September called – festivals, fun and spring vibes await!

September has arrived, bringing with it the first blush of spring. And while I’ll always have a soft spot for winter, there’s something about this season that really sparks joy – cloudless sunny days; nights still cold enough to get cosy; fields bursting with flowers; long walks in the fresh air.

All over Australia, towns are beginning to bloom with colour, festivals are spilling into parks, and long days in the sunshine are top of the list. It’s truly the perfect time to get outdoors and soak up sun before the heat really kicks in. So grab your sunnies and your favourite floppy hat – these are the events blossoming across the country this month.

Taylah’s top picks of the month:

• Best foodie event: Coastal Forage, Jervis Bay, NSW (12 September)
• Best music event: Rock n Roll Festival, Victor Harbor, SA (18–20 September)
• Best cultural event: Big Love Festival, Sunshine Coast, Qld (11–13 September)
• Best outdoor event: Kakadu Bird Week, Kakadu, NT (23–27 September)
• Best arts event: Margaret River Open Studios, Margaret River, WA (12–27 September)

Upcoming events to keep on your radar:

• Horizontal Festival, Southern Highlands, NSW (2–4 October)
• Wynyard Tulip Festival, Wynyard, Tas (10 October)
• Bendigo Wine Week, Bendigo, Vic (9–18 October)
• Savour The Tweed, Tweed Heads, NSW (21–25 October)
• Nara Candle Festival, Canberra, ACT (24 October)

What’s on in NSW in September

Coastal Forage, Jervis Bay

When: 12 September

Best for: An unforgettable feast

Why go: The annual Coastal Forage walk in Jervis Bay blends the natural beauty of NSW’s South Coast with its freshest seasonal produce. Unfolding across just one day, the progressive dining experience stretches roughly six kilometres of coastline, puncuated with 10 different courses served by local chefs. Part gourmet food trail, part beachside bushwalk, the laid-back festival is all about slowing down and savouring the moment.

Tulip Time Flower Festival, Bowral

When: 11 September – 5 October

Best for: Floral fanatics

Why go: Step into a floral wonderland at Bowral’s annual Tulip Time Flower Festival, where thousands of hand-planted tulips and vibrant annuals in every shade create one of NSW’s most iconic spring displays. Beyond the blooms, the festival buzzes with live music, boutique markets and food trucks – the perfect excuse to soak up the sun and spend time with friends.

Night at the Barracks, Sydney

When: 11 September – 3 October

Best for: Live music lovers

Why go: Perched on the cliffs above Sydney Harbour, North Head precinct in Manly is one of the seaside suburb’s coolest places to visit. Especially come September, when Night at the Barracks takes over for a month-long line-up of outdoor concerts. Indulge in a diverse program of open-air gigs under the stars, as well as food and drinks from local vendors.

Artmaking at the Homestead, Illaroo

When: 19 September

Best for: A hands-on art experience

Why go: Head to Bundanon in the Shoalhaven region for Artmaking at the Homestead, a series of workshops hosted by a different artist in residence each month. For September, UNSW senior lecturer of art and design Peter Sharp is guiding guests through painting the Australian landscape, sharing his techniques on observing, interpreting and responding to the environment.

Paper Daisy Spring Festival, Sydney

When: 4 September – 11 October

Best for: Families seeking fun

Why go: The Botanic Gardens of Sydney is launching the inaugural Paper Daisy Spring Festival this month. Held at its stunning Mount Annan location, the free six-week event will be filled with food trucks, live music, floristry workshops, painting classes, lakeside lawn games and a spring pop-up shop. Anticipated to be the biggest display of paper daisies Sydney has ever seen, more than one million seeds are expected to bloom.

What’s on in Victoria in September

Bloom & Graze, Coldstream

When: 12–13 September

Best for: A taste of cherry season

Why go: CherryHill Orchards in the Yarra Valley is welcoming the harvest season with Bloom & Graze festival. Returning after a successful debut in 2025, the colourful celebration features local market stalls, hands-on workshops, live music, food trucks and a cherry-inspired farmgate store. Just a few weeks later, CherryHill will invite guests back for its iconic Blossom Festival, running from 18 September to 4 October.

Margaret Preston, Melbourne

When: From 4 September

Best for: A new perspective on an Aussie icon

Why go: This September, Melbourne’s NGV presents its first retrospective of Margaret Preston in more than two decades, a vibrant showcase of the late-Australian artist and her captivating body of work. Charting her extensive career through more than 200 works, the eponymous exhibition is a testament to Preston’s enduring legacy and the role she played in the development of modernist art in Australia.

Tidal Seafood Festival, San Remo

When: 18–20 September

Best for: Fresh seafood

Why go: Lovers of salty, oceanic flavours should head to San Remo this September for the Tidal Seafood Festival, as locals celebrate the community, culture, history and cuisine this little pocket of Gippsland is known for. Over three days, you’ll get the chance to meet local producers, witness cooking demos, enjoy live music and devour as much seafood as your heart desires.

