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 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.
Dates: 21 September-1 October
Where: Melbourne Showgrounds
Cost: From $15
More info: AFL 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: 30 September
Where: MCG – but the match will be played at venues around the city
More info: AFL website
Theatre, film and music
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Clearly a fan favourite, because this musical spectacular is returning to Melbourne!
Dates: Throughout September
Where: Regent Theatre
Cost: Tickets from $59
More info: Website
Death of a Salesman
One of the world’s most well-known plays comes to Melbourne, starring Anthony LaPaglia.
Dates: From 1 September
Where: Her Majesty’s Theatre
Cost: Tickets from $69
More info: Website
Museums and art
Connection at The Lume
The Lume – the incredibly immersive art experience – welcomes a stunning First Nations exhibition called Connection.
Dates: Throughout September
Where: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Cost: Tickets from $49
More info: The Lume website
The Friends Experience
Recreate your favourite Friends scenes at this fun new exhibit, which includes sets such as Monica’s kitchen.
Dates: Until November
Where: The District Docklands
Cost: From $25
More info: NGV website
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.
Dates: Until October
Where: NGV
Cost: From $33
More info: NGV website
NGV Friday Nights
Music, eating and drinking plus late-night exclusive access to the Pierre Bonnard exhibition = a perfect night out.
Dates: Friday nights throughout September
Where: NGV
Cost: From $40
More info: NGV website
Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature
Melbourne Museum is bringing fantastic beasts and creatures to wonder at.
Dates: Throughout September
Where: Melbourne Museum
Cost: Adults $32
More info: Website
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.
Dates: Until 3 September
Where: Melbourne Museum
Cost: Included in Melbourne Museum entry ticket
More info: Website
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.
Dates: Until October
Where: ACMI
Cost: $25 for adults
More info: Website
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.
Dates: Daily throughout September
Where: Melbourne Museum
Cost: Included with museum entry ($15)
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: $29 for adults
More info: Museums Victoria website
Food events in September
Malaysian Festival
Experience a bustling hawker market where you can enjoy authentic hawker food across East and West Malaysia.
Dates: 2-3 September
Where: Queen Vic Market
Cost: Free entry
More info: Queen Vic Market website
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: 23-24 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: 16 September-15 October
Where: Silvan
Cost: Adults from $33.50
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: 31 August-3 September
Where: Royal Exhibition Building
Cost: From $17
More info: Website
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.
Dates: 30 September-8 October
Where: Various venues
Cost: Ticket prices vary
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 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 Discover Cars or Rental Cars. I usually check both sites to compare prices and vehicle options.
- Pick up a copy of the Lonely Planet guide to Melbourne and Victoria to help plan your trip.