What's On in Sydney: Your Ultimate Guide for November & Beyond

As the cool days fade away, we're embracing the start of spring with visits to breezy rooftop bars and charming waterside restaurants. With Sydney buzzing with vibrant festivals and exciting events, there's no better time to explore the city.

To help you make the most of October (and beyond), we've curated the best happenings around Sydney this month.

Squid Game: The Experience Arrives in Sydney

Yep, it's your turn! December 16th will see the arrival of Squid Game: The Experience at Luna Park Sydney. giving fans the unique opportunity to experience the iconic challenges for themselves. Team up with your pals (up to 25) or play solo to compete in "Red Light, Green Light" as well as other brand-new games, but remember, only one can win! You will accumulate points as you move through the challenges, meaning players won't be eliminated and can try their hand at each game. Once you're done, head straight to the Korean street food night market to stock up on traditional treats. 

Join the waitlist here 

Coming Monday 16th December 

Take a Dip at Sydney Harbour's Newest Swimming Spot

The good people at Pier One Sydney Harbour sure know how to have a good time. They've just transformed their private pontoon into a free swimming spot for anyone and everyone. Giving beach club vibes with a side of incredible views, you can book for groups of 10+ or just turn up. Entry is free and guests can order food and drinks straight from the bar! 

Free 

Friday 1st November to Friday 31st January, 11am to 6pm 

Pier One Sydney Harbour 

Enjoy the Warm Weather and Host the Perfect Outdoor Gathering

Spring has well and truly arrived and that means outdoor entertaining is once again back on the menu. With sun-filled days stretching for longer and the scent of blossoming spring blooms filling the air, there’s something undeniably special (and relaxing) about heading outdoors with family and friends to celebrate.

Crafting the perfect cocktail to match the mood (like a Frozen Strawberry Margarita or a refreshing Paloma) is part of the fun, and Cellarbrations has all the essentials you need to make planning a breeze. Read more of our ultimate outdoor party guide here and find the recipe for your new fave warm-weather drink.

Sydney Cellar Door 

Fancy tasting 16 of NSW's wine regions without having to step foot out of Sydney? It's your lucky day! This November, The Rocks will be playing host to the tasting event of all tasting events. There will be 40 wineries in attendance with festival packs available for purchase. $30 will score you 5 tokens and a reusable tumbler so you sip your way around sustainably. The perfect spring weekend out! 

Saturday 9th November to Sunday 10th November 

 Tallawoladah Lawn, The Rocks

Settle in for Sunday Lunch at Cafe Sydney 

Cafe Sydney has long been a favourite for a lazy Sunday lunch and they've just made it all even easier with a new three-course a la carte Sunday menu. Each Sunday they'll also have a selection of magnums and vintages ready and waiting to be poured by the glass as well as a spotlight on a different local distillery each month. First up, Ester Gin! Pop by in October and you can sip on an Ester's Poise (Ester Dry Gin, lillet blanc, mandarin & thyme syrup, fresh lemon and pastis mist) or an Ester Martini! Sold. 

$145 per person 

5th Floor, Customs House, Circular Quay 

Discover Sydney's Secret History Whilst Enjoying a Progressive Lunch in Sydney's East 

Led by Sydney Historian Elliot Lindsay, this progressive lunch is the stuff dreams are made of. You'll make your way through three of the East's finest dining establishments, Bistro Moncur, Civico 47 and Ursula's, whilst being regaled with Paddington and Woollahra's fascinating past. Each date will offer different routes with different courses, but you can look forward to the likes of Bistro Moncur’s famed Chicken Liver Pâté with seasonal chutney and brioche, Civico 47’s go-to Mafalde pasta with king prawn, bok choy and tomato, and Ursula’s delectable Chocolate soufflé with coconut crème anglaise. The perfect date!

$315 per person, bookings can be made here 

Friday 6th September, Friday 4th October and Friday 1st November 

Multiple locations

Gather the Gals and Support a Good Cause with This Pink Afternoon Tea 

A spring afternoon tea is always a good idea and even more so when it's supporting the National Breast Cancer Foundation's vision of zero deaths with $5 from each Fullerton Pink Afternoon Tea donated towards the cause. 

So, what will you be feasting on? Pink choux featuring jasmine mousse and grapefruit curd, rose petals crafted with pistachio roulade and smoked salmon tartare ravioli. One lucky guest will even win an Australian Argyle Pink Diamon necklace valued at $2700! 

From $78 per person 

Tuesday 1st October to Thursday 31st October 

1 Martin Place, Sydney 

Ghost Festival 

Australia's first Halloween festival is arriving in The Rocks this October and whether you're a big fan of spooky scenes or just a dabbler, it's gearing up to be a lot of fun. Highlights include a Halloween marketplace, a silent zombie disco on the lawns of the MCA, a New Orleans-inspired Halloween parade, plenty of themed food and drinks and a transformation zone with face painters and costumes. Head over here to plan your visit. 

