Before long, the summer heat will give way to crisp fall days — and with the new season comes a lineup of fun events we can’t wait to enjoy across the South. From delicious food and wine tastings to music festivals and state fairs, here are some of our favorite events happening this month!
Through September 1, 2025: WorldFest — Louisville, KY
The annual WorldFest, Louisville’s premier international festival, draws over 150,000 visitors during Labor Day weekend. Celebrating the city’s diverse cultures and communities, the free, family-friendly event features everything from entertainment stages to a Parade of Cultures and the Global Village. louisvilleky.gov
Through September 1, 2025: Yearly Co.’s Annual Labor Day Sale
Yearly Co.’s highly anticipated Labor Day Sale — their only sale of the year — runs online from Friday, August 29, through Monday, September 1. Shoppers can enjoy 10% off sitewide (with a few exclusions) or 15% off purchases of $1,500 or more, including best-selling bangles, classic hoops, diamond pendants, bracelets, and more. To make the most of the sale, knowing your bangle size in advance is helpful, especially for limited-inventory styles. Local shoppers can also browse the sale in person at the Hillsboro Circle showroom, open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. yearlyco.com
Through September 7, 2025: Delta Fair & Music Festival — Memphis, TN
The annual Delta Fair & Music Festival returns to Agricenter International, promoting the rich art, music, and history of the Delta through live music, family-friendly shows, and agricultural exhibits. At the gate, adult tickets are $15, kids and seniors are $10, and children ages 4 and under are free, with all concerts and shows included with admission. deltafest.com
September 4 – 6, 2025: Tennessee Soybean Festival — Martin, TN
The annual Tennessee Soybean Festival celebrates the region’s soybean heritage with carnival rides, a street fair, community cook-offs, art shows, and live concerts. Music highlights include Bizz & Everyday People, The Band Perry headlining with opening act Dillon Carmichael, and R&B legends TLC, joined by Tone Loc. Tickets start at $12.51. tnsoybeanfestival.org
September 4 – 7, 2025: Yellow Daisy Festival — Stone Mountain, GA
Named “one of the top arts and crafts shows in the nation” by Sunshine Artist Magazine, the annual Yellow Daisy Festival features over 400 artists showcasing handmade jewelry, pottery, wood crafts, and more. The festival also offers live entertainment, a Kids’ Fun Zone, a vintage village, and a beer garden. Admission is included with paid parking: $20 for a one-day vehicle permit or $40 for an annual permit, with shuttle service from remote lots. stonemountainpark.com
September 6, 2025: Fall Food Truck Festival — Laurel, MS
Find family-friendly fun at this year’s Laurel Food Truck Festival at the Laurel Fairgrounds, boasting 26 food trucks from Mississippi and Louisiana, plus live music from Ra’Shad the Blues Kid, Blues Impala, and Brother Josh & Sister Lex — all for just a $1 admission fee. business.visitjones.com
September 6 & 7, 2025: Big Four Arts Festival — Louisville, KY
Taking place at Louisville’s Waterfront Park, the Big Four Arts Festival kicks off the beginning of fall festival season. Features include over 150 juried artists, live music along the river, hands-on art activities for all ages, shaded strolling paths, food trucks, and adult beverages. Tickets are $5 per person and can be purchased at the entrance on the day of the event. Admission for children ages 12 and younger is free. bigfourbridgeartsfestival.org
September 11 – 14, 2025: Bourbon & Beyond — Louisville, KY
Bourbon & Beyond returns to Highland Festival Grounds, offering world-class bourbon, gourmet cuisine, and live performances from headliners like Phish, Noah Kahan, Sturgill Simpson, The Lumineers, and Jack White. Tickets start at $204.01. bourbonandbeyond.com
September 11 – 14, 2025: Atlanta Food & Wine Festival — Atlanta, GA
The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival heads to its new home — The Home Depot Backyard — promising a four-day culinary extravaganza spotlighting Southern food, wine, beer, and craft spirits. With over 200 celebrated chefs, extended tasting tents, and immersive new experiences like Whiskey & Fire, it’s the premier event to savor the South and beyond. atlfoodandwinefestival.com
September 12 – 21, 2025: Alabama State Fair — Birmingham, AL
Grab the kids and head to the annual Alabama State Fair at the Birmingham Race Course. Enjoy another year of family-friendly fun, delicious food, and unforgettable memories. This year’s fair features everything from carnival rides to games, live entertainment, a petting zoo, K9 races, and a thrilling circus show. alabamastatefair.com
September 13, 2025: Mississippi Book Festival — Jackson, MS
The Mississippi Book Festival returns to the State Capitol in Jackson, offering free, family-friendly literary fun with author panels, book signings, food trucks, and interactive kids’ activities. This year’s festival features Pulitzer Prize-winners Geraldine Brooks and Kai Bird, acclaimed children’s book author Peter Brown, and more. msbookfestival.com
September 13, 2025: Highland Jazz & Blues Festival — Shreveport, LA
