Every State's Best September Events in 2024

School is back in session, football season has kicked off, and calendars across the USA are stacked with sensational events to attend all month long. When it comes to festivals and events, September owns a fantastic slice of the calendar as it is the month when summer events go out with a bang (often around Labor Day) and the first pumpkin-spiced autumn harvest gatherings start taking place. Sunny warm days followed by slightly cooler nights in a large swath of the country add to the month's appeal and the best September 2024 events manage to capture the spirit of both seasons. From numerous Oktoberfest events and state fairs to global arts get-togethers, Labor Day events and parties dedicated to fruits and music, there's sure to be a September 2024 event for you. Click on the slideshow to get planning! 

In 2024, the second weekend of September is filled with fun things to do in the Yellowhammer State. Choose between listening to great live music at the 11th Annual Women in Jazz Festival in Huntsville (September 6), being wooed by wood carving at the Tinglewood Festival (September 7) or strolling past fine works at the Birmingham Art Walk (September 6-7). Later in the month, Fiesta—Alabama's largest celebration of Hispanic heritage—will take place in Birmingham on September 28. 

End your summer with a bang by attending the Alaska State Fair, which will run through September 2. In addition to all the usual classic fair fun, this year will feature concerts from Oliver Anthony (September 1) and Stephen Sanchez (September 2).  Elsewhere, the beloved Alaska World Arts Festival will return to Homer (September 13-26), celebrating film, theater, dance, visual arts and storytelling from around the globe. 

The town of Wickenburg will once again celebrate the heritage of its early Hispanic pioneers during the 35th Annual Fiesta de Septiembre (September 7), which is the same day as the stellar Blues in Bisbee Festival in Bisbee. In Flagstaff, the 18th Annual Pickin’ in the Pines Bluegrass Festival returns on September 13-15, and also up north, the 35th Annual Flagstaff Festival of Science will return (September 20-29) to fascinate and enthrall all who attend, with the 2024 theme being "Accelerating Innovation". 

Kick off your September by getting in on the one-of-a-kind Wild West fun of the National Championship Chuckwagon Races, which will run through September 1 in Clinton, Arkansas. Elsewhere, the 77th Annual Ozark Folk Festival will take place in Eureka Springs (September 5-7), the 29th Annual Arkansas Hot Air Balloon State Championship will soar over Harrison on September 13-15 and the annual Arkansas-Oklahoma State Fair (September 20-28) will take over Fort Smith with a signature range of fun big enough for two states.

In San Francisco, the 34th Annual Autumn Moon Festival will take place on September 14-16, bringing with it lion dancing, entertainment and traditional Chinese mooncakes. Later in the month, the 67th Annual Monterey Jazz Festival (the longest continually-running jazz get-together in the world) will take place on September 27-29 to delight the crowds with artists like Mavis Staples, Samara Joy, Robert Glasper and many more big names set to perform. Last but not least, the 54th Annual Oktoberfest at Big Bear will kick off on September 7 and run weekends through November. 

The Colorado State Fair will run through September 2, bringing with it the usual array of Rocky Mountain fun and great entertainment from the likes of Banda El Recodo (September 1) and Goo Goo Dolls (September 1). The famed Telluride Film Festival also runs through September 2, presenting thought-provoking and entertaining film from around the world, while the town will also play host to the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival on 13-15. Last but not least, head to Pueblo on September 20-22 for the much-loved Chile & Frijoles Festival

If it's Labor Day Weekend in Connecticut, then it's time for the Goshen Fair (runs through September 2), an event that has been delighting the crowds since 1910. New London is the place to be on September 7-8 for the annual Connecticut Maritime Heritage Festival (think tall ships, live music and great food & drink) and the Guilford Fair will take place on September 20-22, bringing back its signature array of entertainment that includes everything from parades to tightrope walkers.  

Art lovers will want to head to the Brandywine Festival of the Arts (September 7-8), which will feature works from over 250 artists and over a dozen food vendors. Pack your appetite for the Delaware Taco Festival (September 28-29), which will once again take place in Wilmington and showcase more than two dozen food stalls, margarita bars and great live tunes.

