What’s On in Melbourne in September (Updated for 2023)

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, but you can expect a little rain on around 9 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 29 September.

And, of course, there are school holidays, from 18 to 29 September. 

Major events and festivals in September

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

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.

Theatre, film and music

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Clearly a fan favourite, because this musical spectacular is returning to Melbourne!

Death of a Salesman

One of the world’s most well-known plays comes to Melbourne, starring Anthony LaPaglia.

Museums and art

Connection at The Lume

The Lume – the incredibly immersive art experience – welcomes a stunning First Nations exhibition called Connection.

The Friends Experience

Recreate your favourite Friends scenes at this fun new exhibit, which includes sets such as Monica’s kitchen.

Pierre Bonnard: Designed by India Mahdavi

Curated by Paris’s Musée d’Orsay, see the works of the great French painter Pierre Bonnard at NGV as part of the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces.

NGV Friday Nights

Music, eating and drinking plus late-night exclusive access to the Pierre Bonnard exhibition = a perfect night out.

Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature

Melbourne Museum is bringing fantastic beasts and creatures to wonder at.

Sutr Santati: Then. Now. Next.

Curated by Lavina Baldota of the Abheraj Baldota Foundation, this brand-new exhibition brings together diverse and stunning textile traditions of India. 

Goddess: Power, Glamour, Rebellion

Marilyn Monroe. Geena Davis. Halle Berry. Margot Robbie. Michelle Yeoh. These – and more – screen goddesses are recognised in a new exhibition at ACMI.

Gandel Gondwana Garden

Gondwana – the huge supercontinent that formed a mere 500 million years ago and connected Australia to much of the Southern Hemisphere – is brought to life in a new exhibition at Melbourne Museum.

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

Malaysian Festival

Experience a bustling hawker market where you can enjoy authentic hawker food across East and West Malaysia.

Mid-Autumn Moon Festival

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

Tesselaar Tulip Festival

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

Affordable Art Fair

Pick up a piece of art for your walls at this art fair, with everything under $10,000.

Melbourne International Games Week

Gamers can see and play the latest in digital games – everything from testing out your Mario Kart skills to learning about the importance of audio.

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