September heralds the beginning of spring and after a few quiet months where we all tend to hide indoors, the events start coming thick and fast. It’s one of the nicest months of the year. It is also the official beginning of the swimming season, but only the bravest locals hit the water before October.
September is a very affordable time to visit however prices for accommodation and flights rise the week before the school holidays begin at the end of the month.
The Spring school holidays are from Monday 29 September to Friday 10 October 2025
Average Temperatures: 23.4°C (74.12°F) While each year varies September 2024 saw six days of rain.
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Major September Events in Sydney
Sydney Fringe Festival
The Sydney Fringe Festival returns this September with an extraordinary lineup of over 400 events across theatre, music, comedy, dance, visual art, circus, and cabaret.
Sydney Fringe Festival has created four distinct precincts—Inner West, Central, Eastern, and Greater Sydney.
When: 1 – 30 September 2025
Where: Various locations across Sydney, including Inner West, Central, Eastern, and Greater Sydney Precincts
Cost: varies from $12 up More info on the official site
Festival of the Winds
Festival of the Winds, one of Sydney’s most-loved and colourful festivals, is back bigger and better than ever in the new Bondi Pavilion and surrounds.
Check out for all-day entertainment on two stages, children’s activities, kite-making workshops, food and kite stalls, and of course amazing kite displays on Bondi Beach.
An all-inclusive event for young, old and everyone in between, come along and celebrate Spring in Bondi.
When: 14 September 2025, 11am-4pm
Where: Bondi Pavilion Park and Beach
Festivals, Fairs and Markets
Moon Festival at Darling Square
A Celebration of Gratitude and Connection
Darling Square will come alive this month with the vibrant celebration of the Moon Festival, a two-week event honoring gratitude, family, and friends.
This Mid-Autumn Festival, one of the most significant holidays in Asia, will be marked by a stunning lantern installation, live music, illuminated lion dancing, free kids’ activities, and special food and drink offerings.
When: TBC
Where: Darling Square, Sydney
Cost: Free entry; special offers and food available for purchase
Glebe Artisan Market
Artisans Market Glebe features over 60 stalls offering original handmade products. Nothing is mass-produced.
You will find everything from fashion and ceramics to jewellery and homewares. This quarterly market is in its fourth year, and it’s a great chance to find some original Christmas gifts or souvenirs. As well as checking out the goods and talking to the stallholders, you can relax and listen to live music.
When: 6 September 2025
Where: Foley Park, corner of Bridge Road and Glebe Point Road
The Big Design Market Sydney
Australia’s ultimate shopping destination is back – bigger, bolder and brighter than ever where there will be over 200 stallholders & delicious food & drink experiences. Expect a fresh lineup of boutique homewares, handmade ceramics, limited-edition art prints, Australian-made fashion, unique jewellery, stationery and much more.
Plus, for the first time, there’ll be a fashion parade showcasing gorgeous pieces from our apparel brands which you definitely won’t want to miss!
When: 19-21 September 2025, 10am-5pm (11am to 8pm on Friday)
Where: Carriageworks, Wilson St, Eveleigh
Cost: Adults: $6, Kids (0-12 yrs) free tickets online at here or at the door.
Watson’s Bay Spring Market
This annual spring market held at one of the city’s most beautiful harbour locations features over 100 stalls selling handmade homewares, art, and clothing for the whole family, even your pets!
Plenty of Christmas gift ideas including candles, skincare products, gifts, wrapping paper and gourmet food.
When: Sunday 21st September, 2025 9am-3pm
Where: Robinson Park, Watson’s Bay (right next to the ferry wharf)
While you are there take a walk out to the lighthouse for some of the finest views in the city.
Theatre: Musicals, Opera, and Drama
Back to the Future: The Musical
The Tony Award-winning musical makes its Australian premiere at the Sydney Lyric Theatre, featuring Broadway star Roger Bart as Doc Brown. This stage adaptation of the beloved film brings the time-traveling adventure to life with spectacular effects and the iconic songs we know and love.
Broadway legend Roger Bart, who won acclaim for this role in both the West End and on Broadway, leads an outstanding Australian cast in this Olivier Award-winning production.
