September might be Sun Valley’s best-kept secret. The crowds thin out, the days turn crisp, and the valley settles into its quietest, most beautiful rhythm of the year. Hiking and biking trails open up, fly fishing hits its peak, tee times at Sun Valley golf courses are easy to come by, tennis and pickleball courts are easy to book, and there’s still plenty of daylight for a day trip out to Redfish Lake or a family bike ride into town for dinner.
If you’ve only seen Sun Valley in the thick of summer or winter, September is when it quietly outdoes itself.
Live Music
Live music continues through September! Catch a set at the Pasture at Hotel Ketchum, swing by the Limelight Lounge for a low-key night out or grab a spot on the Boiler Room Patio in Sun Valley Village for music with a mountain backdrop. Not to be missed – Portugal. The Man is playing Labor Day weekend – lawn tickets just opened, so grab yours soon!
Wagon Days
September 4 to September 6
Every Labor Day weekend, Ketchum hosts one of the most unique events in the Northwest: Wagon Days. This isn’t just any parade – it’s a living homage to the mining roots and Western spirit that built our Wood River Valley, and it happens to be the largest non-motorized parade in the Pacific Northwest. It’s a fun and festive weekend for the whole family with history bus tours, cowboy poetry, pancake breakfasts, and the fascinating big hitch parade followed by a country music street party. Other local events this weekend include Sun Valley on Ice, free yoga at River Run, free movie on the lawn, and live music!
This is the last weekend to book a Sun Valley Trail Ride or Scenic Wagon Ride! Our Sun Valley rentals come with the Recreation Pass, which includes a 10% discount on the one-hour trail rides at the Sun Valley stables! View all of our rentals that come with the Recreation Pass here.
An Evening with Sonny Landreth
September 5
Praised by Eric Clapton himself and a seven-time performer at Clapton’s own Crossroads Guitar Festival, slide guitar legend Sonny Landreth brings his celebrated blend of blues, zydeco, and rock to The Argyros on September 5. A rare chance to catch a true guitar great in an intimate Sun Valley setting. Our downtown Ketchum condos are within easy walking distance of The Argyros. Tickets required.
Portugal. The Man.
September 6
Portugal. The Man closes out Labor Day weekend at the Sun Valley Pavilion on September 6 — a can’t-miss concert under the stars and the perfect finish to the Labor Day holiday weekend. Lawn tickets are open now, so grab yours before they’re gone.
Rebecca’s Private Idaho
September 9 to September 12
Rebecca’s Private Idaho rolls into town September 9–12, bringing gravel cyclists from around the country to Sun Valley for days of epic rides, community, and celebration. Whether you’re racing or just soaking up the biking energy, it’s one of the valley’s most spirited fall weekends.
Plan Your Visit
Ready to plan your next adventure? Browse our entire selection of Sun Valley vacation rentals and book direct with us online to save on booking fees!
Ernest Hemingway Seminar
September 10 to September 12
Book lovers, take note: the 2026 Ernest Hemingway Seminar (Sep 10–12) takes a deep dive into The Garden of Eden, a lesser-known Hemingway novel published after his death, with rich discussion and a closer look at his legacy. Registration is required through The Community Library in Ketchum.
Ketchum Oktoberfest!
September 18 to September 19
Hosted by Sawtooth Brewery, Ketchum Oktoberfest returns to Champions Meadow September 18–19, with local German beers, food, and games for all ages. Friday runs 4–8pm and Saturday 11am–8pm – a laid-back way to welcome fall in Sun Valley.
Cedric Burnside
September 19
Grammy-winning bluesman Cedric Burnside brings his raw, hill country blues sound to The Argyros on September 19. Straight from the heart of Mississippi blues country, this is a night of authentic, soulful music you won’t want to miss. Tickets required.
Baldy Hill Climb
September 26
Many of you have skied or boarded Baldy, but here is the opportunity to summit the peak at the infamous Baldy Hill Climb — now in its 48th year. It’s 1.86 miles and 3,140 vertical feet from the bottom of Warm Springs to the 9,020-foot summit, with awards and bragging rights on the line, plus a free Kinderclimb for the kids. Registration required at svsef.org.
Trailing of the Sheep
October 7 to October 11
And don’t forget – Trailing of the Sheep returns to Ketchum October 7–11, celebrating its 30th year as one of USA Today’s Top 10 Fall Festivals in the country. It’s free to attend and only gets more popular every year, drawing crowds to watch thousands of sheep move through town alongside sheepdog trials, folk arts, and a lively street fair. The sheepdog trials themselves have become a highlight in their own right — a USBCHA-sanctioned, national qualifying event that pulls in top handlers and dogs from around the country. Lodging sold out last year, so if you’re planning an October trip, now’s the time to book your stay.
Where to Stay in Sun Valley
Wherever you want to be based, we’ve got a Sun Valley rental home for it. Choose a private home or condo within walking distance of downtown events, stay close to Sun Valley Resort with access to resort amenities, or tuck away from the crowds while still being minutes from everything September has to offer. And the best way to book Sun Valley vacation rentals? Always direct – you’ll save on fees and get the kind of local hospitality our team at Michael’s Vacation Rentals is known for!
Book your stay with us and and enjoy all that Sun Valley has to offer!
