The first month of spring is almost here. And Melbourne is coming alive with dreamy floral events, as well as cool exhibitions, performances and food festivals. If you’re looking for inspiration, here are our recommendations on things to do, see and eat around Melbourne this September.
1. 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 over 100 experiences and activities, such as animal encounters, fireworks, rides and more. Find it at Melbourne Showgrounds from Thursday September 26 to Sunday October 6.
2. Explore the Italian food hall, Il Mercato Centrale
After years of anticipation, the phenomenal food market, il Mercato Centrale, will officially open its first Australian location in Melbourne this spring. Find 23 curated food and beverage artisans in this three-level space on Collins Street. The venue will officially open its doors on Thursday September 19 at 4pm.
3. See the whimsical Accidentally Wes Anderson exhibition
An exhibition inspired by the colour and symmetry of Wes Anderson films is coming to Melbourne. See over 200 curated photos from around the world, explored themed areas and have fun with interactive sets. Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition is open from Wednesday September 18. Get your tickets here.
4. Find something beautiful at the Affordable Art Fair
Explore a mixture of emerging and established artists from galleries around Australia at Affordable Art Fair. After a successful debut in 2019, this art fair is returning to Melbourne and setting up shop at Royal Exhibition Building. Check it out from August 29 to September 1. Learn more here.
5. Check out the BBQ Beer Festival at Grazeland
Grazeland is celebrating Father’s Day with a BBQ Beer Festival. Feast on an assortment of meats from Grazeland’s barbecue vendors, like Zuya African BBQ and El Gaucho Argentinean BBQ. There will also be a large onsite smoker, serving up a variety of meats like 18-hour slow-cooked smoked beef and smoked cheese kransky. There will also be beer specials, entertainment for the little ones and live music. Check it out from August 30 to September 1.
6. See Frankenstein come to life on stage
See a thrilling stage adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic gothic novel, Frankenstein. Find it at the Princess Theatre from August 23 to September 1.
7. Embark on an illuminated woodland trail in Magic by Moonlight
Look forward to over 400 light installations across four magical realms in Magic by Moonlight. This enchanting experience for the whole family will take over the George Pentland Botanical Gardens in Frankston. Check it out on select days from Thursday September 12 to Sunday October 6, from 5:30pm to 10pm.
8. See a film that’s out of this world at IMAX
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 Dune. This festival is on for the whole month of September.
9. Soak in the music at Live at Toorak
The internationally acclaimed Ensemble Liaison are performing at Toorak Synagogue on Thursday September 5. Get your tickets here.
10. Feel whisked away to Capri at Afloat
Melbourne’s original floating bar and restaurant, Afloat, is emerging from hibernation, and transforming into Afloat Capri. Sip on spritz, feast on pizza and more. Afloat will open for walk-ins in early September.
11. Dance over to We Call It Flamenco
Find a touch of Andalusia in The Capitol Theatre at the unique show, We Call It Flamenco. Watch professional dancers showcase the passion of flamenco along with live music. See it on Friday September 6. Get your tickets here.
12. See Horizon by Bangarra Dance Theatre
Feel amazed by the cross-cultural collaboration, Horizon. This production honours the First Peoples of Australia, the Torres Strait Islands and Aotearoa and explores the cultural forces that bind us together. Check it out at Arts Centre Melbourne from August 29 to September 7. Learn more here.
13. Watch the Paralympic Games at Fed Square
Fed Square will become the official live site for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Catch all of the live action, replays and highlights each day of the Games. The Paralympics will run from Thursday August 29 to Sunday September 8.
14. RESET yourself at Fed Square
For the whole month of September, Fed Square will focus on sustainability and nature at their festival, RESET. Check out free and family-friendly events and workshops that will get you thinking about how you can live sustainably. Key events include a Zero Waste Festival on September 14 and a vegan market on September 7. For the full program, click here.
15. Step back in time at The Melbourne Fair
The Melbourne Fair is taking over the Victory Room at Marvel Stadium with thousands of rare pieces from over 50 dealers. You’ll find plenty of furniture, artwork, jewellery, home décor, antiquities and vintage designer pieces from around the world. This year, there will also be dresses from Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn on display. The Melbourne Fair will run from Thursday September 12 to Sunday September 15.
16. Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd
The demon barber of Fleet Street is coming to the Playhouse at Arts Centre Melbourne. See the Tony Award-winning musical by Stephen Sondheim, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street A Musical Thriller, from Saturday September 14 to Saturday September 21.
17. Discover arts and culture at Darebin’s FUSE festival
Multi-arts festival FUSE is coming back to the City of Darebin. Watch as local artists transform the venues and streets into hubs of creativity. Check it out from September 14 to 22. See more here.
