The NSW Government is delivering a blockbuster line-up of major events across NSW this October, expected to inject more than $100 million into the state’s visitor economy.

The bumper events calendar coincides with the spring school holidays and the October long weekend, creating a win-win for visitors and the NSW tourism industry.

Action will kick off on Sunday 4 October with the NRL and NRLW Grand Finals at Accor Stadium, with more than 80,000 supporters expected in the precinct.

Footy fever will continue from Thursday 15 October with the 2026 Rugby League World Cup commencing in Sydney. The NSW Government has locked in 16 matches across Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong, including the opening game between Australia and New Zealand at Allianz Stadium, while Wollongong will host the entire Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup.

The tournament is expected to attract more than 32,000 fans to NSW and inject over $19 million into the NSW visitor economy.

Ahead of the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, Accor Stadium will host an historic international quadruple-header on Sunday 17 October, bringing together Australia’s four senior rugby teams for the first time. The event will feature men’s and women’s international sevens and 15-a-side matches, culminating in the Wallabies taking on New Zealand in the Bledisloe Cup.

Sydney’s arts and cultural calendar will also be in the spotlight, with two highly anticipated Australian-exclusive performances taking place during October. Anyma presents AEden will take over The Domain on Saturday 17 October, while K-Pop icons BIGBANG will round out the month at Accor Stadium on Saturday 31 October as part of their 20th anniversary world tour.

Major events will also deliver a boost to regional communities, with Destination NSW-supported events taking place across the state, including IRONMAN Port Macquarie, the Bathurst 1000, Deni Ute Muster, Yours and Owls Festival in Wollongong, and a blockbuster line-up of events at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle.

The Rugby League World Cup will also put regional NSW in the international spotlight, with Newcastle and Wollongong welcoming thousands of fans and showcasing the best of the Hunter and Illawarra to visitors from across Australia and around the world.

Together, these events will drive visitation across NSW, giving visitors even more reasons to explore the state while supporting local businesses, jobs and communities.

The strong pipeline will continue through November and December, with major sporting, cultural and entertainment events continuing to draw visitors to Sydney and regional NSW, including the Australian PGA Championship, Robbie Williams, Harry Styles and Iron Maiden concerts, Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko by UTMB and a blockbuster line-up of international events at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, including Foo Fighters, Robbie Williams, Guns N’ Roses and AUSX Supercross Championship Grand Final.

The events calendar will be supported by Destination NSW’s new Feel the Sydney Side of Summer campaign, showcasing Sydney’s major events, experiences and attractions across the harbour, coastline and beyond.

From ocean swims to coastal walks, on-the-water adventures, rooftop dining, immersive cultural experiences, night markets and major art exhibitions, the campaign positions Sydney as Australia’s must-visit destination over the warmer months.

Minister for Sport and Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said: “Spring is set to be a huge month for NSW, with major sporting, cultural and entertainment events bringing thousands of visitors and millions of dollars into our visitor economy.

“From the NRL Grand Finals and Rugby League World Cup to major events in our regions, the Minns Labor Government is delivering a strong pipeline of events that supports local businesses, jobs and communities right across NSW.”

Destination NSW CEO Karen Jones said: “Travellers are prioritising experiences, with sporting and cultural events providing a perfect way to soak up the atmosphere that makes NSW so unforgettable.

“Nothing beats the buzz of being trackside at the Bathurst 1000, joining a full house for a world-class musical or line dancing at the Deni Ute Muster.

“Major events may spark the decision to travel, but visitors are staying long after the final whistle or curtain call to immerse themselves in experiences across the state, supporting thousands of businesses and jobs that rely on year-round tourism.”

Events supported by Destination NSW during October 2026 include:

Major events

  • IRONMAN Australia and IRONMAN 70.3 Port Macquarie
  • Disney’s The Lion King
  • NRL & NRLW Premiership Grand Finals
  • Supercars Bathurst 1000
  • Monster Jam
  • Deni Ute Muster
  • Bowral Classic
  • International Touch Federation (ITF) World Cup
  • Yours and Owls Festival
  • NSW Men's Senior Open Championship
  • MCA Winter Exhibition: Tony Albert
  • Rugby League World Cup 2026 & Wheelchair Rugby League World cup
  • Bledisloe Cup: Wallabies v New Zealand All Blacks
  • David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)
  • BIGBANG 2026-2027 WORLD TOUR < XX : COSMOS >

Regional Event Fund events

  • Jam Exchange, Bowral
  • New Annual 2026, Newcastle
  • Pearls & Plates, Hawkesbury River
  • Savour the Tweed, Tweed Coast
  • Sculptures in the Garden, Mudgee
  • Sea Otter Australia Festival, Mogo
  • Steampunk Goulburn

Concerts

  • Anyma presents AEden
  • BIGBANG