Crafts, live music, cold drinks and mouthwatering seafood will be the order of the day at the annual Florida Scallop, Music & Arts Festival in Port Saint Joe (runs through September 1), while ocean conservation will be the name of the game in Jacksonville Beach at the beloved Florida Fin Fest (September 13-14). Up north in Pensacola, the city will show off the fruit of the Gulf at its Seafood Festival (September 27-29) and in St. Augustine, the Sing Out Loud Festival (September 21-22) will feature performances from Eric Church, Noah Kahan, Norah Jones and many more. 

Proudly boasting that it is the universe's biggest multimedia, pop culture convention focusing on sci-fi & fantasy, comics, literature, gaming art, music, and movies, Dragon Con returns to Atlanta through September 2. Also in Atlanta through September 2, the 13th Annual ATLWKNDR Festival (the city's best underground dance festival) will showcase the excellent sounds of soul, house, afro and more. Later in the month, downtown Augusta will host the annual Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival (September 20-22), which will feature multiple stages of entertainment and works from around the globe.  

The Aloha Festival will return with events scheduled all over the state, showcasing all that is special about Hawaiian culture, and signature events this year will include the 70th Annual Waikiki Hoʻolauleʻa block party (September 21) and the 76th Annual Floral Parade on September 28. Another cultural gem this month is the 48th Annual Honolulu Intertribal Powwow 2024, which will take place on September 21-22.

September in these parts is all about the Eastern Idaho State Fair, and once again this family-friendly soiree returns to Blackfoot (runs through September 7). Expect bull riding, truck pulls, rodeo, carnival rides, tasty food and entertainment from Jeff Foxworthy, Journey and many more. Art in the Park returns to the Boise Art Museum on September 6-8 and the town of Orofino will celebrate its 75th Annual Lumberjack Days on September 12-15. 

Bridgeview near Chicago will be the place to be over Labor Day Weekend as the North Coast Music Festival brings sweet EDM sounds to town (runs through September 1). Later in the month, the Hyde Park Jazz Festival (September 28-29) will bring memorable jazz performances to the Windy City and once again, September is the time when the legendary Shades of Autumn Fall Festival kicks off at Stade's Farm & Market in McHenry. Expect pumpkin patches, petting zoos, corn mazes and mouthwatering seasonal food on weekends all month long. 

The 57th Annual Marshall County Blueberry Festival will take place through September 2 and will once again be one of the best Labor Day Weekend events in the USA (expect an all-American extravaganza and some of the tastiest blueberry-filled treats you've ever eaten). Up north in Fort Wayne, the folk icon Johnny Appleseed will be celebrated with antiques, music, food, games & demonstrations during the beloved annual Johnny Appleseed Festival on September 21-22.

Labor Day in Sioux City means ArtSplash, and the festival returns through September 1 with its beloved array of family-focused fun. In southwest Iowa, the skies will come alive during the 46th Annual Creston Hot Air Balloon Days, which will take place on September 20-22 and feature balloon races, parades and a host of other high-flying fun activities.

Start your month off in Pittsburg at the Little Balkans Days Festival (runs through September 1), where the diverse heritage of the region will be celebrated with gusto. Then, head to Hutchinson between September 6-15 for the Kansas State Fair. Elsewhere, the 52nd Annual Walnut Valley Festival (September 18-22) will bring the sounds of bluegrass to Winfield, featuring concerts, arts & crafts, and the much-anticipated National Flat-Picking Championships.

There's no better way to start your month than by heading to Louisville for WorldFest (runs through September 2), the city's signature international festival dedicated to showcasing global music, crafts, food and cultures. Elsewhere, the Festival of the Horse will return to Georgetown on September 6-8, celebrating the rich equine heritage of the area with parades, live music and excellent food & drink. Back in Louisville, spirits will be high at the Bourbon & Beyond Festival (September 19-22), which will feature artists like Dave Matthews Band, Zach Bryan, Sting, Beck, The War on Drugs and many more in addition to great Bourbon and chef-driven food. 

The Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival—the state's oldest harvest festival—returns through September 2 in Morgan City with the blessing of the fleet, a water parade, superb food & drink and much more. Southern Decadence will raise a glass to the local LGBTQ+ community in New Orleans through September 2nd and the 81st Annual Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival will take place on September 26-29 in New Iberia, where there will be a mix of parades, street fairs and sweet revelry.

Start September off celebrating the state's rich maritime heritage at Maine's Open Lighthouse Day (September 14), an event that sees over a dozen lighthouses in the state open their doors for visitors. Then, sample beer from all over the state at the Sunday River Resort during the Maine Brew Fest (September 21-22) and take advantage of Acadia National Park Free Entrance Day on September 28. 

The Maryland State Fair is back and will be taking place on two weekends this month (August 30 - September 2 & September 5-8). Expect riveting livestock competitions, horse racing, carnival rides and concerts from the likes of Big Time Rush and a Taylor Swift tribute experience. Elsewhere, the 28th Annual Chestertown Jazz Festival takes place on September 7 while the 40th Annual Maryland Wine Festival (September 14) in Frederick will raise a glass to the state's grapes. 

September means the return of the Big E Festival, which is essentially a state fair for all of New England (September 13-29) that takes place in Springfield. In addition to the usual array of agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, food & drink and games, the Big E will feature concerts from Ludacris (September 14), Dustin Lynch (September 20) Diplo (September 21), Brothers Osborne (September 27) and Public Enemy (September 28) and more. In Beantown, the Boston Arts Festival takes place on September 7-8 and the Boston Local Food Festival will celebrate regional purveyors on September 15. 

Once again, the Soaring Eagle Arts Beats & Eats Festival—think art fair mixed with a food & music fest—will take place in Royal Oak, Michigan over Labor Day Weekend (runs through September 2). Another great early September event is the Detroit Jazz Festival (runs through September 2), which celebrates the Motor City's jazz scene with free performances throughout town. Or, spend your Labor Day (September 2) on Mackinac Island for one of the most unique annual traditions in the nation: the Labor Day Bridge Walk, a special event where the public is allowed to cross the majestic Mackinac Bridge on foot. Last but not least, the much-loved South Haven Jazz Festival will take place on September 13-14. 

The much-loved Minnesota State Fair will end its annual run on Labor Day (September 2), once again bringing great rides, out-of-this-world food and a last blast of summer fun to all who attend. Elsewhere in the Land Of 10,000 Lakes, the 17th Annual Radio Waves Music Festival will take place on September 6-8 in Grand Marais and the citizens of Duluth will don their best lederhosen and dirndls during Oktoberfestival on September 13-15.

The 43rd Annual Biloxi Seafood Festival will celebrate the bounty of the Gulf of Mexico on September 14, once again bringing together fine purveyors of great seafood from around the region and those who simply want to celebrate. Up north, the Mississippi Delta Blues and Heritage Festival will take place on September 21, honoring the Delta Blues and all its glory with performances from Bobby Rush, Mr. Sipp and King George. 

Head to Independence (just outside of Kansas City) through September 2 for the 52nd Annual SantaCaliGon Festival, which celebrates the city's historic starting point of the Santa Fe, California and Oregon Trails. Expect carnival rides, great food, live music and other attractions that will take you back to the days of the pioneers. Over in St. Louis, the Missouri Botanical Garden will hold its famed Japanese Festival through September 2, the St. Louis Art Fair will delight the crowds on September 6-8 and The Great Forest Park Balloon Race will soar above the city on September 21 (balloon glow on September 20).

Movie lovers will want to make for Billings and the annual MINT Film Festival (September 19-22), which will showcase great films from around the globe. Great Northwest Oktoberfest—Whitefish's wonderful autumnal German party— will take place on September 26-28, boasting overflowing steins of good times alongside great German music & food. Last but not least, you will have until September 21 to take part in the 49th Annual Art Auction at the Waterworks Art Museum in Miles, an event that is one of the state's most anticipated annual art gatherings. 

