We’re winding our clocks forward and using the extra hour of sunlight to maximise our cultural fun. And with so many places to go, people to see and things to do in October, we’re going to need all the time we can get. This month, dare to think dangerously, tantalise your taste buds, bake cakes for a cause and learn to live more greenly.
Australia wide
What: Big Cake Bake
‘Raisin’ dough is a piece of cake!’ This October, get out your rolling pins and mix-masters, and get baking to raise funds for the valuable ongoing work the Red Cross does in local communities.
When: 1st – 31st October
More info: https://www.bigcakebake.org.au/
NSW
What: Festival of Dangerous Ideas
Contemplate the weird and wonderful in a series of controversial and inspiring talks by Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, former High Court judge Michael Kirby, author Jonathan Safran Foer and more.
Where: Sydney Opera House
When: 1st – 2nd October
More info: https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/festivalofdangerousideas/default.aspx#anchor-Home/
What: Sydney International Food Festival
Calling all foodies! Indulge in food and wine all month long at the Sydney International Food Festival. Our festival favourites include Night Noodle Markets at Hyde Park, Showcase Dinners where visiting chefs take over Sydney’s kitchens and Barbeque Madness.W
Where: Various locations
When: 1st – 31st October
More info: https://cravesydney.com/
What: Antenna International Documentary Film Festival
Movie buffs will love the Antenna International Documentary Film Festival which debuts in Sydney this month. Featuring 28 documentaries from around the world, the festival celebrates the pursuit of exposing untold human stories.
Where: Chauvel Cinemas, Corner Oatley & Oxford Streets Paddington
When: 5th – 9th October
More info: https://www.antennafestival.org
What: Battle of the Tasman Degustation
World-renowned chefs Luke Mangan and Peter Thornle will draw their knives in a culinary showdown. Using the best ingredients that Australia and New Zealand have to offer, the chefs will create a unique degustation feast.
Where: glass brasserie, Hilton Sydney
When: 17th October
More info: www.glassbrasserie.com.au
VIC
What: Melbourne Festival
Celebrate art, film, dance, and music with performances by visiting artists from Russia, India, Sudan, Indonesia, Japan, Iraq, Ireland, South Africa, Israel and more. The Festival contemplates what it is that unites us across cultures, and demonstrates what can be achieved though unity, call-to-action, protest and politics.
Where: Various locations
When: 6th – 22nd October
More info: https://www.melbournefestival.com.au/
What: Buddy Walk
Support people with Down Syndrome by tying up you runners and partaking in Buddy Walk. People with Down Syndrome and their ‘buddies’ – everyone from friends and family to teachers, politicians and co-workers – will come together to raise funds and awareness.
Where: Princes Park, Carlton
When: 16th October
More info: www.downsyndromevictoria.org.au
What: Love Never Dies
If you loved Phantom of the Opera, you will love Andrew Lloyd Webber’s breathtaking new musical – Love Never Dies. Continuing the story of Phantom, the show features beautiful new musical scores, a stunning cast including Ben Lewis and Anna O’Byrne, incredible costumes and a dazzling set.
Where: Regent Theatre
When: Throughout October
More info: https://www.loveneverdies.com.au/index.php
SA
What: Spring Whites and Earthly Delights Wine Festival
Indulge in all the beautiful white wine varietals such as Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Sparkling Pino for which the region is renowned. Tantalize your taste buds as wines are matched with a range of delicious canapés, developed by acclaimed Culinetic chef Cole Thomas.
Where: Over 20 cellar doors throughout the beautiful Adelaide Hills Wine Region
When: 28th – 30th October
More info: www.adelaidehillswine.com.au
ACT
What: Living Green Festival
Learn about how the choices you make affect the environment and people around you. Through live entertainment, speakers, children’s and video zones, and product and food stalls, the festival will showcase ways in which we can reduce our carbon footprint and make our world a greener place.
Where: Albert Hall
When: 16th October
More info: www.livinggreenfestival.org.au