“7 Under-the-Radar Festivals to Experience This September”

September isn’t just for back-to-school and pumpkin spice — it’s also festival season across the globe. While most travelers know about Munich’s Oktoberfest or grape harvest parties in France, there’s a whole world of lesser-known celebrations happening this month. From mountain villages to island shores, here are seven you’ve probably never heard of but will absolutely want on your bucket list.

1. Lugano Autumn Festival – Lugano, Switzerland

 Sept. 27–29, 2025
Lugano says goodbye to summer with a three-day street party filled with food stalls, live folk music, and traditional Swiss-Italian dishes like risotto and polenta. The entire lakeside promenade becomes a market of local wine, cheese, and handmade crafts.

Travel Tip: Stay by Lake Lugano to enjoy boat rides during the day and the festival at night.

2. Onam Harvest Festival – Kerala, India

 Late Aug–Early Sept (exact dates vary)
This vibrant 10-day celebration marks Kerala’s biggest cultural holiday, filled with boat races, tiger dance parades, and elaborate floral carpets. Locals prepare a feast called Onam Sadhya with up to 26 vegetarian dishes served on a banana leaf.

Travel Tip: Head to Thrissur or Kochi for the largest celebrations and traditional Kathakali dance performances.

3. Mid-Autumn Festival – Hoi An, Vietnam

 Sept. 8, 2025
Known as the “Lantern Festival,” Hoi An glows with thousands of colorful paper lanterns floating on the river. Families gather to eat mooncakes, watch lion dances, and honor the harvest moon.

Travel Tip: Book a boat ride on the Thu Bon River for the best view of the lantern release.

4. Fiesta de la Vendimia – Jerez, Spain

Sept. 7–22, 2025
While Rioja gets most of the fame, Jerez in Andalusia throws a spectacular grape harvest festival with flamenco performances, equestrian shows, and sherry wine tastings. The opening ceremony includes the treading of the grapes in the town square.

Travel Tip: Pair this with a day trip to nearby Seville or Cádiz for coastal charm.

5. Goroka Show – Goroka, Papua New Guinea

 Sept. 13–15, 2025
This extraordinary cultural gathering brings together over 100 tribal groups from Papua New Guinea, each wearing traditional feather headdresses, face paint, and costumes. Expect music, drumming, and warrior dances.

Travel Tip: Book early lodging is limited and often sells out months in advance.

6. Kyushu Sumo Tournament – Fukuoka, Japan

 Sept. 14–28, 2025
Sumo may be Japan’s national sport, but catching it live in Kyushu offers a more intimate experience than Tokyo’s grand tournaments. Watch powerful bouts and cheer alongside passionate local fans.

Travel Tip: Tickets sell quickly; aim for the middle days of the tournament for the best matchups.

7. Festival of the Sea – Tarifa, Spain

Sept. 20–22, 2025
Held in Spain’s southernmost town, this eco-focused festival celebrates the ocean through beach cleanups, surf contests, and seafood feasts. Tarifa is also a hotspot for kitesurfing thanks to its strong winds.

Travel Tip: September is peak whale- and dolphin-watching season in the Strait of Gibraltar.

 Why These Festivals Are Special
These aren’t the mass-market events with packed crowds they’re the cultural gems where you get to mingle with locals, taste authentic food, and see traditions that have been passed down for centuries. If you’re looking for the kind of trip that gives you a story to tell for years, these are your September treasures.