What's On: Late October to Early November 2026

Spring is festival season in Australia. Here are three dates worth adding to your calendar, whether you're in Perth, Sydney or Melbourne.

Fremantle Design Week (WA): 16–25 October 2026

Fremantle's design festival runs for ten days, with most events in the historic West End. It's an easy add-on to a Rottnest Island day trip, as ferries leave from Fremantle. Check visitfremantle.com.au for the program and any ticket prices.

Parramatta Lanes (Sydney): 21–24 October 2026

Parramatta's free food, music and art festival takes over more than 20 sites across the Parramatta CBD.

• When: Wednesday and Thursday 5–10pm, Friday and Saturday 5–10:30pm

• Cost: free entry (food and drinks are extra)

• Details: atparramatta.com/lanes

Melbourne Cup Day: Tuesday 3 November 2026

The race that stops a nation. Melbourne Cup Day is a public holiday across Victoria, unless a regional council has arranged an alternative local holiday. If you work in Victoria, check your roster and pay rates with your employer or Fair Work.

Coming up

Pride WA's PrideFEST Fairday is on Sunday 8 November 2026 at Wellington Square (Moort-ak Waadiny) in East Perth. It has community stalls, entertainment and the Fairday Dog Show. Later in the month, the PrideFEST Parade moves through Northbridge on 28 November, followed by a free after-party at Russell Square presented by the City of Perth. See pridewa.com.au for details.

Getting there

• Fremantle: Trains on the Fremantle line run from Perth city to Fremantle Station, a short walk from the West End.

• Parramatta: Trains from Sydney's CBD reach Parramatta Station. The Parramatta River ferry is a slower but scenic option.

• Melbourne Cup: The race is held at Flemington Racecourse and you need a ticket to attend. Many pubs and venues across Melbourne also host Cup Day events.

Tips

• Dates and programs can change, so check the official site before you go.

• Please drink responsibly, and plan your public transport home.

Missed our earlier picks? See What's On in October 2026: Sydney & Melbourne.

Sources

• Visit Fremantle, "Fremantle Design Week 2026"

• City of Parramatta, "Parramatta Lanes: About" (atparramatta.com/lanes/about)

• Business Victoria, "Victorian public holidays 2026"

• Pride WA, "PrideFEST 2026"

Questions?

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