What’s on in Sydney this September: kite festivals, beer tastings and art fairs

Want to make this a September to remember? Check out all the incredible events Sydney is offering up this month, as we head into Spring.

Whether you’re an art aficionado, fitness fanatic, foodie, or just looking for something fun to do this September, Harbour City is delivering. From the bold displays of work at Australasia’s premier art fair, Sydney Contemporary, and the boundary-pushing productions at Sydney Fringe Festival, to kites soaring over Bondi Beach at Festival of the Winds, this month is all about creativity, colour and culture.

World-class theatre is right on our doorstep, with The Talented Mr Ripley showing at the Roslyn Packer Theatre and The Book of Mormon continuing its run at the Capitol Theatre. Plus, Back to the Future: The Musical arrives at the Sydney Lyric Theatre for its Australian debut.

A massive wellness takeover is taking place at the funky South Eveleigh precinct for Live Well Festival, which includes free pilates and hula-hooping fitness classes. The triumphant return of the ICF Slalom World Championships to Penrith marks an exciting moment for the underrated suburb, as 300 athletes flock to compete at Penrith Whitewater Stadium.

Throw in vibrant design markets, free Drag Bingo, the quirky Sydney Underground Film Festival and even a cheeky “Pitch Your Friend” dating night (PowerPoint meets wingmanning), and your September calendar is officially packed.

What’s on in Sydney in September

1. Sydney Contemporary

Sydney Contemporary returns to Carriageworks this September for its biggest edition yet. Australasia’s premier art fair returns to Sydney’s Inner West, uniting the region’s largest and most diverse showcase of leading contemporary art galleries for four exciting days. This year, the event promises 114 exhibitors showcasing more than 500 artists, including a newly conceived Photo Sydney sector set to highlight photographers such as George Byrne and Paul Blackmore.

Guests are invited to experience an exciting blend of gallery presentations, immersive large-scale installations, boundary-pushing live performances and thought-provoking panel discussions. The event also features four distinct curated programmes, Installation, Performance, Kid Contemporary and Talks, which will each offer a unique perspective on contemporary art and culture. Director Zoe Paulsen expressed her excitement for this year’s fair, stating, “Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just curious about contemporary art, there’s something here for everyone.”

Where: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh NSW 2015.
When: September 11-14, 2025.
Price: From $35.

sydneycontemporary.com.au

2. Sydney Fringe Festival

The Sydney Fringe Festival (SFF) will be hitting stages all over the city this September, with more than 450 events presented in over 70 venues across Greater Sydney. As the largest independent arts festival in New South Wales, SFF is teeming with creative, hilarious and thought-provoking productions. From a one-man production based on a famous Australian meme to Burlesque performances and even Scientology the Musical, the Fringe is here to bring you the weirdest and wackiest creations from talented artists, performers and comedians.

If you’re unsure what to book, we’ve rounded up ten of the most-anticipated shows that you won’t want to miss.

Where: 70 different Sydney venues.
When: September 1-30, 2025.
Price: Depends on the production.

sydneyfringefestival.com.au

READ MORE: Photography takes centre stage at Sydney Contemporary 2025

3. Festival of the Winds

Who wouldn’t enjoy running down Bondi Beach with the breeze in their hair and colourful kites flying behind them? Enter Festival of the Winds, Australia’s most anticipated kite flying event on Bondi Beach. The Australian Kite Flying Society will be bringing spectacular kite shows to Bondi Beach for its 46th year. You can get involved by bringing your own kite, purchasing one at a stall or creating one at the festival’s kite-making workshop.

A Main Stage will host talented performers, including First Nations duo Cianna Walker and Olivia Coe Fox, who will bring their powerful vocals, harmonies and deep connection to culture to the audience. There will also be music and dancing at the Forecourt Stage, Art Exhibition and craft workshops and the battle for the 25 Year Commemoration Cup between Bondi and Manly beach volleyball teams.

Where: Bondi Pavilion, Queen Elizabeth Dr, Bondi Beach NSW 2026.
When: Sunday, September 14, 11am-4pm.
Price: Free.

4. The Talented Mr. Ripley

Sydney Theatre Company’s The Talented Mr. Ripley has hit the stage at the Roslyn Packer Theatre with a dazzling cast of Australia’s top screen and stage talent. Will McDonald (Heartbreak High) stars as the enigmatic Tom Ripley, with Raj Labade (The Office Australia) taking on the role of Dickie Greenleaf. Director Sarah Goodes shared her thoughts on the success of the novel-turned-play, stating: “The stage is the perfect setting for such rich psychological material, his slippery identity, his shame and his cunning talent for impersonation.”

The Talented Mr. Ripley‘s season kicks off this week and runs until September 28, so don’t miss your chance to watch this gripping psychological thriller come to life on stage.

Where: Roslyn Packer Theatre, 22 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay NSW 2000.
When: August 25–September 28, 2025.
Price: Tickets from $38.

Book your tickets here.

