The first month of spring is almost 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.
Taste your way through Spain during the Eat Spain, Drink Spain Festival
From September 4 to October 4, you can get a delicious taste of Spain without ever leaving Australia – the perfect cure for anyone who missed out on a Euro Summer! There are so many restaurants, venues, shops and bars taking part – the hardest part is knowing where to begin! Check out our guide to Eat Spain, Drink Spain 2026 now and start planning your next stop!
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 24 to Sunday, October 4.
Hear four of Edgar Allan Poe’s most famous stories leap off the page and onto the stage. Pair the different tales with four themed cocktails or mocktails. Find the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy on 75 Reid St in Fitzroy North. Get your tickets here.
Jim Henson’s Labyrinth in Concert
Celebrate the 40th anniversary of Labyrinth, and watch a live band perform the soundtrack as the magical film unfolds. You’re invited to dress in costume and cheer on your favourite characters. Labyrinth in Concert will take place at Hamer Hall on September 4 and 5. Learn more here.
RESET yourself at Fed Square
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 Book Doof, a Big Toy Swap, movie screenings and more. RESET will run on various dates throughout September and October. For the full program, click here.
Blak & Bright Writers Festival
Australia’s largest and only gathering of First Nations writers and storytellers is coming back to Naarm. Attend talks, take part in workshops, enjoy a live Dungeons & Dragons experience and more. Blak & Bright Writers Festival is on from September 3 to 6. Learn more here.
Head over to Queen Victoria Market and warm up with roaring fires, toasty street food, cosy drinks and blazing entertainment. Winter Night Market has extended its season, and will run from 5pm to 10pm on September 2 and 9.
The Street Social in Docklands
Head to the Harbour Esplanade for The Street Social, and grab something from the food trucks, listen to live music and have fun with family-friendly activities. The next event will take place on September 5 and 6.
Melburnians are invited to gather at Fed Square, and break the world record for the largest cheerleading dance. Learn a cheer routine from the 49ers Gold Rush, the official cheer squad for the San Francisco NFL team. The Melbourne Cheer Challenge will take place on Sunday, September 6.
After sold-out performances across the UK, Ireland and Europe, The Music of Hans Zimmer vs John Williams is making its Australian premiere right here in Melbourne. Presented by John Foreman’s Australian Pops Orchestra and Sony Music Australia, you’ll hear the works from these two famous composers live in concert. Feel a sense of playful rivalry as you hear beloved scores from Star Wars, Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean and more. The show will take place at Hamer Hall on Sunday, September 6.
Listen to talented musicians bring your favourite jazz songs to life in The Jazz Room. Grab a drink, soak in the tunes, and feel amazed by spontaneous solos and improv. There’s a few sessions happening around Melbourne for you to enjoy. Get your tickets here.
See the NFL’s first regular season game at the MCG
The NFL is touching down in Melbourne for its first-ever regular season game, pitting the Los Angeles Rams against the San Francisco 49ers at the MCG on Friday, September 11. The Jonas Brothers will perform at the half-time show.
At the NFL Melbourne Game Kickoff Festival, you can expect watch parties, merchandise, Flag Football clinics, an American food village, live concerts and more! This event for fans will run from Thursday, September 10 to Saturday, September 12.
The Riverwalk at Crown Melbourne will transform into the ultimate Los Angeles Rams fan zone, complete with a floating football field, a mariachi band, cheerleaders and more. Known as Rams House: The LA Tailgate Experience, this space will let you feel the atmosphere and traditions of a Rams home game. It’s free to visit, and will run from Thursday, September 10 to Saturday, September 12.
Melbourne’s original floating bar and restaurant, Afloat, is coming out of hibernation, and taking us to the glittering islands of Greece. Sip on Greek wines, and feast on dishes inspired by Greek cuisine. Afloat opens on August 27.
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 tribute to Kylie Minogue, the best of Joe Hisaishi and more. See what’s on here.
Dracula: Ballet at its Darkest
Bram Stoker’s Dracula has been brought to life in this gripping production. In this gothic tale, you’ll feel captivated by forbidden love, grief, obsession, immortality and sacrifice. After sold-out seasons in London’s West End and the United States, Dracula: Ballet at its Darkest is taking of Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne from September 10 to October 25. Learn more here.
