05 September 2024
20 mins Read
Spring has sprung and as we’re collectively coming out of hibernation, lots is happening around Australia!
Whether you’re up for getting down at a live music event, looking for foodie fun, keen to admire local art or want to welcome spring with a flower festival, there are events for all tastes in Australia. Here’s what’s happening around the country this September.
NSW | Vic | Qld | Tas | WA | SA | NT | ACT
Held at North Head Sanctuary in the beachside suburb of Manly, Night at the Barracks has been crafted to re-imagine the live-event experience.
The evening event allows attendees to indulge in a diverse program of live, open-air concerts against a gorgeous backdrop and with a commitment to sustainability. This year, guests can enjoy a truly inspiring line-up, including Matt Corby, Xavier Rudd, Birds of Tokyo Jessica Mauboy and Pete Murray.
Get ready for a rocking night out. (Image: Night at the Barracks)
The iconic Broken Heel Festival is a bucket-list experience inspired by the cult movie and stage musical, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. It’s all about sequins, feather boas, glitter and disco balls, as well as inclusivity, creativity and fun in the outback town of Broken Hill.
At this outback festival like no other, you’ll be treated to comedy and cabaret shows, live music, workshops and the unmissable Saturday Main Street Parade. This year, Broken Heel celebrates 30 years, so expect to see stars like Kita Mean, Bebe Gunn, Dame Liz, Gayleen Tuckwood and more.
Put on your best feather boa for Broken Heel Festival. (Image: Destination NSW)
An array of artful events will make up Sydney Design Week this year, hosted by the Powerhouse Museum and held at venues across Sydney. Titled In Between Worlds, the diverse program responses to ideas of inclusivity, sustainability, culture and connection.
The line-up this year is a whirlwind of talent and inspiration. Internationally acclaimed Morrocon artist and photographer Hassan Hajjaj and architect and researcher Anna Puigjanerwill both make appearances, just to throw a few names out there.
Corbett Gardens in the picturesque Southern Highlands town of Bowral is about to become even more beautiful thanks to the Tulip Time Festival. Over 75,000 tulip bulbs and 15,000 annuals are set to bloom, creating a stunning tapestry of colours and patterns for you to witness.
With program highlights like the Tulip Time Garden Party, Tulips After Dark and Dog’s Day Out, it’s sure to be a hoot. Turn it into a springcation by booking a stay at Osborn House, one of the region’s best accommodation offerings.
Spot thousands of tulips in full bloom. (Image: Southern Highlands)
Lowe Family Wine Co in the NSW Central West town of Mudgee is welcoming the warmer weather with its Spring Workshop Series. Running every Sunday throughout September, the workshops will focus on a new skill in each session.
Try your hand at cooking with native food, pasta making or biodynamic gardening. Or learn about sourdough basics and cooking from the garden. Whatever you choose, you’re bound to learn something new at one of Mudgee’s best wineries – and have fun while doing it.
Lowe Wines will host the exciting spring-themed workshops.
Gastronomes should be heading to Jervis Bay this month for Coastal Forage. The 10-course degustation lunch will unfold along the white sands between Moona Moona Creek Reserve and Plantation Point.
The culinary showcase involves meandering along eight kilometres of stunning coastline, stopping in at a variety of food stations. As well as sampling local food and wine, groups of 20-25 people can meet local markers and learn about Jervis Bay’s flora and fauna. Grab tickets before it’s too late!
Divulge in deliciousness at Moona Moona Creek Reserve.
Taking over the ICC for three days only this September, the Cake, Bake and Sweets Show is all about celebrating (and satiating) your sweet tooth. The smell of delicious, freshly baked goods is sure to fill the air and entice guests in, one cupcake at a time.
From food stalls to live demonstrations and hands-on workshops, there’s plenty to get stuck into. If you prefer snacks on the savour side, head over to the Home Cooking Show next door; it’s on at the same time.
TiggaMac will be at the Sydney Cake, Bake and Sweets Show this year.
