What to do in Sydney this October

SXSW Sydney's free public program at Tumbalong Park

Get a taste of SXSW Sydney

The huge tech, music, games and film festival brings its free public program to Darling Harbour and Tumbalong Park this month. Explore everything from a 3-storey vending machine and a Fortnite competition, to trailblazing tech and loads of live music.

14 to 20 October

Make, marvel and create at Sydney Craft Week

Celebrate creativity and handmade items with markets, workshops, exhibitions and open studio events throughout Sydney Craft Week. Don’t miss the Sydney Ceramics Markets, where you can meet, support and shop from talented local ceramicists, potters and artists.

11 to 20 October

Dress up for fashion's biggest night out

Step out in style for Vogue American Express Fashion’s Night Out. A glamourous day and night of free runway shows, beauty masterclasses and live music, plus plenty of offers from your favourite fashion stores.

Thursday 17 October

Spring into Green Square

Meet your neighbours at Tote Park in Green Square at this community celebration. Learn how to line dance, screen print or crochet. Enjoy a barbecue by the Lions Club, while the kids enjoy games, storytime and craft activities.

Saturday 12 October

Spend school holidays in the city

Try a workshop from the City of Sydney libraries school holiday program or get outdoors at Barangaroo Reserve and learn all about Australian native bees. There’s something different happening every day for teens with our Youth in the City program. Find more things to do these school holidays.

Various dates

Eat, shop and play at Sydney Streets

Get down to Glebe and Darlinghurst for a day of live music, alfresco dining, shopping and entertainment.

Glebe: Saturday 12 October
Darlinghurst: Saturday 19 October

Clean out your leftover chemicals

Spring cleaning your home, shed or garage? Take your unwanted paints, solvents, pesticides and cleaning products to our Household Chemical Cleanout at Alexandra Canal Depot. It’s the safe and correct way to dispose of leftover household chemicals.

Saturday 19 October

Teach an old brain new tricks during Mental Health Month

Find new ways to mind your mental health

Darling Square Library teams up with Sydney University’s Brain and Mind Centre for Mental Health Month. Learn how to care for youth mental health in a digital world, teach an old brain new tricks or take home a book from the mental health reading list. Find out what else is on this Mental Health Month.

Various dates in October

Take a peek into the archives

Explore some of the quirkiest historical gems in the City of Sydney’s archives collection this Rare Book Week. Our archivists will show you through whimsical marginalia, rare albums and more.

Thursday 24 October

Celebrate the inner west

Explore 7 stages of live music at Marrickville Music Festival. The party continues later in the month at Norton Street Festa. Celebrate Sydney’s Little Italy with food stalls, live entertainment and fun for the family.

Marrickville: Sunday 13 October Leichhardt: Sunday 27 October