The first month of spring is here. And Melbourne is chasing away the winter blues with dreamy floral events, as well as cool exhibitions, exciting performances and more. If you’re looking for inspiration, here are our recommendations on things to do, see and eat around Melbourne and Victoria this September.
Here’s what’s on in Melbourne this September
Return to the Melbourne Royal Show
The iconic Melbourne Royal Show is coming back to town for another season of family fun. Look forward to animal encounters, fireworks, rides and more. Find it at Melbourne Showgrounds from Thursday September 25 to Sunday October 5.
RESET yourself at Fed Square
Supplied/Credit: Liam Neal
Fed Square will focus on sustainability and nature at their spring festival, RESET. Check out free and family-friendly events and workshops that will get you thinking about how you can live sustainably. Look forward to a Zero Waste Festival, a Big Toy Swap, movie screenings in the outdoor cinema and more. RESET will run from September 1 to October 6. For the full program, click here.
Have a magical time at Harry Potter: The Exhibition
Feel like you’ve Apparated from Melbourne to Hogwarts at Harry Potter: The Exhibition. See authentic props and set pieces from the films, and go on your own magical journey. Conjure your own Patronus, test your Quidditch skills and more! Find it at the Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre in Brunswick. Get your tickets here.
Feel whisked away to Rio at Afloat
Melbourne’s original floating bar and restaurant, Afloat, has emerged from hibernation, and has taken us to Rio de Janeiro. Sip on pina coladas and more fruity cocktails, and feast on dishes inspired by Brazil’s melting pot. Afloat is now open.
Lose yourself in the rhythm of The Jazz Room
Feel transported to New Orleans and let the music sweep you away in The Jazz Room. Find it at Brunswick Ballroom on Friday September 5. Get your tickets here.
Treat yourself to a Downton Abbey-inspired high tea at Mary Eats Cake
Visit either the Montrose or Brunswick venues of Mary Eats Cake, and take part in a high tea inspired by Downton Abbey. Enjoy a cocktail or a glass of French sparkling on arrival, followed by dainty sandwiches, sweet desserts, savoury delights and Earl Grey scones. This high tea is available from September 3 to 28. Learn more here.
Find something lovely at the Makers and Shakers Market
The Makers and Shakers Market is coming back to Melbourne over Father’s Day weekend. Wander through the stalls and discover a curated selection of homewares, sustainable fashion, food and more! On top of the stalls, you’ll also find creative workshops and activities for the kids. Check it out at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton on Saturday September 6 and Sunday September 7.
Drift over to Birrarung Riverfest
Birrarung Riverfest is returning for its third year, and you can look forward to over 60 exciting events over 23 days. Take part in exciting activities along the whole length of the Birrarung, such as platypus spotting, walking tours and more! This festival is on from September 6 to 28.
Set your sights on Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In The Heights
Before Hamilton and Moana, musical legend Lin-Manuel Miranda released his debut musical, In The Heights. The original Broadway run went on to win four Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Set in New York’s Washington Heights, this musical tells the story of a close community on the cusp of change. See it at the Comedy Theatre from now until September 6.
See a film that’s out of this world at IMAX
Anne Hathaway in INTERSTELLAR, from Paramount Pictures and Warner Brothers Pictures, in association with Legendary Pictures.
See some of the best movies set in space at the annual Spacetember Film Festival at IMAX. Films on the line-up include Interstellar, 2001: A Space Odyssey and a Dune double feature. This festival is on throughout the month of September. See the full line-up here.
Feel the beat at MJ The Musical
The Tony Award-winning show, MJ The Musical, is coming to Melbourne. Set in 1992, this production offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Michael Jackson’s Dangerous World Tour. Hear over 25 of MJ’s greatest hits, including Beat It, Thriller and Smooth Criminal. Find it at Her Majesty’s Theatre from September 9. Learn more here.
Have a frightfully fun time at BEETLEJUICE the musical
Supplied/Image: Michelle Grace Hunder
It’s showtime! The eight-time Tony Award-nominated musical BEETLEJUICE is now haunting the Regent Theatre in Melbourne. See it before it goes on September 11.
Celebrate Oktoberfest at Hofbräuhaus
Supplied/Credit: Brian Doherty
Hofbräuhaus is celebrating Oktoberfest with plenty of bier, food, live entertainment and games. Join in on the fun from September 13 to October 25.
See Illume by Bangarra Dance Theatre
Explore the ways that light has captivated Indigenous cultural existence for millennia in the Bangarra Dance Theatre production, Illume. Check it out at Arts Centre Melbourne from September 3 to 13. Learn more here.
Feel the rhythm with Fiesta Latina at Dandenong Market
Celebrate the flavours, music and culture of Latin America at Fiesta Latina. Look forward to plenty of delicious street food, such as empanadas, tacos and churros, as well as live dance performances, salsa lessons, live music and more. Entry is free, and you’ll find it at Dandenong Market from 10am to 3pm on Sunday September 14. Learn more here.
