The flowers are blooming, the days are longer, and it’s finally time to shed those winter coats and emerge from hibernation. The city comes to life in September with markets, theatre shows, outdoor events, gorgeous coastal walks, and great weather. It really is one of the best months to be out and about in Sydney. Highlights include the return of Tulip Time, the huge Sistine Chapel exhibition and free drone shows over Sydney Harbour. We’ve zeroed in on the best events you should add to your calendar to make the most of your time in Sydney. Here are some exciting things to do this September in Sydney.
1. Step into the world of Michelangelo’s Masterpieces
Sydney is now home to a breathtaking exhibition showcasing the famous Sistine Chapel frescoes. With the help of high-definition photography and a special printing technique, this immersive experience brings Michelangelo’s artwork to life, capturing the intricate details and vibrant colours. Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition is now open; get your tickets here.
2. Shop at the Big Design Market
Head to Carriageworks from September 19 to 21 for the Big Design Market, featuring over 200 designers and makers from Australia and New Zealand. Stalls will feature everything from ethically crafted fashion, ceramics, homewares, jewellery, and more. Get all the details here.
3. Check out Sydney Fringe
400 dazzling acts will take over four precincts in the city with the return of Sydney Fringe throughout September. Expect a stacked list of performances across theatre, music, talks, and much more at this diverse and inclusive event. Find more information and get your tickets here.
4. Head to the vibrant Cabramatta Moon Festival
The beloved Cabramatta Moon Festival will return for its 2025 edition this September with a day of celebrations on the cards. Taking place on September 28, visitors can expect lion dancing, fireworks, food, and entertainment along with the popular lantern parade at Cabramatta Town Centre.
5. Join Garry Starr on a wild, adult-themed romp through the Penguin Classics
Leaping off the literature curriculum and onto the stage in truly bonkers fashion, Garry Starr: Classical Penguins takes the literary treasures you know and love, and turns them into an utterly bonkers theatrical production. Blending physical theatre, impeccable characterisation, and a rapier-sharp wit, Garry Starr takes a loving look at the literary canon… and then tears up the rulebook. His multi award-winning show – lauded at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Adelaide Fringe, and most recently seen at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival – rampages through everything from Wuthering Heights to Nineteen Eighty-Four in a fast, furious, and side-splittingly funny love letter to literature. Fair warning though: you should expect nudity. And flippers. This is one you won’t want to miss; it runs until October 12 at the Grand Electric, and you can find your tickets here before they sell out!
6. See over 80,000 tulips bloom at Tulip Time
Bowral’s popular annual festival, Tulip Time, is back for spring with thousands of vibrant tulips, after-dark activities, garden parties, and wholesome fun for all. Set to take place from September 12 to October 6, the vibrant event will transform Corbett Gardens in the Southern Highlands into a floral paradise. Read all about it here.
7. Laugh it out with The Book of Mormon
The Book of Mormon has been going down an absolute treat with Secret Sydneysiders. Haven’t seen it yet? Showing now at the Capitol Theatre, The Book of Mormon takes you on an adventure, far, far away from Salt Lake City, with a mismatched pair of missionaries. Tickets to this award-winning show are selling fast, grab yours here.
8. Don’t miss free jazz nights at The Rocks
This is your last chance to catch the free jazz nights at The Rocks, happening every Thursday evening in September. Enjoy live jazz under the stars, paired with gin cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere in Sydney’s oldest neighbourhood. The music starts at 6pm and goes until 9pm. Get the details here.
9. Take a trip to ancient Egypt with Horizon of Khufu
Back by popular demand, Sydney’s immersive VR experience will be held throughout September, promising to transport visitors to Ancient Egypt. Thanks to cutting-edge technology, you can step back in time and relive the reign of King Khufu, see giant pyramids up close, and learn more about the golden age of Egypt. Don’t miss the interactive experience. Get your tickets.
10. Explore this dreamy light trail
Sydney’s newest immersive light trail will take you through glowing installations, fluorescent flower fields, and dreamy displays surrounded by ambient soundscapes. Taking over Bella Visa Farm, Echoes will delight visitors until October 6. Read more about it here.
11. Step aboard the Titanic
More than a century after the RMS Titanic sank, its story still grips the world, and now, one of the most powerful exhibitions about that night has landed in Sydney. Titanic. The Human Story brings real objects from the infamous night, untold accounts, and haunting moments that are sure to fascinate at the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct. Grab your tickets here.