This year’s edition of the beloved Sydney Fringe Festival will feature an exciting program of over 400 events, with four major festival hubs taking over the city for the month of September. As Sydney’s largest independent arts festival, you won’t want to miss this collection of immersive, exciting events.
Why not wander the free Yalgali First Nation markets, where you can purchase goods, take part in workshops and enjoy live music? Or attend the new 27 Club event – which features music by Janis Joplin, Amy Winehouse, Kurt Cobain and Jimi Hendrix? There’s something for everyone, so nab tickets now.
Check out interactive art installations in Barangaroo.
With spring in the air, now is the perfect time to treat yourself to a day out in Sydney with the whole family. Hosted by Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park, you’re invited to a glorious Teddy Bear High Tea in partnership with multi-generational brand Build-A-Bear.
Delight in a three-tiered high tea featuring a range of traditional favourites, from sandwiches to cake pops. There will also be an exclusive Sheraton Build-A-Bear to take home. Bookings are available weekdays and Sundays from 11 am to 3 pm, with tickets priced at $89 for adults and $55 for child (aged for to 12).
Indulge in all your high-tea favourites.
The 2024 Victorian Top Tourism Town winner will showcase over 50 events and experiences celebrating its parks and gardens, arts, food and beverage with Bendigo Bloom. The exciting program includes garden and forest walks, Dumawul First Nation tours, open artist studios, food markets and more.
Guests can also look forward to highlights like the Annual Tulip Display, where 43,000 tulips bloom along the town’s main boulevard. There’s also the Chinese Harvest Moon Festival, Heathcote Wine and Food Festival and Vegecarian Festival, which is all about loving food and animals.
Over 43,000 tulips will bloom along Bendigo’s Pall Mall.
To honour the centenary of Giacomo Puccini’s death, Melbourne Opera will present Puccini Festival, a highlight reel of the Italian composer’s most-loved hits. Held at the iconic Athenaeum Theatre in Melbourne, the festival is promised to deliver.
Puccini Festival will see some of Australia’s finest singers take to the stage, performing selections from Suor Angelica, Madama Butterfly, Tosca, Manon Lescaut and more. There will also be a new, fully staged production of the celebrated La Boheme, as well as a Puccini Gala.
Lovers of salty, oceanic flavours should make haste to the seaside town of San Remo for the Tidal Seafood Festival. Come along to join the local community as they celebrate the heritage, history and top-quality seafood this little pocket of Gippsland is known for.
Come down to try local bites, meet new friends and enjoy the sun by the sea. Attend one of the many demonstrations and activities held throughout the festival, with all profits being shared with the local SES and CFA (Country Fire Authority).
The seaside town of San Remo is known for its top-notch seafood.
After a hugely popular inaugural event, Hyatt Centric Melbourne will host round two of Comedy Centric this September for one night only. Hosted by Kelsey De Almedia in the hotel’s intimate Langlands Restaurant and Bar, guests should prepare for some serious giggles.
Taking to the stage and promising a belly full of laughs are Anthony Lehmann, Ting Lim, Kirsty Webeck and Takashi Wakasugi, just to name a few. Tickets are on sale now, priced at $37 a head.
Tie your laces and start your (steam) engines, the Puffing Billy Running Festival is back. The event kicks off on Saturday with two family-friendly races: the 1.2-kilometre Kids Dash and the 5-kilometre Family Fun Run.
The real action begins on Sunday. Race against two colossal Puffing Billy Railway steam locomotives over 13.5 kilometres, winding between the towns of Belgrave and Emerald in the Dandenong Ranges. For those pushing the limits, there’s also a 21-kilometre road run and half marathon.
Can you beat the historic Puffing Billy steam train?
Spring is just around the corner and what better way to celebrate than with a festival of blooms? Cherryhill Orchards in the Yarra Valley is well known for its delicious cherries, but its the Cherryhill Blossom Festival you need to pop on your calendar.
The annual event allows visitors to enjoy the delicious sight of countless cherry blossoms come to life. But there are also creative workshops, food trucks and the all-new Blossoms By Light event. So, grab your favourite sundress or straw hat and come along for a bloomin’ good time.
