School is back in session, football fields are full of action and the local Spirit Halloween is doing a brisk business: welcome to September. Turns out that September is a sneaky-good month for festivals and fun events too, as it¡¯s the month when summer celebrations go out with a bang (often around Labor Day) and the first hints of autumn start appearing in the form of harvest festivals. From Oktoberfest parties, jazz festivals and some late-season state fairs to global arts gatherings and quirky events you have to experience to believe, there¡¯s a September 2025 event waiting for you.?
Aloha Festivals ¨C Statewide, Hawai?i
The utterly unique and locally cherished Aloha Festivals will once again take over the islands of Hawai'i this September with a monthlong lineup of events celebrating everything that makes these islands' culture so special. From music and hula to food, art and tons of aloha spirit, it¡¯s a true statewide celebration, and you're welcome to experience the fun. Just two of the signature highlights this year include the 71st Annual Waik¨©k¨© Ho?olaule?a block party (September 20) and the 77th Annual Floral Parade (September 27).
A performance in a stunning natural setting at the Moab Musical Festival (Photo via Moab Musical Festival)
Moab Music Festival ¨C Moab, Utah
Running through September 12, the Moab Music Festival offers a sensational blend of classical, chamber and world music set against Utah¡¯s breathtaking natural landscapes. From red rock canyons to open-air venues under wide blue skies, every performance feels like a bucket list experience, and there's truly nothing else like it in the nation.
Washington State Fair - Puyallup, Washington
In the Pacific Northwest, the Washington State Fair (runs through September 21) will once again take place in Puyallup and will feature its beloved annual roster of rides, rodeos, fair food and rock stars. This year's A-list entertainment includes 38 Special (September 8), Khalid (September 11), Jon Pardi (September 12), Ludacris (September 13), AJR (September 18), T-Pain (September 19) and Darius Rucker (September 21).
The Mighty Mac Bridge, Mackinaw Bridge, Michigan (Photo via Deb Nystrom / flickr)
Labor Day Bridge Walk ¨C Mackinac Island, Michigan
Each year, the Straits of Mackinac are the setting for one of the nation¡¯s most unique annual traditions: the Labor Day Bridge Walk (September 1). During this special event, the public gets the rare opportunity to cross the majestic Mackinac Bridge on foot, taking in breathtaking views of the straits and the surrounding waters, all the while celebrating one of Michigan¡¯s most iconic engineering feats.
International Camel & Ostrich Races ¨C Virginia City, Nevada
For a really wild taste of the West, head to Virginia City for the 66th International Camel & Ostrich Races (September 5-7). Yep, you read that right: camel and ostrich races. This one-of-a-kind event promises thrills, spills and loads of laughs as you'll get the chance to see these exotic animals race through the historic mining town to the adoration of the crowds. In addition to the races, the weekend will be filled with scores of fun events and activities.
Mural in Wickenburg, Arizona. (Photo Credit: JJAVA/Adobe)
Fiesta de Septiembre ¨C Wickenburg, Arizona
Wickenburg will once again pay homage to its Hispanic pioneers during the 36th Annual Fiesta de Septiembre (September 6). This colorful annual party brings downtown to life with mariachi music, dancers, arts & crafts, kids¡¯ activities and plenty of delicious food, including a guacamole-making contest.
Eastern Idaho State Fair ¨C Blackfoot, Idaho
September in this part of the West is all about the Eastern Idaho State Fair, and this family-friendly get-together returns to Blackfoot from September 6¨C14. This Gem State favorite serves up a little bit of everything with events including adrenaline-filled bull riding and demolition derbies beside a carnival with rides, games and all the mouthwatering fair food you can eat. Throw in top-notch entertainment from Dylan Scott, Jeff Dunham, Edwin McCain, Train and many more and you¡¯ve got a great last bash of the summer.
Downtown Louisville skyline (Photo Credit: f11photo/Adobe)
Bourbon & Beyond Festival ¨C Louisville, Kentucky
In Louisville, spirits will be sky-high again at the Bourbon & Beyond Festival (September 11¨C14). Known for bringing together the perfect blend of music, bourbon and delectable food, this late-summer soiree will feature an all-star lineup that includes Phish, Noah Kahan, The Lumineers, Jack White, Benson Boone, Megan Moroney and many more. Beyond the tunes, you¡¯ll find world-class bourbon tastings and chef-driven culinary delights, making it as much a feast for the taste buds as it is for the ears.
The Big E Festival ¨C Springfield, Massachusetts
The ninth month of the year signals the return of the Big E Festival (September 12-28), New England¡¯s largest annual party and essentially one big state fair for the whole region. This beloved event offers all the classics like agricultural exhibits, thrilling carnival rides, decadent food & drink and plenty of games to keep your whole crew entertained. In addition, the Big E will host an exciting lineup of concerts this year featuring Tonic (September 12), Busta Rhymes & Rick Ross (September 13), The Marshall Tucker Band (September 17), Sebastian Bach (September 18), B.O.B. (September 19), Sister Hazel (September 24) MKTO (September 27) and many more.
Wood Island Light in Maine. (Photo via David Lounsbury / Flickr)
Maine¡¯s Open Lighthouse Day ¨C Statewide, Maine
Salute Maine¡¯s storied seafaring heritage at Open Lighthouse Day (September 14), where the doors to more than a dozen of the state¡¯s historic lighthouses will be open to the public. On this special day, you'll be able to full explore these beacons, even climbing the internal staircases to admire sweeping coastal views and learn about the keepers who helped sailors stay safe and sound.
Outer Banks Kite Festival ¨C Nags Head, North Carolina
On the Outer Banks, the annual Kite Festival (September 12-13) returns to Nags Head, bringing color and excitement to the skies. World-class stunt kite flyers will amaze the crowds with jaw-dropping spins above the sand, making for a perfect day out for the entire family.
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio. (photo by Ross Van Pelt)
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati - Cincinnati, Ohio
Nicknamed ¡°America¡¯s Oktoberfest¡±, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati (September 18-21) will once again transform downtown Cincy into a slice of Bavaria. Expect lively traditional music, German food & beer, traditional Bavarian attire and plenty of dancing in the streets in addition to fun competitions like stein-holding and wiener dog races.
Johnny Appleseed Festival ¨C Fort Wayne, Indiana
Fort Wayne will honor the legacy of the folk icon Johnny Appleseed (Appleseed spent the last portion of his life living in Fort Wayne) during the 50th Annual Johnny Appleseed Festival on September 20-21. Known for spreading apple orchards and kindness across the nation in the early 1800s, Appleseed¡¯s legend lives on through this fun event filled with historical demonstrations, games and entertainment for the entire family.
Mothman Statue of Point Pleasant, West Virginia (Photo via Katherine Bowman / Flickr)
Mothman Festival ¨C Point Pleasant, West Virginia
Make your way to Point Pleasant for a weekend dedicated to everybody¡¯s favorite winged, red-eyed mythical cryptid at the Mothman Festival (September 20-21). This unique celebration honors the legend of the Mothman, a mysterious creature first spotted in the 1960s, with plenty of fun for fans of all ages and all degrees of Mothman 'belief'.
Monterey Jazz Festival - Monterey, California
End your month in style with the smooth sounds of the 68th Annual Monterey Jazz Festival (September 26-28), which just so happens to be the longest continually running jazz gathering on the planet. This iconic festival has been a fixture since 1958 and will once again fill the Monterey County Fairgrounds with world-class sounds. The 2025 lineup includes the likes of Christian McBride & Ursa Major, Christian Sands, Diana Reeves, Gregory Porter, Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra, Trombone Shorty and many more.
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