This is always an exciting time of year. Spring is well underway, the weather’s getting warmer, the days are getting longer, and the things to do around Sydney start ramping up. There’s definitely a buzz in the air. So, if you’re looking for something to do this October, there are lots of great things to choose from. From controversial musicals to bikes replacing cars for a ride over the Harbour Bridge. Whatever tickles your fancy, Sydney has probably got you covered. Here’s what’s on in the month of October in Sydney:
Natives go wild – Sydney Opera House
A new cabaret which is centered around several performers who ended up in PT Barnum’s circuses and freak shows. Performed by a group of First Nations artists from the First Nations program at the Opera House, it’s the real story of what it was to be part of the Barnum circus.
Where: Sydney Opera House, Sydney
When: 19-27 Oct 2019
Sculptures by the sea – Bondi to Tamarama
Now 23 years old and one of Sydney’s key arts events, Sculptures by the sea showcases site-specific sculptures from artists from Australia and around the world. It always gets busy, attracting more than 500,000 to the 2km stretch of the Bondi coastal walk so be prepared to be amongst a crowd.
Where: Bondi – Tamarama coastal walk
When: 24 Oct – 10 Nov 2019
Kurios – Cabinet of Curiosities
Cirque du Soleil is known for bringing the wow factor to any production. With a decidedly retro vibe, this latest installment has been widely praised as their best in years.
Where: The Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park
When: 3 Oct – 24 Nov 2019
Billy Elliot: The Musical
This toe-tapping, pirouetting musical is making its way back to Australia for a tenth-anniversary tour. Over 12 million people worldwide have watched the stage adaptation of the popular movie. So, sit back and enjoy watching Billy’s journey and listen to music by Sir Elton John.
Where: Sydney Lyric Theatre
When: 10 Oct – 3 Nov
Hair The Musical
This was a controversial movie when it was released in 19xx. A movie that spoke out against the war and includes the famous nude scene is now back on our shores.
Where: Sydney Opera House
When: 3rd – 6th Oct
Spring Cycle
For one day only, the Sydney Harbour Bridge will be closed to motor vehicles so you can ride your bike across. This is understandably a popular event, with more than 10,000 riders opting to cycle across. All ages and skill levels are welcome.
When: Sunday 13 October
How much: Free
Australian Life
Australian Life is one of the country’s biggest and most democratic photography prizes. The finalists will be on display in Hyde Park North so you can vie epic and intimate images of Australia from amateur and professional photographers.
When: Until Sun 13 Oct
Where: Hyde Park North
The Big Feels Club
This is an interactive evening during Mental Health Month. It’s a chance to talk about life, feelings, and finding your tribe. But don’t worry, this is more a philosophy tutorial than an evening of oversharing.
Where: Green Square Library
When: Weds 16 Oct
Bon Fromage Festival of European Cheeses
If you love cheese, then you’ll absolutely love this. It’s three days of cheese – tasting it, learning about it from the masters, and learning how to make it. With a free tasting table that’s 60-metres long and filled with over 1 tonne of cheese. Yum.
Where: Carriageworks
When: 18 – 20 Oct
Waters of Waterloo tour
For the first time in almost a century, this mysterious site will be open to the public. Get an exclusive look when you join one of the limited tours of the Waterloo Pumping Station and Pressure Tunnel – led by Sydney Water Heritage advisor Phillip Bennet, together with artists Heidi Axelsen and Hugo Moline, and Waterloo local Allan Madden.
When: 18-19 Oct
The dark web explained
You may have heard of the dark web but do you understand it? Eileen Ormsby will help you discover the truth in this free 1-hour chat. You’ll find out who is really using it and why, if we should be worried, and if it should – or could – be shut down.
When: Customs House Library
When: Tues 22 Oct
