23 Great Things to Do in September

1. Auckland Live International Cabaret SeasonReturning for its third year, locations such as the concert chamber of the Auckland Town Hall will come alive with cabarets from across the globe – shows include Songs for the Fallen, Freeway: The Chet Baker Journey and Sheba's Tribute to Nina Simone. Various venues across Auckland, September 28-October 2. Visit aucklandlive.co.nz

2. Urban Street FestGet some culinary inspiration at this freshly launched street food market, whether it's Korean BBQ Tacos from Coreano or a hand rolled sushi cone from Temaki Truck. 44 George St, Kingsland, Auckland, September 1. Visit facebook.com/urbanstreetfest

3. Space to Dream: Open LateExperience the Auckland Art Gallery come sundown with this event to celebrate the Space to Dream: Recent Art from South America exhibition before it comes to a close on September 18, there will be food, drink and music by Scuba Diva aka Jimmy Mac. Auckland Art Gallery, cnr Kitchener and Wellesley St, September 6. Visit aucklandartgallery.com

4. Contemporary Christchurch This exhibition will survey exhibition art made in the Christchurch region across the past three years, examining the relationship between works, process and place. Christchurch Centre of Contemporary Art, 66 Gloucester St, Christchurch until November 6. Visit coca.org.nz

5. Land of BirdsCombining detailed drawings from Niels Meyer-Westfeld and bronze sculptures by Gerard McCabes, this exhibition beautifully explores the birds of New Zealand, from Tui to Blue Penguins. Exhibitions Gallery, 20 Brandon St, Wellington, until September 10. Visit exhibitionsgallery.co.nz

6. Collecting ShadowsEllie Smith & Cathy Tuato'o Ross have together been working with the Whangarei Heritage Museum to select objects that speak to the exhibition's theme of recollection and sentimentality, exploring our personal connection to material things. Geoff Wilson Gallery, Gate 3, North Tec Campus, Raumanga Valley Road, Whangarei, until September 16. Visit northtec.ac.nz

7. Glass WarfareThis year, the number of female CEO's in New Zealand's top 50 listed companies hit zero. Theresa Gattung, Ranjna Patel, Rob Campbell and Anne Blackburn will come together with host Janet McAllister to discuss the current state of the issue and what can be done about it going forward. Q Theatre, 305 Queen Street, Auckland, September 15. Visit qtheatre.co.nz

8. Turning The World Inside Out: 30 Years A Painter Judy Millar will exhibit her latest works from this year alongside a painting from 1987, exploring her process across the last 30 years. Gow Langsford Gallery, 26 Lorne St, Auckland, until September 24. Visit gowlangsfordgallery.co.nz

9. The Coffee and Chocolate ShowTreat yourself to some of the best coffee and chocolate around, The Cloud on Auckland's waterfront will come alive with the smell of roasting coffee beans, live demonstrations and samples.   The Cloud, Auckland Waterfront, September 3 & 4. Visit chocolatecoffeeshow.co.nz

10. Point of HueThis exhibition will bring together 11 female photographers, curated by Ms. Interpreted, exploring patriarchy in the current day. Lot23, 23 Minnie Street, Auckland, September 2-3. Visit lot23.co.nz

11. Bridget Jones' Baby

Renee Zellweger returns to the big screen as Bridget Jones for the third instalment of the British comedy, this time with baby in tow. In cinemas September 22.

12. Crafternoon Tea MarketGrab a cup of coffee and treat yourself to something handmade - whether it be candles, jewellery, art or ceramics. 400 New North Rd, Kingsland, Auckland. Visit facebook.com/events

13. From #Slacktivism to ActivismAs part of the Auckland Museum's Late series, Laura O'Connell Rapira, Toby Morris, Steve Abel and Sina Brown-Davis will come together to discuss how widespread online awareness via social media can be translated into activism in a traditional sense. Auckland Museum, Auckland Domain, Parnell, September 5. Visit aucklandmuseum.com

14. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet StDirected by Stuart Maunder and conducted by Benjamin Northey, the New Zealand Opera will perform classic horror story, Sweeney Todd, in what is set to be a thrilling show. The Civic, 269 – 287 Queen St, Auckland, September 17-24. Visit nzopera.com

15. The Complete History of the Royal New Zealand Navy AbridgedFancy finding out more about the history of the Royal New Zealand Navy? This show delves into almost 250 years of history - directed by New Zealand theatre icon, and part-time Naval Lieutenant Commander, Mark Hadlow. Bruce Mason Centre, 1 The Promenade, Takapuna, Auckland, September 16-17. Visit aucklandlive.co.nz

16. AffinityTake a trip to Aotea Square and experience a light sculpture that is activated by the human touch. The sculpture was designed by Amigo & Amigo, an interactive lighting and design studio, in support of World Alzheimer's Month. Aotea Square, Auckland, September 6-22. Visit aucklandlive.co.nz

17. Swing into SpringThe New Zealand Symphony Orchestra are collaborating with Rodger Fox Big Band for the first time, 19 jazz musicians from the band will join the orchestra for this upbeat show conducted by Hamish McKeich. Various venues across the country, September 1-16. Visit nzso.co.nz

18. The Spring Fling FestivalMaking the most of springtime in the Hawkes Bay, this festival has a line-up of 20 unique events, experience all that the region has to offer with everything from garden parties to costal walks. Various locations across the Hawkes Bay, September 1-October 29. Vist thespringfling.nz

19.  Tiki Āhua This show will bring together 17 contemporary Māori fashion designers, such as Kharl Wirepa Couture and Kiri Nathan, for an evening of culture set in the surrounds of the Te Whakarewarewa thermal valley.  Te Whakaruruhau, Te Puia, Rotorua, September 24. Visit tikiahua.com

20. The Dinner Crowd Off the back of a successful winter series, The Dinner Crowd hosted by Homestead Café is back for spring. Enjoy Pah Homestead at night-time with a three course meal, some great music and the gallery open late. Pah Homestead, TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre, 72 Hillsborough Rd, Hillsborough, Auckland, September 16. Visit pahhomestead.company

21. Ceramic Gilding with GoldTake your ceramics obsession to the next level with this workshop, hosted by Rachel Murphy Hansen, it teaches the art of gilding gold leaf onto ceramic objects. There are also plenty of other great workshops on at the studio throughout the month. Studio One Toi Tū, 1 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby, Auckland, September 4. Visit studioone.org.nz

22. Boys Will Be BoysBoasting a cast filled with local talent such as Amanda Billing and Jennifer Ludlam, this show will take you inside the male world of currency trading, from a distinctly female perspective. Q Theatre, 305 Queen St, Auckland, September 8-24. Visit silotheatre.co.nz

23. Perfect World: Jill SorensenFor her latest show, Jill Sorensen has created paintings that weave together floral and landscape painting, exploring humans and their impact on nature. Whitespace, 12 Crummer Rd, Ponsonby, until September 18. Visit whitespace.co.nz