Top events in Europe this September

September is a brilliant time to explore Europe. Think food festivals, wine celebrations, boat shows and plenty of reasons to linger a little longer.

The summer crowds begin to ease, but the calendar is still packed with local events and cultural experiences.

Whether you're wandering through the Austrian Alps or raising a glass in Bardolino, there's plenty to discover beyond the scenery.

To help you get started, we've picked some of our favourite events taking place across Europe this September.

Madeira Wine Festival

Where: Funchal, Madeira

Raise a glass at the Madeira Wine Festival, a celebration of one of the island's best-known traditions. Held during the grape harvest, it's the perfect time to discover Madeira's famous wines, from the lively streets of Funchal to the island's picturesque vineyards.

Here's what you can look forward to:

• Madeira Wine Festival Entertainment in Funchal - Enjoy live music, street performances and a lively festival atmosphere.
• Madeira Wine Lounge -  Sample a wide variety of locally produced wines in a relaxed setting.
• Concerts in the Vineyards - Sip Madeira wine while enjoying live music surrounded by the island's beautiful vineyards.

Bardolino Wine Festival (Festa dell'Uva e del Vino) 

Where: Bardolino, Italy

Usually held at the beginning of October, the Bardolino Wine Festival is one of Lake Garda's biggest celebrations. Stroll along Bardolino's picturesque waterfront as you sample local wines, enjoy live music and browse stalls serving delicious regional food. It's a lovely way to experience the flavours and traditions of the area.

Sellaronda Bike Day

Where: The Dolomites, Italy

Usually held in June and September, Sellaronda Bike Day gives cyclists the chance to ride some of the Dolomites' most spectacular mountain passes without any traffic. With the roads around the Sella Massif closed to cars, you can take in the incredible scenery and enjoy the ride at your own pace.

Almabtrieb (Cattle Drive Festivals)

Where: Austria

If you're visiting Austria in September, you might be lucky enough to catch an Almabtrieb, one of the country's most cherished Alpine traditions.

 As summer draws to a close, beautifully decorated cows make their way from the mountain pastures back to the villages, welcomed by music, traditional dress, local food and lively celebrations. It's a wonderful way to experience authentic Alpine culture.

Almabtrieb celebrations usually take place throughout September, with dates varying by valley. You can experience them in Alpbach, Ellmau, Filzmoos, Mayrhofen, Pertisau, Söll, Westendorf, Zell am See and Oberau.

Zillertal Harvest & Folk Festivals 

Where: Mayrhofen, Austria

As summer comes to a close, harvest festivals bring villages across the Zillertal Valley together to celebrate the season. Expect bustling markets filled with local produce, traditional music, regional specialities and a warm community atmosphere.

If you're visiting Mayrhofen, it's a lovely way to experience local traditions and see the valley at its most authentic.

St. Johann Autumn Festival Series 

Where: St. Johann, Austria

The St. Johann Autumn Festival Series fills the town centre with brass bands, craft markets and seasonal celebrations, making it a lovely time to soak up the local atmosphere.

Seefeld Autumn Walking & Festival Events

Where: Seefeld, Austria

Seefeld embraces autumn with a calendar full of guided walks, local food events and cultural evenings. It's a great way to experience the Tyrolean plateau beyond the walking trails.

Discover Europe this September

Whether you're raising a glass at a wine festival, browsing a local market or joining in centuries-old traditions, these are the moments that make a holiday even more memorable. Explore our walking holidays and discover where your September adventure could take you.