We'll start with Elissa, a Lebanese singer who has spent more than three decades shaping the sound of romance across the Arab world. She's loved for a distinctive voice and emotional storytelling, with hits like Ayshalak and Ahla Dounya. She plays the TikTok Entertainment Centre in Darling Harbour on Saturday the tenth of October.
Also on Saturday the tenth, the Monster Jam World Tour brings ten giant trucks, including the famous Grave Digger, to Accor Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park. That one is sold out.
For something calmer, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra presents Donald Runnicles conducts Brahms in the Opera House Concert Hall. Chinese soprano Ying Fang sings Songs of the Auvergne, old French folk tunes about shepherds and rivers, before Runnicles leads Brahms' deeply felt Fourth Symphony. The run spans Thursday the eighth to Saturday the tenth.
On Sunday the eleventh, Step Out for Cancer raises funds for childhood cancer research and care. Its six-kilometre walk starts at Allianz Stadium in Moore Park, passes through the Sydney Cricket Ground and finishes at Royal Randwick, with five and ten-kilometre runs for keener legs.
Back in Moore Park on Wednesday the fourteenth, the band King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard play the Hordern Pavilion. It's two quite different shows: a full concert, then a late-night rave at Liberty Hall, just across the road.
That same Wednesday, Japanese group XG play Afterpay Arena at Sydney Olympic Park, touring their first full album, The Core. They closed Coachella's Sahara stage on both weekends in 2025.
Finally, on Thursday the fifteenth, the UNSW Animation and Moving Image Festival fills the Art and Design campus in Paddington with student work, from animation and visual effects to interactive installations. It's a good chance to spot emerging talent early.
That's the week, from Arabic love songs and Brahms to a concert-then-rave night and student animation. Check the linked event details before you head out.
2 sessionspmHome BrewLiberty Hall · Moore ParkLiberty HallMoore ParkMusicfrom $81.46ScheduledScheduled
Saturday 10 Oct · 8:00pm – 11:00pm
TĀMAKI MAKAURAU, NEW ZEALAND (JULY 27, 2026) – Following a hugely successful sold-out performance at Auckland Town Hall in May, Live Nation has today announced Home Brew presents Last Week, an extensive Australian and New Zealand tour this October and November from the iconic Aotearoa hip-hop group Home Brew. Home Brew will perform their legendary EP Last Week live in full, alongside fan favourites from across their celebrated catalogue. Marking the group's first Australian headline shows in over a decade, the tour kicks off this October at 170 Russell in Melbourne before heading to Brisbane, Sydney and Fremantle, then returns home throughout October and November for shows in Rotorua, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch, finishing with a three-night run at Hollywood Avondale in Auckland.
pmSide Bar Saturdays ft. JxlSide Bar Sydney · SydneySide Bar SydneySydneyNightlifefrom $26.93ScheduledScheduled
Saturday 10 Oct · 8:00pm
This October JXL takes over Side Bar for one huge night of R&B, hip-hop and everything in between. Known for his technical mixing, genre-blending sets and viral edits, JXL has built a huge following online and become one of Australia’s most in-demand DJs.
2 sessionspmThe Strides - "Freedom Fires" Single LaunchLazybones Lounge · MarrickvilleLazybones LoungeMarrickvilleMusicfrom $37.43Sun, 11 OctSun, 11 Oct
Sunday 11 Oct · 5:00pm – 9:30pm
Come and join The Strides as they celebrate the release of their latest single Freedom Fires. “Living here in this holy land I've had the great pleasure of being welcomed by many elders, of various peoples.
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED TO THURSDAY 10 DECEMBER 2026. ALL TICKET HOLDERS HAVE BEEN CONTACTED. Known for his aggressive, distorted take on rage‑leaning trap, the South Carolina‑raised artist has quickly built a cult following, with momentum translating to major stages including Rolling Loud 2026 and extensive touring across North America.
1 sessionpmFridays R&B at Hay StHay St Market · HaymarketHay St MarketHaymarketMusicFreeFri, 16 OctFri, 16 Oct
Friday 16 Oct · 6:00pm – 11:30pm
Friday nights at Hay St bring live R&B, soul, funk and old-school favourites to the heart of Haymarket. Start with Happy Hour from 5–7pm, grab dinner from your favourite Hay St traders and settle in for a night of live music.