If you’re planning to hit up Sydney for the long weekend, you’ve got some deciding to do! Sydney’s got a lot going on and is perfectly tailored to short trips over a weekend. There’s iconic landmarks, food festivals, outdoor concerts, pop-up markets, and art shows scattered around the place.
Plus, let’s not forget those stunning beaches! Whether you’re up for a relaxed time or you want to pack your weekend with activities, a long weekend in Sydney is always a good idea.
The Sydney weekend event playlist is continually revolving, with new stuff added all of the time. To help, we’ve listed some yearly staples and one-offs worth considering:
The Sydney Fringe Festival is a yearly event and the biggest independent arts festival in New South Wales. It has over 450 events spread across 70+ venues, taking over the city every September. The festival showcases emerging artists, performers, and storytellers from all corners of the city, making it a massive celebration of Sydney’s vibrant and diverse culture.
You’ll find everything from quirky performances and experimental theatre to live music, stand-up comedy, and visual art exhibitions. Many of these events are also world premieres, so you’ll be catching brand-new works before anyone else. This is the definitive way to understand and get involved in Sydney’s creative community.
October is the best time to visit Sydney thanks to events like Horizon of Khufu, an immersive experience that helps you journey back 4,500 years to explore one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Taking place at the Fever Pavilion in Sydney Olympic Park, this virtual reality adventure lets you dive deep into the mysteries of the Great Pyramid of Giza in a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
You’ll strap on a VR headset and step into ancient Egypt, navigating the grand resting place of Pharaoh Khufu. The level of detail is basically insane thanks to years of research by Harvard’s Giza Project. Perfect for history buffs, VR fans, or anyone just looking for something unique to add to the long weekend itinerary!
One of the upcoming events in Sydney worth adding to your calendar comes in the form of a party that takes the long weekend to another level. The S.A.S.H October Long Weekend on October 6th is the spot for an iconic mix of beats, vibes, and top-tier talent. With the October edition marking the start of daylight savings, it’s like an unofficial summer kick-off party, and they’re pulling out all the stops.
This year, S.A.S.H is celebrating ten years of ‘Dungeon Meat’—a milestone for underground music lovers—and they’re bringing in some heavy hitters for the occasion. Expect back-to-back sets from a range of international acts plus two “Secret Guests,” ensuring that the party remains full of surprises right up until the end. The Sydney underground dance scene is iconic, and the S.A.S.H long weekend is one of the highlights.
For an authentic long weekend in Sydney, Extra Dirty is the place to experience the city’s vibrant queer scene, and it also happens to be celebrating its Sweet 16th! On Sunday, October 6th, from 9pm till the early hours of Monday, October 7th, Space Nightclub will be the playground for the ultimate party for Sydney’s underground queer scene.
Known for pushing the boundaries of techno and dirty house, Extra Dirty has been a staple of Sydney’s nightlife for over a decade and a half, drawing in a crowd that’s as diverse as the beats. This is an inclusive space where all bodies and styles are celebrated and everyone’s welcome.
The night will feature resident DJs, alongside special guest DJs MBVR and Late To The Party from New Zealand, who’ll be facing off for a unique musical showdown. There will also be lighting and laser displays by Terry Harvey and Man Lie, meaning the atmosphere will be electric from start to finish.
Looking for a creative twist on your long weekend plans? How about stepping into the world of art with a Paint and Sip Class on October 7th? In this class, you’ll be guided by a skilled instructor through the process of creating your own textured petal artwork. No matter your skill level—whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned painter—this class is designed to help you express your creativity in a relaxed, fun environment.
Once you’ve got the hang of the techniques, you’re free to create something that’s uniquely yours (with a bit of help from the instructor if needed). All the materials you’ll need are provided, including beverages, and you’ll take your paintings home on the day!
Ceramic Painting Workshop
The Ceramic Painting Masterclass is a 2.5-hour beginner-friendly class where you’ll dive into the world of ceramic painting, focusing on traditional techniques that have been used since the 8th century. No prior experience is needed as expert instructors guide you through the entire process.
You’ll be painting ready-to-use glazed ceramic bowls using a range of vibrant colours and tools. The beauty of this class is that it doesn’t require a kiln; the bowls are already glazed, so you’ll get to take your beautiful creations home with you by the end of the workshop. A sumptuous Turkish tea service with homemade Turkish shortbread cookies is an added bonus, plus you’ll receive a membership card, making you part of an art-loving community that knows how to mix fun with creativity.
Veriu Sydney offers a range of stylish and convenient accommodation options across the city, each within easy reach of Sydney CBD and other popular attractions, like everything we’ve mentioned above! Veriu Central is just 2 km from the city centre, and, Veriu Broadway and Veriu Camperdown, situated in Ultimo and Camperdown respectively, offer comfortable stays with a range of features.
For those looking to stay a bit further afield, Veriu Green Square is positioned in Alexandria and has a handy 24-hour reception, and Veriu Randwick offers a quieter retreat further from the busy CBD. No matter where you want to be or what you want to do, you’ll find a spot at Veriu!
From late autumn through to winter, Vivid Sydney is a huge festival that lights up the city with a mix of international acts and local artists. It’s one of the biggest festivals in Australia and features ticketed shows and free events across a range of genres.
The weather is quite kind in Sydney during October so t-shirts and shorts are great by day, with a light jacket in the evenings as temperatures drop slightly.
In NSW, the first Monday in October is the month’s only public holiday – Labour Day, which means we get a long weekend to explore everything Sydney has to offer!
