It's a great time of year to get out and about and sample some of the spring time goodies on offer

There may be no such thing as a free lunch, but if you're in Sydney this September, there are loads of free (or almost free) events as part of Sydney Fringe, which is organised by the City of Sydney.

Whether you're into food and wine, photography, exhibitions, comedy, recycling, green initiatives, fashion or performance art, the calendar is packed with a diverse range of events to satisfy almost any interest. And now that winter is finally over and lots of little things are starting to grow, it's a great time of year to get out and about and sample some of the spring time goodies on offer, whether you're a local or a visitor. Here are our top 10 picks...

Art From the Heart of the Cross

This is an art exhibition by people who use the Sydney Medically Supervised Injecting Centre in Kings Cross. The theme for this year is ‘I am…", and encourages participants to explore the different dimensions of their personalities. The artworks depict life as viewed from a little understood and often marginalised perspective.

Where? Kings Cross Library, 50-52 Darlinghurst Road, Potts Point

When? Weekdays 9am – 5pm, Monday 7^th until Friday 18^th September

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How Easy Was That?

Baking workshops aimed at kitchen novices who'd like to expand their culinary repertoire. The workshops are presented by local librarian and amateur baker, Kathy. Likely to be popular so bookings are recommended.

Where? Surry Hills Library, 405 Crown Street, Surry Hills

When? 12pm – 1pm, every second Tuesday from 8^th September until 10^th November

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The Laugh Stand @ Harold Park

A great line-up of some of the best stand-up, including Darren Sanders, Chris Franklin, Sharyn Booth, and Triple J's Dave Jory (pictured) as the headliner on 22 September. General admission is $10, but that includes two-for-one meals and a $5.00 beer special.

Where? Harold Park Hotel, 70a Ross Street, Forest Lodge

When? 8pm – 10.15pm, Tuesday 8^th, 15^th and 22^nd September

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Discotheque 71

Billed as "a party with a mission to inspire people to move freely, let go and enjoy the music with no inhibitions". Discotheque 71 will be a night of disco (of course), funk, afrobeat and swaying' grooves from the ‘70s where people come together to be connected by the energy and joy of dance.

Where? Ching-a-Lings, 133 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst

When? 6pm – 1am, Thursday 10^th September

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Smooth Festival of Chocolate

Omg did someone say chocolate????? NOVA Entertainment will celebrate decadent desserts and chocolate designs from some of the best patisseries, ice creameries, chocolatiers and restaurants in Australia. What chockie lover could resist an event that includes something called the Arnott's Tim Tam Temptation Tent? Free admission. BYO taste buds.

Where? The Rocks, Sydney

When? 10am – 8pm Saturday 12^th and 10am – 5pm Sunday 13^th September

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Re-fashion It Workshop

Sydney is celebrating fashion during September. This is a free interative workshop suitable for beginners. Bring along a garment of your own that you'd like to either mend or upcycle and Laura Walsh from Bobbin and Ink will show you how it can be done. It's a perfect intersection of fashion and recycling. Free admission. Bookings recommended.

Where? Surry Hills Library, 405 Crown Street, Surry Hills

When? 11am – 1pm & 1.30pm – 3.30pm (two sessions), Saturday 12^th September

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Female Trailblazers: A Social Networking Event

This inter-generational and gender fluid informal afternoon tea explores the ideas of gender-based obstacles in the creative arts. The event is aimed at involving both women and men of all experience and ages to celebrate women's headway in the arts sector. Free admission.

Where? Verge Gallery, Jane Foss Russell Plaza, City Road, Darlington

When? 4pm – 6pm, Saturday 19^th September

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Pyrmont Photo Exhibition

A truly grassroots exhibition of photos taken by members of local neighbourhoods in the Pyrmont area. The photographers represent all different ages and backgrounds. Visitors can vote on their favourite photograph while enjoying free drinks, nibbles and entertainment. Free admission.

Where? Pyrmont Community Centre, cnr John and Mounts Streets, Pyrmont

When? 6pm – 8pm, Friday 25^th September

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World Tourism Day: Free Guided Tours in Sydney

Sunday 27 September is the UN's World Tourism Day, so the Institute of Australian Tour Guides is asking its professional ranks to walk the walk and talk the talk. Find out the hidden secrets and stories of some of the buildings and locations you walk past every day. Free admission.

Where? Museum of Sydney, cnr Phillip and Bridge Streets, Sydney

When? 10am – 3pm, Sunday 27^th September (tours departing every 15 minutes)

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Music Video Show + Tell

Presented by Metro Screen, this is a chance for film and music makers to get together and talk about the process of making music videos. Watch some clips and hear from the filmmakers who will discuss their respective creative journeys. A collaborative evening for local musicians and filmmakers to share their stories and inspire each other. Cost: $10 (student).

Where? Paddington Town Hall, cnr Oxford Street and Oatley Road, Paddington

When? 6pm – 8pm, Wednesday 30^th September

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Of course, if you'd like to be involved in these kinds of cultural events from the inside rather than the outside, TAFE NSW can help you with courses in chocolate-making, fashion design, photography, tourism & events, commercial cookery, sound production and 3D animation.