Celebrate September: Top 20 Festivals to Attend in 2025 Around the World in September

September is one of the best months to see how the world celebrates. Cities and towns across the globe burst into color with parades, music, food, and traditions that bring people together. It’s a time when streets feel more alive, and every festival adds a special spark to the local culture. In this blog, we’ve put together a list of the top 20 festivals around the world in September, each one chosen for its unique vibe and unforgettable energy. These festivals provide more than entertainment and are perfect for anyone who loves the idea of stepping and immersing into something vibrant, full of local flavors, sounds, and stories. Big or small, every festival on this list has something special in store for every traveler, so you can plan your next trip around one of these and experience how the world celebrates this time of year.

 

La Mercè

First on our list is La Mercè which is one of the top 20 festivals around the world in September and the biggest cultural event in Barcelona. The whole city gets involved with hundreds of free events like street parades, concerts, fireworks, and a lot of local traditions. The most exciting part of this festival is watching the castellers build tall human towers in city squares. You’ll also see fire runs where people dressed as devils light up the streets with sparklers and firecrackers. It is perfect for families as kids enjoy puppet shows, circus acts, and colorful parades with giant puppet figures called ‘gegants’. You’ll also find locals setting up food stalls with fresh churros, patatas bravas, and grilled meats to savor. Many neighborhoods have their own celebrations, so you can walk around and see something new in every corner. The festival is budget-friendly and is the best time to experience Barcelona's culture in full swing with your loved ones.

• Dates: 20-24 September, 2025

• Location: Barcelona, Spain

 

Bruges Beer Festival

Bruges Beer Festival is one of the top 20 festivals around the world in September and a dream event for beer lovers. This two-day festival brings together over 500 types of Belgian and international craft beers to the city of Bruges. You can walk through rows of tasting booths and try everything from fruity lambics to strong dark ales. The event takes place in the historic market square, surrounded by beautiful Gothic buildings and cobbled streets. The festival is not just about drinks, there are food stalls as well selling fresh Belgian fries, waffles, cheeses, and meats that pair perfectly with the beer. You’ll also find live bands playing upbeat music, and the vibe stays casual and friendly. The festival is family-friendly in the daytime with open seating and relaxed areas, while the evenings turn more upbeat with music and toasts. Entry here  is free and you only pay for your beer samples, making it easy to enjoy on any budget.

• Dates: 13-14 September, 2025

• Location: Bruges, Belgium

 

Durga Puja 

Durga Puja is one of the top 20 festivals around the world in September and the biggest cultural celebration in West Bengal, especially in Kolkata. For five days, the entire city turns into a full festival space with massive themed pandals, artistic Durga idols, light shows, and crowds dressed in festive clothes. You can spend hours walking through streets filled with music, decorations, and dhol sounds. Pandals are open day and night, often with unique themes with cultural performances, dhak drumming and evening aartis. Plus the food is a huge part of the experience too. You’ll find stalls selling Bengali favorites like fish curry, mishti doi, rasogollas and kathi rolls everywhere. It’s completely free to explore and the city is in full festive mode, making it perfect for families, groups, and even solo travelers looking to experience real local culture without spending much.

• Dates: 28 September-2 October, 2025  

• Location: Kolkata and major Indian cities

 

Ziro Festival of Music

Next, Ziro Festival of Music is one of the top 20 festivals around the world in September and a dream for indie music lovers. It is held in the Ziro Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, and this open-air festival brings together musicians from across India and abroad. You’ll hear folk, rock, electronic, and fusion sounds in a laid-back, eco-friendly setup. The whole area comes alive with bamboo stages, art stalls, and camping zones that let you stay close to nature. The local tribes here also welcome you with warm hospitality, traditional food and rice beer. It’s a very budget-friendly festival perfect for friend groups or solo travelers looking for a peaceful event full of music. 

• Dates: 26-29 September, 2025 

• Location: Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, India

Sapporo Autumn Fest

Sapporo Autumn Fest is one of the top 20 festivals around the world in September and one of Japan’s biggest food-focused events. It takes place all month long in Odori Park, where you’ll find food stalls lined up across multiple blocks offering Hokkaido’s best flavors. You can try specialties like soup curry, grilled lamb (jingisukan), seafood rice bowls, Hokkaido cheese, and fresh ramen straight from famous local shops. There are sections for wine and sake tasting, gourmet zones with top chefs, along with areas to relax under trees with some seasonal treats. Additionally the park hosts small performances, local craft booths, and kid-friendly spaces too. The weather also stays cool and pleasant during this time, making it perfect for casual strolls and food hopping with your family or group. 

