The Budapest Wine Festival kicks off September 7 in Buda Castle in the Hungarian capital. Try the specialty Tokaji, a sweet white wine made from grapes affected by noble rot—a type of fungus. Nicer than it sounds.

Celebrate the Saltaire Festival in the idyllic, Victorian village of Saltaire, England. Founded over 200 years ago, this picturesque village is now a UNESCO protected site.  The art and music festival begins September 8.

The Toronto International Film Festival also starts September 8. This 10-day event is known as a “people’s festival”—unlike Cannes, a more snooty affair.

La Biennale di Venezia (The Venice Biennale) is an avant-garde cultural institution. From August 31 to September 10, film, theater, music contemporary art and architecture are celebrated all over the city. There’s no better excuse to indulge in one of the world’s most romantic cities.

Style aficionados: London Fashion Week kicks off September 13. Tom Ford, House of Holland and a number of other marquee designers will display their newest lines.

If you fancy slinging a sausage, head to Ramsbottom, England this month for the World Black-Pudding Throwing Championship. The event takes place at the Royal Oak Public House and starts September 12. Black pudding is a type of blood sausage found from Europe to Asia.

The mother of all beer festivals rolls into Germany this month. Although named Oktoberfest, interestingly it begins September 17 in Munich. Once you’ve claimed your seat in the beer tent, don’t expect to move much for the next two weeks. More than five million people attend the festivities and only beer brewed within city limits is served.

The International Swan Boat Races—featuring 15 international teams—begin September 18 in Thailand. Started in 1986, this popular event is held on the Chao Phraya River at the Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre.

Love oysters? Then head to Galway, Ireland for the 57th International Oyster & Seafood Festival, September 23 to 25.  Along with a fill of molluscs and traditional Irish music, you can watch the World Oyster Opening Championships. Champ Xavier Caille of Belgium will be defending his title this year.

Belize celebrates Independence Day September 21. Formerly known as British Honduras, the country officially broke free from the British crown and became Belize in 1973. Dine on Caribbean food and join residents dancing in the streets.

Catalonians enjoy the Festes de La Merce September 22 to 24. Held every year in Barcelona, Spain, giant wooden figures are paraded through the streets and human towers are built in Placa de Sant Jaume. Tower-builders (castellers) start with stocky men on the bottom, followed by better-balanced men, then women, then children. The towers can reach up to10 people high.

Navaratri, a major Hindu festival, begins September 28 throughout India. The word translates to “nine nights” in Sanskrit. Each region of the country celebrates in a different way—from fasting to dancing.

Running throughout September in Singapore is the Lantern Festival. The streets of the city light up with lanterns made by Zigong craftsmen, vendors crowd the corners and shows are staged throughout the month.

September 28, the Chinese pay homage to Confucius for his birthday. The philosopher who lived from 551 BC to 479 BC, is considered China’s “first teacher” due to his sage wisdom and passion for education.

Editor’s Note: This article was taken from a past issue of International Living’s monthly magazine. To get full access to all past and future articles and to receive the magazine in the mail or online each month, you can subscribe here.

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