Get ready for an unforgettable start to fall with a diverse array of events across the US with Ovago. Whether you love delicious food, craft beer, lively festivals, or wildlife adventures, our curated selection of September events offers something for everyone.
Table of Contents
1. Feast of San Gennaro
Where: Little Italy, New York City
When: Sep 11-21
History:
The festival first took place in September 1926 when immigrants from Naples gathered in Manhattan’s Little Italy to celebrate Saint Januarius, their Patron Saint. These immigrant families set up a small street chapel to honor the Saint. They invited everyone to enjoy their offerings and asked the devoted to pin donations to ribbons on the Saint’s statue, which were then given to the poor. Initially a one-day religious event, it has grown into an 11-day street fair, now managed by people outside the neighborhood. Today, it’s an annual celebration of food and drink and a major tourist attraction.
Event overview:
The Feast of San Gennaro, held around Mulberry and Grand Streets, is renowned for its Italian food, games, live performances, parades, religious processions, and vibrant atmosphere. The celebration honors the heritage and traditions of the early Italian immigrants who settled in Little Italy. Each year, the feast draws over a million visitors to the neighborhood.
Starting on Thursday, September 11, you’ll have ample opportunity to savor all the cannolis, zeppole, and sausage and peppers sandwiches that Little Italy has to offer. While final event details are still forthcoming, we hope to see the return of the pizza, zeppole, and meatball eating contests this year! Other annual highlights include The Grand Procession, featuring floats, celebrities, gondolas, and more, currently scheduled for September 13, 2025.
General tips:
- How to Get There: The Feast of San Gennaro is easily accessible via several subway lines. You can take the A, C, B, D, F, or M trains to the Broadway/Lafayette Station, the 6 train to Bleecker Street, Spring Street, or Canal Street, the J or Z trains to Canal Street, and the N, Q, R, or W trains to Canal Street as well.
- Stay Near the Action: Little Italy comes alive during the Feast of San Gennaro, and staying nearby means you can savor every moment without worrying about long commutes. With ManhattanBNB, you can book a cozy, budget-friendly rental right in the heart of the city—many within walking distance of Mulberry Street. It’s the perfect way to soak in the festival atmosphere, from the food and parades to late-night cannoli runs.
- What to Wear: For the evenings, pack sweaters or a light jacket. Short sleeves should be fine during the first part of the month. Make sure to wear comfortable, closed-toe, water-resistant walking shoes to fully enjoy your strolls. Additionally, bring something a bit more stylish for the nightlife.
- What Else to Do: Take a trip to Rockaway Beach for some late-season sun and good surfing. Visit Governors Island, a former military base turned park, accessible until the end of the month. It’s a great spot to relax and see the Statue of Liberty. Pay tribute to New Yorkers’ resilience at the 9/11 Museum and Memorial. On September 11th, the Tribute in Light illuminates the night sky near the former Twin Towers site, creating a solemn and touching atmosphere.
Interesting fact: The Feast of San Gennaro has long been a magnet for celebrities and politicians who come to revel in the festivities and support the community. Among the notable attendees are iconic figures like Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese, and Liza Minnelli. Their presence adds a touch of star power to this beloved celebration!
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2. Oktoberfest Zinzinnati
Where: Cincinnati, Ohio
When: Sep 18-21
History:
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati started in 1976 as a modest event aimed at celebrating Cincinnati’s rich German heritage. Given the city’s substantial German-American population, it was an ideal setting for such a festival. Initially held in a small downtown area, the event quickly gained popularity. By 2023, it attracted over 700,000 attendees annually, earning the title of the largest Oktoberfest celebration in the US and the second largest in the world.
Event overview:
Highlights of Oktoberfest Zinzinnati include:
- Food and Drink: Enjoy a vast selection of German delicacies like bratwurst, sauerkraut, pretzels, schnitzels, and strudel, along with traditional German beers and local brews.
- Entertainment: Multiple stages feature live German bands, polka music, and performances by traditional dance groups, offering a lively cultural experience.
- World’s Largest Chicken Dance: Participate in this iconic event where thousands join in the Chicken Dance, often led by a local celebrity.
- Games and Activities: Engage in fun competitions like the beer stein race, bratwurst-eating contests, and the Running of the Wieners, featuring dachshunds in hot dog costumes.
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati 2025 will be held on the third weekend in September:
- Thursday, September 18: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
- Friday, September 19: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Saturday, September 20: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Sunday, September 21: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
For the second year, the festival will be held at its new riverside location. It’s designed to better accommodate crowds and families.