Picnic among the blooms at Cherryhill Orchard.
The river city’s most anticipated event of the year is back and better than ever. The curated multi-arts Brisbane Festival presents a bold program sure to captivate audiences through mesmerising performances and installations from local, national and international arts innovators.
Experience Brisbane’s sights at the iconic Riverfire fireworks experience and celebrate local stories at Trent Dalton’s Love Stories and Dream Weaver: Guardians of Grace. Brisbane Festival also features a line-up of international acts like Volcano, plus an Australian-exclusive presentation of Jean Paul Gaultier’s Fashion Freak Show.
Don’t miss the Australian-exclusive Fashion Freak Show. (Image: Mark Senior)
Toowoomba in Queensland is known for two things: as the home of the Lamington, and as the host of the Carnival of Flowers. Held every year in spring, the event blossoms to life with more than 40 million petals on display.
Bringing together the region’s best food, wine, flora and entertainment in the city’s public parks and spaces, it showcases all that Toowoomba and its surrounds have to offer. Along with beautiful blooms, the three-day Festival of Food and Wine will see Thirsty Merc, Kate Ceberano, Pete Murray and more take to the stage.
The festival celebrates the region’s best food, wine and flora.
September sees the return of the much-loved SWELL Sculpture Festival, Queensland’s largest outdoor sculpture exhibition. Attracting beach lovers and art enthusiasts alike, visitors can admire over 60 looming, contemporary sculptures along Currumbin Beach.
There will also be an exciting array of pop-up exhibitions across the gorgeous Gold Coast. Come face to face with awe-inspiring art by local and international artists, take part in guided walks, attend workshops, enjoy live music and join artist talks – all at SWELL 2024.
Admire over 60 sculptures along Currumbin Beach. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Staged in the spectacular Simpson Desert of Outback Queensland, the iconic Birdsville Races have a rich and long history spanning 142 years. Locals and visitors alike are invited to dress up country-style and spend the day in the sun with friends and family.
Over the weekend, there will also be gourmet dining experiences and live entertainment to keep you going between races. Guests can also purchase a 4.5-hour beer and wine package and enjoy a complimentary race book.
Get amongst the action at the Birdsville Races. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Reichlyn Aguilar)
Central Queensland’s premier food festival is back to showcase the best of local produce and wine from the stunning Rockhampton region. The Capricorn Food & Wine Festival invites guests to meet top chefs, enjoy signature experiences, join foodie masterclasses and more.
From a Rump and Rum dining experience with Shane Bailey from Noosa Boathouse to an exclusive seafood lunch with Amuse Dining’s Roel Van Camp, there’s something for all tastebuds.
Part music festival, part keynote conference, BIGSOUND is a Brisbane gathering of the music industry and all its like-minded people. As well as being a celebration of sound, the festival is all about showcasing the country’s top emerging talents.
Local and international acts will put on a show while guests are encouraged to network and collaborate in an environment that they’re bound to flourish in. From brunches and meetings to parties and performances, BIGSOUND is all about balance. Tickets are on sale now.
It’s the perfect opportunity to mingle with musos. (Image: Simone Gorman-Clark)
In honour of Women’s Health Week, come on down to Pier 33 in Mooloolaba for the Relaxed & Resilient Brunch by Glowable and Billy J. Its hosted by Glowable founder Tegan Marshall and Jaymee Morrison, who took out the award for Sunshine Coast Business Woman of the Year.
Be inspired by talks on holistic health and stress management. Take part in interactive workshops for everyday wellness. And meet like-minded women who are all about building community connections. It’s sure to be a delightful (and delicious) day.
Stretching along 220 kilometres of Tassie’s east coast this month, Great Eastern Wine Week is a 10-day festival celebrating the region’s best tipples and treats. The festival, which celebrates 10 years in 2024, includes over 30 events at some of the island state’s best wineries and local businesses.
