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, outdoorsy 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 Sydney Fringe, the Harry Potter Yule Ball Celebration and blockbuster musicals like Wicked and Miss Saigon. 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. See an Authentic Spanish Flamenco show in Sydney
Authentic Flamenco is making its way to Sydney all the way from Spain. The show comes to town courtesy of the Royal Opera of Madrid and attendees will be able to see world-renowned flamenco dancer Paula Rodríguez perform live at the Seymour Centre and the Hayden Orpheum. Tickets are on sale now but they’re selling out fast. Get yours here.
2. Shop at a harbourside 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 17 from 10am to 3pm and you can find all the details here.
3. Catch a flick after hours at Taronga Zoo
Spring marks the return of outdoor cinemas and leading the pack is Taronga Zoo with the launch of its brand new Harbour View Cinema. The zoo is hosting screenings of classics like Dirty Dancing and The Lion King with harbour views serving as backdrop and plenty of adorable animals for company. It’s only in town from September 28 to October 1. Get more details and grab your tickets.
4. Get your flower fix at the Leura Gardens festival
The Leura Gardens Festival is returning over the October long weekend from September 29 to October 1. Walk through the lovely village of Leura and see flowers and a number of cool-climate plants in bloom across seven gardens including Foggylorne, Ewanrigg, Seasons and more.
Read all about the Leura Gardens Festival.
5. Get a taste of magic at the Yule Ball Celebration
The long-awaited Harry Potter: A Yule Ball Celebration is finally coming to Sydney this July. Potterheads can look forward to a magical celebration filled with dreamy lighting, stunning decor, snow and a super festive atmosphere that is ideal for the whole family. There’s also performances, music, themed food and drink and even a Yule Ball Market so don’t miss out.
Get your tickets for the Yule Ball Celebration.
6. Discover Sydney’s only underwater nature trail
Warmer weather means days on the beach and there’s a fair few to choose from in Sydney. If you’re keen to explore a new part of town, you’ll want to check out the charming Gordons Bay, located south of Clovelly Beach and north of Coogee Beach. It’s home to Sydney’s only underwater and self-guided nature trail which is comparable to a walking track but underwater.
Read all about the Gordons Bay Underwater Nature Trail.
7. Check out the Sydney Fringe Festival
Sydney Fringe Festival is returning with over 400 events planned across the city. The event will take over the city from September 1-30 with cabaret and theatre shows, dance, comedy and a lot more lined up. Check out the full program and grab your tickets here.
8. Grab a drink at Opera Bar’s all-day rosé event
Soak up the sun at Opera Bar’s Rosé All Day party from September 8-17. There’s a fabulous pink-themed menu, heaps of rosé drinks to choose from and harbour views for days. There’s also roving entertainment and live music. Head here for all the details.
9. Take a step into Singaportal
Keen to visit Singapore but is the cost of tickets putting you off? Experience the next best thing when the immersive Singaportal event comes to Sydney. Featuring everything that Singapore is known for including its famous hawker stalls, vibrant laneways and even replicas of the Supertree grove, the event will take over Circular Quay for two days only on September 7 and 8. Get more info and ticket details here.
10. Head to the vibrant Cabramatta Moon Festival
The beloved Cabramatta Moon Festival will return for its 2023 edition this September with a day of celebrations on the cards. Taking place on September 17, visitors can expect lion dancing, fireworks, food and entertainment along with the popular lantern parade at Cabramatta Town Centre.
Read all about the Cabramatta Moon Festival.
11. 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: A Tribute to Coldplay at Hayden Orpheum
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Pink Floyd
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift
🕯️Candlelight: The Best of Zelda at SMC
🕯️Candlelight: Best of Fleetwood Mac at SMC
🕯️Candlelight: Hans Zimmer’s Best Works at SMC
🕯️Candlelight: Tribute to Jay Chou and JJ Lin (周杰伦, 林俊杰)
🕯️Candlelight: A Tribute to Whitney Houston
🕯️Candlelight: Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ft. Ballet
12. 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.
13. Take a ride on vintage steam trains and buses
The annual Transport Heritage Expo is returning for three days only over the October long weekend and it’s bringing a special treat for Sydneysiders. The expo will feature heritage train, bus and steamboat rides that will operate across Sydney from Central Station along with tours of Central Station Clock Tower and tea in a 1960s carriage. Get all the details here.