READ MORE: Fans of Saltburn, meet your new obsession in The Talented Mr Ripley

5. Live Well Festival

The Live Well Festival will land at the South Eveleigh precinct this September, offering a vibrant program of free and low-cost wellness events throughout the month. Join Fitness Fridays for free midday Pilates at Body Fit Redfern, or get your heart rate up with Happy Hoops, a high-energy hula hoop fitness class that combines fun and nostalgia with a serious core workout. Enjoy a more serene vibe at Bonsai & Brews, a hands-on workshop featuring BrewDog beers and the ancient art of bonsai.

There will also be a pop-up by Finelines Bondi, who will be ready to tattoo anyone brave enough, using inspiration from a curated flash sheet of fine line designs. To top it all off, for five days, Innovation Plaza will transform into a vibrant Pickleball hub, giving visitors a great reason to move their bodies and get competitive.

Where: South Eveleigh, Locomotive St, Eveleigh NSW 2015.
When: Throughout September.
Price: Pickleball, Hula Hooping and Pilates are all free. Each tattoo costs $175, and a Bonsai and Brews workshop costs $50.

6. ICF Slalom World Championships

The last time the ICF Slalom World Championship was held in Sydney was 20 years ago. This September and October, it returns to Penrith Whitewater Stadium, ready to welcome more than 300 athletes from 50 nations, including Australian Olympic gold medalists Jessica and Noemie Fox, as well as Paris Olympians Tim Anderson and Tristan Carter. Across six days, competitors will go head-to-head to crown the Canoe Slalom (C1, K1 and Kayak Cross) world champions. Grab your tickets and witness the thrilling return of this spectacular sporting event to Sydney.

Want to make a day of it? Consult our guide to the perfect day in Penrith.

Where: Penrith Whitewater Stadium, McCarthys Lane, Cranebrook NSW 2749.
When: Monday, September 29- Saturday, October 4.
Price: Adult tickets start at $30.

7. Australia’s Biggest Fitness Festival

It’s no secret that Sydneysiders are obsessed with all things fitness: just ask the 21,000 participants in July’s HYROX event or the 90,000 who took on this year’s City2Surf. With numbers like that, there’s no better city to host the return of the AusFitness Expo, taking over the ICC this September for three action-packed days of fitness, wellness and inspiration.

Fans can look forward to exclusive workouts and appearances from bodybuilding and elite athletes, plus the chance to witness TV magic in action as Search4Hurt films an episode live, capturing contestants as they push their limits in real-time competition. There will also be the option to try the YOKHA Sprint Series, an Olympic-style obstacle course that is a must-try for anyone who wants to test their speed, agility and power.

Where: The International Convention Centre.
When: Friday, September 19th, Saturday, September 20th, Sunday, September 21st.
Price: From $20.

8. The Big Design Market

The Big Design Market is coming to Sydney for three exciting days this September, showcasing the best ethically made fashion, ceramics, homewares, jewellery, tech accessories, pet wares and more. With a huge lineup of over 230 Australian and New Zealand designers and tastemakers, shoppers will be spoilt for choice. To keep your energy levels up during the day, there will be food stalls from Wholegreen Bakery, Bar Pho, Brooklyn Boy Bagels, Wonder Pies and many more. There will also be large-scale installations throughout the event, created by the talented Emma Morgan, who is this year’s guest artist.

Where: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh NSW 2015.
When: Friday, September 19 11am-8pm, Saturday, September 20 9am-6pm and Sunday, September 21 9am-5pm.
Price: Adult tickets cost $8 plus the booking fee. Kids 12 years & under go free.

9. Sydney Underground Film Festival (SUFF)

The Sydney Underground Film Festival is entering its 19th year, returning to DENDY Newtown for a unique program that will give audiences access to underrepresented features, documentaries and shorts. The not-for-profit annual film festival will show the Australian premiere of Queens of the Dead as its opening night film, a 2025 American horror comedy directed by Tina Romero.

The event will then run from September 11 to September 14, showing a variety of independent productions, from stark, noir-inspired cinematography, provocative documentaries and even a screening of cult-classic Xanadu, starring Australia’s very own Olivia Newton-John. Closing night will feature Annapurna Sriram’s F*CKTOYS, who will be flying in from the States to take part in an exciting Q&A.

Where: DENDY Cinemas, 261-263 King St, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Thursday, September 11 to Sunday, September 14.
Price: Standard session for adults costs $22.

10. Free Drag Bingo at Taphouse

What’s better than free bingo? Free Drag Bingo. Darlinghurt’s Taphouse is serving sass, sequins and plenty of laughs this September. With six rounds of bingo and plenty of prizes to be won (including jugs of beer, bottles of house wine and bar tabs of up to $50), Taphouse has your midweek evening sorted. Fabulous hosts Bettie Blackheart (September 3) and Kalin Klein (September 17) will be closing the night with a drag show that screams charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent, while Taphouse serves up signature pork chops from $16, paired with $6 Hawke’s Beers. Bookings are a must, so secure your spot here.

