30 Ways to Welcome Fall - A September to Remember

September is the month of golden light, cozy meals, and that gentle shift from summer freedom to autumn rhythms — read below for how I’ll be soaking up the season and finding joy in little everyday moments.

September is the beautiful bridge between the last golden days of summer and the cozy welcome of fall. The air gets cooler, routines find their rhythm, and everything feels a little more intentional. It’s a month for fresh starts—whether that’s a new school year, a new hobby, or a renewed focus on savoring the small moments. Here are 30 ideas to help you celebrate and enjoy my favorite season.

September – the month doing its best to help us get over summer.

1. Celebrate Labor Day at the beach - Mark the last long weekend of summer with something that feels carefree. Pack a picnic full of easy-to-love foods—sandwiches, fruit, sparkling waters, and do not forget something sweet. Invite friends for frisbee and sandcastle-building, or bring a good book, a beach blanket, and enjoy the waves.

2. Celebrate the new school year - Kick off September with an extra-special breakfast: think French toast with maple syrup, homemade donuts dusted in cinnamon sugar, or a bright fruit smoothie. Then, take a “first day of school” style photo—even if you don’t have kids. Later, lean into the spirit of learning by visiting a library or bookstore. Grab a nonfiction book on a subject that excites you and treat yourself to a solo study date.

3. Start a September gratitude journal - With the shift in seasons, it’s the perfect time to reflect. Begin a gratitude journal dedicated to September. Each day, jot down one small thing that makes you feel grounded—crisp air on a walk, the first pumpkin spice latte, or a kind word from a friend. By month’s end, you’ll have 30 reminders of what made this season sweet.

4. Set up your fall porch décor - Gather some pumpkins, gourds, or a basket of mums to brighten your porch. Try crafting a fall wreath with dried oranges, birch bark, or plaid ribbon. A homemade bouquet of autumn leaves and sunflowers in a mason jar adds beauty too. Even the smallest touches—like a plaid throw rug—make your home feel inviting for the season ahead.

5. Create or enhance your folk playlist - September carries a folk music vibe to me—warm, cozy, and nostalgic. Create a playlist full of acoustic guitar, indie folk, and classic storytellers. Think Mazzy Star, Bon Iver, Iron & Wine, or even some soft country ballads. Play it while driving with the windows down, baking, or curling up with a lover.

6. Donate blankets to a shelter - As cooler weather approaches, many shelters are in need. Sort through your linens and gather gently used blankets, or pick up a couple of inexpensive new ones. Whether you donate to a women’s shelter or an animal rescue, you’ll know someone (or some furry friend) will be warmer and more comfortable thanks to your thoughtfulness.

7. Celebrate Grandparents Day - Host a family dinner around the table and recreate an old family photo for fun—complete with retro outfits if you have them. Or make a short home movie interviewing the grandparents about their lives and memories. These are keepsakes that will be cherished for generations.

8. Visit a farmer’s market or craft fair - Wander through rows of fresh produce, handmade goods, and local treasures. Pick up maple syrup, pumpkin bread, or a handcrafted candle.

9. Craft a wax leaf garland - Collect colorful leaves, then press and preserve them with wax paper and an iron. String them together with hemp cord for a rustic garland. Drape it across your mantel, above a window, or even outside along a porch railing. It’s a simple, kid-friendly craft that captures the fleeting beauty of fall leaves.

10. Go apple picking - Bundle up in cozy layers and head to an orchard. Pick a basketful of apples, then turn them into pies, apple butter, cider, or homemade applesauce. Many orchards also have hayrides, donuts, and warm cider—making it a whole day’s adventure.

11. Enroll in an online class - Honor the “back-to-school” spirit by learning something new. Maybe your jam is guitar lessons, creative writing, or brushing up on a new language, September is the perfect time to set aside an hour each week for personal growth or join a community education class. Create your own syllabus and celebrate your milestones as the months go by.

12. Cheer at a local sporting event - Grab your school colors or team gear and cheer on a local team. It doesn’t matter if it’s high school football, a college game, or even a community race—there’s something electric about the energy of fans rooting together. Bring a thermos of hot cocoa to survive the chill.

13. Have a cider date - Seek out a cider bar or apple orchard taproom. Try a flight of seasonal ciders—some sparkling, some spiced—and linger with a board game or deck of cards. If you’re at home, try a few different bottled ciders and set up your own tasting flight. Pair with cheese, pretzels, and good conversation.