• Dates: Last 3 weeks of September 2025 

• Location: Odori Park, Sapporo, Japan

 

Lucerne Festival

Lucerne Festival is one of the top 20 festivals around the world in September and a must for classical music fans. It takes place in the KKL concert hall, right by Lake Lucerne, where world-famous orchestras, soloists, and conductors perform. You can attend back-to-back performances featuring symphonies, piano recitals, and chamber music by artists from Europe, the US, and Asia. The acoustics are top-class, and the space overlooks Lake Lucerne, adding to the experience. Outside the venue, you’ll find cafés as well as a peaceful lakeside promenade for pre or post-concert walks. The festival feels elegant but is also relaxed, with dress options ranging from formal to smart casual. Tickets are available at different price points, so it's possible to enjoy even on a modest budget. 

• Dates: Not available for this year, but usually mid Septemper

• Location: KKL Luzern (Culture and Convention Center), Lucerne, Switzerland

Atlantic Balloon Fiesta

Atlantic Balloon Fiesta is one of the top 20 festivals around the world in September and the largest hot air balloon event in eastern Canada. It is held in the town of Sussex and features over 30 balloons from across North America. You can watch mass ascensions at sunrise and sunset, take a tethered balloon ride, or enjoy the famous ‘Night Glow’ where balloons light up the sky in sync with music. The festival also has a classic car show, carnival rides, a craft market, and plenty of food stands serving local snacks like poutine, maple candy, and pulled pork sandwiches. Families often gather in the central park area with picnic setups to enjoy the show. Most activities are free, and it’s very welcoming for children and seniors, with easy access and resting areas. Balloon rides need booking in advance but the atmosphere is free for all. 

• Dates: 12-15 September, 2025  

• Location: Sussex, New Brunswick, Canada

 

Toronto International Film Festival

Next on our list, Toronto International Film Festival is one of the top 20 festivals around the world in September and one of the biggest movie events globally. The festival features hundreds of film premieres, red carpet events, and celebrity appearances and is held in downtown Toronto. You can attend public screenings at venues like TIFF Bell Lightbox, Roy Thomson Hall, and Scotiabank Theatre, or join outdoor showings at free public zones like David Pecaut Square. The city comes alive with activity during the festival, with fan zones set up for photos, food trucks serving Canadian eats like peameal bacon sandwiches, and pop-up lounges with themed drinks. TIFF is open to everyone, so you can buy individual movie tickets, passes, or attend free screenings as well. It's great for couples, friends, and even solo travelers interested in world cinema, with films from over 80 countries shown each year. 

• Dates: 4-14 September, 2025 

• Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

 

Oktoberfest (Opening Days)

Oktoberfest in Munich is one of the top 20 festivals around the world in September and the most famous beer celebration globally. The festival opens with a grand parade led by horse-drawn beer wagons, traditional Bavarian bands, and locals in dirndls and lederhosen. The first keg is tapped by the mayor in the Schottenhamel tent, followed by cheers and music across the entire Theresienwiese fairground. You can visit beer tents serving special Oktoberfest brews in giant mugs, enjoy soft pretzels, sausages, roast chicken, and traditional Bavarian desserts. The grounds also feature family rides, games, souvenir stalls, and folk dance shows. The first 10 days are more family-friendly, with special kid’s zones and budget meal options plus locals recommend visiting during the day to avoid large night crowds. It’s free to enter the festival grounds as you just need to pay for the food and drink. 

• Dates: 20-30 September, 2025 (continues into October)

• Location: Munich, Germany

 

Venice Film Festival 

Another one of the top 20 festivals around the world in September is Venice Film Festival which is also the oldest film festival in the world. It is held on Venice’s Lido Island and brings together international filmmakers, actors, and press for world premieres with elegant red carpets. You can attend public screenings of global films in venues like the Palazzo del Cinema, catch glimpses of celebrities arriving by water taxis, and explore special panels and exhibitions around the island. While some events are exclusive, many film showings and events are open to general visitors with affordable ticket passes. The atmosphere here also feels elegant but welcoming, with ticket options open to tourists and film fans. Additionally, you can walk along the Lido beach nearby or explore nearby food stalls that serve Venetian street food like cicchetti, seafood risotto, and gelato as well. 