18. Fly over to Honk! Untitled Goose Exhibition at ACMI
Have a gander at the development behind the beloved Untitled Goose Game at this free, world premiere exhibition at ACMI. Honk! Untitled Goose Exhibition will run from September 17 to February 16, 2025.
19. See curious characters at the Beings exhibition in ACMI
Meet and play with an assortment of curious characters born from code at the world premiere ACMI exhibition, Beings. Created by the international art and design collective, Universal Everything, this exhibition features 13 artworks made with ever-evolving algorithms. Move, dance and play with these creatures on screen, and enjoy a different experience each time. The Beings exhibition will take over ACMI from now until Sunday October 6.
20. See NBA star Carmelo Anthony
The 10-time NBA All-Star and Olympic gold medallist, Carmelo Anthony, is coming to Melbourne. Attend a talk and Q&A event on Tuesday September 17, then learn techniques, strategies and more at a Basketball Camp for aspiring players on Wednesday September 18. Find more info here.
21. Walk among the dinosaurs at Jurassic World: The Exhibition
Journey through the iconic Jurassic World gates and come face-to-face with roaring dinosaurs from the legendary movie franchise. Encounter a brachiosaurus, velociraptors, a Tyrannosaurus Rex and more. Check it out at the Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre in Brunswick. Get your tickets here.
22. Find something at the Bourne Local market
Head to Collins Square in the CBD and check out a curated selection of fashion, jewellery, gifts and more at the Bourne Local market. This particular market event will have a focus on wellness. Check it out on September 19 from 10am to 2pm. See more here.
23. Marvel at the work of Leonardo da Vinci at The LUME
Take a journey back in time, and explore the genius of Leonardo da Vinci. Step into the 3,000m², and watch some of the worlds most famous artworks come to life, like the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius is now open at The Lume.
24. Have a royally good time at SIX the Musical
Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived. If that’s all you know about Henry VIII and his six wives, then strap yourselves in. The fun and witty show, SIX the Musical, is back in Melbourne. See Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard and Catherine Parr take the mic and belt out their stories for all to hear. The ex-wives have seized throne at the Comedy Theatre in Melbourne.
25. Check out this exciting Banksy exhibition
After successful runs in Brisbane, Adelaide, and Sydney, the Art of Banksy: “Without Limits” exhibition is now here in Melbourne. This museum-quality exhibition features over 180 Banksy artworks as well as multiple installations. Find it at The District Docklands. Get your tickets here.
26. Have the best time at TINA: the Tina Turner Musical
Celebrate the life and music of Tina Turner at TINA: The Tina Turner Musical. This spectacular show features over 20 of her iconic songs, including Simply the Best and What’s Love Got to Do with It. See it at the Princess Theatre from Saturday September 21.
27. Celebrate Oktoberfest at Hofbräuhaus
Hofbräuhaus is celebrating Oktoberfest with plenty of bier, food, live entertainment and games. Join in on the fun from September 21 to October 26.
28. Experience a tale as old as time with Beauty and the Beast
Feel enchanted by the magical Beauty and the Beast musical. Watch in wonder as your favourite characters perform spectacular songs, like ‘Be Our Guest’, ‘Belle’, ‘Gaston’ and more. This production is now playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre.
29. Say cheese at the Friends of Fromage series
Pop over to Maker and Monger at Prahran Market and indulge in cheesy toasties in their Friends of Fromage series. For five weekends, there will be a guest chef serving up their version of the ultimate cheese toastie. It kicks off on Saturday August 31 and will run for every weekend in September.
30. Take a spin on the Ferris Wheel
A lovely Ferris wheel has popped up in Southbank. Give your feet a rest, go for a ride and take in twinkling views of the city skyline. This attraction is open until 10:30pm each night, and will stay in town until September 22.
31. 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.
32. Journey through history with the Pharaoh exhibition at NGV
6 October 2024 at NGV International, Melbourne. Photo: Sean Fennessy
Explore three thousand years of ancient Egyptian art and culture at the NGV Winter Masterpieces exhibition for 2024, Pharaoh. This ambitious partnership with the British Museum showcases over 500 works, including monumental sculpture, architecture, jewellery, coffins and more. Many of these works are on display in Australia for the first time. Find it at NGV from now until October 6.
33. Stay out late at NGV Friday Nights
The popular NGV Friday Nights is back in celebration of the exhibition, Pharaoh. Expect a massive line-up of pop-up performances, music residencies, Middle Eastern-inspired food and plenty of drinks. NGV Friday Nights is on from now until October 4.