General tips:
- Don’t Miss These Highlights: Experience over 30 live acts at the largest Oktoberfest celebration in the US. Check the daily schedule to know when and where your favorite bands are playing. Arrive early for the Running of the Wieners, a fan-favorite event where dachshunds race in hot dog costumes for the title of fastest wiener dog. Crowds gather quickly, so arriving late might make it hard to see the race.
- Consider This if You Travel with Kids: Visit during the day when crowds are lighter. Evenings can be crowded, making stroller navigation difficult. Kids might feel overwhelmed by the crowd’s height. Stick to sidewalks behind vendors for easier movement. The festival is family-friendly, with activities at the Fun Zone and spacious areas near the beer gardens and stages for seating.
- Plan Other Activities: Explore the vibrant offerings of Cincinnati, including catching a Reds game, indulging in Skyline Chili, and visiting the Cincinnati Ballet. Don’t miss the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Great American Ball Park, and Mainstrasse Village. Enjoy the city’s thriving art, music, and museum scene, as well as unique eateries in Over-the-Rhine, a historic neighborhood. For more details on the best experiences Cincinnati has to offer, visit this informative city guide website.
Interesting fact: Oktoberfest Zinzinnati’s massive 300-foot fest tent is returning for a second year. Big enough to seat over 1,000 guests, the tent brings the spirit of a true Munich beer hall to the Ohio Riverfront. New for this year, a German-style beer garden has been added on the lawn. It pours brews from iconic brands like Krombacher, Weihenstephan, and Radeberger. Live music will fill both the tent and garden all weekend long.
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3. Great Forest Park Balloon Race
Where: Forest Park, St. Louis, Missouri
When: Sep 19-20
History:
The Great Forest Park Balloon Race (GFPBR), as we know it today, was founded in 1973 by renowned balloonists Nikki Caplan and John O’Toole. The inaugural event featured just seven balloons and a handful of spectators. Today, over 50 of the nation’s best hot air balloon pilots and nearly 100,000 people gather to enjoy the Race and Glow, with thousands more marveling at the stunning balloons soaring across the Greater St. Louis area.
Event overview:
- Balloon Glow (Sep 19): Held the evening before the race, the Balloon Glow is a popular attraction where the balloons are inflated and lit up after dark, creating a stunning visual spectacle.
- Balloon Race (Sep 20): The centerpiece of the event is the hot air balloon race, where balloons take off and compete to land closest to a designated target.
- Free Admission: The event is free to the public, encouraging widespread participation and enjoyment.
- Family-Friendliness: The event includes various activities for families and children, such as live entertainment, food vendors, and interactive exhibits.
- Photographic Opportunities: The colorful balloons and scenic setting of Forest Park provide ample opportunities for photography and social media sharing.
General tips:
- Plan Your Transportation: Central Fields, an area within Forest Park used for the race, is less than a mile from two MetroLink stations. Eastbound passengers should exit at Forest Park-Debaliviere, walk south into the park, then east on Grand Drive. Westbound passengers should exit at Central West End, walk west on Children’s Place, cross into the park, and follow the paths to Faulkner Drive. Download the Transit app to purchase Metro passes, access route maps, view departure times, and plan your trip, including options for combining Metro Transit with ride-sharing.
- Bring Your Family for Loads of Fun: The Main Stage will feature DJ Reggie on both Friday and Saturday. In the midway viewing area, enjoy a variety of activities, photo opportunities, and giveaways from the event’s sponsors and vendor partners. Don’t miss the US Army Golden Knights Parachute Team landing on the launch field around 3:00 pm as part of the Opening Ceremonies! The Purina Children’s Area will offer games, inflatables, photo opportunities, and much more for the kids!
- Maximize Your Experience: Review the event’s itinerary to plan your activities. Weather permitting, the Friday Night GLOW event allows spectators to get close to the balloons, pilots, and crew. Enjoy the view, take photos, and meet world-class pilots when the rope line is released. However, only pilots, race crew, and event coordinators are allowed on the race field per FAA regulations on Saturday Race Day. Spectators can still enjoy the action from just behind the rope line.
Interesting fact: In the race, the lead balloon, known as the hare, takes off first, followed by the hounds (competitors) fifteen minutes later. Both the hare and the hounds are guided by the wind. After about an hour, the hare lands and marks a giant X on the ground. The hounds then try to drop a bean bag closest to the X to win. Some years, the winning bean bag lands right on the X, while other years, it’s up to two miles away.
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4. Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival
Where: Custer State Park, South Dakota
When: Sep 25-27
History:
Custer State Park has maintained a buffalo herd since 1914, even before it became an official park. Initially, the herd was small and lacked a management strategy. As the herd grew, officials began periodic roundups to control the population and prevent overgrazing. The first official Buffalo Roundup was held in 1965, and it has since become an annual event. Today, this beloved tradition attracts thousands of visitors each fall, celebrating the park’s history and commitment to conservation and the American West’s legacy.
