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. People are happy to be out and about again enjoying the slightly warmer weather. 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. Prices for accommodation and flights rise the week before the school holidays begin.

The Spring school holidays are from Monday 30 September to Friday 11 October 2024

If you are visiting Sydney in late September, book ahead for the best rates as September is also finals season for winter sports, including the Australian Rugby League and AFL competitions. Perhaps make the most of this and grab a chance to watch a game. Attending a footy final in Australia is a great cultural experience.

Average Temperatures: 21-11°C (50-68 °F) While each year varies last September saw only four days of rain.

New events and updated content are added to these pages as it becomes available. If you have an event, you think our readers may be interested in, please contact us. 

This page contains affiliate links. Please see our full disclosure policy for details.

Major September Events in Sydney

Annual festivals in September include:

• Festival of the Winds
• The Sydney Fringe Festival
• Blackmore Running Festival

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: TBC
Where: Bondi Pavilion Park and Beach
More here

Sydney Fringe Festival

The Sydney Fringe Festival is the largest independent arts festival in NSW annually hosting over 400 events across 21 postcodes during the  30-day festival. Everything from stand-up comedy and theatre to cabaret and performance art.

When: 1-30 September
Where: Various locations including hubs in Newtown, Paddington and The Rocks
Cost: varies from $12 up More info on the official site

Festivals, Fairs and Community Events

Markets

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: TBC
Where: Foley Park, corner of Bridge Road and Glebe Point Road
More info on the Official site

Watson’s Bay Spring Market

This annual 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: TBC
Where: Robinson Park, Watson’s Bay
More info on the event site

While you are there take a walk out to the lighthouse for some of the finest views in the city.

The Makers and Shakers Market

Support local creators at the Spring Makers and Shakers market. Over 120 stalls of slow fashion, homewares, food and best of all, it is all Australian Made!

When: TBC
Where: White Bay Cruise Terminal
Cost: $5 for adults, $2 for kids, and no pets allowed – More info on the event site

The Coal Loader Artisans Market

This sustainable and unique market is held four times a year, on the first Sunday of the season at the beautiful historic site of the Coal Loader.

Where: The Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability 2 Balls Head Dr, Waverton
When: TCB

Carriageworks Spring Seasonal Market

Carriageworks, one of Australia’s most significant contemporary multi-arts organisations, today announced the return of its Spring Seasonal Market. Two brand new stallholders join the market this Spring, returning throughout the year, including Leaning Oak, an artisan cheese factory in Somersby that uses locally sourced cows and goats milk.

Where: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh NSW 2015
When:
Cost: Free Admission More details here

Musicals, Opera, and Theatre in Sydney in September

Film Festival

Sydney Underground Film Festival

Lots of good things happen at the Factory Theatre in Marrickville, and this 4-day festival is most certainly a good thing! The event will showcase the best of independent and alternative films from Australia and overseas.

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: TBC
Where: Dendy Newtown, King St, Newtown
Cost: from $10
More on the official site

A Night of Horror International Film Festival (ANOH)

Australia’s longest-running showcase of horror and dark genre cinema, A Night of Horror International Film Festival (ANOH) has unveiled its frighteningly fantastic 2023 program.

Screening the very best in freaky, macabre and spine-chilling films from around the globe, a total of ten features and 31 short films.

When: TBC
Where: Dendy Cinema, 261-263 King St, Newtown
Cost: $15 – $25. Buy tickets here
View the full program here

Music, Comedy 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: TBC
Where: The Barracks Precinct, North Head Sanctuary, Manly, NSW
Cost: from $79. More details here

Live at the Great: James Morrison Acoustic

Experience Australia’s beloved ‘Genius of Jazz’ James Morrison up close and personal for one special night at the Great, bringing his concert series live.

An evening of swinging jazz standards, sublime ballads, and haunting Latin numbers with a few surprises thrown in.

When: TBC
Where: The Great Synagogue 187 Elizabeth Street Sydney
Cost: From $32.57. More details here

Art and Exhibitions

Sydney Contemporary

Defined by the vibrancy of its host city, Sydney Contemporary provides collectors, industry professionals and the art-loving public access to cutting-edge art from some of the world’s most respected artists and galleries as well as the opportunity to discover new, emerging talent.

You don’t need to be an art buff to enjoy Sydney Contemporary. Three hundred artists, from more than 30 countries with everything from performance art to large-scale installations. The Fair is also home to restaurants, cafes and bespoke bars making it an all-encompassing art and dining experience.

When: TBC
Where: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh NSW
More: on the official site

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: TBC
Where: Sydney Showground
Tickets: From $25. Full guide here

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: TBC
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

St Ives Food and Wine Festival

Get ready for a bigger and better celebration of delicious food, tantalising wine and family fun!

This spectacular spring event attracts visitors from near and far thanks to its stellar showcase of over 50 food, wine and lifestyle stalls and an awesome line-up of entertainment for the young to the young at heart!

When: TBC
Where: St Ives Village Green, Memorial Avenue St Ives
Full details here

Sports and Outdoors

World Time Attack Challenge Sydney

World Time Attack Challenge (WTAC) is the world’s largest time attack festival and is exclusively held at Sydney Motorsport Park. The concept of time attack racing is simple, all drivers and cars race against the clock for their one perfect lap. WTAC also features an international drift competition, a huge outdoor show and shine, and the largest trader and activations area yet.

When: TBC
Where: Ferrers Road Eastern Creek
Cost: from $64.30 More details here

Sydney Running Marathon

Run across the Sydney Harbour Bridge and finish at the Sydney Opera House.

When: TBC
Where: Bradfield Park Alfred Street South, Milsons Point
Cost: $125pp More details here

Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney

Athletes will race on a fast course that includes the iconic Penrith Lakes and the stunning Blue Mountains as a backdrop.

When: TBC
Where: Old Castlereagh Road, Castlereagh
More Info here 

Regional Events

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
Full guide here

Dubbo Dream Festival – Connect | Celebrate | Illuminate

Dubbo DREAM Festival celebrates all forms of creativity from lights, lanterns, music, markets, art competitions and more.

Check out the program jam-packed full of things that are new and interesting to spark the imagination of attendees. From enlightening experiences such as lantern-making workshops or Fong Lees Lane to the well-known favourites: DREAM Lanterns, which includes the lantern parade, market stalls and entertainment to suit everyone.

Feature events include Sky Castle by ENESS, the Aussie Night markets, Catching Dreams – Pinot & Picasso, Zoocoustic and more!

When: TBC
Where: Dubbo NSW
Cost: free More: Visit the festival website

Leura Garden Festival

After the remarkable achievement of last year’s Festival, the organizing committee has opted to extend the 2023 Festival to span four days during the upcoming October long weekend.

The beautiful garden located at Everglades, a property under the care of the National Trust, has been a longstanding supporter of the Festival. Regrettably, for various reasons, the National Trust has reached the challenging decision to abstain from participating in this year’s Festival.

When: TBC
Where: Leura Blue Mountains
Check the website for more details

Have questions about things to see and do in Sydney?
Head over and join our Facebook Group and we will be happy to help