rotary Peace Bell ringing, a symbol of friendship and tradition backdropped by candlelight.