Sydney really comes alive in October, with spring sunshine setting the stage for a packed calendar of events, festivals and celebrations. This month is all about creativity, community and connection – whether you’re exploring the vibrant stalls of Sydney Craft Week, shopping handmade treasures at the Sydney Made art and design market, or joining family-friendly cultural traditions at the Moon Festival. There are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, from stargazing under the night sky with Stargazer Cinema to lively neighbourhood street parties that bring local communities together.
But it doesn’t stop there – October also offers open days at community hubs, inspiring talks, workshops for both kids and adults, and special markets celebrating diversity and inclusion. With so many free and affordable activities happening across the city, it’s the perfect time to step out, try something new, and share special moments with family and friends.
Make, marvel and meet at Sydney Craft Week
Creativity takes centre stage thanks to markets, workshops, exhibitions and open studio events at Sydney Craft Week. Don’t miss the Sydney Ceramics Markets, where you can meet, support and shop from talented local potters and artists.
10 to 19 October
Shop Sydney made
Browse the stalls at Sydney Made art and design market in Sydney Town Hall. Shop from 75 local makers, artists and designers with products ranging from homewares, fashion, jewellery and art.
Saturday 4 October
Celebrate the Moon Festival
Grounded in harvest traditions, the celebration honours the full moon and stories passed down for generations. See a lantern parade transform Sydney Observatory, sample mini mooncakes at the Chinese Garden of Friendship and celebrate with your neighbours in Green Square with games, performances and lantern making.
Various dates
Experience First Nations storytelling under the stars
Stargazer Cinema brings the stories of First Nations filmmakers from Australia and around the world to Barangaroo Reserve for a free outdoor series.
Thursdays, until 20 November
Love your library these school holidays
There’s lots to do at City of Sydney libraries, from creative coding and 3D printing to art and craft workshops. Don’t forget, Green Square, Customs House and Darling Square libraries are still open for extended hours for those night-time HSC study sessions.
Various dates
Spring into the streets
Soak up the warmer weather and get outdoors in Sydney’s neighbourhoods. Head to Crows Nest for a family-friendly street festival or explore a 181-year-old terrace at the Susannah Place street party in The Rocks. Thursday nights heat up in Randwick with outdoor dining and live entertainment. Little ghouls and goblins will scream for the Newtown Halloween street party.
Various dates
Discover the stories that shape Glebe
Get to know your community at this intimate evening of storytelling. Hear the stories that shape the neighbourhood as 4 residents share their memories of place, people and treasured moments.
Wednesday 15 October
Buy rainbow on Oxford Street
Head to Paddington Town Hall for the only business fair in Sydney exclusively showcasing brands owned and operated by people of diverse sexualities and genders. You’ll find handmade treasures, artisan products, fashion, food and more.
Saturday 25 October
Explore your local community centre in Potts Point
The friendly team at Reginald Murphy Community Centre is ready to welcome you at its free open day. Try an acting class, art therapy workshop or just kick back with the locals as you enjoy live music and a sausage sizzle.
Friday 31 October
Journey through human views of outer space
What do you see when you look up at the sky? Hear about the ways people throughout history and across cultures have imagined, mapped and navigated it at this talk with volunteers from the Powerhouse Museum.
Thursday 2 October
Spring Holiday Fun, Moon Festival + more in Darling Harbour & Barangaroo