Head to Grand Isle through September 2 to end summer in style at the Nebraska State Fair, where you'll be able to enjoy a spectacular range of carnival rides, agricultural displays, great food and a truck & tractor pull in addition to a demolition derby. Then, head on to Gothenburg for the much-loved Harvest Festival (September 18-22), where the entire family will be able to enjoy a parade, arts event and plenty more. Last but not least, the Applejack Festival (selected dates September 19-30) takes place again in Nebraska City, celebrating the local apple harvest with plenty of fun events and tasty apple-filled treats. 

You have until September 2 to experience the one-of-a-kind, once-a-year temporary town of Black Rock City at the world-famous Burning Man project while over in Reno, the skies will fill with color at the annual Great Reno Balloon Race (September 6-8), which is regarded as the world's largest free hot air balloon gathering. To experience an even wilder side of the West, go to Virginia City on that same weekend for the 65th International Camel & Ostrich Races (September 6-8), where you're guaranteed a great time and maybe a social-media ready snap of you and your crew atop a camel.

The coastal town of Hampton Beach will hold its 35th Annual Seafood Festival on September 6-8 and the party will once again feature great food & drink, live entertainment and myriad shopping opportunities. Celebrate all things Scotland at the New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival in Concord (September 20-22), where you will be able to embrace Scottish sports & food, watch sheepdog trials and potentially trace the branches on your family tree. 

The Central Jersey Jazz Festival (September 13-15) returns to several venues throughout the middle part of the state with James Popik and Supernova, Akiko Tsuruga and Cynthia Scott being some of the artists scheduled to perform. Elsewhere, the Fiesta Latino will take place in West Windsor Township (September 7-8) and the 46th Annual Festival of the Sea (September 21) will celebrate the bounty of the Atlantic Ocean with games, live music and plenty of fresh seafood in Point Pleasant Beach.

Get your taste buds ready for the Hatch Chile Festival, as it will make its return to the town of Hatch over Labor Day Weekend (runs September 1), offering guests the chance to watch the Chile Festival queen be crowned, sample chile-centric dishes and peruse artisan crafts. There will be a rodeo, A-list entertainment (Cole Swindell, Brad Paisley, Becky G among others) great food and lots of agricultural exhibits at the New Mexico State Fair (September 5-15) in Albuquerque while Santa Fe is the place to be for foodies later in the month as the 33rd Annual Wine & Chile Fiesta returns to town (September 25-September 29).

Rhinebeck will be the setting for the 23rd Annual Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest on September 7-8 and on those same days, Rochester will be an art lovers’ dream come true during the Clothesline Festival, an event that sees hundreds of works put on display. Last but certainly not least, the Big Apple will host New York Fashion Week from September 6-11, and in addition to the action on the runways, there will be a plethora of special events to partake in.

Head to the town of Hendersonville through September 2 for the 77th Annual North Carolina Apple Festival, where all in attendance will be able to soak up a Tar Heel State atmosphere and sample plenty of apple-filled goodies. Out on the Outer Banks, the annual Kite Festival returns to Nags Head (September 13-14), where world-class stunt kite flyers will show off their flying skills to the delight of the crowds on the beach. Later in the month, the 20th Annual Bookmarks Festival of Books & Authors (September 26-29) will turn pages in downtown Winston-Salem.

Get yourself to Grand Forks early in the month for the 58th Annual Potato Bowl (September 10-14), which will feature events like fry-eating contests, potato sack races, the "World's Largest French Fry Feed" and a grand parade that all leads up to the North Dakota/Idaho State football game. Over in Fargo, the final two weekends of the month (September 21-22 & September 28-29) will be the time for the annual Fall in Fargo event at the Rheault Farm, where there will be a host of family-friendly fun to enjoy (think strolling clowns and corn mazes).

