As we head into September, many of us are itching to get back outside, what with the turn of the weather and a spring (literally and metaphorically) in our step. There are a tonne of festivals happening around the country – from Floriade in Canberra, to BIGSOUND in Brisbane and Sydney Contemporary in Sydney – and with so much to do, it's only fair we round it all up for you here...

NSW

Bistro Grenier – King Street in Newtown's only French bistro – has just opened its doors to the public this month, under stewardship of the Inner West’s Odd Culture Group. We'd highly suggest making a booking to try out their classic take on French fare (and extensive French wines list).

Carriageworks has announced the return of its cherished Spring Seasonal Market on Saturday 14 September, 8am-1pm

Aria is celebrating 25 years from 1–30 September. Throughout the month they will have two special menus on offer; a seven course tasting menu available in the restaurant, and a snack menu available in the bar (plus a selection of 25th anniversary cocktails that will be available both in the restaurant and bar).

Isaac Julien's upcoming exhibition of photographic works at Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, Once Again... (Statues Never Die) will open on Friday 20 September from 6–8pm.

The Sydney Underground Film Festival (SUFF) is set to be hosted at the Dendy Newtown from 12–15 September, featuring a diverse lineup of feature films that challenge the status quo and explore the fringes of cinematic expression.

After a critically acclaimed 2022 season, National Theatre of Parramatta (NTofP) is proud to present the national tour of Guards at the Taj from 12–14 September.

Stunning Canadian violinist Karen Gomyo, 'a first-rate artist of real musical command, vitality, brilliance and intensity' (The Chicago Tribune), will be joining the SSO during her Australian tour from 14–15 September.

Sydney Fringe Festival's extraordinary 2024 program, featuring over 400 events spanning theatre, music, comedy, dance, visual art, circus, and cabaret will be presented across Sydney from 1–30 September.

One of Australia's most sought-after composers, Dan Fontaine, and his orchestra will be soundtracking a special evening at Icebergs in partnership with Belvedere Vodka on Saturday 14 September.

'The Aboriginal Robot' by Mia Boe will be on view until 14th September at Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery.

For the month of September a'Mare at the Crown Sydney will offer 50% off their Signature Menu (usually $210pp, on Friday lunches $105pp).

QLD

Brisbane Festival returns for an explosion of arts performances and experiences across the city from 1–30 September, from the captivating fireworks of Riverfire to theatre, circus, music and more.

The Redcliffe KiteFest offers a fun and affordable family-friendly experience with international kite displays, aerobatic shows, jet ski stunts, live entertainment, children's activities, workshops, market stalls, and food vendors, all set against the stunning backdrop of Moreton Bay from 14–15 September.

Pack your bags for the Wallaby Creek Festival in Rossville from 20–22 September, where three days of live music, arts, camping, and a family-friendly Children’s Festival await in the heart of the Wet Tropics Rainforest.

Queensland’s beloved free outdoor sculpture exhibition SWELL Sculpture Festival is back at Currumbin Beach on the Gold Coast from 6–15 September, featuring up to 50 breathtaking sculptures by both Australian and international artists.

The Crafted Beer Festival returns to Broadbeach on the Gold Coast on 14 September, offering the chance to enjoy live music and sample over 400 unique beers, including exclusive festival brews and seasonal small-batch releases.

Mitchell Creek Rock N Blues Festival offers a boutique music and camping experience from 13–16 September that brings together friends and music lovers in a stunning setting, featuring over 100 top Australian rock and blues artists performing across three days and nights.

VIC

Featuring Bollywood dancing, dhol drumming and DJ sets, the NGV’s hugely popular Indian Community Day returns on Sunday 13 October 2024 at NGV International from 11am to 5pm.

Tom Blachford is launching his sixth series of Midnight Modern at the Compendium Gallery in Melbourne from 20 September through to 5 October.

Footscray Community Arts will presents the world premiere of In Place, an ambitious and challenging new contemporary circus work by Na Djinang Circus that delves into connections with humanity, Culture and place from 16–20 October.

Queen Victoria Market will return for its spring night market series – partnering with Melbourne Fringe Festival – to bring to life a brand-new offering: Fringe Flavours Night Market. The immersive event will run every Wednesday for five weeks, from 18 September to 16 October.

SA

Experience the magic with this musical celebration of the worlds most versatile instrument at Adelaide Guitar Festival from 12–29 September. Attendees can join workshops, masterclasses, and discussions to deepen their appreciation and skills of guitar artistry.

Parkway Drive will be playing Adelaide Entertainment Centre on 27 September.

WA

This month is your last chance to see Australian street artist RONE, who brings his highly acclaimed immersive exhibition, TIME • RONE, to The Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA) until 30 September.

Western Australia is set to deliver the ultimate fusion of basketball, music, culture, entertainment and style at HoopsFest – a celebration like no other from 19–22 September.

ACT

Australia's Biggest Celebration of Spring, Floriade, returns to Canberra's Commonwealth Park for another year from 14 September.

Gauguin’s World: Tōna Iho, Tōna Ao offers a rare opportunity to experience the enduring art of French Post-Impressionist Paul Gauguin at the National Gallery of Australia.

The Japanese Film Festival returns across Australia for its 28th rendition in Canberra 24 Sept - 15 Oct with an ensemble of the best new features from Japanese cinema.

NT

Over three nights from 12–14 September, Australia's best Sprintcar drivers will battle it out for a large cash prize at the Chariots of Thunder Sprintcar Series.

From 17–22 September, singers and musicians, choirs and audiences from Alice Springs and Central Australia and visitors to the region will experience Desert Song Festival, as artists from this vibrant multi-cultural community come together to present a series of events that showcase incredible local musical talent.

Desert Festival 2024 is a multi-arts celebration held from 27–29 September, showcasing the rich arts and culture of the Northern Territory.

From 5 September until 20 October, one of the nation’s oldest Aboriginal art festivals, Desert Mob will be happening throughout Mparntwe (Alice Springs), featuring an exhibition, symposium and marketplace as well as public programs and satellite events.