September is a month of change, as summer slowly gives way to fall, and people around the world come together to celebrate the season with unique festivals. From grape harvests and cultural parades to music festivals and food extravaganzas, September offers a wealth of vibrant events that capture the spirit of the season. Whether you’re able to get there in person or use these events as inspiration to host your own local party, these are great activities for September. Here are the top 10 September festivals around the world that you won’t want to miss.

1. Oktoberfest (Munich, Germany)

  • Dates: Late September to the first weekend of October
  • Overview: The world’s most famous beer festival, Oktoberfest is a must-visit for anyone who loves Bavarian culture, beer, and hearty food. Held in Munich, this 16- to 18-day festival attracts millions of visitors who come to enjoy beer tents, traditional music, and delicious German fare.
  • Highlight: Don’t miss the opening parade of Oktoberfest landlords and breweries, a colorful procession of traditional costumes, horse-drawn beer wagons, and music.
  • More information: Official Oktoberfest Website

2. La Mercè (Barcelona, Spain)

  • Dates: Around September 24th
  • Overview: La Mercè is Barcelona’s largest annual festival, honoring the city’s patron saint, Our Lady of Mercy. This vibrant celebration includes over 600 events, from parades and concerts to fireworks and traditional Catalan performances like the human towers (Castells).
  • Highlight: The Correfoc (fire run) is an exhilarating experience where costumed devils run through the streets, lighting fireworks and creating a spectacular show.
  • Useful Links: La Mercè History, Barcelona Travel Guide

3. Grape Harvest Festival (Mendoza, Argentina)

  • Dates: Late September
  • Overview: Mendoza, one of the world’s top wine regions, comes alive in September with its annual Grape Harvest Festival (Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia). The festival celebrates the wine-making process with parades, concerts, and, of course, plenty of wine tastings.
  • Highlight: The Carrusel Vendimial, a colorful parade featuring floats, dancers, and traditional costumes, is a must-see event.
  • More information: Mendoza Grape Harvest Festival

4. Mid-Autumn Festival (China, Vietnam, Taiwan)

  • Dates: 15th day of the 8th lunar month (varies; typically mid-to-late September)
  • Overview: The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is one of the most important traditional holidays in East Asia. Families gather to enjoy mooncakes, light lanterns, and appreciate the full moon, which symbolizes unity and togetherness.
  • Highlight: Head to Taiwan to witness the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, where thousands of lanterns are released into the sky, creating a magical, luminous display.
  • Useful Links: Mid-Autumn Festival History, Taiwan Travel Guide

5. Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival (Galway, Ireland)

  • Dates: Last weekend of September
  • Overview: Celebrating the start of the oyster season, this festival is one of the longest-running food festivals in the world. Visitors can indulge in fresh oysters, seafood, and Guinness while enjoying live music, cooking demonstrations, and a lively atmosphere.
  • Highlight: The World Oyster Opening Championship, where contestants from around the globe compete to shuck the most oysters in the shortest time.
  • Useful Links: Official Galway Oyster Festival Website, Galway Travel Guide, Ireland Food Festivals

6. Feast of San Gennaro (New York City, USA)

  • Dates: Mid-September (typically around September 19th)
  • Overview: Held in the heart of Little Italy, Manhattan, the Feast of San Gennaro is a beloved tradition that celebrates Italian culture and cuisine. The festival, originally a one-day religious commemoration of the Patron Saint of Naples, has grown into an 11-day event filled with parades, live music, street vendors, and, of course, an abundance of delicious Italian food.
  • Highlight: The cannoli-eating contest is a crowd favorite, drawing in both locals and tourists eager to indulge in this iconic Italian dessert.
  • Useful Links: Official Feast of San Gennaro NYC, NYC September Events

7. The Braemar Gathering (Braemar, Scotland)

  • Dates: First Saturday in September
  • Overview: The Braemar Gathering is the most famous of Scotland’s Highland Games, attracting spectators from around the world, including members of the British Royal Family. The event features traditional Scottish sports like caber tossing, tug-of-war, and hammer throwing, along with Highland dancing and bagpipe music.
  • Highlight: Watching the athletes compete in the heavy events, a display of incredible strength and skill.
  • Useful Links: Official Braemar Gathering Website, Scotland Travel Guide, Highland Games History

8. Fiestas Patrias (Chilean Independence Day, Chile)

  • Dates: September 18-19
  • Overview: Fiestas Patrias is a two-day celebration of Chile’s independence, marked by parades, rodeos, traditional dances, and feasts. It’s a time of national pride, and Chileans come together to enjoy asados (barbecues), empanadas, and pisco sours.
  • Highlight: The Cueca dance, Chile’s national dance, performed in traditional costumes at various events throughout the country.
  • Useful Links: Chile Travel Guide, Fiestas Patrias Overview, Cueca Dance Explained

9. Toronto International Film Festival (Toronto, Canada)

  • Dates: Early to mid-September
  • Overview: One of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, TIFF showcases a wide array of films from around the globe. It’s a star-studded event that attracts filmmakers, celebrities, and cinephiles alike.
  • Highlight: The opportunity to catch the world premieres of highly anticipated films and possibly spot some A-list celebrities.
  • Useful Links: Official TIFF Website, Toronto Travel Guide

10. London Design Festival (London, UK)

  • Dates: Mid-to-late September
  • Overview: London Design Festival is a celebration of design in all its forms, featuring exhibitions, installations, and events across the city. From architecture and fashion to furniture and graphic design, this festival is a must-see for design enthusiasts.
  • Highlight: The landmark projects, large-scale installations created by renowned designers, placed in iconic locations throughout the city.
  • Useful Links: Official London Design Festival Website

Conclusion:

September is a month of cultural richness and diversity, offering a wide array of festivals that celebrate everything from food and drink to art and tradition. Whether you’re looking to dance in the streets of Barcelona, sip wine in Mendoza, or indulge in oysters in Galway, there’s a September festival that’s perfect for you. So, pack your bags, plan your trip, and get ready to experience the world’s most exciting celebrations!