A round-up of all the best free things to do in Sydney this October. Every month Sydney puts on a roster of festivals, shows, events and experiences to enjoy without spending a cent, you just need to know where to look.

Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there are unique cultural, artistic, and wellness experiences waiting for you. From stunning visual spectacles at the Opera House to spooky Halloween fun in The Rocks, here’s a guide to the best events happening this month.

Free things to do in Sydney this October

Badu Gili | Opera House daily sails lighting (Director’s Commentary by Rhoda Roberts AO)

1. Badu Gili: Celestial | Lighting of the Sails

Experience the magic of the Sydney Opera House’s sails illuminated with Badu Gili: Celestial, a projection celebrating First Nations stories. Badu Gili, which means “water light” in the language of the Gadigal people, transforms the Bennelong sails into a canvas for indigenous storytelling. This free six-minute light show, held multiple times each evening, is a visual celebration of Australia’s rich cultural history. Celestial, highlights the work of two remarkable female First Nations artists – Gail Mabo, a Meriam artist from the Torres Strait, and Nikau Hindin, an artist from the Māori community in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Mabo’s bamboo and cotton star maps and Hindin’s bark cloth are brought to life through digital animation, showcasing the ancient practice of celestial navigation.

When: Sunset, 8pm, 8.30pm, 9pm, 9.30pm every night in October
Where: Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point
sydneyoperahouse.com

2. Halloween at The Rocks

For those who love a good fright, The Rocks is the place to be this Halloween. With a rich history filled with dark tales, the cobblestone streets set the perfect atmosphere for spooky celebrations. From ghoulish eats to ghost tours, The Rocks is packed with Halloween events for all ages. Don’t miss out on the Argyle Asylum, a multi-sensory haunted experience that promises two epic nights of thrilling entertainment. If that’s not enough, you can catch the spooky Thriller flash mobs at 6:30 pm and 7:15 pm on October 29, or join a ghost tour exploring some of the city’s most haunted spots.

When: Thursday, Oct 31 – Sunday, Nov 03
Where: All around The Rock
ghostfestival.com.au

3. Japanese Film Festival | Shōhei Imamura Retrospective

Film enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Japanese Film Festival (JFF) Special Series, returning this year with a spotlight on Shōhei Imamura. Known for his raw and unfiltered portrayal of Japan, Imamura’s films tackle themes of superstition, sexuality, and societal taboos. This retrospective offers a deep dive into his work, showcasing films that challenge conventional stereotypes and push the boundaries of cinematic storytelling.

When: Art Gallery of New South Wales, Naala Nura building
Where: Wednesdays and Sundays, October 9 – November 10
japanesefilmfestival.net

4. Sydney Streets takes over Glebe and Darlinghurst

This October, Sydney Streets are turning into lively hubs for community fun with vibrant festivals in both Glebe and Darlinghurst. These street festivals feature everything from live music and pop-up businesses to entertainers and alfresco dining, creating a buzzing atmosphere for locals and visitors alike. In Glebe, the event takes place on Glebe Point Road, which will be closed to traffic, allowing visitors to stroll freely and soak in the festive atmosphere. Meanwhile, Stanley Street in Darlinghurst will also be hosting a similar event with all-day entertainment. If you have any particular access or communication needs just contact the team on 9265 9333

Glebe: Glebe Point Road, Glebe: 11am to 10pm. The area will be closed to traffic from 9am to 11.30pm between Parramatta and St Johns Roads
Darlinghurst: Stanley Street. The event runs 11am to 10pm. The area will be closed to traffic from 9am to 11.30pm between Yurong Street and Crown Street.
whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

5. A Sea of Purple with Jacaranda season

As October unfolds, Sydney’s famous jacaranda trees burst into bloom, transforming the city into a stunning canvas of purple. Take yourself on a self-guided jacaranda walking tour through some of Sydney’s best spots. Start your journey in Paddington and walk from Fiveways up to the army barracks on Oxford street, continue on to the Royal Botanic Garden, through Circular Quay and The Rocks, where you can get some excellent, main grid pics, the continue on to McDougall Street in Kirribilli, famous for its fairy tale-like canopy of jacarandas, and then scoot round Luna Park to Lavender Bay to finish the day. Just be careful where you step, those suckers can get slippery!

