A September Roundup of Things to do in the Southwest

With the promise of fall season evident in cooler mornings and pumpkin-spice drops, there’s a lot to look forward to in September. And that includes the events going on in the Southwest! From rodeos, to festivals to just good, quirky fun, there is plenty to go out and try something new or return to a favorite. Check out what’s near you below, or plan a quick road trip.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Sandsports Super Show | Sept. 18-20 | Costa Mesa

“Each September, hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of attendees come together at the Orange County Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, Calif., for the biggest and most exciting dune and dirt sports EXPO in the world. Join us for three days of fun and get up close to the latest Sand Rails, ATVs, UTVs/Side x Sides, accessories, apparel and a whole lot more! Take part in the world’s largest sand sports expo!”

Learn more at sandsportssupershow.com.

Two Harbors Wine Fest | Sept. 12 | Catalina

“Enjoy live music on the beach on Catalina Island while sampling both local and imported wines. Admission tickets to the event—which also includes a silent auction—come with wine tastings, a keepsake glass, and a range of appetizers.”

Learn more at visitcatalinaisland.com/events/two-harbors-wine-fest.

SOUTHERN NEVADA

International Camel & Ostrich Races | Sept. 12 | Virginia City

“It’s the 67th International Camel & Ostrich Races and it’s guaranteed to be as hilariously crazy as it sounds! Watch as camels, ostriches and even zebras gather in Virginia City to carry daring riders across the finish line in this family-friendly, must-see event.”

Learn more at visitvirginiacitynv.com/event/international-camel-ostrich-races.

Southern Nevada Pedal Fest | Sept. 19 | Las Vegas

“Join us for the Southern Nevada Pedal Fest, hosted by the Southern Nevada Mountain Biking Association, in collaboration with the City of Las Vegas and Southwest Bikes, at Floyd Lamb Park. This festival celebrates all things cycling, bringing together enthusiasts of all levels for a weekend of riding, community, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting out, there’s something for everyone at Pedal Fest.”

Learn more at southernnevadapedalfest.com.

UTAH

Utah State Fair | Sept. 10 | Salt Lake City

“Since 1856, the Utah State Fair has been a place where families return, traditions grow, and simple moments become favorite memories…From blue ribbons and livestock barns to carnival lights, arena nights, and fair food favorites, this year is about honoring the memories that built us while making new ones together.”

Learn more at utahstatefair.com/p/thefair.

Melon Days | Sept. 18-19 | Green River

“Celebrating 120 years of tradition, Green River’s Melon Days Festival honors our world-famous melons and the hardworking families who grow them. Every year, our quiet town comes alive as locals and visitors alike join together for a legendary weekend of sweet melons and community spirit.”Learn more at melon-days.com.

Festa Italiana | Sept. 19-20 | Salt Lake City

“Welcome to Festa Italiana SLC, Utah’s Premier Cultural Experience. Hosted at the beautiful Gateway Plaza our guests enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Downtown Salt Lake City while exploring the culture, entertainment and culinary diversity of Utah’s thriving Italian community.”

Learn more at festaitalianaslc.com.

COLORADO

Colorado Mountain Winefest | Sept. 11-13 | Palisade

“This is more than a festival. It’s a refined, intimate celebration designed with you in mind. With fewer guests and thoughtful design, you’ll have the time, space, and freedom to truly connect with Colorado’s finest wines, foods, and people.”

Learn more at coloradowinefest.com.

Classic Sheepdog Championship Trials | Sept. 9-13 | Meeker

“The Meeker Classic Sheepdog Championship Trials offers five days (September 9-13, 2026) of sheepdog herding competition for a purse and added money totaling $27,000.”

Learn more at meekersheepdog.com.

Sunnyside Music Festival | Sept. 12 | Denver

“Experience the best of the Northwest Denver community at the Sunnyside Music Festival! This free, volunteer-run event brings together neighbors and visitors for a full day of live music, local art, and family fun at Chaffee Park.”

Learn more at sunnysidemusicfest.org.

Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival | Sept. 18-20 | Pueblo

“The Chile and Frijoles Festival was created to promote Pueblo’s rich agriculture and encourage our community, and region, to buy local fresh products at any of the numerous farm stands and specialty shops available during the festival and year-round. The event features live entertainment, street vendors, cooking competitions, and chilies, chilies, chilies!”

Learn more at pueblochilefestival.com.

ARIZONA

The West’s Most Western PRCA Rodeo | Sept. 11-13 | Scottsdale

“Fulton Homes’ The West’s Most Western Rodeo is a PRCA-sanctioned rodeo event, located in The West’s Most Western Town, and is 3 days long. 2024 marked the very first year for this rodeo!”

Learn more at rodeoscottsdale.com.

Pickin’ in the Pines | Sept. 18-20 | Flagstaff

“Pickin’ in the Pines is an award-winning bluegrass & acoustic music festival first held in 2006…The festival also features educational workshops and a band contest, all in a family-friendly setting. Our beloved attendees and talent come locally from Flagstaff, regionally from all around the Southwest, nationally and beyond. Camping and jamming are also a big part of the Pickin’ in the Pines experience.”

Learn more at pickininthepines.org.

Navajo County Fair & Rodeo | Sept 16-19 | Holbrook

“Welcome to the Navajo County Fair & Rodeo!!!  The first Navajo County Fair was held in Taylor in 1926. The 2025 Fair was the best one to date! We thank everyone involved whether you volunteered, participated or attended, each of you were an integral part of the Fair’s success.  Navajo County Fair thanks YOU and looks forward to seeing you in September!”

Learn more at navajocountyfair.net.

NEW MEXICO

New Mexico State Fair | Sept. 10-20 | Albuquerque

“Since 1938 the New Mexico State Fair has been a favorite gathering place for New Mexicans to celebrate local food, competition, culture, creativity and our rich agricultural heritage. Located just five miles east of downtown Albuquerque at EXPO NM, the New Mexico State Fair has consistently been in the top 5 ranked fairs in the nation based on affordability, programming and weather. The New Mexico State Fair is the Biggest Show in New Mexico, attracting over 500,000 annual attendees.”

Learn more at statefair.exponm.com.

Piñata Fest | Sept. 11- 12 | Roswell

“Two days every September, one big, beautiful, brand new Chaves County Cultural Plaza — live music, street food, piñatas, mariachi, and the kind of cultural energy you build a whole weekend around.”

Learn more at pinatafest.org.

White Sands Balloon Invitational | Sept. 19-20 | Alamogordo

“The White Sands Balloon Invitational returns to Alamogordo on September 19-20, 2026. Visitors can watch hot-air balloons launch over White Sands National Park and Ed Brabson Balloon Park, attend evening balloon glows, enjoy live entertainment, and explore food vendors, all within about an hour of Las Cruces.”

Learn more at lascruces.com/white-sands-balloon-invitational.

WEST TEXAS

40^th Annual Trappings of Texas | Sept. 17 – Oct. 31 | Alpine

“The Trappings of Texas annual exhibit and sale at the Museum of the Big Bend in Alpine celebrates the work of Western artists and gear makers. It is the longest running event of its kind in the country.

Opening Weekend (September 17-19) events include a preview party, an opening reception and sale, artist demonstrations, and more.”

Learn more at museumofthebigbend.com/trappings-of-texas.

West Texas Fair & Rodeo | Sept. 10 – 20 | Abilene

“At the West Texas Fair & Rodeo you’ll find a plethora of delicious foods, a carnival with rides for everyone to enjoy, two nights of Tractor Pull thrills, five nights of PRCA Rodeo action, the best livestock from across Texas, world-class entertainment and much more! The West Texas Fair & Rodeo is a proud inductee of the Texas Rodeo Cowboys Hall of Fame and a proud supporter of youth in ag!”

Learn more at westtexasfairrodeo.com.

Explore more events happening near you on our Event Calendar.