What’s On in Melbourne in September 2026

Hello spring! September heralds the start of spring, which means (hopefully) warmer weather and beautiful blooms around the city. And, of course, plenty to keep you entertained!

Here’s a curated selection of the must-dos happening this September in Melbourne.

Melbourne weather in September

It’s still chilly! September is the tail end of winter with a hangover of some of the cold weather. Temperatures average between 8 and 17 degrees (46 to 63 Fahrenheit).

There’s usually not many huge rainfalls (last September we had a total of 17.6mm), but you can expect a little rain sprinkled over 16 days of the month.

Check the upcoming Melbourne weather forecast online, and read my full guide to spring in Melbourne.

Public holidays in Melbourne in September

In September, we have one public holiday: the day before the AFL Grand Final, on 25 September.

And, of course, there are school holidays, from 19 September to 4 October. 

Major events and festivals in September

Check back regularly throughout the month – I’ll keep this page updated as I hunt down more events!

NFL

The first time an NFL regular game will be played in Australia! The Jonas Brothers will headline the half-time show.

Melbourne Royal Show

There’ll be the usual fun to be had: games, rides, livestock shows, cooking demonstrations and, of course, sheds full of showbags.

AFL Grand Final

If you can’t get tickets to the match at the MCG, then catch up with a group of mates at the pub to see who’ll be this year’s champion.

Melbourne Fringe Festival

Melbourne’s most democratic arts festival is back on this year, with a program that features everything from dance to theatre to experimental performances.

Theatre, film and music

Pretty Woman the Musical

One of the most beloved rom-coms of all time comes to the stage.

A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical

Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, A Beautiful Noise is the uplifting true story of how a kid from Brooklyn became a chart busting, show-stopping American rock icon. 

SIX the Musical

The global smash hit is coming back to Melbourne – again! From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard and Catherine Parr are ready to turn up the mic once again, remixing five hundred years of history into an 80-minute electrifying pop-concert fit for royalty. 

The Songs of John Farnham

Musical stars from Celine Dion to Hugh Jackman to Tina Arena and Jimmy Barnes will pay tribute to Australian legend John Farnham. This “celebration concert” will also raise funds for Head & Neck Cancer Australia.

Burn the Floor

Starring the world’s finest international champion dancers, Burn The Floor showcases a melting pot of dance styles with infectious, rebellious energy and groundbreaking choreography. 

Koreaboo

Hannah had her trip all planned out. Travel to Korea. Visit her birth mother. Spend a golden summer creating precious memories. But when she arrives in Seoul reality hits hard. Her Umma works in a convenience store day and night, barely taking a break. She seems more interested in stacking shelves and re-arranging the garden gnome display than connecting with her long-lost Australian daughter. 

GRIMM: Tales from the Brothers Grimm

Within the walls of an abandoned drinking house in the deep dark forest, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and many others emerge from the thicket to share the truth behind their stories – warts and all. 

Candelight Concert Series with Fever

Fever brings their stunning candlelit concerts to venues across Melbourne. There’s everything from the Best of Frank Sinatra and Fleetwood Mac to tributes to Queen and Beyonce.

Melbourne Magic Show

Have your mind blown by the magic and illusion of Master Magician Luke Hocking.

Italian Film Festival

Escape to Italy through film with the St Ali Italian Film Festival at Cinema Nova.

Museums and art

ENCORE! 50 Objects. 50 Years. One Collection

Explore treasures from across Australia’s performing arts history – including Kylie’s legendary gold hot pants, costumes worn by Olivia Newton-John and Hugh Jackman, and Midnight Oil drummer Rob Hirst’s drum kit.

Melbourne Winter Masterpieces: Cartier

This year’s Winter Masterpieces brings the elegance of CARTIER to Melbourne’s NGV. There are almost 400 dazzling jewels and gems from the house of Cartier’s collection.

NGV Friday Nights

Experience the CARTIER exhibition after dark at NGV with weekly curated experiences featuring live music residencies, pop-up performances and activations, alongside drinks, dining and unlimited entry to the CARTIER exhibition.

Margaret Preston

The art of Margaret Preston has shaped the cultural and aesthetic landscape of Australia – come see her works.

Future Country

Spanning weaving, photography, sculpture, possum-skin- cloak making, moving image, sound and design, this exhibition celebrates emerging First Nations artists. The artists and designers have been paired with established Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives.

ROME: Empire, Power, People

Featuring original statues, mosaics, frescoes, jewellery and everyday objects from the humblest to the most sumptuous, this exhibition explores Rome’s political, cultural and social life.

Planetarium Nights

Head to Scienceworks for an adults-only, after dark experience. September’s events include Distant Worlds: Alien Life? and Space Tour.

Experience the Dome Promenade

One of Melbourne’s most iconic buildings has opened a hidden part that hasn’t been accessible to the public for 100 years.

Food events in September

Moon Fest Market

From traditional mooncakes to sizzling street food, enjoy a range of treats from local and international cuisine. You can also expect cultural performances, live music and interactive activities.

Community events, festivals and shopping

Puffing Billy Running Festival

Run alongside a cultural icon – can you beat Puffing Billy?!

Tesselaar Tulip Festival

Surround yourself with an explosion of colour at this annual tulip festival. 

Chinese Traditional Cultural Festival

The Chinese Traditional Cultural Festival returns to Fed Square for a full day of Chinese culture, mythology and modern creativity in Melbourne.

Tram Sarong Festival

Indulge in authentic Malaysian food, from sizzling satay skewers to a variety of kuih and a hot cup of freshly brewed teh tarik.

RESET

A free festival of family-friendly events, art installations and hands-on workshops, encouraging visitors to reconnect with nature, explore creative approaches to sustainability and discover practical ways to live a greener life.

Zero Waste Festival

Learn how to reduce your waste and improve your sustainability at this one-day festival.

What are you most excited to see and do in September in Melbourne?