Events You Need to Know About This October

This month’s top events, plus a sneak peek at what’s on in November.

VIC

School of Rock:  The Musical
From 31 October | Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne

Brent Hill steps into the role of the failed rocker-turned-substitute- teacher made famous by Jack Black in the cult 2003 film. Expect good times aplenty with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s entertaining production, which features a class of talented tweens ready to play hard.

Japonisme

Until 28 October | National  Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne  

Japan opened its borders to trade in the 1850s after centuries of isolation, introducing Japanese aesthetics to the Western world.  This exhibition includes works by artists influenced by the movement that followed, including painters Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Australian Arthur Streeton.

Melbourne International Arts Festival

3-21 October | Various venues, Melbourne

A full calendar of dance, music,  art and theatre is on offer in the city this month. Even some of Melbourne’s famous trams will receive the artistic treatment.

Barring-bul

Until 30 November | Trinity College, The University of Melbourne

This special exhibition, supported by the Melbourne Indigenous Transition School, features works for sale by Indigenous artists and students from Victoria and the Northern Territory, with proceeds helping to fund a new scholarship for a West Arnhem Land student.

Metamorphosis

25-27 October | The Coopers Malthouse, Melbourne

Be quick to catch the short run  of this edgy production of Franz Kafka’s classic story about a man who turns into a giant insect. Starring baritone Simon Lobelson as the confused and unfortunate Gregor, it’s a chamber opera with  a difference.

Next Month: Melbourne Cup

6 November | Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne

Tune in to “the race that stops a nation”, when even non-punters find themselves parading trackside in fascinators or glued to screens around the country.

NSW

Cher

18 and 20 October | Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney

Following her triumphant act  at Sydney’s Mardi Gras in March, the iconic performer is turning back time again at her flamboyant tour’s final Australian stop.

Sculpture by the Sea

18 October-4 November | Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk, Sydney

Stroll the scenic two-kilometre path between two iconic beaches and enjoy the sight of 100 outdoor sculptures created by artists from around the world.

Invictus Games

20-27 October | Various venues, Sydney

More than 500 injured veteran  and active servicemen and women from across the globe will come  to Sydney for the fourth Invictus Games, with its founder, the Duke of Sussex, and the Duchess of Sussex there to cheer them on.

Sydney International Art Series: David Goldblatt

From 19 October | Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney

This retrospective of works by the recently deceased South African photographer – who captured images of his country during and directly after apartheid – is the first major presentation of his art in the Southern Hemisphere.

Windowrie Long Lunch

27 October | Windowrie Estate, Cowra

Home to one of the region's founding winemakers, the gardens of Windowrie Estate open to welcome wine lovers from across the country, with long tables presenting some of the best Windowrie drops and delicious Spanish-inspired dishes, ready to be devoured

Evita

Until 3 November | Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House

Catch Tina Arena giving her  all as Eva Perón in the Sydney production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s multi-award-winning musical before the show heads  to Melbourne.

Next Month: Spartacus

9-24 November | Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House  

This is definitely not your average ballet – there’s not a tutu in sight. Choreographer Lucas Jervies presents the famous tale of the gladiator who led a slaves’ rebellion against the Roman Empire.

ACT

Prime Minister’s XI  vs South Africa

31 October | Manuka Oval, Canberra

A team comprising some of  the country’s brightest young cricketers – hand-picked by the  PM – takes on South Africa for  this special annual match held  in the heart of the capital.

Honour  Their Spirit

5 October-11 November | Australian War Memorial, Canberra

Commemorating 100 years since the end of World War I, 62,000 hand-knitted poppies will be displayed in a tribute to the number of Australian lives lost.

SA

OzAsia Festival

25 October-11 November | Adelaide Festival Centre

Celebrating the best in food, culture, workshops, dance and theatre from across Asia, this festival promises to deliver an eclectic program, with notable shows including modern Chinese percussionists and disco-dancing seniors from Korea.

Cheesefest + Ferment

27-28 October | Rymill Park, Adelaide

The latest and greatest in the fragrant worlds of fromage and fermentation will be on offer  at this gourmet weekend event, with food personality Matt Preston on hand as the festival’s Master of Fromage.

Next Month Australia vs  South Africa

9 November | Adelaide Oval  

Join the green and gold army as the Aussie cricket team takes on South Africa in the second match of the one-day international series.

WA

Don Giovanni

20-27 October | His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth

Featuring Teddy Tahu Rhodes in  the title role, Mozart’s opera blends comedic breaks with melodrama and plays in Perth almost 231 years  to the date it premiered in Prague.

Field of Light: Avenue of Honour

From 4 October | Mount Clarence, Albany

Coinciding with the end of Anzac centenary commemorations, this immersive work from artist Bruce Munro will pay homage to the 41,000 troops who departed from Albany to serve in World War I.

Next Month: Shania Twain

30 November | Perth Arena  

Hitting our shores for the first time in almost two decades, the That Don’t Impress Me Much country-pop hit-maker will dazzle Perth before heading around the country.

QLD

Good Food  & Wine Show

26-28 October | Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre  

Culinary cohorts Darren Robertson, Maggie Beer and Matt Golinski front the hungry masses on the last leg of this travelling food and wine extravaganza.

Noosa Triathlon  Multi Sport Festival

31 October-4 November | Various locations, Noosa

There are few more beautiful places than Noosa to swim, cycle and run in a triathlon but if you prefer less strenuous pursuits, there’s a full calendar of social activities to keep you occupied.

Travelling Film Festival

12-14 October | Moncrieff Entertainment Centre, Bundaberg

26-28 October | Mackay City Cinemas

Started by film critic David Stratton in 1974, this moveable feast of film gives regional Australia the chance to enjoy local and global cinema  in a festival environment, with screenings, talks and workshops.

Next Month: The Designers’ Guide: Easton Pearson Archive

From 23 November | Museum  of Brisbane

Trace the artistry of fashion duo Pamela Easton and Lydia Pearson via a collection of 200 garments selected by the designers from  27 years of their brand’s life.

NT

Barkly Muster  Gold Rush Camp Draft

6-7 October | Jubilee Park, Tennant Creek

Bringing together stockmen,  rough riders and cowboys, plus locals and tourists there for the spectacle, this annual event showcases traditional pastoral skills and outback culture.

Alice Springs  Masters Games

13-20 October | Various venues, Alice Springs

Athletes from all over the Territory converge to participate in this friendly competition of 36 sports, including athletics, swimming, cricket and even tenpin bowling.

TAS

Devonport Food  & Wine

1-31 October | Various venues, Devonport

Eat, drink and indulge your way through a month-long celebration of the region’s best, from casual food-truck fare to formal dinners.

The Music of  James Bond

30 October | Wrest Point Entertainment Centre, Hobart  

Kate Ceberano, Michael Falzon  and the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra make the sky fall as they re-create iconic James Bond songs.

Royal Hobart Show

25-27 October | Hobart Showground, Glenorchy  

The nation’s oldest agricultural show is back with plenty of rides, activities and entertainment, including a rodeo and fireworks.