14. Let your hair down at Volume Festival
An exciting new festival called Volume is set to debut at the Art Gallery of New South Wales and none other than Solange is set to headline the event. Plus expect 27 talented local and international performers to take to the stage. It’s all happening from September 22 to October 8.
15. 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 22-24. The event will feature 50 stellar acts including the Sydney Conservatorium Big Band, House of Bop and more. Read all about it here.
16. 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 Hoodoo Gurus, Missy Higgins, Bjorn Again, Tina Arena, and more. Located in the historic Barracks at North Head Sanctuary, the event will take place from September 17 to October 8. Grab your tickets here.
17. Plan a date night at the Great Synagogue
Live at The Great music concerts promise an evening for the books under the star-studded ceiling of heritage-listed Great Synagogue and with some of Australia’s most talented artists performing. Two shows are planned in September from the excellent James Morrison Acoustic — grab your tickets.
18. 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 30 and October 1. Get more information and ticket details here.
19. See the sensational new production of Miss Saigon
Cameron Mackintosh’s critically acclaimed new production of Boublil and Schönberg’s Miss Saigon has arrived at the Joan Sutherland Theatre. See the epic love story of passion and tragedy based on Giacomo Puccini’s 1904 opera Madama Butterfly this August. Grab your tickets here.
Read all about Opera Australia’s production of Miss Saigon.
20. Walk through the trippy Kaleidoscope mirror maze
The interactive life-sized mirror maze Kaleidoscope wraps up its Sydney season on September 10, don’t miss out. Inspired by a classic kaleidoscope toy, the installation features mirrors, lights, colours, sounds and more and it’s housed at Powerhouse Ultimo. Grab your tickets for this Insta-worthy and larger-than-life mirror maze here.
Get more info about Kaleidoscope.
21. Get ready for Wicked the Musical
Adding to the bumper arts calendar is Broadway sensation Wicked which has flown back to Sydney for its big 20th anniversary. Wicked is a prequel to The Wizard of Oz and tells the story of how Elphaba became the Wicked Witch and Glinda became the Good Witch. It is currently playing at the Lyric Theatre. Get your tickets here.
22. Check out this immersive new exhibition at Powerhouse
Atmospheric Memory has made its Australia premiere at Powerhouse Ultimo. The exhibition features cutting-edge technology that transforms vibrations in the atmosphere. See your voice travel in a ripple tank and walk through clouds of text written in mid-air in this immersive new exhibit. Grab your tickets here. Get more details about it here.
23. Be spellbound with dinner and a show at The Magician’s Cabaret
The Magician’s Cabaret is super popular for its extravagant shows and excellent dinners. There’s no other show in Sydney quite like The Underground Burlesque Experience or La Belle Rose—Sydney’s longest-running cabaret show. Grab your tickets before they sell out.
24. See the dazzling Tina Turner Musical
The brilliant Tina Turner musical is continuing to dazzle theatregoers in Sydney. The musical premiered in London in 2018 to widespread critical and commercial acclaim; it tells the story of the singer’s humble beginnings in Tennessee to her meteoric rise to global fame and a comeback story like no other. Grab your tickets here.
25. Walk through a Candyland at The Grounds
The Grounds’ latest theme is extra sweet and you can enjoy it throughout September. Dubbed Candyland, the super colourful activation takes visitors on a journey through a vibrant and joy-filled world complete with giant lollipop towers, gumball machines and more. Read all about it here.
26. Get enchanted by the Beauty and the Beast musical
Disney’s Beauty And The Beast Musical is currently delighting both young and old musical lovers at the Capitol Theatre. Expect stunning new sets, costume designs and state-of-the-art technology breathing new life into the classic tale. The musical features a stellar all-Australian cast and tickets are now on sale. Grab them here.
27. Go on a ghostly candlelit tour of Old Government House
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 15 with snacks and hot drinks afterward. Read all about it here.
28. Head to the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition
If you’re a photography fan, there’s an event in town that’s tailor-made for you. Head down to the Australian National Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour and discover Over 100 exemplary images covering a range of topics from animals to nature and landscapes and explore the beauty of our world like never before thanks to the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition. It runs until October 31 and you can snag some tickets here.
Read all about the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition.
29. Rediscover a classic Sydney coastal walk
Spit to Manly has recently been named one of the world’s leading attractions by Tripadvisor. The 10km trail features stunning coastlines, lookouts, hidden beaches and more. Head out as the weather gets warmer and rediscover this iconic Sydney staple again. Find everything you need to know about it here.
30. 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.