What's On This Weekend: 17- 18 October

From creative festivals to op-shop bargains, here's how to make the most of Sydney this weekend

Written by Hannah Oliveros

Published at Thursday 15 October 2026

Sydney, your weekend plans just got a whole lot better 👀 From coastal art walks and creative pop-ups to mind-blowing circus performances, there’s plenty happening around the city this weekend.

Save this for your next Sydney adventure! 💛

🍴The Great Graze

📍 Barangaroo, Sydney
🗓 Saturday 17 – Sunday 18 October
⏰ 12pm–6pm
💰 Free entry

Your weekend plans called for a little waterfront grazing. 👀

The Great Graze is taking over Barangaroo with two days of food, culture, live music and pop-up dining. Expect street-style bites, local favourites and native Australian ingredients, all with Sydney Harbour as your backdrop. Bring your mates, wander along the waterfront and see what delicious discoveries you can make.

🌊🎶 Surf + Sound Festival

📍 Manly Wharf and Manly Beach
🗓 Friday 16 October – Sunday 1 November
💰 Free art trail; selected performances may be ticketed

Manly is getting a creative makeover, and you’ll want to check it out.

Surf + Sound brings together art, music and coastal culture, transforming Manly Wharf into an outdoor gallery filled with installations and larger-than-life artworks. Catch live art in action, explore the waterfront and soak up the festival atmosphere. It’s the perfect excuse for a Northern Beaches day trip.

🎨🌊 Sculpture by the Sea

📍 Bondi to Tamarama Coastal Walk
🗓 Friday 16 October – Monday 2 November
💰 Free

Art, ocean views and a coastal walk? Name a better Sydney combo.

Sculpture by the Sea is back, transforming the iconic Bondi-to-Tamarama coastal walk into a spectacular open-air gallery featuring around 100 sculptures from Australian and international artists. Take your time discovering the artworks, snap some photos and enjoy one of Sydney’s most beautiful coastal stretches. Definitely one to add to your spring bucket list.

⛵ Sail Expo 2026

📍 Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, Newport
🗓 Saturday 17 – Sunday 18 October
⏰ 10am–4pm
💰 Free entry

Ever wondered what it’s like to step aboard a yacht? Now’s your chance.

Sail Expo is bringing sailing enthusiasts and curious first-timers together for a weekend showcasing yachts, marine technology, boating equipment and life on the water. Explore the boats up close, chat with industry experts and discover a different side of Sydney’s waterfront culture. No sailing experience required! ⛵

🛍️♻️ Vinnies 50% Off Sale

📍 Vinnies stores across NSW + Vinnies Finds online
🗓 Saturday 17 October
💰 50% off eligible items

Your sign to go thrifting just dropped. 👀

World Op Shop Day is giving you the perfect excuse to hit the racks, because Vinnies NSW is slashing prices by 50% for one day only! Whether you're hunting for vintage gems, refreshing your wardrobe or looking for unique homeware finds, this is your chance to score a bargain without the guilt of fast fashion. Plus, your purchases help support people experiencing disadvantage in local communities. It's a win for your wardrobe and your wallet.

Note: Vinnies NSW Outlets and new items are excluded. Check individual sale terms before shopping.

🎪✨ KOOZA by Cirque du Soleil

📍 The Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park
🗓 Opens Saturday 17 October
💰 Tickets from $79

Ready to have your mind blown?

Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA is arriving in Sydney with gravity-defying acrobatics, outrageous characters and spectacular circus performances under the Big Top. Follow the Innocent into a bizarre and colourful world packed with jaw-dropping stunts, comedy and theatrical magic. If you’re looking for a big-night-out experience, this is one to watch.

So, what’s making it onto your weekend plans? 👀

Whether you’re chasing free activities, discovering Sydney’s creative scene or treating yourself to a show, there’s plenty of exploring to do.