Meet the winemakers, growers, producers and people who call this beautiful place home. Taste some of the region’s best locally sourced produce. And of course, have a glass (or two) of Tasmania’s award-winning, cool-climate wines. Tickets are on sale now!
Sit back and relax at some of the state’s best wineries. (Image: Big Shed Studios)
Junction Arts Festival is an annual gathering of extraordinary art experiences in unusual spaces throughout the city of Launceston. Junction was first presented as a one-off event annexed to the 2010 Regional Arts Australia Conference.
Since then, it has filled a creative niche and prompted Events Tasmania and the City of Launceston to support it annually, to the delight of Northern Tasmanian artists and audiences. This year, expect a lush springtime celebration with plenty of free and ticketed events.
Junction Arts Festival has become a community favourite. (Image: Jacob Collings)
What better way to say goodbye to winter than a plunge in the Bass Strait? In the Takayna/Tarkine town of Stanley, the community is gathering to do just that at Godfrey’s Beach. Take a dip if you dare!
The swim is part of CHArts Festival, a month-long celebration of the town’s culture, heritage and arts. After your refreshing dip, why not get amongst the local community at the festival’s other events, including live music, art exhibits, foodie feasts and more?
The swim will kick off at Godfrey’s Beach in Stanley. (Image: Tourism Tasmania & Kraig Carlstrom)
International film festival the Big Bike Film Night is currently touring Down Under and will be in Tasmania this September. Whether you’re a cycling enthusiast or not, you’re bound to be entertained, as 2024 is the event’s 10-year anniversary.
From adventure-filled films following biking treks through Bolivia to tear-jerking stories about father-daughter cycling trips around New Zealand, you’re guaranteed to laugh, cry and be inspired. Head to Hobart’s Stanley Burbury Lecture Theatre at 7pm to catch it.
The Perth Royal Show is Western Australia’s largest annual community event, welcoming countless visitors from across the state and beyond since 1834. This year, the show will continue to honour its traditional values of connecting the city and country.
Expect a unique mix of traditional agricultural fair events, entertainment, rides and attractions, great WA food and educational exhibits. With both new precincts and old favourites, it’s the perfect day out in Perth for the whole family.
The annual Margaret River Open Studios sees 143 artists across a rich array of mediums open their private studios for just 16 days in September. It’s the perfect opportunity for artists to meet, chat and network, and maybe even purchase some art too.
Meet your favourite local artist or discover someone completely new; there’s plenty to be inspired by in Margaret River and south west WA, from Busselton to Augusta. As well as artist studio openings, there’s a colourful array of workshops, classes and events to get involved with.
Meet talented local artists like Fi Wilkie. (Image: Jasmine Ann Gardiner)
It’s a slam dunk for Perth, with the city being confirmed as the host of the inaugural HoopsFest. Over four days in September, Perth will exclusively host all matches of the Australian NBL opening round. The pre-season competition for the Women’s NBL will also be played.
Basketball fans can also look forward to supporting events like Sneakerland – Australia’s largest sneaker culture festival. Additionally, the official HoopsFest Fan Festival at Forrest Place will offer live music, entertainment, street basketball and more.
Acclaimed artist Rone will be wrapping up his immersive art experience this month, so it’s your last chance to get amongst it. Held across 12 rooms at the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the full installation of TIME – RONE is blowing attendees away with its creativity.
The immersive exhibit features an artistic prohibition-themed bar, a limited-capacity sensory dining experience and the RONE Store, an online and in-gallery merch shop. As Rone’s only exhibition for 2024, you really don’t want to miss out.
Step into ‘The Newsagency’, just one room of the exhibit. (Image: RONE)
For one week in September, the Royal Adelaide Show takes over the South Australian capital to deliver fun for the whole family. Established in 1839, the show has fostered and encouraged the rural industries of South Australia for 181 years.
This year’s program is absolutely jam-packed. Think petting zoos, horticultural and handicraft displays, tours, foodie experiences, rides and live entertainment. Kids will love the Farmyard Nursery, while mum and dad can join the Cellar Door Experience.
