The best things to do in Sydney in October

With the evenings drawing out (thank you Daylight Savings) and the perfume of blooming jasmine lacing the air, October is arguably one of Sydney’s most magical months – ripe with the promise of summer. And it’s not just the natural beauty – rain showers included – that will make this October a good one in the Harbour City. On the first weekend, we’re kicking things off with a public holiday to coincide with the NRL Grand Final, which you can catch live at the Accor Stadium or from one of the city’s best sports bars. Later in the month, SXSW Sydney is back for its second iteration, preceding a big festival of food, music and more that’s going down in Parramatta. There’s also an excellent line-up of Halloween-adjacent events bringing the month to an appropriately spooky end – with The Rocks transforming into a ghost town, and Cockatoo Island playing host to a series of immersive fright fests. Love a G&T? Us too. Well, Sapphire Sundays is going down on each Sunday in October at The Clock in Surry Hills, where you can snag $10 G&Ts made with the good stuff: Bombay Sapphire. Plus, there are food deals and vibey DJs. Looking for a spot for a long lunch this month? These are the best restaurants in Sydney right now. In the mood for a swim? These are Sydney's most stunning secret swimming spots. Read on for our full round-up of all the best things to do in Sydney this month.

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