Cartier exhibition at NGV
Nearly 400 sparkling jewels, tiaras, necklaces, brooches and more are sparkling at NGV. Coming exclusively to Melbourne from London’s Victoria & Albert Museum, the Cartier exhibition features glittering pieces worn by Elizabeth Taylor, Rihanna, Princess Margaret, Dame Nellie Melba and more. It also showcases plenty of stunning jewels and objects that have never been seen in Australia before. Find it at NGV International from now until October 4.
The popular NGV Friday Nights is back in celebration of the Cartier 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 2.
Pretty Woman: The Musical
Based on the beloved rom-com starring Julia Roberts, Pretty Woman: The Musical is playing in Melbourne. Go back to Hollywood in the ’80s, when Vivian met Edward and her life changed forever. Find it at the Regent Theatre from now until September 13. Learn more here.
High Cheese at The Westin
The Westin Melbourne has brought back the delectable High Cheese experience. Indulge in three decadent tiers of cheesy goodness. This reimagined high tea experience is available from Tuesday to Saturday nights, from now until October 17.
Chinese Traditional Cultural Festival in Fed Square
The Chinese Traditional Cultural Festival is coming back to Fed Square with market stalls, performances, cultural experiences, delicious food and more. It’s all happening on Saturday, September 19.
If you’ve ever wanted to wander through a dreamscape made of shimmering bubbles and glowing colours, then drift over to Bubble Planet. Perfect for all ages, this immersive experience invites you to explore ten playful, interactive environments designed to awaken your senses. Find it at the Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre in Brunswick. Get your tickets here.
Hofbräuhaus
Hofbräuhaus is celebrating Oktoberfest with plenty of bier, food, live entertainment and games. Join in on the fun from September 19 to October 31.
A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical
Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond, A Beautiful Noise tells the story of how he became an American rock icon. This musical is now playing at the Princess Theatre. Learn more here.
Watch as talented ballet dancers bring your favourite stories to life, while performing in glowing costumes. Find Ballet of Lights at the Capitol Theatre. See what’s playing here.
The Vinyl Factory: Reverb at ACMI
In The Vinyl Factory: Reverb, you’ll explore the influence of vinyl culture and music on art, fashion, film and social movements. This exhibition at ACMI showcases The Vinyl Factory Collection and takes a deep dive into different eras of music. Expect a deep listening room, interactive moments, large-scale installations and more. This exhibition has been extended until October 4.
Rome: Empire, Power, People at Melbourne Museum
See original statues, mosaics, frescos and more at the Melbourne-exclusive exhibition, Rome: Empire, Power, People. Learn all about the spectacle, rise, rule and legacy of this powerful civilisation. The exhibition is now on display at Melbourne Museum. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the extended program, like a Brunetti Classico pop-up or art classes.
Melbourne Festival of Puppetry
Find something for everyone at the Melbourne Festival of Puppetry, with roving performances, free shows, workshops, masterclasses, different shows for kids and adults, a picnic day and more. This festival is on from September 22 to 27. Learn more here.
Birrarung Riverfest is returning for its fourth year, and you can look forward to over 70 cool events across three weeks. Take part in exciting activities along the whole length of the Birrarung, such as platypus spotting, walking tours, paddling and more! This festival is on from Sunday, September 27 to Sunday, October 18.
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.
SIX the Musical
After dazzling us in 2024, the six queens are coming back to Melbourne. This Tony Award-winning musical takes the six wives of Henry VIII, and transforms them into pop sensations. See SIX the Musical at the Comedy Theatre from now until October 4.
You’ve been called for jury duty. In this live theatre courtroom drama, you’ll listen to the case and decide who is guilty or not guilty. There’s a few different sessions around Melbourne of The Jury Experience for you to try.
World of the Book exhibition at State Library Victoria
Pop inside State Library Victoria and see Australia’s largest rare book exhibition, World of the Book. Back for its 21st year, this exhibition at State Library Victoria features over 400 rare and historically significant items. This exhibition is also the Library’s largest ever tribute to women writers, with works from Jane Austen, Agatha Christie, the Brontë sisters and more. It’s free to attend.
Design X Nature at Royal Botanic Gardens
The Australian Drylands Precinct at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne will soon host a stunning outdoor exhibition. In this living gallery, visitors are invited to see how natural systems can shape creative practice, material experimentation and ecological thinking. Along with the exhibition, guests can also take part in walks, talks and workshops in order to delve deeper into the themes of the artwork. Design X Nature will take over the gardens from September 25 to October 18.