When: From 26 September 2025
Where: Sydney Lyric Theatre
Cost: $ l Book online
Here You Come Again
This new musical comedy, produced with Dolly Parton, brings the country legend’s greatest hits to the stage. The show follows a superfan whose imagined version of Dolly helps guide him through life’s challenges, featuring classics like “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You.”
Broadway’s Tricia Paoluccio stars as Dolly alongside Australian performer Dash Kruck (Little Shop of Horrors, Jesus Christ Superstar). Written by Emmy Award-winner Bruce Vilanch and adapted for Australian audiences.
When: From 12 September 2025
Where: Theatre Royal Sydney
Tickets: $69-$129
Dirty Dancing in Concert
Experience the beloved classic film like never before with a full-size cinema screening accompanied by a live band and singers performing the iconic soundtrack.
This unique concert experience includes the complete digitally remastered film followed by an encore party where you can dance to your favorite songs.
When: 6 September 2025, 3pm and 8pm
Where: Darling Harbour Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Cost: $79-$149
Musical anD Dance
Night at the Barracks
Find yourself captivated once more by some of the biggest names in music set against this mesmerising backdrop steeped in history and natural beauty, perched high above Sydney Harbour in Manly. A premium open-air experience like no other!
When: 12 Sept – 5 Oct 2025
Where: The Barracks Precinct, North Head Sanctuary, Manly
Cost: from $79. More details here.
SongRites at Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House presents an extraordinary celebration of First Nations songlines and storytelling. The four-day festival features performances that blend ancient traditions with contemporary artforms, including the Sydney premiere of Song Spirals, a mesmerizing dance and projection work based on the songlines of North East Arnhem Land.
A highlight is Arrkula Yinbayarra (Together We Sing), featuring the Borroloola Songwomen and Dr Shellie Morris AO, presenting a powerful reclamation of endangered Indigenous languages through music and story.
When: 3-6 September 2025
Where: Western Foyers, Sydney Opera House
Cost: From $35, Kids under 12 free for most performances Bookings: sydneyoperahouse.com
Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra Emerging Composer Workshops
Experience contemporary classical music in development at these unique workshops mentored by Australian composer Harry Sdraulig. The sessions offer insight into the composition process and showcase emerging talent.
When: Tuesdays 2, 9 & 16 September 2025, 7:30pm
Where: Ku-ring-gai Town Hall
Bookings: www.kpo.org.au
Sydney Chamber Choir: Connections
Experience three generations of musical direction as former directors Nicholas Routley and Paul Stanhope join current conductor Sam Allchurch for this special 50th anniversary concert.
Photo by Robert Catto, on Tuesday 12 November, 2024. Please credit & tag the photographer when images are used – @robertcatto on Instagram, Threads & Twitter, @robertcattophotographer on Facebook.
The program spans centuries of sacred music, from Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary Australian works, including pieces by Nigel Butterley, Aija Draguns, and Clare Maclean.
When: Sunday 28 September 2025, 3pm
Where: Verbrugghen Hall, Sydney Conservatorium of Music
Art and Exhibitions
Sydney Contemporary
Sydney’s premier art fair celebrates its ninth edition with an unprecedented showcase of contemporary art. Over 500 artists from galleries across Australia and New Zealand will transform Carriageworks into an immersive art experience, featuring everything from traditional paintings to cutting-edge installations and live performances.
A highlight includes internationally acclaimed artist Dr Christian Thompson AO performing his work Recital, which weaves his endangered Bidjara language into a powerful vocal performance. Award-winning artist Lisa Reihana CNZM debuts a spectacular site-specific installation at the entrance, featuring thousands of shimmering discs that create a mesmerizing gateway inspired by traditional Māori architecture.
When: 11 – 14 September 2025
Where: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh
Cost: Tickets available online at sydneycontemporary.com.au
Oz Comic-Con
Oz Comic-Con caters to all, whether you identify as a Muggle, a Marshmallow, an Earper, a Jedi, a Whovian, or even if you’re completely unfamiliar with these terms. As long as you have a love for popular culture and enjoy a fun-filled day out, we have something exciting waiting for you!
