September events in Sydney
We're here to help your social life blossom in the first month of spring
Throw off your doonas and discard your scarves: spring has arrived. September heralds all kinds of exciting events, from major arts festivals like Sydney Fringe to some of the city’s favourite fun runs. It’s also prime time to explore Sydney’s best parks and seaside spots like Manly and Cronulla before the summer tourist horde descends.
Start spring by seeking out exciting dishes from the best Filipino restaurants in Sydney or find refreshment as the days warm up with these very cool frozen desserts.
And don't forget, it’s Father’s Day on Sunday, September 1 and school holidays from September 28.
RECOMMENDED: The most beautiful bathrooms in Sydney.
September's biggest events
Making Art Public: 50 Years of Kaldor Public Art Projects
Fifty years ago, John Kaldor changed Australian art history when he invited international artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude to Sydney to wrap the coastline with vast swathes of white fabric. To mark the project's 50th anniversary, he's inviting British artist Michael Landy to create a retrospective exhibition.
The Big Anxiety
The Big Anxiety is returning to shine a light on mental health. It’s being organised by UNSW in collaboration with the Black Dog Institute and other mental health awareness organisations and practitioners to bring a series of conferences, workshops, exhibitions, performances and interactive experiences to Sydney.
Paper Daisy Display at Australian Botanic Garden
Native to Western Australia, paper daisies are rarely seen outside the state but every year the Australian Botanic Garden has a sprawling display of white, pink and yellow paper daisies that draws hundreds of people to the site. Over one million seeds have been planted to create the vibrant flowerbed.
Then
White Rabbit is celebrating some of its finest moments at the end of its first decade. The exhibition will bring together some of the gallery's earliest shown works, alongside others that haven't been exhibited before. There'll be more than 60 works on display and, as always, entry is totally free.
Sydney Rides
This bike-riding bonanza will give you that extra push to get back on the pedals this spring, with more than 40 bike-based events happening across the city, including cycling courses and family-friendly food, art and sporting events.
Artisans Market Glebe
Artisans Market Glebe is all about handmade and local products, sold direct to you by the artist or designer who created them. The quarterly market takes place at Foley Park and there are around 60 stallholders selling jewellery, plants, furniture, fashion and children's toys.
The Real Thing
Geraldine Hakewill and Toby Schmitz will star in this Tom Stoppard play about the nature of real love. Of course, being Tom Stoppard, things aren’t entirely what they seem and there’s a play-within-a-play device happening. But it still ranks as one of his most charming and human stories.
Santa Monica at Pier One Sydney Harbour
Waterfront venue Pier One are bringing the lazy summer vibes of Santa Monica to the centre of Sydney. They’ll be emulating the LA beach city with a transformed lounge that’ll host renowned Santa Monica chefs, free yoga sessions, a Sunday farmers' market and twilight live music.
Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year
The Powerhouse Museum has become a biodiverse forest of flora and fauna with the arrival of the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year exhibit. Visitors can expect stunning portrayals of the bioregions of Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand and Antarctica.
Seek out wide open spaces
Where to find the best Sydney parks
Whether you’re in need of place to laze around or a quiet spot away from the city, these Sydney parks have sprawling open spaces, free barbecues and shaded spots to while away an afternoon.