Your September (Festival) Schedule

You think festival, you think of sweaty tents, dehydration, miles of walking, and a collection of ok-ish acts (maybe only two of which you actually want to see). Well, what if we told you that there are festivals all over the world, for all kinds of reasons, not in a field in the blazing sun with 50,000 other festival-goers? Well, here are our best picks for September!

AARHUS FESTUGE – AARHUS, DENMARK | AUG 29 – SEPT 7
From 29 August to 7 September 2025, Aarhus throws one giant city-wide party in the form of Scandinavia’s largest arts and culture festival, Aarhus Festuge. Over 1,000 events pop up everywhere - jazz in cosy courtyards, street theatre on every corner, surprise gigs, pop-up restaurants, and art on the waterfront. The festival creators and local venues work together, so it’s the perfect blend of official programming and grassroots culture. Even better, the city’s so walkable you can go from a gallery to a gig to a cheeky coffee in no time. Big-name acts? Yep. Hidden gems? Plenty. Whether you’re an art nut, a food lover, or just there for the buzz, Aarhus Festuge is basically one huge excuse to explore, wander, and get swept up in the fun.

SYDNEY FRINGE FESTIVAL – SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA | SEPT 1 – 30
All September, the Sydney Fringe Festival takes over the city with hundreds of bold and original shows. Think theatre, music, comedy, dance, visual arts, and immersive performances in every direction. You can hit the beach by day, then dive into a quirky gig or avant-garde play by night. If you’re one for planning, you can build your perfect line-up and immerse yourself in the variety, or if you’re one to wing it, just follow the posters and street buzz - wherever you end up, you’ll not be disappointed! It’s Sydney at its most playful, creative, and a little bit unpredictable… in the best possible way.

INDRA JATRA – KATHMANDU, NEPAL | SEPT 6, 7 & 11
In early September Kathmandu bursts into colour for Indra Jatra, to signal the beginning of autumn and to celebrate the Hindu rain god Indra. The result is a dazzling mix of devotion, pageantry, and street celebration. At the heart of the festivities is the Kumari, a ‘living goddess’ paraded through the old city in a gilded chariot, while masked dancers whirl and drums echo through Durbar Square. Lanterns glow at night, flags snap in the breeze, and every corner feels alive with Nepalese tradition. Whether you’re there to soak up the spectacle, study centuries-old rituals, or just snap the perfect shot, Indra Jatra is Kathmandu at its most magical - ancient, vibrant, and unforgettable.

REGATA STORICA – VENICE, ITALY | SEPT 7
On 7 September, Venice swaps its usual gondola rides for full-on spectacle with the Regata Storica. It kicks off with the parade, where a ceremonial flotilla of 16th-century-style boats and rowers in elaborate costume use the grandeur of the Grand Canal as the ultimate stage. Afterwards, the races begin, with sleek gondolas slicing through the water as crowds of thousands cheer from every bridge and bank. Its tradition, theatre, and sport all rolled into one glorious late-summer afternoon. Come for the vibrant atmosphere and pageantry, stay for the buzz of canal-side cafés.

PEZINOK GRAPE HARVEST FESTIVAL – PEZINOK, SLOVAKIA | SEPT 19 – 21
For three days in September, Pezinok (a small Slovak town just 20 km from Bratislava) throws open its doors and wine cellars for its Grape Harvest Festival. The streets brim with stalls serving local specialities, glasses of fresh “burciak” (young wine), and the sounds of folk bands drifting from every corner. The highlight? A colourful vintners’ procession steeped in medieval tradition, complete with costumes, music, and community pride. Between tastings, you can hop on carnival rides, watch folk dances, or wander into the surrounding vineyards. It’s friendly, intimate, and bursting with rustic charm - a perfect long weekend for wine lovers and curious travellers alike.

SAN SEBASTIÁN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL – SAN SEBASTIÁN, SPAIN | SEPT 19 – 27
San Sebastián rolls out the red carpet in September, for its world-famous International Film Festival and nine whole days of the best in global cinema - glamorous premieres vying for the Golden Shell award, thought-provoking indie gems, panels and press events. Screenings unfold in stunning venues like the sleek Kursaal and the historic Victoria Eugenia Theatre, all just steps from golden beaches and pintxos bars. Film buffs can dive into Q&As and open-air shows, while casual visitors simply soak up the buzz between seaside strolls. It’s where Basque charm meets cinematic prestige - a festival for both the eyes and the soul.

PORTOLA MUSIC FESTIVAL – SAN FRANCISCO, USA | SEPT 20 – 21
Portola Music Festival returns to San Francisco the third weekend of September, transforming Pier 80 into a high-energy music venue. Artists from electronic, indie and pop backgrounds perform against the backdrop of SanFran’s bays and skyline, nestled in an atmosphere that’s part colourful carnival, part warehouse grit. Between sets, festival-goers can witness immersive art, grab bites from gourmet food trucks, and soak up the city’s creative energy. It’s a vibrant, youthful vibe - perfect for music lovers who want their gigs with a bit more edge.

BY HOLLY GARWOOD, 18TH AUGUST 2025