Ahh the leaves of change are upon us! Like every year, Summer seemed to escape our grasp as soon as it came. Hopefully, we were able to spend enough time with friends and family, enjoying the beach or parks, to mentally pull us through the coming cold months. This is that time of year when the days grow shorter and we want our drinks served warmer, or filled with pumpkin spice, or both… Guilty. September is a month of transition, dedicated to getting back into the rhythm of school or a busy season at work. So, we at License to Drift have created a list of five of the best things to do to kick off your #AutumnOfAwesome.
#5 Pabanamanina Pow Wow (Bishop, CA)
The first event on our list is for our West coasters. National Native American Day is coming up on September 27th and is the opening day of the Pabanamanina Pow Wow in Bishop, CA, Take advantage of this great opportunity to have fun and learn about Native culture. At this pow wow, all are welcome for a day full of tribal dances, songs, and foods from tribes all over America. Take a lesson from communities that value cooperation and harmony with nature to get back into the fall mental flow.
Date: September 27-29
Admission: FREE + Food Available for Purchase
Kid Friendly: YES
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Pabanamanina
#4: Harvest on the Harbor Festival (Portland, ME)
September 28th is National Fishing Day, and following that is a great opportunity to get your hands on some of Maine’s famous seafood. Introducing the “Harvest on the Harbor” (HOTH) festival on the waterline of Portland, Maine. With a picturesque setting akin to a city on Italy’s Amalfi Coast, the beautiful harbor town is home to some of the freshest seafood in America. HOTH attendees will also be surrounded by some of Maine’s award-winning wine, spirits, and beer producers such as Shipyard Brewing Company. Combine some drinks with the musical acts performing throughout the weekend, and you can find your Autumn rhythm dancing off the day’s calories!
Date: October 17-20
Admission: $25-$165
Kid Friendly: No
Website: https://harvestontheharbor.com/
National Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15th through October 15th is National Hispanic Heritage Month, and there are two events coming up that will get anyone into that perfect Fall rhythm!
#3 Festival Latino of the Berkshires (Lennox, MA)
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the whole family at the “‘Festival Latino of the Berkshires” on Saturday, September 28th in Lennox, Massachusetts. Admission is FREE (donations requested) which includes the music and dance entertainment, and there will be a number of authentic Hispanic cuisines from all over the world available for purchase. Tired of Taco Bell and Chipotle? Here you will be surrounded by real empanadas, arepas, mole and much more!
Date: September 28
Admission: FREE (donations requested)
Kid Friendly: YES
Website: http://www.festivallatino.org
#2 Celebrate Orgullo Festival (Miami, FL)
For those of you wishing to celebrate Hispanic Heritage in the Southeast, look no further than the “Celebrate Orgullo Festival” of Miami, Florida. From October 1st through the 15th, friends of the LGBTQ and Hispanic Heritage communities can dance to music, eat wonderful food, and witness some seriously amazing fashion at this two-week event. For anyone who missed out on this year’s NY pride and fashion week events, “Celebrate Orgullo” should be your top priority!
Date: October 1-15
Admission: FREE + Various Paid Events
Kid Friendly: YES (@ Parent’s Discretion)
Website: https://www.miamiandbeaches.com/event/celebrate-orgullo/5055
#1 49th Annual Helen Oktoberfest (Helen, GA)
Over in Helen, Georgians have been celebrating the traditional German Oktoberfest for almost 50 years, and it’s quite das fest! In addition to the beer steins and lederhosen you’ll find at any American Oktoberfest, the town of Helen has been designed to resemble an alpine village with images of Bavaria. You’ll also experience German polka and traditional German food. Partake for a weekend getaway or visit during the week, and there will be no shortage of events to get you into the rhythm of this month-long celebration.
Date: September 26-October 27
Admission: $10 weekends, $8 weekdays + various paid events/activities
Kid Friendly: No
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