Where: 122 Flinders St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010.
When: Wednesday, September 3 & 17 at 7:30pm.
Price: Free.

11. Australian Native Food Festival

Celebrate Indigenous culture, knowledge and culinary brilliance at the Australian Native Food Festival this September. From the vision of Sharon Winsor, who founded award-winning business Indigiearth, the festival will showcase native ingredients through a vibrant lineup of market stalls, live cooking demonstrations and special guest appearances. A national first, this important festival will shed light on the sustainability of native foods and bring people together to experience the powerful tradition of storytelling through food and botanicals.

Where: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh NSW 2015.
When: Saturday, September 27 and Sunday, September 28.
Price: Free to attend, but registration is required.

12. Pitch Your Friend at Forrester’s

Are you the ultimate wingman/ wingwoman? Grab your single friends and head down to the Forrester’s this September for their “Pitch Your Friend” event, in collaboration with Sydney’s exciting new dating app, Hello Darling. You’ll have the chance to show off your bestie’s most desirable traits in a 5-minute PowerPoint, followed by a brief Q&A. If sparks start flying, audience members can exchange contact info, and the single friends can choose to follow up for a date.

If you’ve got a bestie who needs your help, fill out the online form here. Attendance and participation are both completely free.

Where: Level 1, The Forrester’s, 336 Riley St, Surry Hills NSW 2010.
When: Thursday, September 25, at 7:30pm.
Price: Free attendance and participation.

13. Meet the Brewer at The Squire’s Landing

Jack Fox, the Head Brewer of James Squire, will be sharing his first-hand insights in Circular Quay this September, sharing inspirations, brewing techniques and giving guests a sneak peek at upcoming seasonal releases. Sip and savour from The Squire’s Landing’s waterfront terrace and enjoy beer tastings with special food pairings, which include canapés crafted with locally sourced ingredients, each matched perfectly to the featured beers. Take in the spring day with unmatched views of Sydney Harbour at this exclusive afternoon of celebrating the craft, character and creativity of brewing.

Get your tickets for the event here.

Where: Saturday, September 13, 12pm-2pm.
When: The Squire’s Landing, Northern end of the Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay W, The Rocks NSW 2000.
Price: $49 per person.

14. Back to the Future: The Musical

When it opened in London, Back to the Future: The Musical quickly became a success story, scooping up the Best New Musical award at the Laurence Olivier and What’s On Stage awards. It also swiftly transferred to Broadway. Now, the musical is ready to dazzle Aussie audiences as it makes its debut at the Sydney Lyric Theatre on September 26.

The exciting cast lineup includes Tony Award-winning actor Roger Bart, who will reprise the role of Doc Brown, having impressed audiences in both the West End and Broadway. Starring opposite him as Marty McFly will be Axel Duffy, a rising star from Brisbane.

When: Friday, September 26, until Sunday, December 28 2025.
Where: Sydney Lyric Theatre, 55 Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont NSW 2009
Price: From $89.

15. Eco Living Festival

Randwick City’s premier sustainability event is celebrating its 20th year with a showcase of green living, featuring over 60 eco-friendly businesses, creators and change makers. Head to Broadarrow Reserve in Maroubra, where you’ll learn, explore, and get inspired with free workshops, sustainable products and a vibrant beachside community spirit. Stallholder applications are also still available, so if you feel your business has something to offer the event, apply here.

Where: Broadarrow Reserve, 292/310 Fitzgerald Ave, Maroubra NSW 2035.
When: Sunday, September 14, 10am-4pm.
Price: Free entry.

16. La Bohème at the Sydney Opera House

Puccini’s La Bohème is the opera that inspired Rent and continues to capture hearts more than a century later. Set in 1930s Berlin, a painter, a musician, a philosopher and a poet are having a night on the town. Expect sweeping arias, atmospheric staging, heartbreak and a bittersweet story that lingers long after the final note. As the program says, “some emotions are too big for words alone, and for that, we have music.”

Where: Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: August 23- September 20.
Price: From $79.

17. Back to the Future

17. The Book of Mormon

Regarded by many as one of the funniest (and most outrageous) musicals of all time, The Book of Mormon was written by the masterminds behind South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone. The musical tells the story of two young missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: “perfect” Elder Kevin Price and socially-awkward Elder Arnold Cunningham.

Kevin hopes his mission will take him to sunny Orlando, Florida, but instead, the mismatched pair are sent to a remote village in Uganda. The result is chaos, comedy and a lot of outrageous satire. We won’t spoil the show, but if you want to find out more, read our review here.

When: Now booking to Sunday, November 30, 2025. Shows take place on most Tuesdays–Thursdays 7pm, Fridays 7:30pm, Saturdays 2pm & 7:30pm and Sundays 1pm & 6:30pm.
Where: Capitol Theatre, 13 Campbell Street, Haymarket NSW 2000.
Tickets: From $69 per person.

Book your tickets here.