12. Catch the iconic Rent musical
Experience the energy and emotion of Rent, set to arrive at the Sydney Opera House this September. The popular rock musical brings to life the struggles, passions, and dreams of a group of friends in New York City. Get your tickets here.
13. Experience the magic of a Candlelight Concert
Attend one of Sydney’s beautiful Candlelight concerts and get lost in a number of familiar tunes this September. Tickets are available to tribute shows to Pink Floyd, Coldplay, Joe Hisaishi and more.
🕯️Candlelight: 90s Unplugged
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to ABBA
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Coldplay
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Metallica
🕯️Candlelight: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Adele
🕯️Candlelight Orchestra: Tribute to Queen
🕯️Candlelight: Magical Movie Soundtracks
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Arijit Singh
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to The Beatles
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Drake
🕯️Candlelight: Best of Fleetwood Mac
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Ludovico Einaudi
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift
🕯️Candlelight: Hans Zimmer’s Best Works & More
🕯️Candlelight: A Tribute to Ed Sheeran
🕯️Candlelight: Featuring Mozart, Bach, and Timeless Composers
14. See cherry blossoms in and around Sydney
The best part about spring is all the colourful flowers around town. If you’re keen to get your fix of cherry blossoms, there are a few spots in and around Sydney that should be top of your list. Find them here.
15. Experience Dining in the Dark
Ever wondered what it’s like to dine in complete darkness? If science is to be believed, it can elevate your dining experience to a whole other level of deliciousness. A sensational new experience called Dining in the Dark is putting this to the test with a blindfold and a surprise menu for guests.
Make your reservation for Dining in the Dark here.
16. Get saxy at the Manly Jazz Festival
Australia’s longest-running jazz festival — Manly Jazz, is set to take over Manly’s streets, laneways, and pubs for three days from September 19 to 21. The event will feature 70 stellar acts across 4 stages and over 10 official venues around Manly. Find more information here.
17. Enjoy the starlit Night at the Barracks concerts
Night at the Barracks is returning for a series of concerts under the night sky featuring some incredible performers like Icehouse, Hoodoo Gurus, Amy Shark and more. Located in the historic Barracks at North Head Sanctuary, the event will take place from September 12 to 14. Grab your tickets here.
18. See this giant paper daisy display near Sydney
Mount Annan’s Instagram-famous paper daisy display will be back this spring. The largest paper daisy display in Eastern Australia, visitors can enjoy pink, white, and yellow paper daisies at the open-air Connection Gardens throughout the month of September. The gardens are a short and easy hour-long drive from Sydney, and entry is completely free. Read more about this photogenic display here.
19. Get your fill of Nihonshu at the Sake Festival
A festival dedicated to all things sake is coming to Sydney this September with more than 200 free sake to taste, Japanese food stalls, and free seminars and food pairing sessions. It’s in town for two days only on September 27 and 28. Get more information and ticket details here.
20. See a drone show for free
Make your Saturday night unforgettable with a spectacular drone display at Darling Harbour. Every weekend this September, hundreds of drones will light up the sky above Cockle Bay in a 10-minute spring-themed show, all for free. Get the details here.
21. Take a scenic trip on the Kiama Picnic Train
Planning a quick winter escape? The Kiama Picnic Train is back this September, winding through the Royal National Park and along the sparkling coastline of the Pacific Ocean before pulling into Kiama, where you can enjoy seaside markets, browse local shops, and more. September and October tickets are now on sale, get yours here.
22. Shop at a harbourside spring market
The Watsons Bay Market is returning, this time for a spring edition with 150 excellent stalls to shop from. Mosey around and pick up a variety of steals across craft, jewellery, photography, toys, homewares, and more, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy stunning harbour views all around. It’s happening on September 21 from 9am to 3pm and you can find all the details here.
23. Go on a ghostly candlelit tour
Love getting spooked? The Old Government House in Parramatta is hosting ghostly night tours every month this year, and it’s guaranteed to give you the creeps. This month, the tour takes place on September 19 with snacks and hot drinks afterward. Read all about it here.
24. Head out of town for Sakura Matsuri
Did you know the southern hemisphere’s largest Japanese garden is right here in NSW? Nestled in the laidback town of Cowra, the sprawling space is a must-visit if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway. They’re even hosting a cherry blossom festival called Sakura Matsuri this September, and it promises to be well worth the drive out of Sydney. Read all about it here.
25. Enjoy this intimate magic show
A Magical Soirée, by Bruce Glen, combines fantastic stories with fascinating magic tricks to leave audiences in awe and wonder inside a heritage building. Grab your tickets here.