When: All of October, into the early weeks of November
Where: Circular Quay, The Rocks, Paddington, Kirribilli, Lavender Bay
Sydney.com.au

6. Free yoga under the bridge

Clear your mind and stretch your body with free yoga classes under the Sydney Harbour Bridge every Sunday morning. Hosted in Dawes Point Park, these classes provide a picturesque view of the Harbour, making it a perfect way to start your day. Whether you’re a yoga novice or a seasoned practitioner, the classes cater to all levels, and the serene atmosphere will leave you feeling rejuvenated. Special Family Yoga sessions are also offered as part of The Rocks Markets: Wellness Edition on October 13th. Make sure to bring your own yoga mat and arrive early, as spots are limited.

When: Sundays at 8:30 am (Family classes at 10 am and 10:30 am on October 13)
Where: Dawes Point Park, The Rocks
cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

7. Massive four day festival, Parramatta Lanes

With free entry and a full program of entertainment, Parramatta Lanes returns over four massive nights in Oct, bringing food, music, and art to Sydney’s streets. Over 16 sites the festival transforms laneways, rooftop car parks, and gardens into buzzing spaces filled with creative energy. Feast on offerings from 70+ street food stalls, serving up everything from dumplings and tacos to sweet crepes and craft beers. The festival’s pop-up bars will also keep the cocktails flowing as you explore the vibrant atmosphere. There will also be performances across eight stages, featuring a diverse lineup from hip hop to jazz, alt-rock, and even Bollywood. Finally there will be gorgeous giant art and lighting installations scattered throughout the festival.

When: Wednesday October 23 – Saturday October 26 | Wednesday & Thursday: 5pm to 10pm | Friday & Saturday: 5pm to 10:30pm
Where: 1 Horwood Pl, Parramatta NSW 2150
atparramatta.com

8. Sydney City Farm Tour at Sydney Park

Looking for a nature-filled afternoon? Head to Sydney City Farm for a free guided tour on October 5th. Discover what seasonal herbs, vegetables, and fruits are currently being grown and learn about the sustainable practices that volunteers implement to keep this urban farm thriving. You’ll also get tips on how to get involved and grow your own fresh produce. Whether you’re an avid gardener or simply curious about urban farming, this tour is a refreshing break from the city’s hustle and bustle.

When: Book Saturday 5 October , 1pm – 2pm
Where: 52 Barwon Park Rd, St Peters NSW 2044
whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

9. Draw the House

Draw the House at the Sydney Opera House offers the perfect creative outlet for all our architecture aficionados out there, and we know there are many. This monthly workshop invites artists and enthusiasts alike to capture one of the world’s most iconic buildings through unique perspectives and techniques. With guidance from a rotating roster of artists, participants are encouraged to experiment with different drawing methods inspired by the Opera House and its stunning surroundings. The experience isn’t just about sketching the building’s famous sails—an expert guide will also shed light on the visual arts legacy embedded in the Opera House’s history.

When: Sunday 27 October: 9:45am – 11am / 11:30am – 12:45pm
Where: Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000
sydneyoperahouse.com

10. Sculpture by the Sea

Sydney’s favourite outdoor exhibition, Sculpture by the Sea, returns to the Bondi to Tamarama Beach coastal walk between October 18 and November 4. The world’s largest free to the public will once again transform the spectacular stretch into a 2km long sculpture park, featuring more than 100 sculptures. Sculpture by the Sea is one of Sydney’s most popular events, attracting around 500,000 visitors every year. Don’t forget your camera—this is Instagram gold.

When: October 18 until 4 November
Where: Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk