Want to visit somewhere new in September? There's a roster of events and celebrations taking place across the world, from cider festivals in Northern Ireland to sumo tournaments in Japan. With increased flight routes between parts of Southeast Asia, Thailand is a great option for a late-summer getaway, while close-season ski resorts offer up the perfect crowd-free adventure. Now is the time to get planning – read on for more.
Hermanus will host the 30th Whale Watching Festival from 30 September to 2 October. Witness the magnificent migration of southern right whales returning from Antarctica to the warmer waters of South Africa. Meanwhile on land, Hermanus will ripple with entertainment, food stalls and family-fun events. Swing by the Eco-Marine Festival to learn more about ocean wildlife preservation.
Start the month in Venice where you can witness the carnival-like Regata Storica. On the first Sunday in September (4 September in 2022) various rowing races take place through Venice’s most popular waterways. The event is preceded by a water pageant where costumed figures, 16th-century-style gondolas and boats of Venetian rowing associations glide past. Arrive in time for the ‘blessing of the Gondolini’, a special ceremony held on 1 September presenting the crews and blessing the boats.
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Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival isn’t quite as straight-forward as it sounds. Held between 25 September and 4 October in 2022, it’s also known as the Nine Emperor Gods Festival and is one of Thailand’s liveliest events. Street processions start as early as 7am and shrines host traditional cheek-piercing (ouch!). Participants wear white and whether you choose to keep your distance or not, there’ll also be chanting, fireworks and impressive stunts like walking over nails...
While Burning Man Festival starts at the end of August, you can catch the final five days between 1-5 September in 2022. This iconic festival is held deep in the Black Rock Desert and focuses on different themes. If you manage to get a ticket and can stand the heat, you’re pretty much guaranteed a life-changing experience.
Despite its name, the 187th Oktoberfest actually starts in September (it's on from 17 September to 3 October in 2022). As 2021’s was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s is guaranteed to be bigger and better than before with longer opening hours. You’ll find Oktoberfest events all over the world but there’s nowhere like Munich for the quintessential Bavarian experience; don your best lederhosen and head to the beer tents.
If you’re up for an unusual autumn trip this year, consider the Médoc Marathon. During the ‘red wine marathon’ you’ll pass through the Margaux region near Bordeaux and sip local wines while you run. Those competing in fancy dress add to the wackiness of the event. Only 8,500 runners can take part and it’s worth booking a package trip to make the most of your stay.
China’s Mid-Autumn (or Mooncake) Festival is one of the biggest dates in the Chinese calendar. The three-day event takes place 10-13 September in 2022 and is also celebrated across Japan, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines. Tuck into round, sweet mooncakes, enjoy a big dinner with friends and admire the colourful lanterns hanging from trees and houses.
September marks the start of the changing seasons in the Capitol Region of the US. Head to Rock Creek Park in Washington DC for 32 miles (51km) of hiking trails. The bountiful park is also the district’s largest, stretching 30 miles (48km) from Montgomery County in Maryland to downtown Washington DC. Plus, it’s free to enter, making it a great budget-friendly option.
Read how to save money on multi-destination visits to the US
Enjoy a month of celebrations in Austria’s SalzburgerLand region this September. The month marks the start of Bauernherbst – roughly translating as harvest season – where you’ll come across villages showing off their traditions and customs through artisan pop-up stalls, festivals and even farm visits to see cheesemaking. If there’s only time for one thing, visit Salzburg on 21 September when the city celebrates St Rupert’s Day and locals will be dressed in lederhosen and dirndls.
Guernsey’s Autumn Walking Festival takes place from 17 September until 2 October and gives visitors the chance to ramble along short coastal walks, challenging clifftops or through ancient towns like St Peter Port. There are 40 morning, afternoon and evening guided walks to choose from and you’ll learn more about the island’s history and attractions. The walks vary in difficulty and length – ranging from one to five hours – and you can also visit the two smaller Channel Islands of Herm and Sark.
If you’re a big fan of abstract and modern art, there’s no missing 150 Years of Mondrian at Kunstmuseum den Haag, open until 25 September. Using black, white and three primary colours, Piet Mondrian’s work is a captivating reason to visit The Hague this year. The Dutch-born artist would’ve turned 150 this year, so to mark the occasion several museums are showing his works, moving onto Switzerland and Germany after the Netherlands.
Another idyllic autumnal spot in North America is Vancouver. Welcome in the new season with a visit to British Columbia’s wilderness by weaving your way through walking trails winding through parks and along coastlines. Make a pitstop on Vancouver Island to witness the emerging foliage in all its beauty. You'll need your camera fully charged.
Celebrate all things seafood at Galway’s International Oyster and Seafood Festival. The festival takes place 23-25 September and the whole family can watch competitions, live music and cooking demonstrations. On the Saturday night there’s an extravagant Mardi Gras Gala dinner and across the whole weekend there are plenty of chances to tuck into native oysters, organic smoked salmon, lobster rolls and more.
