The 7 Best Things To Do In Melbourne This September

Rebecca Russo is a freelance writer, editor, community radio dabbler,…
Hello spring, we’ve missed you. With September comes the long-awaited arrival of outdoor activities, and Melbourne has sure put on a show this month. Here’s our top seven picks for September, perfect for visitors and locals alike.
[listicle]The dachshunds are back!
Hophaus Bavarian Bier Bar Grill and My Dachshund Online have come together again to bring eager sausage dog fans the inimitable Hophaus Annual Dachshund Race. This literal sausage fest will be heading back to the Southgate Podium Level on Saturday September 24 for a fun run featuring a lot of flailing tongues, confused little hounds and smiles all round. In addition to the race, there’ll be a costume parade and competition as well as some good food and beer from the folks at Hophaus. And it’s all for a good cause – the event will be raising money for Dachshund Rescue Australia. For more info on the event head here.
Photo: Hophaus
Scrumptious (Turkish) delights
A brand new stall has opened at Prahran Market that’s bound to blow your tastebuds out of the water. Naheda’s Choice is a new stall dedicated to every kind of Turkish delight – from traditional rosewater Turkish delight to chilli coated, pineapple with poppy seed or pomegranate with gold leaf. With over 30 different flavours on display – and new ones popping up all the time – you’ll really should set aside an entire afternoon to try them all.
Photo: Prahran Market
Speaking of sweets…
Do you love warm, sugary jam doughnuts? (Who doesn’t?) And when you’re eating them, do you struggle to stop at just one? (Again, who doesn’t?) Well you’re in luck – a doughnut eating competition is upon us. The Dandee Donut Eating Competition is taking place on Sunday September 4 at Dandenong Market, and it’s set to be one hell of a sugary afternoon.
Market visitors will be able to battle it out for the ultimate Dandee Donut Championship, with contestants challenged with eating as many doughnuts as they can in two minutes. The doughnut champ will then get to home $200 worth of Dandenong Market vouchers, and some pretty sick bragging rights. While entry into the competition is free, only 25 participants will be chosen to participate. You can register your interest here.
Fringe kicks off
The Melbourne Fringe Festival is back for another year, promising an exciting collection of art, comedy, theatre, performance and so much more. Kicking off on September 15 and running through ’til October 2, there’s everything from Abbotsford Convent tours to food-for-thought exhibitions, evocative city-wide light installations and even a show with cartoonist First Dog on the Moon. A little for everyone – check out the incredible 2016 program here.
Photo: First Dog on the Moon
Listen out for Listen Out
The Listen Out national touring festival is set to hit the Catani Gardens on September 24, and if previous years have proven anything, this is going to be one all-killer no-filler affair. The lineup – which masterfully pairs both electronic big-wigs with hip-hop masters – includes the likes of Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, A$AP Ferg, Stromzy, Baauer and Gorgon City, with local acts Rüfüs, L D R Y, Willow Beats and Ngaiire hitting the stage as well. Check out the full line up and tickets here.
Photo: Listen Out/Facebook
Happy birthday Beyoncé
Beyoncé’s turning 35 so Supersmall have decided to throw a party. Beyoncé’s Birthday Party will take place on Saturday September 3 – you can shake your jelly on the dance floor to Bey’s most Bootylicious hits from 9pm, with R’n’B classics and party jams playing all night long. There’ll be free entry, a photo booth, life-size cutouts and facemarks of Queen Bee herself and – we’re just guessing here – a whole lot of lemonade. Details here.
Ever wanted to meet an astronaut?
Now’s your chance. IMAX Melbourne are putting on a screening of the space doco A Beautiful Planet 3D followed by an extra special Q&A with real-life US astronaut Marsha Ivins. Guests have the opportunity to ask Marsha, now a retired NASA engineer and astronaut, all your important space questions. Like what’s the International Space Station like? And why doesn’t cheese go mouldy in space? (Very important). This special opening night screening will take place on Wednesday September 7 at 8pm. Tickets are $25 and include a glass of wine or bubbles on arrival. More info here and check out the trailer below:[/listicle] [media_embed]https://youtu.be/QJpLjXbGIkQ[/media_embed]
(Lead image: Sweet and Simple Kitchen)
[qantas_widget code=MEL]Check out Qantas flights to Melbourne here.[/qantas_widget]Rebecca Russo is a freelance writer, editor, community radio dabbler, occasional hiker and autobiography enthusiast. She has written for online publications including Junkee, The Cusp, Fashion Journal and Tone Deaf. Find her online here.