WHAT'S ON Now that you’ve come out of hibernation, here’s a guide to everything happening in Sydney this month

I don’t know about you, but the arrival of spring has brought with it an influx of happiness that I never realised I lost. The sun is shining, the oodies are back in the cupboard, and I can just feel Sydney gearing up for a big month.

What’s more to celebrate? This September, we’re being absolutely treated to some gems.

Not only is the iconic Sydney Fringe Festival back for another year of weird, wild and wonderful performances, but it appears that everyone is getting back into the spirit of celebration. There’s plenty of live music, venue specials and retail therapy to be done.

Don’t believe me? See for yourself. Check below for the best things happening in Sydney this month.

Sydney Fringe Festival

Whoever said there’s nothing on in Sydney has clearly never heard of the Fringe Festival. That’s right, Sydney’s wildest month is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever. This year, the program has had a serious upgrade, now spread across four separate precincts and 12 hubs throughout the city. With over 400 events on the schedule, the world is truly your oyster this month. Some of our personal highlights include Machine Hall’s ‘Just Desserts’ multi-sensory dinner, the Soweto Gospel Choir’s residency at the Spiegeltent, and Kings Cross Hotel’s Cabaret Hub.

• When: Sunday 1 to Monday 30 September
• Where: Multiple locations across Sydney
• How much: Varies
• Check it out here.

Martini and Movie Mondays

Golden Age Cinemas saw the cost of living crisis and literally said, “no thanks.” Because there’s no way they’re offering two martinis, popcorn, a choc top, and a special screening of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert for just $50. Alas, believe it and book your ticket stat. In celebration of the iconic film’s 30th birthday, the Surry Hills theatre is dressing the fuck up for what can only be the most fabulous way to spend a Monday night. Time to whip out the feather boas and gogo boots, I say.

• When: Monday 16, 23 and 30 September, from 6pm
• Where: Golden Age Cinemas, Surry Hills
• How much: $50
• Check it out here.

Rosé All Day 

If basic bitch energy could be personified into an event, it would be Opera Bar’s Rosé All Day annual festivity. And spare your judgement, because I fully embrace this vibe too. If you’re looking for inspiration for your next girlie catch-up, consider this your sign. A $45 ticket gets you three rosé cocktails or wines, with a special shoutout to the Opera Bar’s frosé machine. We know it’s working overtime.

• When: Friday 6 to Sunday 15 September
• Where: Opera Bar
• How much: $45
• Check it out here.

Barangaroo House of Martinis

Our newest addition to the happy hour lineup has got to be none other than our beloved Barangaroo House. For the entirety of September, this three-level institution will be slinging $10 mini martinis all day, every day. And if Friday post-office drinks weren’t already dangerous enough, House Bar will be whipping out the classic martini ice luge from 4pm each week. In other words, it’s a great place to get fired.

• When: Sunday 1 to Monday 30 September
• Where: Barangaroo House
• How much: From $10
• Check it out here.

Black Market ft Miss Bashful x DBBD, Indecorum & More

Boobs, bass, and bashfulness. That’s exactly what you’ll get at Liberty Hall’s champion set this month, where Miss Bashful, DBBD, Indecorum, and more will be taking the stage. The headliner’s pouty techno bops have amassed a cult following among Berlin hot girls, with tracks like “Slut Commandments,” “1-800-GHETTOLICIOUS,” and “Hard Being Hot.” Yes, it’s absolutely outrageous. And yes, we’re 100% going. These tix are likely to sell out fast.

• When: Saturday 21 September, from 9pm
• Where: Liberty Hall
• How much: $70
• Check it out here.

Second Life Markets

Schedule retail therapy for September 15th because the Second Life Markets are back at their Darlinghurst stomping ground for a spring edition. With over 100 stores selling some of the best vintage and preloved fashion in town, it’s time to strap on your shopping boots and start sifting through the treasures. The markets will also feature local DJs, tattoo artists, and tooth gem specialists (yes, that’s a thing), so you can expect the vibes to be high.

• When: Sunday 15 September
• Where: 135 Palmer Street, Darlinghurst
• How much: Tickets from $7
• Check it out here.

a’Mare Pasta Sundaes

We all know I’m an absolute sucker for a bougie deal on a (relative) budget. If you are too, then listen up: the A’mare Pasta Sundays special kicks off this week. For $55, you’ll score a generous serving of various pastas, a scoop of gelato, and a glass of wine. Are there cheaper places to grab dinner? Sure. But A’mare scores high in my books, and it’s almost impossible to leave with change from a $100 note. In other words, consider this your time to pounce.

• When: Every Sunday, dinner
• Where: a’Mare at The Crown
• How much: $55
• Check it out here.

Sake Festival

Sake lovers, now is your time. This month, you’ve got an entire festival dedicated to your drink of choice. Hosted at Carriageworks later this month, a ticket grants you access to tastings from over 200 Japanese brewers and local vendors. Naturally, there’ll also be plenty of food and entertainment to keep you occupied as you traverse the market from start to finish. If you’re looking to add a rare bottle to your collection, this is the ideal time and place to do so.

• When: Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 September
• Where: Carriageworks
• How much: From $70
• Check it out here.

Sister Act The Musical

Calling all musical buffs, this one’s for you. Sister Act is officially reaching Australian shores this month, and delivering a show that’s bound to get your habit in a twist. Australian idol star, Casey Donovan, will be appearing as Dolores Van Cartier, alongside Genevieve Lemon as Mother Superior, and Rhonda Burchmore as Sister Mary Lazarus. Tony and 8-time Oscar award winner Alan Menken also did the original soundtrack, so you can expect some seriously good hymns and hallelujahs. 

• When: From Wednesday 7 August
• Where: Capitol Theatre
• How much: From $70
• Check it out here.

Sydney Contemporary 

Get some culcha into you this month with Sydney Contemporary, the largest and most diverse contemporary art fair in the area. Expect gallery presentations, impressive large-scale installations, live performances, and of course, plenty of champagne sipping and wanky conversations. Our highlight of the four-day event? The giant gibbon that’ll be artistically positioned on the roof of Carriageworks. And when we say big, we mean fucking massive (see here).

• When: Thursday 5 to Sunday 8 September
• Where: Carriageworks
• How much: Tickets from $30
• Check it out here.