When: 20-21 September 2025
Where: Sydney Showground
Film Festival
Africa Film Festival Australia (AFFA)
A vibrant celebration of African cinema returns to Sydney, showcasing contemporary films, animation, and cultural events across multiple venues. The festival features Australian premieres, industry talks, and special events that highlight the diversity and creativity of African storytelling.
Festival Highlights:
- Opening Night: I Do Not Come to You by Chance – Australian premiere of Nigerian comedy-drama at Sydney Opera House
- Fanon – Powerful biopic exploring the life of philosopher Frantz Fanon
- Stories from the Motherland – Animation showcase celebrating African animators
- Special Events: Pre-screening Afrobeats reception, industry forums, and workshops
- Closing Night: Award-winning Ghanaian comedy The Fisherman
When: 4-7 September 2025
Where: Multiple venues including Sydney Opera House and Riverside Theatres Parramatta
Cost: from $20 More Info: Visit africafilmfest.au
Sydney Underground Film Festival
Featuring a full-scale cinematic smorgasbord of must-see feature and documentary films from around the globe, exciting Australian premieres and unforgettable shorts and live events, this not-for-profit annual film festival is an integral part of Sydney’s film industry and screen culture.
When: 11-14 September 2025 – More on the official site
Where: Dendy Newtown, King St, Newtown
Food and Drinks
Five Dock “Little Italy” Food Tour
Discover one of Sydney’s original Italian Communities on this walking tour of Five Dock and discover their passion and taste their delicious products!
This is a great experience for locals or visitors to Sydney wanting to see a slice of everyday life.
When: 13 September 2025
Where: Meet in front of Fred Kelly Place, just back off Great North Road Five Dock
Tickets: $50 per person (includes one coffee and 4 tastings Book here
Sports and Outdoors
Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney
The course is set at the base of the stunning Blue Mountains and features the iconic Penrith Lakes for the swim, located at the International Regatta Centre. The bike route offers breathtaking views of the Nepean River and the Blue Mountains. The run course circles the renowned Sydney International Regatta Centre (SIRC), providing a scenic and memorable experience for all participants.
When: 21 September 2025
Where: Penrith
More Info here
Regional Events
Kiama Folk Festival
This intimate folk festival showcases a diverse range of folk, world, roots, Celtic, and bluegrass music. Around 30 folk music artists from across Australia.
Folk by the Sea is proudly presented by volunteers from the Illawarra Folk Club Inc., the same dedicated group that brings you regular folk music concerts in the Illawarra region and the world-renowned Illawarra Folk Festival.
While onsite camping is unavailable this year, numerous nearby caravan parks and other quality accommodations in and around Kiama offer comfortable alternatives.
When: 12 September 2025
Where: Kiama Showground
Dapto Country Show
Experience a day of agricultural fun at the Dapto Country Show. Get up close with farmyard favorites at the animal petting zoo, witness the skills of sheep shearers and whip crackers, and learn about reptiles at the live shows. Meet Charlie the Braham Steer and Hephner the Alpaca.
Enjoy live entertainment on stage with a magic show and local singing and dancing studios. Explore the poultry exhibit, pavilion exhibitions, and side show alley. Kids will love the free fun zone with interactive workshops and activities. Plus, there’s much more to discover, including the Australian Motorlife Museum, RFS & SES Illawarra displays, show bags, and a variety of food options.
When: 27 September 2025, 10am-5pm
Where: The Groundz Precinct “Dapto Showground” 89 Princes Highway, Dapto
Tulip Time
Experience a burst of colours and floral enchantment at the Tulip Time Festival in the Southern Highlands. The focus of Tulip Time is the spectacular display of 80,000 mass-planted tulips. The breathtaking display of colours and designs is based on a bright spring theme.
Tulip Time will feature daily entertainment, popular food and market stalls, along with the Country Women’s Association (CWA) homemade scones and sandwiches to raise funds for their wonderful community organisation.
When: TBC
Where: Corbett Gardens, Bendooley Street, Bowral
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