With Autumn starting in late September, this month is the perfect time to fall into a local trip or a vacation abroad. Just about everywhere you visit will welcome you with warm weather and relatively affordable rates.
September is the perfect time to take that trip you’ve always wanted to go on to Hawaii; the Aloha Festivals celebrate Hawaiian culture with events all month long. Or, if you’re more of a movies buff, venture to Southeast Asia for the Bali International Film Festival held on a beach. More interested in boats? Italy’s Regata Storica is a historic race that pits 16th-century-style boats against each other. Enjoy hundreds of craft beers — or just a couple — at the Key West Brewfest in the Sunshine State, or visit Honduras for the renowned Roatan International Fishing Tournament.
Whatever you’re looking for, read on for our list of the best places to visit in September.
Bali
Calling all film fanatics: plan your next vacation to coincide with the Bali International Film Festival (Balinale for short). This weeklong event held in South Kuta Beach showcases over 100 feature films, documentaries and shorts produced by Indonesian and international filmmakers. The schedule also includes workshops and seminars offering tips on scriptwriting, editing and acting, to learn the ins and outs of the industry from the pros.
The 2019 13th-annual Balinale goes from Sept. 24 to Sept. 29.
Oahu, Hawaii
The Aloha Festivals celebrate Hawaiian culture with free events all month long, making Hawaii one of the best places to vacation in September. The festivals kick off in Waikiki with the induction of the Royal Court, where the chosen king, queen, prince and princess are adorned with lei head feathers, helmets and cloaks, accompanied by traditional Hawaiian chants and hula dancing.
The Waikiki Hoolaulea is an epic block party, with a variety of crafts, food vendors and performances by hula schools. Don’t miss the Floral Parade to watch bloom-covered floats, pau horseback riders and marching bands cavalcade down Kalakaua Avenue.
Aloha Festivals kick off with the opening ceremony on Aug. 31. The 73rd-annual Floral Parade concludes the festivities on Sept. 28.
Venice, Italy
Nearly every resident in Venice comes out to watch the annual Regata Storica (the Historical Regatta), which takes place on the Grand Canal. The festivities start with a pageant by locals in 16th-century-style boats reenacting the last Queen of Cyprus’ return to the city. Then gondoliers donning traditional costumes race their vessels for major bragging rights. Watch all the action from a waterfront cafe or from a floating grandstand in the lagoon.
The 2019 Regata Storica takes place on Sept. 1.
Dana Point, California
Travel back into time at the Tall Ships Festival, held at Dana Point Harbor in Southern California. Tour classic schooners dating back to the 1770s, and watch them parade by at the Sails ‘n Ales event, with craft beer tastings, food trucks and live music. Have a blast (literally) at mock cannon battles between the ships where you can choose to act as part of the crew or just enjoy the show.
The 2019 Tall Ships Festival starts on Sept. 6 and lasts all weekend.
Florida Keys
Celebrate Labor Day Weekend with a cold one at the annual Key West Brewfest, held at various restaurants, hotels and bars around the island. Sample over 150 beers, including a few local brews at the festival’s seminars, pool parties, happy hours and tap takeovers held throughout the weekend.
Notable craft-beer breweries (think Funky Buddha and Dogfish Head) will also team up with nearby restaurants for beer-pairing dinners. But the main event is the Saturday night tasting festival held on South Beach. When that’s over, party through the streets in a second line, led by a New Orleans brass band, to the after party at Green Parrot Bar.
Key West Brewfest takes begins Aug. 29 and concludes Sept. 2.
Roatan, Honduras
Anglers, get ready for the Roatan International Fishing Tournament, a catch and release competition and an Offshore World Championship qualifying event and one of the best tropical places to travel in September. Divisions include billfish (blue and white marlin, sailfish and spearfish), junior (15 year-olds and younger) and rodeo (points based on specific fish) with prizes awarded to the team who reels in the heaviest catch and earns the most points overall. Other awards include the Record-Breaking Blue Marlin prize for anyone who reels in a catch above 708 pounds, and the Top Lady Angler award, presented to the female competitor with the highest billfish or rodeo points.
The 2019 Roatan International Fishing Tournament goes from Sept. 12 to Sept. 15.