Craft & Quilt Fair, Melbourne

When: 9–12 September

Best for: Makers at heart

Why go: The Melbourne Craft & Quilt Fair returns this September for four days of hands-on fun. Browse stalls touting intricate creations, pick up new skills at workshops and demonstrations, shop specialist supplies and meet fellow makers and shakers. Got a sweet tooth? There’s even a new pavilion dedicated to the art of cake decorating and sugar craft.

Puffing Billy Running Festival, Dandenong Ranges

When: 18–20 September

Best for: A scenic marathon

Why go: Think you can outrun a steam train? Find out at the Puffing Billy Running Festival this September, when runners take to the Dandenong Ranges for the ultimate test of endurance. From a 1.5-kilometre Junior Dash and five-kilometre Family Fun Run to the 13.5-kilometre race against two steam locomotives, it’s one for athletes who like their adrenaline with a side of scenery.

What’s on in Queensland in September

Brisbane Festival, Brisbane

When: 4–26 September

Best for: Urban revelry

Why go: For three decades, Brisbane Festival has brought the best in arts and culture to Queensland’s capital. Under the guidance of new artistic director Ebony Bott, this year’s ‘Switch On, Light Up, Come Alive’ program marks a fresh chapter, pairing beloved festival traditions with bold new experiences. From sunrise ceremonies to late-night revelry, events will unfold across the river city’s most iconic public spaces.

Carnival of Flowers, Toowoomba

When: 18 September – 5 October

Best for: Springtime festivities

Why go: Toowoomba in Queensland is known for two things: as the home of the Lamington, and the host of the Carnival of Flowers. Held every year at the beginning of spring, this vibrant event brings colour back to the city in spades, with more than 40 million flowers on display. Along with beautiful blooms, guests can enjoy tasting tours, festive feasts, themed parades (there’s even one dedicated to dogs), lawn parties and more.

Big Love Festival, Sunshine Coast

When: 11–13 September

Best for: Finding your zen

Why go: Escape to the Sunshine Coast hinterland for three days of music, mindfulness and connection at the Big Love Festival. Held at the Chenrezig Institute, the experience brings together yoga and meditation classes, live music, movement workshops, ethical markets and nourishing food for an intimate celebration of Tibetan culture set among 64 hectares of lush rainforest.

Swell Sculpture Festival, Gold Coast

When: 11–22 September

Best for: Art by the sea

Why go: September sees the return of the much-loved SWELL Sculpture Festival, Queensland’s largest outdoor sculpture exhibition. Attracting beach lovers and art enthusiasts alike, visitors can admire over 80 looming, contemporary artworks along the sand. As well as meeting participating artists, guests can look forward to guided walks, workshops, live music, artist talks and more, all backdropped by one of the region’s most beautiful beaches.

What’s on in Tasmania in September

Junction Arts Festival, Launceston

When: 17–20 September

Best for: Unexpected adventures

Why go: Junction Arts Festival is an annual gathering of extraordinary art experiences in unusual spaces. First presented as a one-off event annexed to the 2010 Regional Arts Australia Conference, it has since filled a creative niche and prompted Events Tasmania and the City of Launceston to support it annually, much to the delight of artists and audiences across northern Tassie.

CHArts Festival, Stanley

When: 1–30 September

Best for: Exploring regional Tassie

Why go: Held in the small fishing village of Stanley, the annual CHArts Festival is a month-long celebration of the region’s culture, heritage and arts scene. It’s all about showcasing local creatives while offering residents and visitors a chance to enjoy exhibitions, mostly displayed by local businesses. A highlight of the program each year is the Spring Swim – because what better way to farewell winter than a plunge in the Bass Strait?

Ridgy-Didge Trail Run, Hobart

When: 27 September

Best for: Community spirit

Why go: Take to the rugged tracks of kunanyi/Mount Wellington for the Ridgy-Didge Trail Run, which weaves its way through scenic alpine heath, dolerite cliffs, peppermint forests and buttongrass moorlands above Hobart. One of four events in the 2026 Kunanyi Trail Series, it unites athletes of all abilities across a mix of Enduro, Sport and Explorer courses. The final installment, Cascade Slide, will round things out in October.

What’s on in Western Australia in September

Perth Royal Show, Perth

When: 26 September – 3 October

Best for: Showground nostalgia

Why go: The Perth Royal Show is Western Australia’s largest annual community event, welcoming countless visitors from across the state and beyond since 1834. This year, the show continues to honour its traditional values of connecting the city and country, with an exciting mix of traditional agricultural fair events, entertainment, rides and attractions, food vendors, educational exhibits and more.

Margaret River Region Open Studios, Margaret River

When: 12–27 September

Best for: An art-filled road trip

Why go: Every September, more than 150 artists open the doors to their private workspaces for the Margaret River Region Open Studios. For just 16 days, visitors can go behind the scenes to admire original artworks and meet the creatives behind them, from painters and potters to ceramicists and sculptors. As well as studio openings, an array of workshops, classes and collaborative events foster inspiration and connection.

Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show, Ravensthorpe

When: 7–19 September

Best for: Botanical buffs

Why go: Each spring, this tiny WA town transforms into a rainbow of more than 700 wildflower species, many found nowhere else in the world. Held at the local town hall, the Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show invites guests in for artist paintings, floral displays and craft stalls. Then head outdoors for guided walks, 4WD tours and ranger-led adventures that showcase WA’s wild side in full bloom.

What’s on in South Australia in September

Grenache & Gourmet, McLaren Vale

When: 18 September – 5 October

Best for: Adventurous foodies

Why go: Spring tastes a little sweeter in McLaren Vale, as 18 days of top drops and fine food unfold across one of South Australia’s most celebrated wine regions this month. Uniting local producers and winemakers, Grenache & Gourmet offers a considered program of tastings, masterclasses, cellar-door experiences and one-off collaborations, delivering a guided exploration of McLaren Vale’s signature grape.

Royal Adelaide Show, Adelaide

When: 5–13 September

Best for: Old-school fun

Why go: For one week in September, the Royal Adelaide Show takes over the South Australian capital to deliver fun for the whole family. Established in 1839, the historic event has fostered and encouraged the rural industries of South Australia for over 180 years. This year’s program is absolutely jam-packed, with petting zoos, horticultural displays, tours, foodie experiences, rides, live entertainment and more.

Rock N Roll Festival, Victor Harbor

When: 18–20 September

Best for: A blast from the past

Why go: Swing into September with the Rock N Roll Festival in Victor Harbor on South Australia’s beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula. Inspired by the 1950s and ’60s, the event is all about letting loose and having fun. Along with a good dance, attendees can enjoy live music, memorabilia, market stalls, coastal views and an impressive historic vehicle display.

Gather & Graze, Barossa Valley

When: 19 September

Best for: A day of indulgence

Why go: Gather around the fire at Kingsford The Barossa for Gather & Graze: Fire Feast Edition, a long lunch celebrating the art of cooking over wood and charcoal. Expect generous shared plates of roasted lamb, porchetta and slow-smoked brisket, alongside seasonal sides, live acoustic music, grower stories and cooking demonstrations. It’s a relaxed afternoon of food, hospitality and fantastic Barossa wine.

What’s on in the Northern Territory in September

Kakadu Bird Week, Kakadu National Park

When: 23–27 September

Best for: Avid twitchers

Why go: After a long winter cosied away, the hundreds of bird species that call Kakadu National Park home emerge for the spring season. Instead of spotting buds and blooms, you’ll be on the lookout for azure kingfishers, rainbow bee-eaters, partridge pigeons, magpie geese and more. BYO binoculars to witness how the season comes to life in a different way during Kakadu Bird Week.

Desert Mob, Alice Springs

When: 10 September – 25 October

Best for: Cultural creativity

Why go: Head out to Alice Springs/Mparntwe this September to experience the convergence of more than 30 Art Centres from across Western Australia, the Northern Territory and South Australia at Desert Mob. The result is an unforgettable collection of events – exhibitions, artist talks, after-dark events and a huge artwork marketplace – celebrating First Nations artists and culture on Arrernte Country.

MXGP, Darwin

When: 18–20 September

Best for: Adrenaline junkies

Why go: September may just be the month of motorsports, with the MXGP returning to Australia with a global-level showdown at Darwin’s Hidden Valley raceway. The purpose-built track, complete with 21 jumps and 22 corners, will not only host the MXGP, but also the MX2, WMX and junior State Challenge classes. With thousands of fans expected, this blockbuster weekend promises speed, spectacle and the perfect excuse for an epic Top End adventure.

What’s on in the ACT in September

Floriade, Canberra

When: 12 September – 11 October

Best for: Spring in full bloom

Why go: Arguably the biggest celebration of spring around the country, any mention of flower festivals would be incomplete without Floriade. Held for a full month in the nation’s capital, this epic event has been blooming every spring since 1988. Visitors can look forward to live entertainment, music, food and wine, horticultural workshops, market stalls, art displays and more.

Canberra Art Biennial, Canberra

When: 11 September – 31 October

Best for: Art beyond the gallery

Why go: See the nation’s capital through a different lens at the Canberra Art Biennial, where contemporary artworks pop up across the city’s parks, public spaces, galleries and buildings. The sixth edition brings together more than 50 artists and curators, with site-responsive works exploring Canberra’s stories, landscapes and histories across more than 20 locations.

David Hockney: Portraits in Print, Canberra

When: From 5 September

Best for: Art history buffs

Why go: Step into the world of David Hockney at the National Gallery of Australia this September, where more than 60 works explore the artist’s enduring fascination with portraiture. Spanning nearly three decades, the exhibition captures his closest relationships and the cultural scenes of London, Paris and Los Angeles through lithographs, etchings and other experimental printmaking techniques.