34. Gaze at garments at Africa Fashion in NGV
The largest and most comprehensive exhibition in Australia of fashion from Africa is here in Melbourne. This massive exhibition, from the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, showcases historical and contemporary creations from influential fashion designers around the continent. Expect nearly 200 works from over 50 designers. Africa Fashion is on display in NGV from now until October 6. Learn more here.
35. Unwind at the candlelit meditation experience, Mindful Glow
Feeling stressed? Calm your mind and release tension in the body at Mindful Glow. Lose yourself in the tranquil candlelit space, and take part in mindful meditation and a revitalising sound bath. This experience will take place at Collingwood Town Hall on Saturday September 7 and 21. Get your tickets here.
36. See the mighty T. Rex at Melbourne Museum
Victoria the T. Rex is one of the largest and most complete fossils in the world. She’s also the first real T. rex to ever be shown in Victoria. Check out the dinosaur at Melbourne Museum from now until October 20.
37. Enjoy a meal from Le Petit Chef
At Le Petit Chef, your table is transformed into a screen, with entertaining performances from a virtual, tiny chef. As he tries to cook, he faces some amusing blunders, but thankfully, the kitchen staff in real life are there to assist before things get too out of hand. Check it out at The Langham Melbourne from Tuesday to Saturday at select times.
38. 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 the music of Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones, a tribute to Beyoncé and more. See what’s on here.
39. Celebrate at the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival
Head to Queen Vic Market for the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. Feast on traditional mooncakes and mouth-watering street food, then check out some live music, cultural performances and workshops. The festival will run from 9am to 4pm on September 21 and 22. Learn more here.
40. Find something wonderful at this craft fair in Queen Vic Market
At CRFT*WRK, you’ll discover locally-made goods from independent creators at Queen Vic Market. Find art, ceramics, jewellery, homewares and more. This market will run on September 28 from 9am to 4pm. See more here.
41. Feel enchanted by We Call It Ballet
See Sleeping Beauty like never before at We Call It Ballet. This dreamy performance features talented ballet dancers coupled with glittering, glow-in-the-dark costumes. See it at the Capitol Theatre on Saturday September 28. Get your tickets here.
42. Feel a sense of Joy at the Immigration Museum
Seven Victorian-based artists are sharing what joy means to them with a variety of delightful rooms at the Immigration Museum. Journey back in time to a 90s video store, cuddle up with a gigantic soft toy rabbit and more. The Joy exhibition is now open for you to explore, and will stay in town until August 29, 2025.
43. Watch Katy Perry at the AFL Grand Final
The AFL Grand Final is on at the MCG on Saturday September 28, and Katy Perry will light up the venue like a firework as the headline act for the Telstra Pre-Game Entertainment.
44. Find glow in the dark desserts at Dessertopia by 196below
Dessertopia by 196below has brought glow in the dark desserts to South Melbourne. This special event, known as Neon Nights, features glowing desserts inspired by anime, as well as luminous gelato and neon drinks. Check it out from now until Sunday September 29.
45. Stay in a Campari-themed room at DoubleTree
DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne on Flinders Street has teamed up with Campari to cring the charm of Milan to Melbourne. Find plush velvet furnishings and artwork in your room, and relax with a classic Campari Soda from the golden bar cart. If you don’t feel like staying the night, you can also check out the hotel restaurant Platform270 for a special Italian menu and cocktails. Room reservations are available until September 30. See more here.
46. 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.
47. Feel like you’re in a period romance at The Garden at Broughton Hall
Set against the rolling hills of West Gippsland, overlooking the man-made Tarago Reservoir, The Garden at Broughton Hall offers a dreamy landscape that’s perfect for an afternoon stroll. And it’s reopening to the public on Thursdays to Sundays, from September 28.
48. Feel pretty in pink at this Cherry Blossom Festival
Drive out to the Yarra Valley and celebrate spring at the Blossom Festival by CherryHill Orchards. Take your family, your friends, and even your dog, and explore the stunning rows of blooming cherry trees. During the festival, there will be workshops to try, delicious food to eat, photography packages and even a special after-hours light show. The Blossom Festival will run from September 14 to October 6.
49. Wander through colourful fields at the Tesselaar Tulip Festival
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 14 to Sunday October 13.
50. 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 food trucks, live music and a roaming Blossom Fairy. The Cherry Blossom Show will run from September 21 to October 2. Learn more here.
51. Amble along the Cornella Canola Walk
Take a day trip to Shiraz Republic in Cornella 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 to Monday, from now until October 4. Learn more here.
52. Admire the Bendigo Annual Tulip Display
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.