What’s Happening in the Northwest in September

There’s more to look forward to in late August beyond the return of pumpkin lattes, if you can believe it. Starbucks’ fall menu drops Aug. 25 this year, by the way.

But this is also the season of carnivals, festivals and plenty of community events to enjoy! Here’s the roundup of editor’s picks from late August to September of things to do in the Northwest near you.

WASHINGTON & OREGON

Washington State Fair | Sept. 4-27 | Puyallup, WA

“Do the Puyallup with can’t-miss concerts, thrilling rides, iconic Fair food, animals, agriculture and once-a-year traditions. Thrilling rides. Incredible food. Award-winning animals. Live entertainment. Agriculture. Competitions. Family traditions. Everything that makes Washington special, together for one unforgettable September.”

Learn more at thefair.com.

Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival | Sept. 11-13 | Port Townsend, WA

“Experience the craft and beauty of wooden boats at North America’s largest wooden boat festival! Learn from experts, and create unforgettablememories with your family at the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival!!”

Learn more at woodenboat.org.

Fido in the Forest | Aug. 29 | Tillamook, OR

“Learn some tips for enjoying the outdoors with your furry friend and join us for a short hike. You can even make a travel water bowl or reflective safety collar. This program is free and open to well-behaved canines and their loyal human companions.”

Learn more at tillamookforestcenter.org/.

Cranberry Festival | Sept. 12-13 | Bandon, OR

“Boasting 80 years of family fun with a parade, festival market, evening street dance and more. You’ll enjoy live music and performing arts, classic car show and farm equipment, sports and tournaments, art exhibits and craft markets, shopping and dining, and above all, the bitterly-sweet, locally-famous cranberry-eating contest. Pre-festival activities begin on Thursday evening with the Cranberry Court Coronation. Local events continue Friday morning with the Cranberry Kitchen contest, and run into the evening, ending with the Cranberry Bowl Football Game.”

Learn more at bandon.com/cranberry-festival.

Pendleton Roundup | Sept. 16-19 | Pendleton, OR

“The main events in the Round-Up are: Bareback Bronc Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Steer Roping, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping and Tie-Down Roping. The All-Around Cowboy award goes to the competitor who earns the most prize money in more than one event. Other events include Women’s Barrel Racing, Women’s Breakaway Roping, Indian Relay Racing, Wild Cow Milking and Indian dancing!”

Learn more at pendletonroundup.com.

Cape Kiwanda Longboard Classic | Sept. 18-20 | Pacific City, OR

“Founded in 1998, the Cape Kiwanda Longboard Classic is an annual surf competition held in Pacific City, Oregon. Hosted by Moment Surf Company and Pelican Brewing Company, the event celebrates surfing and community, while showcasing one of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic surf destinations.”

Learn more at capekiwandalongboardclassic.com.

IDAHO

Twin Falls County Fair & Magic Stampede | Sept. 2-7 | Filer, ID

“The Twin Falls County Fair and Magic Valley Stampede is the must-attend event of the year in the Magic Valley! Packed with rodeo thrills, concerts, food, rides, and family fun—mark your calendar for September 2 to September 7, 2026!”

Learn more at tfcfair.com.

Art in the Park | Sept. 11-13 | Boise, ID

“Boise Art Museum’s Art in the Park is widely recognized as the premier cultural event in the Northwest. This open-air festival, held on the weekend following Labor Day each September, provides visitors of all ages and interests with the opportunity to meet 240 artists and purchase their works. During the three-day event, Boise Art Museum presents a variety of contemporary arts and crafts along with delicious food, live music and entertainment, and hands-on activities for children.”

Learn more at boiseartmuseum.org/art-in-the-park.

WYOMING & MONTANA

Homesteader Days | Sept. 12 | Powell, WY

“On September 12th from 10am – 3pm the streets surrounding the Homesteader Museum will come alive with bustling steam tractors, smells from fresh popped kettle corn, and music from the Rewinders.”

Learn more at wyomingpublicmedia.org.

Whitefish Songwriter Festival | Sept. 18-20 | Whitefish, MT

“You know the songs. Meet the people who wrote them. These 28 songwriters have written for Garth Brooks, Chris Stapleton, George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Keith Urban, Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, Lady Gaga, Jelly Roll, Ella Langley and more. In September, they play those songs themselves, and tell you where they came from.”

Learn more at whitefishsongwriterfest.org.

Arts on Fire Festival | Sept. 19 | Great Falls, MT

“Art activities, musical performances, food trucks, gallery tours, artist alley vendor market, art demonstrations, root beer floats, pottery sale, scavenger hunt, and more!”

Learn more at facebook.com/events.

Fall into Fall Festival | Sept. 19 | Green River, WY

“Join us at Expedition Island in Green River for another Fall Into Fall Festival! Celebrate the season with a full day of family fun, music, food, and fall traditions at the Fall into Fall Festival!”

Learn more at explorewy.com/event/fall-into-fall.

Missoula Renaissance Festival | Sept. 19-20 | Missoula, MT

“We’re Back! Join us for the second annual Missoula Renaissance Festival!

Don’t miss jousting events featuring the Order of Epona at 11am and 3pm both days!”

Learn more at missoularenfest.com.

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Vancouver Fringe | Sept. 10-20 | Vancouver, B.C.

“With 80+ shows this year, the Fringe has every kind of every thing. Explore theatre, comedy, dance, drag, music and more!”

Learn more at vancouverfringe.com.

Picklefest | Sept. 12 | Vancouver

“Founded by two first cousins, Adin and Eli Wener, who grew up with pickles on every plate, in every season, at every gathering. Picklefest is rooted in culture, nostalgia, and a lifelong love of bold, briny flavour. What began as a shared obsession turned into something bigger: a space to celebrate the creativity, community, and delicious unpredictability that pickling represents.”

Learn more at picklefestcanada.com.

Whistler Village Beer Festival | Sept. 16-20

“Whistler Village Beer Festival 2026 is brewing up an unforgettable mountain-side festival filled with craft beverages, live music and nonstop good vibes.”

Learn more at wvbf.ca.

ALASKA

Klondike Road Relay | Sept. 11-12 | Skagway, AK > Whitehorse, YT

“The Klondike Road Relay is an epic experience unlike any other race and we encourage all levels and ages to participate. Runner or walker; adult or youth; the full race or our shorter, modified route (or 70 km ULTRA) – the KRR is for everyone!”

Learn more at klondikeroadrelay.com.

Cordova Fungus Festival | Sept. 18-20 | Cordova, AK

“Each year, the salmon that evade Cordova’s skilled fishermen complete an extraordinary journey upstream, where they spawn and return vital marine nutrients to the watershed. Those nutrients are carried through the ecosystem by fungi, nourishing the towering forests that define this corner of Alaska…Join mushroom enthusiasts, curious naturalists, artists, and food lovers from near and far at the 19th Annual Cordova Fungus Festival, taking place September 18–20, 2026. Festival headquarters will be located at the Cordova Center in downtown Cordova.”

Learn more at cordovafungusfest.com.