Music lovers should head to the Chicago Jazz Festival between 1 and 4 September in 2022. This free event is held in Millennium Park and offers round-the-clock fun from 6am-11pm. Not only do you have the chance to listen to jazz legends, modern masters and upcoming voices but it’s a fab place to tuck into a picnic too. Keep the music theme going at Hyde Park Jazz Festival held on 24 September, also in Chicago.
While Chile celebrates its Independence Day on 18 September, the whole weekend is taken up with festivities. Head to a fonda, a type of party held in larger areas or parks, to make the most of the jubilant atmosphere. Parque O’Higgins is a popular fonda where you can tuck into empanadas, sip chicha (fermented grape juice) and watch people strutting their stuff to the cueca, Chile's national dance.
Join the party from 2 to 11 September at Malta Pride 2022. Most of the events take place in Valletta, although the smaller, neighbouring island of Gozo has its own procession on 3 September. The main Pride parade takes place on 10 September, starting at the stately Triton Fountain and through the historic streets of the capital. On the other days there are pool parties, street performers and more events to check out.
September marks the final month of Québec City’s year-long Pompeii: The Immortal City exhibition at the Musée de la Civilisation (Museum of Civilisation). Transport yourself to this ancient Roman town (via Canada, naturally) and feel the atmosphere of daily life of the time at this immersive installation – right up until the earth trembles beneath your feet... Spend the rest of your visit here soaking up the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site's history and charm, before winter sets in.
Check out our guide to Québec City and surrounding areas here
Bangkok Airways is helping you fulfil your Southeast Asia wanderlust this year. From 1 September it's increasing its Bangkok-Krabi route to two flights daily and its Samui-Phuket route to three times daily. This is as well as an increased number of flights to neighbouring Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore.
Sydney Fringe is the largest independent arts festival in New South Wales with 500 events taking place in over 70 venues in Greater Sydney. Throughout the month you’ll watch local artists expressing the vibrancy, playfulness and diversity of the area in its first in-person event in two years (the last two festivals were held online). While here, you’ll want to check out the comedy galas, drag brunch clubs and evenings of live performances by music legends.
Fort Myers’ Island Hopper Songwriter Festival is nothing short of guaranteed fun this September. You can enjoy hundreds of (mostly) free performances at intimate venues, discovering your next favourite artist and listening to some of the country’s best singer-songwriters from Nashville and beyond. The first weekend (16-18 September) takes place on Captiva Island, moves to downtown Fort Myers (19-22 September) and culminates on Estero Island’s Fort Myers Beach (23-25 September).
Now that Japan has reopened to tour groups of international tourists, why not pay a much-needed visit to Tokyo? The SUMO Tokyo Basho is the penultimate round in the annual Grand Tournament, held every other month throughout the year across the country. See this traditional sport in person at the mega Kokugikan venue between 22 and 25 September 2022.
Catch the final leg (or wheel) of the Tour of Britain route on the Isle of Wight. The UK’s most prestigious cycling race descends on the Isle of Wight on 11 September 2022 for the first time. The island will host 19 of the world’s top cycling teams as they zoom through Ryde, Shanklin, Ventnor and more before ending at The Needles. Unlike the cyclists, take your time and soak up the picturesque landscapes while tucking into fresh crab baguettes or paying a visit to the Isle of Wight Gin Distillery.
The colourful Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers bursts in full bloom across the city’s parks and private gardens. Although the event lasts the whole month, the street parade takes place on 17 September. Crowd-favourite Cinema Under the Stars is in Newtown Park and there are plenty of mouth-watering foodie experiences too. Plus, it’s worth letting the kids stay up past their bedtime for the illuminated Night Garden in Queens Park’s Botanic Garden.
Berlin’s Heritage Day gives locals and visitors a chance to take a sneak peek inside architectural and archaeological buildings and garden monuments that are usually closed to the public (bonus: they're all free to enter). These ‘open monument’ days are common across Europe but Berlin's occurs on the second Sunday every September, falling on the 11th in 2022. Guided tours allow you to widen your understanding of Berlin’s cultural heritage and there are also bus and cycling tours, along with children’s programmes.
Hit the slopes in New Zealand where epic skiing adventures await in September. While most resorts close by the end of October, the mountains stay snowy enough for you to enjoy some skiing when it's less busy. On the South Island head to Cardrona or Coronet Peak, while on the North Island you can tackle the runs at Whakapapa or Mount Ruapehu, the country’s largest commercial ski field.
Sample incredible produce grown and produced in Armagh, otherwise known as Orchard County. Taking place 8-11 September in 2022, the Armagh Food & Cider Festival offers locals and visitors the chance to try foraged lunches, cider tastings, tours and talks. You can also attend sushi-making workshops, a Bramley apple cocktail masterclass and a fermentation demonstration. Who wouldn’t want to taste award-winning ciders during harvest season?
Now discover the brand-new museums opening in 2022 and beyond