Event overview:
The event is open to the public and welcomes over 14,000 attendees annually. It has been honored as “The Top Event in North America” by the American Bus Association. Experience the thrill of the 60th Annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup on Friday, September 26, 2025. Witness cowboys, cowgirls, and park rangers as they herd approximately 1,300 buffalo. Don’t miss the three-day Arts Festival from September 25-27, featuring over 100 vendors offering fine arts, crafts, and South Dakota-made products.
General tips:
- Fly Smartly: Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) is your perfect gateway to the Black Hills, providing seamless connectivity and excellent amenities for a hassle-free travel experience.
- Prepare for the Event: Bring folding chairs, cameras, binoculars, layered clothing, rain gear, and sunscreen. Decide on your viewing area before the morning of September 26. All vehicles will exit the way they entered, and motorcoaches are welcome. For North Parking and Viewing, head south from the Game Lodge area on Wildlife Loop Road (see green path on the map). For South Parking and Viewing, head east on Wildlife Loop Road near Blue Bell campground (see red path on the map). Visitors are encouraged to leave pets at home, but if you need to bring them, they must remain in the vehicle.
- Plan Other Activities: Enjoy diverse entertainment, including live music, Western-style demonstrations, and hands-on activities for all ages. Take a guided hike, savor a chuckwagon cookout, or learn about the park’s history and conservation efforts. Explore all these options to ensure you don’t miss out on amazing travel experiences.
Interesting fact: Buffalo Roundup at Custer State Park is an essential event that ensures the health and well-being of the herd through immunizations and health inspections. Your participation helps preserve the park’s beautiful grasslands, preventing overpopulation and depletion. This is not just an event, but a vital conservation effort you can be a part of!
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5. Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend
Where: Virginia Beach, Virginia
When: Sep 26-28
History:
In 1973, Richard Kline, president of the Virginia Beach Chamber of Commerce and owner of RK Chevrolet, envisioned an event to unite residents, draw tourists, and celebrate the city’s heritage. This idea led to the creation of the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, with its first celebration in 1974 attracting about 50,000 people. Today, the Neptune Festival hosts over 40 events annually. It ranks among the top 100 festivals in the country and top 10 on the East Coast, and attracts more than 400,000 attendees, including international visitors.
Event overview:
The festival takes place along the boardwalk during the Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend. Enjoy concerts, arts and crafts, and sand sculptures at this free festival spanning 32 blocks. Daily performances by regional and national artists on three stages are open to the public. The Neptune Festival Arts and Crafts Show, ranked fifth in the country, features over 250 artisans.
Additional events include:
- International Sand Sculpting Championship (starts Sep 26)
- Neptune’s 8K Race, with ocean views and a post-race party at 31st Park (Sep 27)
- Grand Parade, featuring floats, balloons, and marching bands (Sep 27)
- Neptune’s Atlantic Regatta and Surfing Classic (Sep 27)
- Hometown Heroes: Neptune’s Final Toast, honoring local heroes at a breakfast at the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel (ticketed event, Sep 27).
General tips:
- Travel and Accommodation Tips: For an affordable trip to the Neptune Festival, fly into Norfolk International Airport with Ovago. This airport is located about 25 miles from Virginia Beach. Consider booking accommodations early, as rooms fill up quickly during the festival. While oceanfront hotels are closest to the events and provide easy beach access, they can be pricier. For more budget-friendly options, look for hotels slightly inland or in the Great Neck neighborhood, which is a 5- to 10-minute drive from both the ocean and Chesapeake Bay.
- Plan Festival Activities Wisely: With a ton of events happening during the festival, it’s impossible to experience everything. Plan your visit to ensure you don’t miss the most interesting activities. Check the official event website to create your festival itinerary.
- Enjoy the Natural Beauty: Fall is the perfect time to explore Virginia Beach, with mild weather and vibrant foliage. Consider camping at one of the five major coastal campgrounds, offering over 2,000 campsites. For outdoor activities, enjoy over 200 miles of bikeways and trails, plus 23 miles of unpaved paths in state parks and a federal wildlife refuge. Experience the natural splendor where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean!
Interesting fact: The Sand Sculpting Championship, a highlight of the festival, attracts top sculptors from around the world. These artists create intricate sculptures using a special cohesive sand, enabling greater detail and stability.
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Decided on your exciting event? Great! Prepare for a wonderful adventure and explore our amazing flight prices. Ovago is dedicated to making your travel convenient, budget-friendly, and safe!
