Best Events in the United States This September

by Scott Hartbeck
Last updated: 8:10 PM ET, Sun August 30, 2026

The classrooms are full, the pigskin is flying across the field and Spirit Halloween has moved into that empty shop down the street: yep, September is here. But don’t let the end of summer get you down, because the ninth month of the year is full of ways to keep the good times rolling. Labor Day brings one last wave of summer-y events, while harvest festivals offer the first real taste of autumn. Add in jazz festivals, state fairs, cultural celebrations and wonderfully weird events dedicated to mythical beasts, and you’ve got plenty of reasons to get out and explore this September.

Aloha Festivals - Statewide, Hawai'i

The one-of-a-kind Aloha Festivals will once again take place across the state of Hawaiʻi this September with a month-long celebration of the islands’ rich culture. From concerts and hula competitions to local food, art displays and plenty of local traditions, all who participate are bound to be swept away by the spirit of ‘aloha’. This year is especially significant as the festival celebrates its 80th anniversary, with some of the festival’s signature events, like the annual Waikīkī Hoʻolauleʻa (September 19) and the annual Floral Parade (September 26), bringing a little something extra to the proceedings.

Moab Music Festival, Summer festivals, Moab

Moab Music Festival - Moab, Utah

There are outdoor music festivals, and then there is the Moab Music Festival (September 2-18). Few American events manage to blend the great outdoors with memorable music quite like Moab Music Festival, which will once again bring classical, chamber and world music to some of the West’s most spectacular settings. Once again, performances are set to unfold amid the area's famous red rock scenery, with concerts taking place in intimate venues and beneath the wide-open Utah sky. Simply put, there’s just nothing else like it.

Washington State Fair - Puyallup, Washington

Once again, the Washington State Fair (September 4-27) will take over Puyallup with its annual mix of thrilling rides, wild and woolly rodeos, crazy delicious fair food and big-name entertainment. This year's concert lineup includes great artists like Little Big Town, Boy George and Culture Club, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Ice Cube, Lauren Daigle, a Reggae Vibrations show featuring The Wailers, Chase Rice, a salute to Yacht Rock and much more.

North Carolina Apple Festival - Hendersonville, North Carolina

Hendersonville will once again celebrate its rich apple-growing heritage during the 80th Annual North Carolina Apple Festival (September 4-7), which takes over downtown during Labor Day weekend. The festivities include a bustling Main Street street fair, fresh apples and apple treats from local growers, live entertainment, arts and crafts and plenty of family-friendly fun. Everything builds toward the King Apple Parade on Labor Day, making this one sweet way to welcome the arrival of the fall harvest season.

International Camel & Ostrich Races - Virginia City, Nevada

For a really wild taste of the Wild West, head to Virginia City for the 67th International Camel & Ostrich Races (September 11-13). No need to do a double-check; you read that right: camels and ostriches, racing. This delightfully oddball tradition sees camels, ostriches, zebras and other animals you’d never expect to see in northern Nevada race around the track with daring riders aboard, much to the delight of the crowds. Alongside the races, the weekend brings great local food, live entertainment, fun contests, camel rides and plenty of good old-fashioned Western fun.

lacey pfalz, mackinac bridge, michigan, bridges of the united states, us bridges, mackinac, lake huron, lake michigan

Labor Day Bridge Walk - Mackinaw City/St. Ignace, Michigan

Each year on Labor Day, the Straits of Mackinac become the place to spot one of Michigan’s most unusual (yet beloved) traditions: the Labor Day Bridge Walk (September 7 in 2026). This annual get-together gives thousands of Michiganders and those who travel here just for the occasion the chance to walk across the Mackinac Bridge, taking in sweeping views of the straits and surrounding waters along the way. The bridge closes to vehicle traffic for the event, making this a rare opportunity to experience one of the Great Lakes State’s most impressive engineering marvels up close and personal.

Fiesta de Septiembre - Wickenburg, Arizona

Wickenburg will once again salute its rich Hispanic heritage during the 37th Annual Fiesta de Septiembre event (September 4), with this year's event also featuring a fun “Tastes of Mexico” food component. The soiree will take place at Stone Park this year and feature mariachi music, folklórico dancing, an outdoor mercado and mouthwatering Mexican food and drink vendors.

Maine Open Lighthouse Day - Statewide, Maine

Salute Maine’s storied heritage of seafaring (and keeping ships safe!) during Maine Open Lighthouse Day (September 12), when over 20 historic lights across the state welcome visitors for this truly unique annual event. It’s a rare chance to explore these coastal beacons, with many of the lighthouses offering tower climbs that reward those who brave the steps with sweeping views of the surrounding waters. Naturally, you’ll also be able to learn about the keepers and maritime history behind the lighthouses, which will add a little depth to your Insta posts.

Outer Banks Kite Festival - Nags Head, North Carolina

The Outer Banks in September are always a good idea, but if you look to the skies over Nags Head during the Outer Banks Kite Festival (September 11-12), you’re in for a real treat. It's here that some of the nation’s best kite fliers take over Jockey’s Ridge State Park and put on a display you’ll be talking about all autumn. Expect giant display kites soaring above the dunes while professional stunt pilots put on synchronized, high-flying performances that are sure to impress the whole family.

Mothman, West Virginia, Oddest Attraction

Mothman Festival - Point Pleasant, West Virginia

Make your way to Point Pleasant for a weekend dedicated to everybody’s favorite winged, red-eyed cryptid at the Mothman Festival (September 19-20). What, you didn’t know about the West Virginia Mothman? Well, one trip to this annual celebration that commemorates the mysterious creature first reported in the area in 1966 will set you straight. The festival embraces all things Mothman with live music, guest speakers, vendors, food trucks, cosplay and plenty of wonderfully weird fun. Whether you're a true believer or simply fascinated by one of America's most legendary cryptids, you’re sure to have a blast.

Bourbon & Beyond Festival - Louisville, Kentucky

The ‘Ville will once again have spirits soaring at Bourbon & Beyond (September 24-27), a four-day party that brings together bourbon, food and an absurdly stacked music lineup. This year's headliners include Foo Fighters, Mumford & Sons, Chris Stapleton, Dave Matthews Band, Kacey Musgraves, Queens of the Stone Age, Goose, The War on Drugs, The Red Clay Strays, Hootie & The Blowfish and scores more acts across multiple stages. Beyond the music, you'll find world-class bourbon experiences and chef-inspired culinary events, making this one of the best summer closing parties in the country.

Beautiful Julia Pfeiffer beach in Monterey County, California

Monterey Jazz Festival - Monterey, California

The only thing better than the natural beauty in this stunning region of California? The sounds from this cherished annual event, which is the longest continuously running jazz festival on the planet. A fixture since 1958, the 69th Annual Monterey Jazz Festival (September 25-27) will once again bring world-class musicians to the Monterey County Fairgrounds, with the 2026 lineup including big names like Herbie Hancock & Ron Carter, The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Charles Lloyd Quartet, Meshell Ndegeocello, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and many more.

For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.