Gaze at the French Impressionism exhibition at NGV
Installation view of French Impressionism from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston on display from 6 June to 5 October, at NGV International, Melbourne. Photo: Sean Fennessy
Find over 100 paintings, including works never-before-seen in Australia, by notable artists like Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, and more at NGV. Presented in partnership with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), this will be one of the largest and most significant collections of French Impressionism to visit Australia. See the Winter Masterpieces exhibition from now until October 5.
Learn all about the history and beauty of kimono at NGV
Visitors in Kimono on display from 4 June to 5 October, at NGV International, Melbourne. Photo: Mitch Fong
Explore the timeless kimono and see over 70 garments from the Edo period to today. Curated by NGV, the Kimono exhibition features rare and hand-crafted kimono, and over 30 never-before-seen garments that are new to the NGV Collection. This exhibition will run from now until October 5.
Stay out late at NGV Friday Nights
The popular NGV Friday Nights is back, in celebration of the French Impressionism exhibition. Explore the exhibition after hours, then stick around for live music, food and drinks. The festivities will take place every Friday night from now until October 3, and will run from 6pm to 10pm.
Experience the magic of a Candlelight concert
The candlelit performances have taken place at venues like The Athenaeum and The Astor Theatre as well as at The Timber Yard, the Meat Market and Fed Square. With more venues being added to the growing list, there’s a Candlelight concert around every corner.
Candlelight concerts in September include a celebration of Ennio Morricone, the best of anime soundtracks and a history of pop. See what’s on here.
Check out the Fringe Flavours Night Market
Visit Queen Victoria Market on Wednesday nights and see free Fringe performances on a pop-up stage. Look forward to circus, cabaret, comedy and more, as well as roving performances. While you’re there, treat yourself to some food and drink from one of the market stalls. The Fringe Flavours Night Market is on from September 17 to October 15.
Take part in an immersive sci-fi escape experience
Become a Star Crew member in this 60-minute escape experience. Choose a specific role, complete with your own uniform, and solve challenges, navigate a spaceflight simulator, meet interactive aliens and more. This story has multiple endings, so you’ll need to choose wisely. Star Crew will open in Richmond on September 17. Learn more here.
Play your way through the Game Worlds exhibition at ACMI
This exciting exhibition will put you inside the worlds of 30 videogames, and 20 of them will be playable. Explore pioneering games from the 1970s and continue on to beloved modern titles. Expect original concept art, rare objects, playable demos and more. Game Worlds will open at ACMI on September 18, and stay in town until February 8 in 2026.
Have a stellar time at the Star Wars Galactic Café
Transport your taste buds to a galaxy far, far away at the Star Wars Galactic Café in Melbourne Museum. This stellar cafe is a first for Star Wars fans in Australia. Dine aboard a Corellian Star Cruiser, then explore the newly opened LEGO Star Wars exhibition.
Feel the Force at a LEGO Star Wars exhibition in Melbourne Museum
Source: Museums Victoria/Image: Eugene Hyland
Fly to a galaxy far, far away and feel amazed by LEGO Star Wars: The Exhibition. Marvel at towering structures, awesome starships and your favourite characters, then join in on the fun with your own builds. LEGO Star Wars: The Exhibition is now open at Melbourne Museum.
See rare objects from the Galloway Hoard at Melbourne Museum
See one of the most significant Viking Age discoveries ever found from the United Kingdom, right here in Melbourne. Found in southwest Scotland in 2014, the Galloway Hoard was buried around AD 900 during a time of upheaval in the region. This treasure trove of jewellery and unique objects offers a fascinating insight into this period of time. Treasures of the Viking Age: The Galloway Hoard is on display at Melbourne Museum from now until Monday January 26.
Fall in love with Romeo + Juliet
See Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet like never before at the Astor Theatre. Watch the film unfold on stage, with a live choir and band performing songs from the soundtrack, such as Kissing You and Young Hearts. Check it out from September 23 to 28. See more here.
Feel the sparks at the Museum of Desire
At the Museum of Desire, you’ll find over 20 sensory-rich experiences that explore desire and pleasure. Feeling curious? Get your tickets here.
Indulge in High Cheese at The Westin
Stay cosy with three decadent tiers of cheesy goodness, curated in collaboration with fromage fiends The Studd Siblings and the Yarra Valley’s Zonzo Estate. High Cheese at The Westin Melbourne will run from now until October 25. Find it at Allegro Restaurant on Wednesday to Saturday nights, from 5pm to 9:30pm.
Set sail on Titanic: A Voyage Through Time
Experience the tragedy of the Titanic like never before with this virtual reality experience. Dive to the wreck site, then journey back in time to explore iconic spaces around the ship, such as the Grand Staircase. Along the way, you’ll meet characters based on real passengers and crew members. Titanic: A Voyage Through Time is now open at 206 Bourke Street in Melbourne. Get your tickets here.
