New South Wales is set for a busy October, with major sporting, cultural and entertainment events expected to generate more than $100 million for the state’s visitor economy.
The events calendar coincides with the spring school holidays and the October long weekend, with major events planned across Sydney and regional NSW.
The month will begin with the NRL and NRLW Grand Finals at Accor Stadium on Sunday 4 October, with more than 80,000 supporters expected in the surrounding precinct.
Rugby league will return to the state from Thursday 15 October when the 2026 Rugby League World Cup begins in Sydney. NSW will host 16 matches across Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong, including the opening match between Australia and New Zealand at Allianz Stadium.
Wollongong will host the entire Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup, while Newcastle and Wollongong are expected to welcome thousands of rugby league fans during the tournament.
The Rugby League World Cup is expected to attract more than 32,000 visitors to NSW and contribute more than $19 million to the state’s visitor economy.
Accor Stadium will host another major sporting event on Sunday 17 October, with an international quadruple-header bringing together Australia’s four senior rugby teams. The programme will include men’s and women’s international sevens and 15-a-side matches, culminating in the Wallabies facing New Zealand in the Bledisloe Cup.
Sydney’s arts and entertainment calendar will also feature several major events during October. Anyma presents AEden will take place at The Domain on Saturday 17 October, while K-Pop group BIGBANG will perform at Accor Stadium on Saturday 31 October as part of its 20th anniversary world tour.
Regional NSW will also feature prominently, with events including IRONMAN Port Macquarie, the Bathurst 1000, Deni Ute Muster and the Yours and Owls Festival in Wollongong.
Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium will host a series of events, while the Rugby League World Cup will provide an international audience for the Hunter and Illawarra regions.
The NSW Government says the events are expected to support local businesses, jobs and communities by encouraging visitors to travel across the state.
The events programme will continue into November and December, with the Australian PGA Championship, concerts by artists including Robbie Williams, Harry Styles and Iron Maiden, Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko by UTMB and further international events at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The Newcastle stadium is scheduled to host concerts featuring Foo Fighters, Robbie Williams and Guns N’ Roses, as well as the AUSX Supercross Championship Grand Final.
Destination NSW will support the events calendar through its new Feel the Sydney Side of Summer campaign, which promotes Sydney’s major events, attractions and experiences during the warmer months.
The campaign highlights activities ranging from ocean swims, coastal walks and water-based experiences to rooftop dining, night markets, cultural experiences and major art exhibitions.
NSW Minister for Sport and Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said the October programme would bring visitors to both Sydney and regional areas while supporting businesses and employment across the state.
Destination NSW CEO Karen Jones said sporting and cultural events could encourage people to travel while providing opportunities for visitors to explore destinations beyond the event itself.
The NSW Government’s October events programme includes major sporting competitions, cultural exhibitions, festivals, concerts and regional events.
Among the events supported during October are the NRL and NRLW Premiership Grand Finals, Disney’s The Lion King, Supercars Bathurst 1000, Monster Jam, Deni Ute Muster, Bowral Classic, the International Touch Federation World Cup, Rugby League World Cup 2026, the Bledisloe Cup, BIGBANG’s 2026-2027 World Tour and Anyma presents AEden.
Regional events include Jam Exchange in Bowral, New Annual in Newcastle, Pearls & Plates on the Hawkesbury River, Savour the Tweed, Sculptures in the Garden in Mudgee, Sea Otter Australia Festival in Mogo and Steampunk Goulburn.
Together, the October programme is expected to increase visitor activity across NSW while giving audiences a range of sporting, cultural and entertainment events to attend during the spring holiday period.
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