See Kylie Minogue at the AFL Grand Final
The AFL has announced that pop royalty Kylie Minogue will headline the Telstra Pre-Game Entertainment at the Grand Final for 2026. It’s all going down at the MCG on Saturday September 26.
This virtual reality adventure was created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Stand on the edge of black holes, see a supernova, explore an exoplanet and much more. Smithsonian Starstruck is now showing at 206 Bourke Street in Melbourne.
Machu Picchu: Journey to the Lost City
Journey 450 years ago to the legendary Inca citadel. Developed with leading archaeological experts, this virtual reality experience, you’ll explore Machu Picchu and see the agricultural terraces, the Temple of the Sun and more, surrounded by the majestic Andes. Find it at 206 Bourke St. Get your tickets here.
Melbourne Fringe Festival
Melbourne Fringe Festival is coming back and inviting you to Turn Towards the Heat. Sit with the unknown, feel the heat of the festival and let it deepen your curiosity, with music, dance, cabaret, experimental works and more. It’s all happening from Tuesday September 29 to Sunday October 18. Learn more about it here.
Readings has teamed up with Cinema Nova and Lido Cinemas to do a special screening, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the New Moon novel. Watch both Twilight and New Moon on Tuesday, September 29.
The Lord of the Rings in Concert
Celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring in this live concert experience. Watch the film, and hear Howard Shore’s masterful score come to life with a full symphony orchestra, choir and soloists. The concert will take place at John Cain Arena on September 30 and October 1.
Geelong Fragrance Fair
Australia’s largest festival dedicated to independent and artisanal fragrance is coming to Geelong. Explore the market and meet the makers behind the perfume, attend talks, admire art and more. The Geelong Fragrance Fair will take place at Deakin’s Waterfront Campus from September 11 to 13. More info here.
Discovering the Impressionists at Geelong Gallery
The blockbuster exhibition Discovering the Impressionists: Paul Durand-Ruel, art dealer among the artists is now showing at Geelong Gallery. See over 70 paintings from two generations of Impressionist artists, including Monet, Renoir, Berthe Morisot and Camille Pissarro. Many of them have come from private collections in France, and have never been seen before in Australia. Stretching across five galleries, this exhibition will look at the legacy of Paul Durand-Ruel, the first art dealer who supported the Impressionist artists. This exhibition will run from now until October 11.
Love a good escape room? Escape This has arrived in Melbourne, and there are four different experiences for you to try. Will you attend Magic University, embark on a Pirate adventure, survive a zombie apocalypse or scare yourself in a haunted house? Find these escape rooms on Collins Street. Get your tickets here.
Tesselaar Tulip Festival
Drive out to the Dandenong Ranges and feel delighted by the visual splendour of the Tesselaar Tulip Festival. There’s over 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 12 to Sunday October 11.
Bloom & Graze at CherryHill Orchards
Visit their orchard in Coldstream, and celebrate the best of the Yarra Valley with wineries, cheesemakers, growers, artisans and more. Browse through the market stalls, taste your way through Yarra Valley produce, enjoy live entertainment and take part in workshops. Bloom & Graze will take place on Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13.
Blossom Festival at CherryHill Orchards
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. Then, stick around for a picnic. The Blossom Festival is on from September 18 to October 4.
Kyneton Daffodil & Arts Festival
Celebrate the start of spring with daffodil displays, open gardens, parades markets, exhibitions and more at the Kyneton Daffodil & Arts Festival. This wholesome country event is on from Friday, September 4 to Sunday, September 13.
Take a day trip to the Heathcote region and wander through the fields at Shiraz Republic and Cornella Brewery. They’ve created a Cornella Canola Walk, a special track and viewing platform set within their 100 acre fields. The walk will open to the public on Friday, July 24, and run until Sunday, September 27.
Bendigo Annual Tulip Display
Head to Pall Mall and Conservatory Garden to see this year’s Bendigo Annual Tulip Display. There, you’ll find thousands of 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.
Make your way over to Halls Gap , and follow the smell of smoky meat to the inaugural Grampians BBQ Festival. This festival will be packed with Australia’s leading pitmasters, live fire cooking, live music and family entertainment, against the stunning backdrop of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. This event will run from Friday, September 4 to Sunday, September 6.