• Dates: August 27- September 6, 2025

• Location: Venice (Lido), Italy

 

Chuseok

Next here is Chuseok, also known as Korean Thanksgiving, which is one of South Korea’s most important and heartfelt holidays. It takes place on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month and honors ancestors through rituals like Charye, where families prepare tables filled with freshly harvested food. During this time, you’ll see people wearing colorful hanbok, visiting ancestral graves in a custom called Seongmyo, and sharing festive meals that include songpyeon (rice cakes) and jeon (savory pancakes). Folk villages and cultural centers come alive during this festival with traditional games like ssireum (wrestling), ganggangsullae (circle dance), as well as musical performances. It’s a time when cities slow down as people return to their hometowns, creating a peaceful yet celebratory atmosphere across the country. Markets and streets are also decorated with autumn colors, and cultural shows further highlight Korea’s rich heritage. 

• Dates: Usually falls in September or October

• Location: Nationwide, South Korea

 

WAH Malta Festival 

WAH Malta Festival is one of the top 20 festivals around the world in September and a growing hotspot for live music lovers in Europe. It is held in the capital city of Valletta and this four-day festival brings together international DJs, electronic artists, and local performers in scenic open-air venues and waterfront clubs. You can expect day parties, night concerts, and creative installations across different parts of the city. Stages are set up with views of historic forts and the Mediterranean Sea, making it a one-of-a-kind festival setting, plus food trucks and pop-ups offer everything from fresh seafood platters to traditional Maltese pastries. The event attracts both international tourists and local youth, but entry passes are priced to stay budget-friendly. The relaxed island vibe during this time also makes it great for couples or groups wanting to add some music and fun to their trip.

• Dates: September 5-8, 2025 

• Location: Valletta, Malta

 

Sonic Wave Festival 

Next, Sonic Wave Festival is one of the top 20 festivals around the world in September and a must-visit for rock and indie music fans. It takes place over two days in Birmingham, bringing together some of the best local and international bands across multiple small stages and music bars. You can move between venues, catch live performances in intimate settings, and discover new artists across genres like alternative rock, punk, and indie pop. The crowd mostly includes young music lovers, and the vibe stays energetic but friendly. Many ticket bundles include access to afterparties or discounted food at nearby cafés. You’ll also find food trucks and merch stands throughout the area. This festival is known for its relaxed setting and affordable tickets, making it great for students or friend groups looking for a weekend of great music and street food. 

• Dates: September 5-6, 2025  

• Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom

 

One Out Festival

One Out Festival is one of the top 20 festivals around the world in September and a great pick for electronic music lovers. It takes place on a riverside site just outside London and runs for one full day of non-stop music and dancing. You can catch live sets by top DJs and producers across house, techno, and disco genres, all on open-air stages surrounded by trees and lights. The layout is easy to walk, and you’ll find chill-out zones, street food stalls, and drink bars around every corner. The crowd is mostly made up of young adults and friend groups looking for a high-energy day out. The event is well-organized, and you can pre-book everything online, including group passes and shuttle services. It’s ideal for those who want a festival vibe with their loved ones, without the stress of a full weekend trip. 

• Date: September 13, 2025 

• Location: Surrey, near London, United Kingdom

 

Sagra dell'Uva 

Sagra dell'Uva is another one of the top 20 festivals around the world in September and a must-visit for wine and culture lovers. It takes place in Mendrisio, a charming town in southern Switzerland, and celebrates the grape harvest with musical parades and of course, wine tasting events across the region. You can take part in guided vineyard walks, join grape-pressing demonstrations, or attend traditional folk shows in the evenings as well. The highlight here is the main parade, where locals dressed in traditional costumes ride decorated floats through the lantern-lit streets. You can also try out local food like polenta, risotto, cured meats, and regional cheeses which are served at open-air food stalls paired with Merlot and other local wines. It’s a festive and family-friendly event with both daytime and evening activities. The festival also offers budget wine tastings and free public concerts, making it an affordable way to experience Mendrisio’s wine culture. 

