Spring has well and truly arrived! Although you can’t quite let go of the jacket yet, breezy summer like afternoons are a teaser for outdoor dining and more bearable evening activities. Here’s our edit on how best to enjoy the coming month around the country with these September events.
National:
What:Blue September Charity Initiative
When: September 1st -30th
Blue September is a nationwide event aimed to ‘face up to cancer’ in men. Every year, 30% more men die of cancer than women, purely from late diagnosis. A key priority this year is to purchase life saving, early diagnosis equipment for the Men’s Prostate Clinic in Melbourne. This equipment will be available for men around the country. It will cut waiting times from 4-6 months to just a few days and within hours, action can be taken. This years target is four hundred thousand dollars. You can help by making a donation or or simply ‘shopping blue’ for blue September merchandise on the website. To take your charitable nature to new heights this month, start a fundraising page and encourage your friends and co-workers to help you meet your target. To register your fundraiser sign up via the website, upload a photo, record your video challenge message and join the fight.
Every month counts when it comes to being diagnosed with cancer.
New South Wales:
What: Smooth Festival of Chocolate
When: September 12th and 13th
Last year Sydney Siders were treated to the decadent pleasures of The Rock’s precinct’s first Festival of chocolate and this year its set to be back bigger and better. In conjunction with major event partner Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, the Smooth Festival of Chocolate will transform The Rocks precinct into a chocolate oasis with top brands. Live cooking demonstrations from Julien Pouteau, (Executive Chef, InterContinental Sydney Double Bay) and Christopher Thé (Blackstar Pastry) will feature alongside Sydney’s finest exhibitors from Gelato Messina, Love dem apples, MakMak Macarons and plenty more.As afternoons by the harbor are slowly relieved from that biting winter chill, indulge your sweet tooth and give in to the cravings!
More Info: smoothfestivalofchocolate.com.au
Victoria:
What: Dandenong Festival of Lights
When: September 11_October 28/ 6pm-10pm daily
Where: Greaves Reserve
The Chinese Light Spectacular is set to inspire Melbourne through a mesmerizing cultural light display. Following successful tours throughout Europe and China, The Dandenong Festival of Lights celebrates Chinese culture through a display of 32 beautiful and unique silk lanterns. Follow a tree lined path featuring lanterns resembling the Chinese zodiac, dinosaurs, flowers, pandas, tigers and many more. Daily performances will boast an acrobatics show, Chinese tea ceremonies and roving performers.
The festival of lights offers an unparalleled experience of aesthetic pressure and cultural understanding for you and the family. Or, leave the kids at the jumping castle and take some to fully immerse yourself in this enlightening celebration.
source:https://lightfestival.com.au/
More Info: lightfestival.com.au
Western Australia:
What: Italian Wine & Food Festival
When: Sunday September 13th 11am-6pm
Where: Perth Town Hall
Not quite the connoisseur of wine you imagine you could be? Enjoy a quick education and a fun, elegant day out at the Italian Wine & Food Festival. Coming to Perth for the very first time, the all ages event is aimed at creating a new generation of Italian wine and food lovers through education, experience and connection. Alongside 200 of Italy’s finest wines (and a selection of the best wines made locally from Italian grapes), there will be the chance to taste salumi, cheese, bread, olive oil and more. For Italian wine lovers and trade professionals alike, it’s a chance to discover the unknown through cooking classes, language tutorials and maybe a cheeky afternoon spritzer in the Aperol garden.
More Info: Italianwinefood.com.au
South Australia:
What: Damien Syred’s Circus Royale
When: September 11th-19th
Where: Mount Barker Showground
When was the last time you dazzled yourself with the inspiring awe of a big top circus? A mix of clever domestic animals, hilarious comedy and astounding human skill appear as part of a cast of both international and Australian performers. Specific acts include Aerial acrobatics, contortion, clowns, juggling, cows, camels, dancing horses, football playing dogs & ‘The Globe of Death’. Gift your family the charming and classic experience of a traveling circus.
More Info: circusroyale.com
Queensland:
What: Brisbane Festival
When: September 5th-26th
Where: Various Locations
Attracting an audience of around 1 million people a year, Brisbane festival runs parallel to and rivals Sydney’s Fringe. Exploding onto the art scene every September, the thrilling program of music, theatre, dance, opera, circus and major public events is a celebration of the culturally rich city. Priding itself on disrupting the conventional, the festival inspires Brisbane locals to think differently – about an art form, about city spaces, about how we live in the world. The festival features an exceptional line up of over 400 shows throughout the month across the city. With free performances, a school holiday family program and Sunsuper Riverfire, make sure your September is all about Brisbane Festival and celebrating your city.
More Info: brisbanefestival.com.au
Tasmania:
What: Swan Lake
When: Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th of September
Where: Theatre Royal
A rare opportunity to see the world’s most loved classical ballet presents itself to the city of Hobart. The three act masterpiece will be presented in its original style with subtle revisions and variations introduced by Gediminas Taranda, Artistic Director of the Imperial Russian Ballet Company. Swan Lake encapsulates the world of magic and mystical creatures with mesmerizing grace. The Imperial Russian Ballet Company produces the story of betrayal and power, ultimately conquered by the virtues of love and forgiveness.
More Info: russianballet.com.au/swan-lake
Northern Territory:
What: Alice Springs Town Council Night Markets
When: September 17th 2015
Where: Todd Mall
Alice Springs Town Council Night Markets are held once a month from August through to November. Stalls include artisan artworks, authentic indigenous art, recycled treasures, books, photos, handmade clothing and jewellery. Browse through eclectic finishings for your walls as you taste a treat from one of the enticing multicultural food vendors or enjoy the rousing talents of local musician.
More Info: alicesprings/events/night-markets
Canberra:
What: Floriade 2015
When: 12 September 2015 to 11 October 2015
Where: Canberra’s Commonwealth Park
Spring has officially arrived-what better way to celebrate than with a festival of Spring?
Floriade returns to Commonwealth Park in Canberra with yet another colorful program of events inspired by the 2015 theme of Reflection. As well as Spring gardening tips, inspiring musical performances and culinary demonstrations, visitors to Floriade 2015 will be taken on a journey through the themed weeks of stories, pride, connection and harmony. Take the family for a day of child friendly activities or head back after dark. Floriade’s after-dark extravaganza takes visitors on a journey of discovery with spectacular lighting designs, roving performers, bustling night markets and a fantastic line-up of entertainment.
source:tourism.act.gov.au
More Info: floriadeaustralia.com