This free, family-friendly “party in the park” delivers live performances across three stages — including acts like Everett Street Jazz and Kenny Neal’s Big 7 Piece Band — plus more than 70 food and artisan vendors, hands-on children’s activities, a pet-friendly zone, and a complimentary shuttle to the festival grounds. highlandjazzandblues.org
September 13, 2025: Wine on the River — Nashville, TN
Wine on the River Nashville returns to Riverfront Park, offering a lively tasting experience featuring over 100 wines, beers, and spirits, live music, and food for purchase. Tickets are $70.88 for general admission and $112.75 for VIP. Designated drive tickets are also available, and proceeds benefit The District Nashville. wineontherivernashville.com
September 17, 2025: High Notes & Highballs — Nashville, TN
The District Nashville invites you to its annual Progressive Party — this year, themed High Notes & Highballs. This all-inclusive evening unfolds across three of downtown’s newest hotspots: Blueprint Underground Cocktail Club, Category 10, and Bankers Alley Hotel. At each stop, guests can enjoy curated cocktails, chef-crafted small bites, and music, offering a taste of Nashville’s historic core while supporting The District’s ongoing revitalization efforts. Tickets are $75. thedistrictnashville.org
September 19, 2025: Ales for Alzheimer’s — Hoover, AL
Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama’s Junior Board hosts Ales for Alzheimer’s at Brock’s Gap Brewing Company. Guests can enjoy live music, craft beer, and a raffle with a chance to win a $1,000 Amazon gift card. Proceeds benefit the Lindy Harrell Pre‑Doctoral Scholars Program at UAB. Tickets are $5. alzca.org
September 20 – October 12, 2025: Knoxville Oktoberfest — Knoxville, TN
The Knoxville Oktoberfest at Schulz Bräu Brewing Company offers an authentic Bavarian experience, featuring traditional German beers, hearty cuisine, and live polka music. The festival kicks off with the Munich-style Barrel Tapping Ceremony, with tickets required only for the morning event. After 9 a.m., the festival is free and open to the public. knoxvilleoktoberfest.com
September 20 – November 2, 2025: Autumn at the Arboretum — Dallas, TX
Texas’ favorite pumpkin pastime, Autumn at the Arboretum at the Dallas Arboretum, celebrates the season with this year’s theme, ¡Mundo MĂ©xico!, featuring over 100,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash arranged in monumental displays, plus concerts, craft fairs, and special events. dallasarboretum.org
September 25 – October 5, 2025: MOJA Arts Festival — Charleston, SC
The 2025 MOJA Arts Festival celebrates African-American and Caribbean heritage across multiple venues with 11 days of visual art, dance, gospel, jazz, poetry, storytelling, classical music, children’s programs, food, and more. Highlights include the Opening Day Street Parade, a Reggae Block Dance, Gullah cultural performances, storytelling sessions, and a jazz evening with Adam Hawley. mojafestival.com
September 26 – 28, 2025: Pink Palace Crafts Fair — Memphis, TN
The Pink Palace Crafts Fair returns to Audubon Park, with over 150 juried artists showcasing pottery, jewelry, glass, wood, leather, sculpture, and fiber. The event also features live music, craft demonstrations, food and drink vendors, and family-friendly activities, including a petting zoo, train rides, pony rides, and a climbing wall. All proceeds benefit the Museum of Science & History (MoSH). moshmemphis.com
September 26 – October 19, 2025: State Fair of Texas — Dallas, TX
Since 1886, the State Fair of Texas has promoted local agriculture, education, and community involvement. Celebrating its 138th anniversary with the theme “Texas Shines Bright,” this year’s event features over 100 live performances, the Big Tex Choice Awards, creative cuisine, and family-friendly attractions. The fair is open daily with varying hours, and general admission tickets start at $19. bigtex.com
September 27, 2025: Fiesta BHAM — Birmingham, AL
Alabama’s largest celebration of Hispanic culture returns to Linn Park. This family-friendly festival features live music, dance performances, authentic Latin cuisine, and cultural showcases across multiple themed villages, including Cultural, Food, Health & Wellness, Community, and Sponsor Villages. Tickets are $16.84, with children 12 and under admitted free. Donations to the Fiesta scholarship fund are also encouraged. fiestabham.com
September 26 & 27, 2025: Craft Beer & Flower Festival — Hernando, MS
Taking place at Cedar Hill Farm, this local festival features craft beers, live music, tractor rides, and the chance to cut your own zinnias and sunflowers. Admission starts at $17.95 per night or $29.95 for a weekend pass. gocedarhillfarm.com
September 27 & 28, 2025: Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival — Franklin, TN
Franklin’s beloved Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival returns to The Park at Harlinsdale Farm with headliners John Mayer and his full band and Kings of Leon, and additional performances by Turnpike Troubadours, Young the Giant, Father John Misty, Sam Fender, Grace Potter, and more. The festival also features local food vendors, artisans, and a variety of family-friendly activities. Single, two-day, and VIP passes are available online. pilgrimagefestival.com
Have a wonderful September!
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To see more great Southern events, visit our Happenings calendar.
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