Event-o-Rama: 10 Must-Dos in September

There are some amazing events on tap all over the world, all the time. Here’s a taste of what you can see and do in September:

• Enjoy a good brew? Head to the Grand Place in Brussels for the 15th annual Belgian Beer Weekend (September 6-8). The festivities kick off with a celebration of Saint-Arnould, the patron saint of brewers, and feature a special parade each day.
• More of a wine person? Learn the art of vinification, sample liquid gold from 200 cellars, and enjoy a spirited harvest parade at the Budapest International Wine Festival (September 11-15). Great wine deserves great food, and this festival won’t disappoint. (Think crispy strudels, corn cake with plum jam, and amazing cheeses.)
• While many of the world is getting ready to embrace fall, South Africa‘s celebrating the beginning of spring. Catch the fever at the Hermanus Whale Festival (September 20-24) in a town that’s known as the best land-based whale-watching destination on the planet.
• Calling all bivalve buffs: the Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival (September 26-29) is about to get underway. Attend an oyster shucking contest, a Tribal Oyster Feast Off (in association with The Gathering Ireland 2013), and a Mardi-Gras-style gala that will knock your socks off.
• Feeling bogged down by life’s stresses? Take a break at the Warrens Cranberry Festival (September 27-29) in Wisconsin. Explore more than three miles of booths offering up crafts, antiques, farm-fresh produce, and just about anything cranberry-related you could possibly imagine (oh, yeah, and cheese curds, too!).
• Roll up your sleeves and get ready for horticultural wonderment at the Australian Garden Show Sydney (September 5-8). The four-day festival offers something for everyone with expert speakers, workshops, live cooking demos, a “kids’ zone,” al fresco cafes, and a (kinda trippy) Night Garden after the sun goes down.
• Itching to let your creative side out to play? You won’t want to miss the DUMBO Arts Festival (September 27-29) in Brooklyn, New York, where more than 500 artists put their craft on display against the backdrop of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline.
• If you’ve never been to Portugal’s capital, this month is a great time to go. At Lisbon Week (September 21-28), pick one of several “Discovery” routes to unlock the secrets behind this vibrant city’s past, present, and future — from petisco tastings to architectural tours, and more.
• Get your toes tapping and your hands clapping at the Tokyo Jazz Festival (September 6-8). The 12th annual event takes place over three days at the Tokyo International Forum and features legends like main draw Tony Bennett and Chick Corea along with free performances in the center’s open-air plaza.
• Bear witness to one of the world’s most unusual — and oldest — events at the Egremont Crab Fair (September 21) in Cumbria, England. Or take part by entering the world gurning championships (trust us, you’ll want to find out what gurning is), trying your hand at greased pole climbing, or catching an apple during the parade of the apple cart.

What would you add to the list? Let us know what we’re missing by leaving a comment.