Before you know it, the long, hot days of summer will begin to wane, welcoming in all that fall has to offer. As we transition into a new season, we can also expect a full calendar of events — and we can’t wait to hit the road to partake in the fun. Here are some great events around the South we’re looking forward to in September!
Through September 2, 2024: WorldFest — Louisville, KY
Enjoy three stages of entertainment, nearly 150 vendors, and a kids’ zone with educational activities and games at this annual international festival. WorldFest also includes a naturalization ceremony to welcome more than 300 new Louisvillians to Derby City. louisvilleky.gov
Through September 8, 2024: Delta Fair & Music Festival — Memphis, TN
The annual Delta Fair & Music Festival celebrates and promotes the rich art, music, and history of the Delta. Enjoy carnival rides, a petting zoo, live music, mechanical bull rides, and more. Taking place at Memphis’s Agricenter International, adult tickets are $15 (ages 13 and older), youth tickets are $10 (ages 12 and younger), and senior tickets are $10 (ages 65 and older). deltafest.com
September 5 – 8, 2024: 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 hosts nearly 400 crafters in addition to festival food, live demonstrations, music, and a beer garden. The event takes place at Stone Mountain Park. Event hours are Thursday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. stonemountainpark.com
September 7 & 8, 2024: Big Four Arts Festival — Louisville, KY
Kick off the fall festival season at Waterfront Park’s Big Four Bridge. This annual event features more than 150 juried fine artists, craftspeople, jewelers, artisans, and demonstration artists; live music; hands-on activities; food; and drink. 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 13 – 22, 2024: Alabama State Fair — Birmingham, AL
Round up the whole family and head to the annual Alabama State Fair at the Birmingham Race Course. Enjoy another year of fun, delicious food, and unforgettable memories. This year’s fair features everything from carnival rides to games, live entertainment, a petting zoo, pig races, and an aerial thrill show. alabamastatefair.com
September 14, 2024: Mississippi Book Festival — Jackson, MS
Held annually on the grounds of The Capitol, the Mississippi Book Festival transforms the area into a literary lawn party. The one-day celebration hosts panel discussions, book signings, live music, and food trucks. This year’s festival includes appearances by authors like Jenny Jackson, Ann Patchett, Patrick Dean, and Dale Gray. msbookfestival.com
September 14, 2024: Wine on the River — Nashville, TN
Head to Nashville’s Riverfront Park for Wine on the River, where you can enjoy samples of wines, beers, and spirits. In addition to beverage samples and live entertainment, food is available from local restaurants and food trucks. General admission tickets start at $59, and proceeds from the event benefit The DISTRICT and 2ndavestrong. The fun begins at 3 p.m. wineontherivernashville.com
September 21 & 22, 2024: Buckhead Arts Festival — Atlanta, GA
Buckhead Fine Arts Festival is a two-day celebration full of art. In addition to nearly 100 painters, photographers, sculptors, metalworkers, glass artists, and jewelers, the festival offers artist demonstrations and live acoustic music. The free festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. buckheadartsfestival.com
September 19 – 22, 2024: Bourbon and Beyond — Louisville, KY
Blend bourbon and music at the Kentucky Exposition Center’s Highland Festival Grounds in Louisville. This year’s music festival headliners include artists like Zach Bryan, Dave Matthews Band, Tyler Childers, and Sting. Tickets start at $140.99. bourbonandbeyond2024.frontgatetickets.com
September 21 – October 13, 2024: Knoxville Oktoberfest — Knoxville, TN
Hosted by Schulz Bräu Brewing Co., Knoxville’s Oktoberfest is a can’t-miss annual event. The three-week celebration offers everything from live polka music to the annual running of the wieners, stein-holding contests, and delicious food and drink. To see the full lineup of events, visit knoxvilleoktoberfest.com.
September 21 – November 3, 2024: Autumn at the Arboretum — Dallas, TX
Autumn at the Arboretum is one of Dallas’s favorite fall traditions. With over 100,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squashes, this year’s Pumpkin Village theme is Texas Town, which invites visitors on a journey through the history of Texas. To purchase tickets and see event hours, visit dallasarboretum.org.
September 27 – 29, 2024: Pink Palace Crafts Fair — Memphis, TN
The annual Pink Palace Crafts Fair hosts a variety of local artisans, delicious food, refreshing drinks, live music, a petting zoo, and more family-friendly fun. For event hours and to purchase tickets, visit moshmemphis.com.
September 27 – October 20, 2024: State Fair of Texas — Dallas, TX
Since 1886, the State Fair of Texas has promoted local agriculture, education, and community involvement. At this multi-day celebration, attendees can enjoy delicious food in addition to exciting rides and games. Event hours are Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. General admission tickets start at $15. bigtex.com
September 28, 2024: Fiesta BHAM — Birmingham, AL
Fiesta is Alabama’s largest celebration of Hispanic culture and heritage, and it’s returning to Birmingham for its 22nd year! From noon to 8 p.m., you can enjoy music, dancing, visual arts, children’s activities, and soccer. The event takes place at Linn Park, and tickets are $12. fiestabham.com
September 28, 2024: Craft Beer & Flower Festival — Southaven, MS
Sip on local brews as you listen to live music, enjoy tractor rides, and stroll through scenic flower fields. Taking place at Cedar Hill Farm, the Craft Beer & Flower Festival runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets start at $18 when purchased online, or they’re $21 at the gate. gocedarhillfarm.com
September 28 & 29, 2024: Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival — Franklin, TN
Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival returns to The Park at Harlinsdale in Franklin! The 2024 lineup includes artists like Dave Matthews Band, Hozier, Noah Kahan, and NEEDTOBREATHE. While single-day passes are sold out, you can still purchase two-day passes and VIP tickets at pilgrimagefestival.com.
September 28 & 29, 2024: South Star Festival — Huntsville, AL
Another exciting Southern music festival, South Star hosts over 20 musical artists over the course of two days. In its inaugural year, the lineup includes acts like Gwen Stefani, Blink-182, Goo Goo Dolls, Jimmy Eat World, and many more. The festival takes place at John Hunt Park in Hunstville, AL, and tickets start at $139. southstarfestival.com
Have a spectacular September!
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To see more great Southern events, visit our Happenings calendar!
