October is a month-long celebration of Sydney’s food and drink scene. From beaches to parks, each event promises gourmet bites, top-shelf beverages, and live entertainment.

From wine-tasting in Wahroonga to smoky, flame-kissed feasts in Barangaroo, Sydney’s food festivals this month are serving up tasty bites, wine from The Hunter, family fun and the wildest yum cha on the planet. Here are the best food and wine festivals in Sydney this October.

Wahroonga Food & Wine Festival

Free to the public, the 2024 Wahroonga Food and Wine Festival is going to be a deliciously curated and carefully selected range of exquisite wineries from NSW and around Australia. Punters will be able to meet the winemakers and taste and buy their premium and award-winning wines. Branded festival wine-tasting glasses and tasting ticket packages are available starting at $37.50.

There will be over 130 wines from 30 wineries and a dizzying array of craft beers and ciders, small-batch spirits, local produce, and a huge selection of gourmet food stalls. Patrons must purchase a branded festival tasting glass with tasting tokens to sample the tipple and of course, must have proof of ID to show they are over 18. Under 18s are welcome but they must be accompanied and in the presence of a responsible adult.

Where: Wahroonga Park, Wahroonga
When: Sunday October 27, 11am – 5pm

wahroongafoodandwinefestival.com.au

Uncorked, Balmoral

The annual Hunter Valley in Balmoral Uncorked festival at Balmoral Beach is back and bursting with award-winning wines, artisanal cheeses, handcrafted spirits, and gourmet foods from the Hunter Valley. Whether you’re after a crisp Chardonnay, bold Shiraz, refreshing Semillon, a cheeky glass of bubbles, or a crafted botanical gin, there’s something for everyone over 18. There will be live entertainment and food vendors all day, and if you pre-purchase your tickets (pre-purchase online $35.00, or on the day for $45.00) you can go into the draw to win one of six cases of premium Hunter Valley wines.

You won’t need a ticket to enter, however if you want to consume alcohol at the event a package must be purchased. A free shuttle bus from Spit Junction to the event will operate in 15-minute intervals throughout the day, 10.30am until the last bus departs Balmoral at 5.10pm. Children and well behaved pets are welcome but they must be kept on a leash at all times (pets, not the children…unless you think it will help)

Where: The Rotunda at Balmoral Beach
When: Sunday, October 20, 11am until 5pm

winecountry.com.au

The Festival of Food at The Streets of Barangaroo

The Streets of Barangaroo have programmed a huge lineup of food and music events throughout October 2024 for the Festival of Food at The Streets of Barangaroo. Barangaroo Avenue and surrounds is turning every Friday night into a lively, open-air celebration of the end of the work week, combining live music with the best drinks and dining The Streets of Barangaroo has to offer. Good Food Events has also curated three special events for the roster.

Part & Parcel, Lotus x Born by Tapavino x Oh! Boo Chocolates: Lotus Barangaroo will join forces with Born by Tapavino and Oh! Boo Chocolates for an international set menu of dumplings, empanadas, croquetas, and a delicious dessert parcel for the wildest yum cha on the planet. The one-off event will take place at Lotus on Thursday, October 10th. Tickets are $109pp.

Anason x Firepop x Brian Cole: A smoky, cross-cultural fire-fuelled event, this one-off exclusive collaboration is between Anason, Raymond Hou of Enmore’s incredible Firepop, and Brian Cole of Perth’s open-flame kitchen, Hearth. Over four courses, diners will enjoy dishes that best exemplify each chef’s speciality. Sunday, 13 October at 3:30 pm. Tickets are $189pp.

Smoke On The Water, NOLA Smokehouse and Bar celebrates the union of two powerful elements: flame and water at this whisky-tasting and three-course dinner masterclass. From a perfectly reverse-smoked and seared lamb rump to the peaty notes of a fine Westland whisky. Friday, October 25 | Lunch 12:00pm – 3:00pm | Dinner 6:30pm – 9:30pm. Tickets are $180pp.

Where: Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW 2000
When: October 10 to October 31

thestreetsofbarangaroo.com

Crows Nest Fest 2024

The return of the beloved Crows Nest Fest, including the renowned Gourmet Food Alley. Set on Burlington Street, Food Alley will be offering gourmet dishes from local vendors, cafes, and restaurants. Then head over to Hume Street and the top of Willoughby Rd for a taste of NSW’s finest wines and local distilleries. Expected to attract over 40,000 attendees, the festival will also have over 200 market stalls including the new North’s Collective Cantina Pop-Up Tequila and Taco Bar. Most importantly, this year’s festivities kick off with the exciting ‘Canine Caper’ at Ernest Place. Watch 20 local dogs and their owners compete in categories like best lookalike, best biscuit catcher, and the crowd-favourite People’s Choice Award.

Where: Crows Nest Centre, Ernest Place, Crows Nest NSW
When: Sunday, October 20, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

northsydney.nsw.gov.au

The Flour Mill Night Food Festival

While still slinging a wide array of wine and craft beers, this food festival is also highly kid friendly. Cutie suburb Summer Hill is bringing back their Flour Mill Food Festival, with incredible food from all around the world and drinks provided by wine stalls and Summer Hill’s awesome small bars, live music and entertainment for the kids – all under the lights of the Flour Mill Precinct.

Where: 1 Flour Mill Way, Summer Hill NSW 2130
When: Sunday, October 11, 4pm – 8:30pm

instagram.com/flourmillmarkets

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