Free events and ticketed experiences from $29 

Thursday 31st October to 3rd November 

The Rocks, Sydney 

Hallowrum Fright Night with Brix Distillery 

What a combo! If you fancy doing something this spooky season but aren't sure where to start, book a ticket to Hallowrum Fright Night with Brix. You'll get to sip on some of Sydney's best tipples whilst Sydney Crime Historian Max Burns-McRuvie shares spine-chilling tales. Come dressed for the occasion and you might just win a drink on the house. 

$115 per person, bookings can be made here 

Thursday 31st October

350 Bourke Street, Surry Hills 

Celebrate Spring with Sydney's Most Luxurious Super Yacht 

The Jackson, an incredibly luxe super yacht, is serving up a a bunch of lush events perfect for the warmer weather this season. The Spring-Summer series consists of six bespoke events, all designed to highlight Sydney's unparalleled harbour. We're talking Chandon harbour long lunches, New Year's Eve aboard The Jackson and chef-curated dinners. Drop this in the group chat and cue the good times. Head over here for all the event details. 

From Saturday 28th September 

Enjoy a Month of Wellness with South Eveleigh 

One of Sydney's most dynamic precincts, South Eveleigh, is kicking off a series of wellness-focused activations this month and we want in on a little bit of everything. A reflection of the precinct's commitment to community and connection, the month of festivities will include activities geared around nurturing physical, mental, nutritional and emotional health. There will be run clubs, skin checks, massages, ice baths, puppy playtime, body percussion and even some mum and bubs yoga. 

There will be a mix of free and paid activities (at a maximum of $30) per session so be sure to take a look at the full program and book into your top picks here. 

From Tuesday 8th October to Saturday 2nd November 

Locomotive Street, Eveleigh 

Enjoy a Coastal Meander with Sculpture by the Sea

As the most expensive time of the year approaches, free activities are even more welcome than usual. Luckily, Syndey's Sculpture by the Sea is back and it is, as always, free. More than 100 sculptures by Australian and world-renowned artists will be gracing the 2km long stretch, perfect for perusing with a coffee in hand. Make a day of it and enjoy one of Bondi's best cafes. 

Friday 18th October to Monday 4th November 

Bondi 

Santa Paws 

Santa Paws annual fundraising event is the perfect way to kick off your festive season. There's plenty happening for pets and families and it's all for a good cause - raising money for homeless pups. There will be pet-friendly Santa photos, doggy yoga, competitions, rescue puppy meet and greets, food trucks and market stalls. 

Sunday 17th November, from 8am 

Free with activities starting at $35 

Centennial Park 

Newtown Street Party is Back!

Good, good news. Everyone's favourite street party is back for another year and with an incredible local music lineup it's set to be the best yet. Even the OG Red Wiggle Murray Cook will be there. Young Henrys and The Courty will be teaming up to close off Eliza Street where you can chow down on porchetta rolls by The Bank Hotel, woodfired pizzas by Public House Petersham and pop-up food store goodies. And as for beer? They're well-stocked! 

Free entry 

Saturday 7th December, 1pm to 8pm 

Eliza Street, Newtown 

Paddo Night Out 

If you're well overdue for a mosey around Paddington, Paddo Night Out is the perfect excuse to sample your way around town. There will be loads of specials, deals and events taking place on the night making it ideal for a progressive dinner of sorts. Highlights include $12 street porchetta tacos from Tequila Mockingbird, $12 glasses of natty wine from Wine Library, 2-for-1 bottles of rose from The Paddington and an extended aperitif hour (4pm to 8pm) at Fred's with complimentary snacks. 

Thursday 21st November, 4pm to 8pm 

Mov'In Bed Beach Cinema Barangaroo 

An outdoor cinema but make it comfy. Mov'In Bed is back for another year and the creature comforts are top-tier. Barangaroo's harbour park has transformed into a beach, complete with bean beds and Australia's largest outdoor screen. But the best bit? You can get food and drinks delivered straight to your outdoor bed! Pizzas, organic wine, frozen cocktails...the options are bountiful! Head over here for the lineup of films. 

Tickets from $12

29th November 2024 Until March 2025 

Harbour Park, Barangaroo 

Visit This 100km-Long Bush Art Trail 

After 13 years, public art trail 'Sculpture Down the Lachlan' has introduced its final piece. The outdoor art trail covers 100km from Forbes to Condobolin in Central NSW and features 25 installations. Wander through sun-kissed grasses and red river gums and discover highlights such as the 'Utes in the Paddock' install that consists of a unique collection of 20 Holden Utes. Plan your adventure here. 

Looking for more fun things to do in Sydney? We have plenty to keep you entertained. From Sydney's best new degustation menus and best bottomless brunches to the best Mexican restaurants in town and where to go for a dreamy Sydney staycation, here's all you need for a weekend in the city. 

Our Sitchu editors work hard to deliver you the best products, events and venues that we hope you will love, each one is selected independently. Sitchu may receive an affiliate commission when you follow some links.