• Dates: Last weekend of September

• Location: Mendrisio, Switzerland

Wattle Day

Wattle Day is one of the top 20 festivals around the world in September and brings Australia’s heritage celebration to cities and towns across the country. The festival is inspired by the blooming of the golden wattle, Australia’s national flower, and is all about enjoying community and national pride. You will find public buildings and streets decorated with sprigs of wattle, while people wear yellow or green to mark the occasion. You will also see community events including tree plantings, flag-raising ceremonies, poetry readings, and live music celebrating Australian identity. The food stalls here serve Aussie favorites like lamingtons, sausage sizzles, damper, and bush tucker-inspired treats. It’s a fun and affordable outing, with free access to most public events and family-friendly activities during the day. The event is hosted by local councils and community groups and brings together locals and tourists for a unique cultural experience that only happens in September.

• Dates: 1 September 2025 

• Location: Nationwide, Australia

 

Pristina Film Festival

Pristina Film Festival is one of the top 20 festivals around the world in September and is a major cultural event in Kosovo’s capital. It celebrates independent cinema with screenings of feature films, documentaries, and short films from both Balkan and international filmmakers. Screenings here take place in open-air cinemas, local theaters, and cultural centers across the city and the festival also hosts filmmaker Q&As, masterclasses, and award ceremonies that are open to the public. You’ll also spot red carpet moments, but the vibe stays casual and accessible for everyone. Most events are budget-friendly, with several free or low-cost screenings and the cafés around the festival venues serve delicious local snacks, coffee, and sweets, offering the perfect spots to relax and grab a quick bite between films. 

• Dates: 9-14 September, 2025

• Location: Pristina, Kosovo

 

Greece International Film Festival 

Next up, the Greece International Film Festival is one of the top 20 festivals around the world in September and a major event for movie lovers. Screenings take place in city-center venues like Danaos and Ideal cinemas, along with popular open-air theaters such as Riviera and Zefiros. You’ll get to watch European premieres, Greek indie films, international award-winners, and rare documentaries, many with English subtitles. Along with that, many screenings are followed by Q&A sessions with directors and actors. The tickets are affordable, and some events are even free for students. Locals and travelers here enjoy the laid-back vibe, with food stalls nearby serving souvlaki, loukoumades, and iced drinks to savor. 

• Dates: 27-28 September, 2025 

• Location: Athens, Greece

 

Festa dell'Uva di Castellarano

Festa dell'Uva di Castellarano is one of the top 20 festivals around the world in September and a big cultural celebration in northern Italy, especially in the town of Castellarano. This grape festival celebrates Italian heritage with traditional dance, wine tastings, and food stalls serving Italian classics like fresh pasta, polenta, grilled meats, and grape sweets. You’ll see locals dressed in traditional attire, floats decorated with grape bunches and live folk performances. Plus, local vineyards open their doors for grape-picking tours, family-friendly workshops on winemaking as well as some grape stomping fun. There’s also a farmers' market selling cheeses, jams, and wine bottles to take home. The entry is affordable plus the event is welcoming for kids and generous food portions, making it budget-friendly and perfect for a family day out.

• Dates: 14-17 September 2025 

• Location: Castellarano, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

 

Wigtown Book Festival

Last but not the least, Wigtown Book Festival is highly recommended for those who enjoy literature and quiet towns. The festival takes place in Scotland’s National Book Town, Wigtown, and brings together authors and readers for ten days of talks, readings, and book launches. You can attend sessions led by writers, poets, illustrators, and historians from different backgrounds, and events here include storytelling for children, nature walks, writing workshops, and panel discussions. Some talks focus on Scottish heritage, others explore global themes depending on the day’s lineup. The festival is also easy to access, affordable, and calm compared to bigger city events, with bookshops, cafés, and stalls nearby offering local food, home-baked treats, and coffee. It’s easy to explore on foot, and many events are free or donation-based, making it accessible for visitors of all ages. 

• Dates: 26 September- 5 October, 2025 

• Location: Wigtown, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland

 

Conclusion

To sum it up, these top 20 festivals in September are your chance to see the world in full celebration mode and are not just events but experiences that bring people together. So pick your favorite and plan a trip this year to experience a new culture, taste, sound, or tradition that will stay with you long after the trip ends.