Top Festivals in USA in September You'll Want to Travel For

The USA knows how to celebrate, and September is one of the best times to see that in full swing. Across the country, this month hosts a bunch of lively festivals filled with music, food, parades, and local traditions that turn ordinary weekends into something special. Instead of following the usual tourist trails, this is the perfect time to visit places where culture and community take the spotlight, in the most fun and unique way. In this blog, we've put together a list of the top festivals in USA in September, handpicked for their superb vibes and local charm. Each one brings something unique with live bands, street food, carnival lights, and seasonal flavors. You can plan a trip around one of these festivals, explore the nearby towns plus markets, and enjoy a more meaningful way to travel as these September festivals promise an elevated travel experience with unforgettable moments and a real sense of celebration.

Burning Man, Nevada

Burning Man is one of the top festivals in USA in September and easily one of the most unique cultural events in the world, held in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada. This week-long gathering transforms a blank desert into a temporary town filled with art, music, creativity, and self-expression. Thousands of people camp in themed villages, build large-scale art installations, and follow a 'leave no trace' philosophy. There's no vending and everything runs on gifting and community spirit. At night, the entire desert glows with light art, music, and fire performances and the iconic burning of a wooden man structure marks the emotional climax of the week. It's also family-friendly in certain zones, with kids' camps and quiet areas. People come here not just to party, but to also reflect and connect plus the food here is usually brought by attendees or shared in camp kitchens. 

• Location: Black Rock Desert, Nevada

• Entry Cost: Around $575 (general ticket)

Electric Zoo, New York City

Electric Zoo is one of the top festivals in USA in September, especially for electronic music fans. It is held over Labor Day weekend on Randall's Island in New York City and this three-day event brings together some of the world's biggest DJs, EDM producers, and performers. You'll see massive stages with bright lights, high-energy visuals, and themed stage designs that change each year. The crowd is vibrant, and the lineup spans house, techno, bass, and trance music. There are also food trucks, drink stands, and chill-out lounges, so you can relax between sets. It's easy to get to via public transport or ferries, and the venue has great city views too. The event is more adult-focused but safe and well-organized, plus you can get single-day or weekend passes based on your budget. 

• Location: Randall's Island, NYC

• Entry Cost: Around $300 (3-day pass)

Life Is Beautiful, Las Vegas

Life Is Beautiful is one of the top festivals in USA in September, bringing music, art, food, and comedy to downtown Las Vegas. Over three days, the streets turn into a massive open-air celebration with multiple stages, large-scale murals and art installations. The lineup here includes a mix of major headliners, indie bands, and global artists, plus you'll find pop-up restaurants from top chefs, local food vendors, and lounges offering everything from tacos to vegan dishes. Moreover, comedians and speakers add another layer to the fun, making it feel like more than just a music event. The entire festival is walkable, with good signage, rest zones, and colorful photo spots. Festival-goers can also explore Fremont Street, take selfies with art displays, and enjoy warm desert nights with music echoing through the city. While it's a popular choice for young adults and groups, it's also organized enough for families during the daytime. At night, the energy picks up with neon lights and late-night sets and is a great way to enjoy Las Vegas beyond the casinos.

• Location: Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada

• Entry Cost: Around $380 (3-day pass)

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion is one of the top festivals in USA in September, known for celebrating the heart and history of American roots music. The festival is set in downtown Bristol, which straddles the Tennessee-Virginia state line and this three-day event brings the town to life with performances across more than a dozen indoor and outdoor stages. You'll hear everything from bluegrass and folk to country, Americana, and blues, with a mix of big names and local legends. The festival honors Bristol's legacy as the 'Birthplace of Country Music,' and you'll also find museums, street vendors, and food trucks serving up local Southern dishes. The event is also very walkable and designed for all ages, with free community zones and plenty of spots to sit, snack, or dance along to the music. It's an ideal pick for anyone wanting a fun and affordable music-filled weekend in September.

• Location: Bristol, Tennessee/Virginia

• Ticket Cost: Around $120 for a 3-day pass (kids under 12 free)

Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, Colorado

Telluride Blues & Brews Festival stands out as one of the top festivals in USA in September, combining live blues, rock, and funk with craft beer and mountain views. It takes place in the scenic Telluride Town Park, surrounded by Colorado's San Juan Mountains. You'll find performances by top musicians alongside a Grand Tasting event featuring over 150 craft beers from more than 50 breweries. The vibe is relaxed and family-friendly during the day, with activities like kids' parades, yoga sessions, and food vendors offering barbecue, tacos, and sweet treats. Evenings here shift to more energetic sets under the stars with camping available nearby, or you can stay in cozy town lodges. The small-town setting keeps things walkable and easygoing, and the cool early-fall mountain weather makes it a refreshing weekend getaway, offering a lovely mix of music, beer, and nature all in one spot.

• Location: Telluride, Colorado

• Entry Cost: Around $300 (3-day pass)

Bumbershoot, Seattle 

Next, Bumbershoot is one of the top festivals in USA in September, taking place over Labor Day weekend in Seattle. This arts and music festival features many performances including indie rock bands, hip-hop artists, dance crews, and stand-up comedians across several stages and indoor theaters. You will also find Art installations and pop-up galleries filling the grounds during the festival. It's one of the oldest festivals in the USA, held near the Space Needle at Seattle Center. The event attracts families, teens, and older music lovers with its relaxed and creative atmosphere and there are also local food trucks, pop-up art markets, and interactive booths to explore. The event is easy to reach by public transit and offers both single-day and weekend passes. 

• Location: Seattle Center, Washington

• Entry Cost: Around $150 (1-day pass)

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, Cincinnati

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is one of the top festivals in USA in September and is the largest Oktoberfest celebration in the country. The festival honors German heritage with three full days of traditional food, music, and fun. The streets are packed with vendors selling bratwursts, schnitzels, pretzels, and strudels, plus craft beers and imported German brews. You will witness live oompah bands, polka dancing, and stein-holding contests plus people dressed in traditional German clothing dancing to polka music and taking part in contests like the World's Largest Chicken Dance. The event includes family zones with kid-friendly activities and a Dachshund Derby that's a crowd favorite. You can also enjoy watching the festive parade plus it's free to attend, and food and drink are pay-as-you-go. The festival is walkable, welcoming, and also offers a glimpse of Germany right in Ohio.  

• Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

• Entry Cost: Free (food and drink cost extra)

iHeartRadio Music Festival, Las Vegas

Lastly, iHeartRadio Music Festival is one of the top festivals in USA in September and it brings together global superstars across pop, hip-hop, rock, and country on one stage. The two-day event features back-to-back performances by chart-topping artists, surprise guests, and collaborations you won't see elsewhere. You can also attend the Daytime Stage for rising stars and fan experiences. The setup is modern, organized, and built for big crowds and the production quality is top-notch with massive screens, lasers, and a stadium-level sound system, making it easy to enjoy every act. It's not a festival for kids, but it's perfect for groups and couples. Plus, Las Vegas food vendors and merch booths also add to the excitement and it's a stylish event, with fans dressing up for the occasion and enjoying the city's incredible nightlife.

• Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada

• Entry Cost: Around $400 (2-day pass)

Conclusion

All in all, there's no better way to enjoy September in the USA than by joining one of these festivals. Each one brings its own spark with something to look forward to, something to dance to, something to taste, and something to remember long after your trip comes to an end.