There are plenty of rides to enjoy. (Image: The Royal Agricultural & Horticultural Society of SA)
Swing into September with the Rock N Roll Festival in Victor Harbor on South Australia’s beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula. Dust off your best dance shoes and get ready to boogie, it’s going to be a big one!
Inspired by the 1950s and ’60s, the event is all about letting loose and having fun. Along with a good dance, attendees can enjoy live music, memorabilia, market stalls, coastal views and an impressive historic vehicle display.
After rising to fame on TikTok, Luke and Sassy Scott are taking their antics live with their first-ever Aussie tour. The brothers are known for their hilarious pranks, crazy anecdotes and classic sibling rivalry, which has earned them a loyal online following.
Get ready to laugh the night away as the two take to the stage at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre Theatre. The iconic duo will also be hitting Sydney (6 September), Brisbane (8 September), Melbourne (15 September) and Perth (21 September). Tickets are on sale now.
The sibling duo are performing live across Australia.
Kakadu National Park in the Top End is truly a bird lover’s paradise; it is home to more than a third of Australia’s bird species. So, what better place to discover and learn all about the unique species of birds living in this magical part of the world?
The stunning park is dual World Heritage Listed for both its natural and cultural values. At Kakadu Bird Week, you can enjoy a host of exciting activities including birdwatching, wetlands cruises, Aboriginal cultural experiences and more.
Spot beautiful birds like the Azure Kingfisher in Kakadu National Park.
Head to the picturesque Darwin waterfront this month to celebrate the Vietnamese Lantern Festival. The magical evening is a free, family-friendly event, which will see the sky light up with a beautiful display of softly glowing lanterns.
There are plenty of other things to check out too, including live performances, interactive activities, fireworks, Vietnamese food vendors and the grand Big Moon Display. Don’t miss out on this enchanting, cultural celebration!
Held at Kakadu Billabong Safari Camp, the Mayali Mulil Festival is all about learning how Kakadu’s Indigenous peoples interact with the land. ‘Mayali’ is an Aboriginal language group from the Kakadu West Arnhem plateau region and ‘Mulil’ means many.
Take part in guided walks to discover bush tucker and medicinal plants. Create tools for hunting. Learn traditional weaving from Kakadu’s finest artists. Enjoy live music and dancing. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn about one of the world’s oldest living cultures.
Join in weaving workshops at the Mayali Mulil Festival.
One of the biggest spring festivals Australia has on offer is back in 2024. Spread throughout Canberra’s Commonwealth Park, Floriade blooms with over one million flowers that come alive with beauty, colour and vibrancy as spring arrives in the city.
There will be an amazing array of events, including entertainment, music, cultural celebrations, gourmet food, horticultural workshops, market stalls and activities. Other program highlights include NightFest, Dogs’ Day Out and the Great Big Bulb Dig. Floriade is free and non-ticketed, so what are you waiting for?
Floriade is one of Australia’s best spring festivals.
Mosey on down to the Australian National Botanic Gardens in Canberra this September and you’ll find Botanica Spirits & Food Festival. The focus of the festivities is in the name; Botanica is all about tasting, smelling and learning about the botanicals that are expertly crafted into award-winning gins and spirits.
Over 20 Australian distillers and crafters will be present this year, giving you a variety of businesses (and flavours) to choose from. Whether you opt to chill by the Live Stage with a cocktail from the Fever-Tree bar, join a masterclass or indulge in delicious food, you’re sure to leave Botanica feeling sated.
The Baking Association of Australia is cooking up a treat this month at the Canberra Institute of Technology – and you’re invited. If you have a penchant for freshly baked goods, get ready to indulge at the Canberra Baking Show.
From sweet pastries and fruit-filled cakes to just-out-of-the-oven bread and hearty meat pies, there’s plenty on offer for all tastebuds. At the end of the day, the best from each category will be crowned the winner; it’s a delicious day you don’t want to miss.
Sweet tooths will love the treats on offer. (Image: Pekic)
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