Start September by celebrating everything Greek at the 51st Annual Greek Festival in Columbus, where all who attend will be able to enjoy traditional dance, music, and food in addition to exclusive cathedral tours (runs through September 2). Up in Cleveland, the city will once again host one of the country's first major Oktoberfest parties of the season featuring multiple tents full of frothy beers and lively entertainment, including the legendary glockenspiel. (August 30 - September 2 & September 6-7). The ‘fest up north serves as a nice warm-up for Oktoberfest Zinzinnati (September 19-22) down in Cincy, which is nicknamed “America’s Oktoberfest” and will once again turn downtown into a party so authentic it will have you thinking you left Ohio and landed in Bavaria. Finally, Tremont—one of Cleveland’s coolest neighborhoods—will hold its annual Tremont Arts & Cultural Festival on September 21-22.

September in the Sooner State is all about the fair, and this year the Oklahoma State Fair (September 12-22) returns with its usual array of tasty food, fun games, concerts, livestock & agricultural events in addition to a renowned Disney on Ice event. Elsewhere, the aptly-named town of Mustang will pay homage to its heritage with a rodeo, parade, carnival and car show (among many other events) during Western Days on September 6-7. Finally, you’ll be saying "Opa-homa!" at the annual Greek Festival in Tulsa (September 19-21), an event that celebrates all aspects of Greek Culture.

Rose City Comic Con—Portland’s leading pop culture event—will take place on September 6-8, bringing with it an array of fun across every fandom universe you can think of (this year will feature stars like Simon Pegg, Rhys Darby, Rosario Dawson and many more. Or, start your September by attending the Portland Dragon Boat Festival on September 7-8, where teams of competitors will take to the wonderful waters of Tom McCall Park. During the middle part of the month, make your way to the 78th Annual Bandon Cranberry Festival (September 14-15), where the local cranberry harvest will be celebrated with gusto. 

In Philadelphia, Hispanic Heritage Month will be celebrated with the Mexican Independence Day Festival at Penn’s Landing (September 15) and the Puerto Rican Day Parade (September 24) on Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Scranton will hold its La Festa Italiana (runs through September 2), which is a “red, white and green” celebration of all things Italy. For something really old school, head to the 169th Bloomsburg Fair (September 20-28), which will showcase the races, carnival rides, foodie delights and concerts (Riley Green and The Beach Boys are among the highlights) that have made it famous. 

Seemingly every year, the Rhythm & Roots Festival (runs through September 1) in Charlestown outdoes itself when it comes to the diversity of its lineup, and 2023's edition will feature headlining sets from Emmylou Harris and Old Crow Medicine Show in addition to a multitude of others. Elsewhere, The always delicious Rhode Island Seafood Festival (September 7-8) will take place in Providence, and if you have even the slightest interest in boating, the Newport International Boat Show (September 12-15) is the place to be.

Start September right at the Lowcountry Jazz Festival (runs through September 1) in Charleston, the Palmetto State’s premier jazz gathering. In Columbia, Jubilee: A Festival of Black History & Culture will hold its 46th annual edition on September 21, once again featuring musicians, artisans, storytellers and dancers. Later in the month, Summerville will be the place to be for the Sweet Tea Festival on September 21 and foodies will want to make tracks to Charleston for Restaurant Week (September 5-15).

Head to Huron for the South Dakota State Fair (runs through September 2) to experience a classic all-American get-together filled with exciting rides, bull riding competitions and performances from the likes of Trace Adkins, and RED: A Taylor Swift Tribute Band. The 20th Annual Ribs, Rods and Rock 'n' Roll barbecue fest will fire up the grill in Vermillion on September 6-7 while the 33rd Annual Deadwood Jam music festival will delight the crowds with rock, reggae, rock and blues on September 13-14.

Head to Vonore’s Sequoyah Birthplace Museum—the state's only tribally owned museum—on September 7-8 for the 33rd Annual Cherokee Fall Festival, an event celebrating the season and Cherokee culture through dance, music, arts & crafts and food. Dollywood kicks off its world-famous Harvest Festival on September 9, a month-plus-long event featuring Great Pumpkin LumiNights and a wide spectrum of seasonal fun. Elsewhere, the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival takes the stage in Franklin on September 28-29 with music from Dave Matthews Band, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Myles Smith, Hozier, Noah Kahan, Coin and many more. 

