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.
This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).
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 297September.
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.
Dates: 26 September-6 October
Where: Melbourne Showgrounds
Cost: From $16
More info: Website
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.
Dates: 28 September
Where: MCG – but the match will be aired at venues around the city
More info: AFL website
Theatre, film and music
Tina: Tina Turner the Musical
The life of the Queen of Rock ‘n Roll on stage – with all the hits you know.
Dates: From 21 September
Where: Princess Theatre
Cost: From $56
More info: Website
Six
Returning to Melbourne, the six wives of Henry VIII tell their stories through music, rewriting 500 years of history.
Dates: Throughout September
Where: Comedy Theatre
Cost: From $75
More info: Website
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.
Dates: Various dates in September
Where: Various venues
Cost: From $27
More info: Website
Beauty and the Beast
The much-loved classic tale comes to the stage in a spectacular performance.
Dates: Throughout September
Where: Her Majesty’s Theatre
Cost: From $80
More info: Website
Melbourne Magic Show
Have your mind blown by the magic and illusion of Master Magician Luke Hocking.
Dates: Throughout September
Where: Melbourne Marriott Hotel
Cost: From $39.95
More info: Website
Italian Film Festival
Escape to Italy through film with the St Ali Italian Film Festival at Cinema Nova.
Dates: From 20 September
Where: Cinema Nova
Cost: Tickets from $16.50
More info: Website
Museums and art
Jurassic World: The Exhibition
This immersive experience brings you face-to-face with life-sized dinosaurs. Walk through the iconic Jurassic World gates and prepare to be in awe as the ground-breaking movie franchise is brought to life.
Dates: Throughout September
Where: Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre, 62 Dawson Street, Brunswick
Cost: From $59
More info: Website
The Art of Banksy: Without Limits
The Art of Banksy: Without Limits features more than 180 artworks, such as certified art, prints on different kinds of materials, photos, sculptures, installations, digital installations, murals and mapping shows.
Dates: Throughout September
Where: The District Docklands
Cost: From $41
More info: Website
Pharaoh
Presented in partnership with the British Museum, this NGV exhibition celebrates 3,000 years of ancient Egyptian art and culture.
Dates: Throughout September
Where: NGV
Cost: From $38
More info: Website
NGV Friday Nights
Music, eating and drinking plus late-night exclusive access to the Pharaoh exhibition = a perfect night out.
Dates: Friday nights throughout September
Where: NGV
Cost: From $40
More info: NGV website
Victoria the T. rex
Come meet Melbourne Museum’s newest visitor, Victoria the T. rex – a 12-metre-long, 3.6-metre-high, 66-million-year-old Tyrannosaurus rex fossil.
Dates: Throughout September
Where: Melbourne Museum
Cost: From $18
More info: Website
Africa Fashion
More than 200 works will feature in the NGV’s Africa Fashion exhibit, which celebrates the creativity, ingenuity, and global impact of contemporary African fashions from the mid-twentieth century to the present day.
Dates: Throughout September
Where: NGV
Cost: From $25
More info: Website
Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius
The Lume’s newest immersive exhibition celebrates the life and art of of Italian polymath Leonardo da Vinci.
Dates: Throughout September
Where: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Cost: From $44.90
More info: Website
Planetarium Nights
Head to Scienceworks for an adults-only, after dark experience. September’s events include Worlds of Ice (travel through the many dimensions of ice to the farthest reaches of the solar system) and Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon (a tribute to the band’s iconic album).
Dates: Friday nights throughout September
Where: Scienceworks
Cost: Tickets from $25
More info: Website
Monopoly Dreams
Immerse yourself in giant Monopoly sets, win prizes and – most importantly – stay out of jail!
Dates: Throughout September
Where: Melbourne Central
Cost: From $38.50
More info: Website
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.
Dates: Various dates in September
Where: Royal Exhibition Building
Cost: From $29 for adults
More info: Museums Victoria website
Food events in September
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.
Dates: 21-22 September
Where: Queen Vic Market
Cost: Free entry
More info: Queen Vic Market website
Community events, festivals and shopping
Tesselaar Tulip Festival
Surround yourself with an explosion of colour at this annual tulip festival.
Dates: From 14 September
Where: Silvan
Cost: Adults from $35
More info: Website
Affordable Art Fair
Pick up a piece of art for your walls at this art fair, with everything under $10,000.
Dates: Until 1 September
Where: Royal Exhibition Building
Cost: From $21.35
More info: Website
Zero Waste Festival
Learn how to reduce your waste and improve your sustainability at this one-day festival.
Dates: 14 September
Where: Fed Square
Cost: Free
More info: Website
What are you most excited to see and do in September in Melbourne?
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Best Melbourne resources
- Check out my Melbourne travel guide for everything you need to know about planning a trip to Melbourne
- Look for flights to Melbourne on Skyscanner.
- Book accommodation on Booking.com or Expedia for your Melbourne trip. The Ovolo Laneways Hotel is a good choice in the CBD.
- You won’t really need a car in Melbourne, but if you do want to get out of the city, then rent a car through DiscoverCars.
- Pick up a copy of the Lonely Planet Pocket Melbourne to help plan your trip.