From the excitement of US Open tennis to an intriguing instructional photography weekend at Henry's Fork Lodge, Andrew Harper shares his picks for favorite events and festivals in September 2015.
August 31 – September 13: New York City hosts the 135th US Open, one of the most important tournaments in professional tennis. Marin Čilić is the defending men’s singles champion, and Serena Williams will attempt to win a Grand Slam.
September 6: Aside from Carnevale, Venice’s most exciting and colorful celebration is the annual Regata Storica, which starts with a grand procession of traditional boats including the famed Bucintoro, the galley of the Doge. A series of lively boat races up and down the Grand Canal follow, with expert rowers powering heavy river-going caorline, slim pupparini and speedy gondolini.
September 8-13: Yachting enthusiasts converge on Cannes for the Festival de la Plaisance, held in the Vieux Port and the Port Pierre Canto on the other side of the Croisette (shuttles ferry attendees between the two). Exhibitors present everything from small sailboats to multimillion-dollar super-yachts. Monaco hosts a similar yacht show September 23-26.
September 19 – October 4: Munich’s Oktoberfest can be overwhelming, but it’s one of those great festivals in the world that everyone should experience once. Inside the expansive beer tents, dirndl-clad waitresses carry an astonishing number of liter-sized beer steins in each hand, and tables of tipsy revelers sing rousing drinking songs. It’s an incredible spectacle. Go early on a weekday to avoid the thickest crowds, and be sure to pace yourself. The excellent beer has a higher alcohol percentage than you might expect.
September 19-27: Britain’s capital celebrates all things design during the annual London Design Festival. Visitors can attend exhibitions such as the “What is Luxury” show at the Victoria & Albert Museum, browse the latest home décor in Olympia London and other grand venues, and walk around designated “design districts” housing various smaller events in shops and galleries.
September 24-27: Galway’s International Oyster & Seafood Festival, reputedly the world’s oldest, takes place each September at Galway Harbour. The World Oyster Opening Championship is exciting, but the real stars of the festival are the oysters and other seafood delicacies, raised in pristine local waters.
September 24-28: There is such a thing as a fly-fishing photographer, and perhaps the best in the world will be at Henry’s Fork Lodge in late September. Twelve guests join R. Valentine Atkinson for guided fly-fishing excursions and one-on-one photography instruction. It promises to be a memorable four days in pristine Idaho countryside.
September 25-27: Many of Chicago’s top restaurateurs set up tents in exquisite Millennium Park for Chicago Gourmet. Visitors can wander the grounds and graze on gourmet tidbits, taste a wide array of wines and spirits, and attend workshops and master classes. The Grand Cru tasting (a separate ticket) is always a highlight.
September 25-27: Three of the loveliest Gilded Age “cottages” in Newport, Rhode Island, host events for the annual Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival. Start with a stylish evening wine tasting gala at Rosecliff on Friday, followed by Grand Tastings on the grounds of Marble House featuring hundreds of wines as well as cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs such as Martha Stewart and Jacques Pepin. Only 60 guests can attend the exclusive Collectible Wine Dinner held at The Elms on Saturday, also attended by several notable winemakers.
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