Grapevine will once again be the place to be for wine lovers this month as the 38th Annual GrapeFest (September 12-15) returns to pay tribute to the Lone Star State’s homegrown wine. Dallas will once again see an authentic Carnival take to the streets of "Big D" during the Dallas Carnival Caribbean Festival (September 19-22) while Galveston is the place to be by the sea during the weekend of September 27-28 as the Galveston Island Shrimp Festival swims back to town.

The Urban Arts Festival—Utah’s largest free arts festival—returns to Salt Lake City on September 26-29 and as usual, this year’s edition will feature dance, live music, mural painting, art sales and a range of interesting exhibits. Also in SLC, the Utah State Fair will bring its signature blend of fun & autumnal events to the crowds on September 5-15 and the like-nothing-else Moab Music Festival (runs through September 14) will showcase classical, chamber and Latin music against a backdrop of Utah’s stunning natural landscape.

Vermont Cheese Week will toast the state's cheesemakers (September 7-15) while Oktoberfest returns to Waterfront Park in Burlington on September 20-21 and the Burke Fall Foliage Festival (September 28) will see East Burke Village come alive with rubber duck races, horse-drawn wagon rides, a parade and a craft fair with upwards of 60 vendors. Last but not least, the 15th annual Oktoberfest celebration at the von Trapp Brewing Bierhall (yep, the same von Trapps from Sound of Music!) will take place in Stowe on September 20-21. 

Roots music and merrymaking returns to Front Royal during the Appaloosa Music Festival (runs through September 1) while the inaugural Alexandria Arts & Music Festival will celebrate live music and visual arts (September 14-15). The Virginia State Fair will fling its doors open for fun on September 27 (runs through October 6) at the Meadow Event Park in Doswell and the 50th Annual Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend (September 27-29) in Virginia Beach, which will see the kick-off of the much-loved International Sand Sculpting Championship.

Start your September on the right foot at the Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days (runs through September 1), which will return its usual wide array of family-friendly fair fun in addition to hosting a parade, classic car show, demolition derby, rodeo and a concert from the Beach Boys. Raise a glass to the local Yakima Valley hop harvest at the The Hop Country Music Festival (September 13-14) which will feature live music from Starship featuring Mickey Thomas, Walker Hayes, Parmalee and more. Elsewhere, the Washington State Fair (runs through September 22) will take place in Puyallup and will feature a rock star roster of rides, rodeos, fair food and performances from the likes of Wiz Khalifa, Ernest, Walker Hayes, Matchbox Twenty, Ne-Yo and other A-list names. In Seattle, Fremont Oktoberfest returns on September 20-22 and the Italian Festival toasts all things Italy on September 28-29.

The spud will be celebrated with gusto at the 54th Annual Nicholas County Potato Festival (September 6-7) with potato sack races, a tractor show, potato auctions, live music and plenty of tasty potato-based snacks to feast on. Then, point your compass towards Point Pleasant to spend a weekend toasting everybody’s favorite winged, red-eyed cryptid at the Mothman Festival (September 21-22). What, you didn’t know the legend about the West Virginia Mothman? Well, you’re in for a treat.

You’ll want to be in Waukesha over Labor Day Weekend for the Wisconsin Highland Games (runs through September 1), a fun event that honors the cultures of Scotland and the other Celtic nations. In the capital, Taste of Madison will take place over the same weekend (runs through September 1) which will bring great live music and unbelievably tasty food to Capital Square in the heart of Madison. The Badger State loves a good Oktoberfest celebration, and two of the best of 2024 will be in Chippewa Falls (September 20-21) and New Glarus (September 26-29).

The Fall Arts Festival returns to Jackson Hole on September 4-15 and once again there will be scores of events showcasing a range of works by renowned artists and still other events based around indulging in food & wine and listening to excellent music. Also in September, Cheyenne will celebrate Hispanic culture through exhibits, art, mariachis, music & dance, and food & crafts at the Hispanic Festival (September 7) and put Greek culture on a plinth during the Cheyenne Greek Festival (September 13-14).