See over 100 ancient artefacts at the Hellenic Museum
Image © Hellenic Ministry of Culture via Hellenic Museum
The Hellenic Museum has teamed up with the Hellenic Ministry of Culture, Greece, to bring a global exclusive exhibition to Melbourne. See 119 ancient artefacts from over a dozen museums and ephorates of antiquities in Greece, including the Acropolis Museum, Hellenic National Archaeological Museum, the Archaeological Museum of Delphi and more. Rituals: Gifts for the Gods is open daily from 10am to 4pm.
Have a sublime time at the Malibu Barbie Cafe
A cheerful Malibu Barbie Cafe has popped up at Chadstone. Treat yourself to themed dishes and drinks, then have fun at the roller rink. The cafe will stay at The Social Quarter in Chadstone until summer 2026.
Lock in plans to check out Alcotraz
In this interactive experience, you’ll smuggle liquor into prison and receive up to four personalised cocktails. Alcotraz is now open in Melbourne. Get your tickets here.
Try to escape Prison Island
Challenge yourself and your teammates to escape Prison Island. Instead of breaking out from a single room, you’ll take on a series of tasks in multiple cells and race against the clock. Find it at The District Docklands. Grab your tickets here.
Play mini-golf in the ballroom of Flinders Street Station
Supplied/Image: Eugene Hyland
Head up to the mysterious Flinders Street Station Ballroom and check out Swingers: The Art of Mini Golf. This playable art exhibition features nine imaginative mini-golf holes from female-identifying artists. This fun experience has been extended, and will run until Sunday September 21.
Experience An Evening on Broadway with the MSO
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will celebrate the best hits in musical theatre, performing tunes from The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, West Side Story and more. They will be joined by West End stars Josh Piterman and Amy Manford. Listen to An Evening on Broadway at Hamer Hall from September 24 to 26. Learn more here.
Discover the Night Sky at Melbourne Planetarium
Get ready to Discover The Night Sky in all its glory in this monthly event for adults only. Taking place on the last Thursday of each month, you’ll learn about a different topic each time at Melbourne Planetarium, hosted by astronomer Dr Tanya Hill. The next event will occur on September 25.
Play the ‘Among Us’-style game, Saboteurs
Head to The District Docklands and go on a space adventure at Saboteurs. Play with your friends inside converted shipping containers, complete tasks, and eject any suspicious imposters. Get your tickets here.
See Snoop Dog at the AFL Grand Final
The AFL has announced that hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg will headline the Telstra Pre-Game Entertainment at the Grand Final for 2025. This will be Snoop’s first-ever performance at the MCG. It’s all going down on Saturday September 27.
Join a thrilling immersive arcade game experience at 123Boom!
You’ll be on the edge of your seat throughout your time at 123Boom!, an immersive puzzle adventure where you and your team are tasked with diffusing a ‘bomb’ to save the day. To do so, you’ll require teamwork, skill, and problem-solving, all racing against the clock as the story advances and the seconds tick down. It’s open now, and you can find your tickets here.
Take a stroll through some beautiful private gardens
Wander through some picturesque gardens around the state at Open Gardens Victoria. Some of these lovely spaces will be open for viewing on certain weekends in September. See the schedule here.
Feel delighted by the Kyneton Daffodil & Arts Festival
Celebrate the start of spring with daffodil displays, open gardens, markets, art exhibitions and more at the Kyneton Daffodil & Arts Festival. This wholesome country event is on from Friday September 5 to Sunday September 14.
Feel pretty in pink at this cherry blossom destination
Supplied/Credit: Connie and Luna
Drive out to the Yarra Valley and celebrate spring at the CherryHill Orchards. Take your family, your friends, and even your dog, and explore the stunning rows of blooming cherry trees. Throughout the blossom season, there’s a few different events to try, including their annual festival, an after-hours light show and a new market event. It’s all happening on select days from September 6 to October 8.
Wander through colourful fields at the Tesselaar Tulip Festival
Source: Supplied
Drive out to the Dandenong Ranges and feel delighted by the visual splendour of the Tesselaar Tulip Festival. There’s nearly one million bulbs spread across five acres to discover. On top of the tulips, there will be food, drinks and entertainment. The Tesselaar Tulip Festival will run from Saturday September 13 to Sunday October 12.
Find fairies and more at Blue Hills Cherry Blossom Show
Blue Hills Berries & Cherries are bringing back their delightful Cherry Blossom Show. Feel a touch of whimsy at this cherry farm, and discover a fairy garden, stunning flowers and face painting. On the weekends, there will be live music and a roaming Blossom Fairy. The Cherry Blossom Show will run from September 20 to 28. Learn more here.
Amble along the Cornella Canola Walk
Take a day trip to Shiraz Republic in the Heathcote region and traipse through bright yellow canola fields. There’s a special track and viewing platform for you to admire this bright wonderland. The Cornella Canola Walk is open from Friday August 29 to Sunday September 28.
Admire the Bendigo Annual Tulip Display
Image: Bendigo Tourism
Head to Pall Mall and Conservatory Garden to see this year’s Bendigo Annual Tulip Display. There, you’ll find over 43, 000 tulips with a whole range of colours, sizes and blooming times. The tulips usually start blooming from mid-September until mid-October. Check here for more information.