14. Start a junk journal or scrapbook - Gather ticket stubs, polaroids, pressed flowers, and doodles from the year so far. Scrapbooking or junk journaling is the perfect way to capture memories creatively. I like to have a 'family yearbook' printed using SnapFish each December, September is a smart time to get a head start so you’re not rushing later.

15. Celebrate homecoming spirit week - You don’t need to be in school to join in the fun. Pick a theme for each day—pajamas, ‘80s outfits, jersey day—and challenge your family or friends to dress up too. Take silly photos and turn it into a week-long social media challenge.

16. Indulge in a personal care day - Whatever relaxation means to you—take it. Maybe that’s staying in bed with a good book, napping guilt-free, soaking in a bubble bath, or giving yourself an at-home pedicure. Power down your devices for the day and let yourself fully recharge.

17. See an art show - Visit a gallery, museum, or a local coffee shop hosting an exhibit. Take your time to notice details, colors, and textures. Art sparks creativity and makes for an inspiring solo date or outing with a friend. Maybe you'll feel inspired to support a local artist and purchase something beautiful for your wall.

18. Stock up at a tea shop - Visit a tea shop and select blends to carry you through the cooler months. Try chai, apple spice, or a soothing chamomile. Stocking up now means you’ll have a comforting ritual waiting whenever you need warmth. Don't forget some sweet honey and vanilla!

19. Attend a homecoming football game - Before the game, gather friends to make tie blankets together. Use fleece in your team colors, then bring your creations to stay cozy in the stands. It’s a memory-making activity that ends with a keepsake you’ll treasure.

20. Navigate a corn maze - Bundle up and explore a local corn maze or a fall festival with hayrides, live music, and pumpkin patches. Make it a day by bringing friends or family!

21. Craft crocheted scarves - If you know how to crochet, now is the time to start making scarves for the chilly months ahead. If not, pick up a beginner’s kit. Handmade scarves also make heartfelt holiday gifts—and starting in September, gives you plenty of time to finish.

22. Host a fall equinox fire - Mark the change of seasons with a cozy outdoor fire. Sip hot cider or cocoa, roast marshmallows, and reflect on the transition from summer to fall. Share intentions or things you’re grateful for as the seasons shift.

23. Take a fall leaves hike or drive - Seek out a scenic trail or back road to enjoy autumn’s colors. Bring a camera to capture the reds, oranges, and golds. Collect a few fallen leaves to press and save for crafts later.

24. Bake up fall favorites - Start with cinnamon rolls, but don’t stop there—try pumpkin muffins, apple pie, spiced bread, or maple pecan cookies. Your kitchen will smell heavenly, and you can share the extras with neighbors or coworkers for a little seasonal kindness.

25. Cozy fall movie night - Brew a warm chai tea, plate up yesterday’s bakes, and curl under a blanket for a themed movie night. My favorites are You’ve Got Mail, When Harry Met Sally, and Practical Magic. Or, binge a few cozy episodes of Gilmore Girls for maximum September vibes.

26. Go thrifting for sweaters - Thrift stores are full of hidden treasures this time of year—Hunt for oversized knits, flannels, and quirky vintage finds. Reduse, reuse, and recycle textiles to help support our planet''s health. My goal this year is to learn my sewing machine and upcycle my thrift finds.

27. Plan a fall photo shoot - Gather your family or friends, pick a scenic park or pumpkin patch, and take some seasonal photos. Dress in coordinated colors or bring props like blankets and mugs of cider. These become beautiful keepsakes for holiday cards or a fun way to update your home decor.

28. Host a bread-baking day - Invite friends over for a day of baking bread together—sourdough, focaccia, baguettes, or even just classic sandwich loaves. Share recipes, taste warm bread straight from the oven, and send everyone home with a loaf.

29. Invest in cozy new socks and slippers - There’s nothing like sliding into soft socks on a chilly morning or frigid overnight. Pick up a few new pairs—maybe some wool for outdoors and some fluffy ones for lounging. Then treat yourself to slippers that make your feet feel hugged in those new socks all season long.

30. Halloween mani/pedi - Close out the month with a little seasonal flair. Paint your nails orange, black, deep burgundy, or add a fun design like cobwebs or pumpkins. It’s a festive way to lean into October’s spirit before the month even begins.

September is such a special month—it’s equal parts fresh start and cozy slowdown. Whether you’re apple-picking, crafting, learning something new, or simply pulling on your favorite sweater, this month is full of little ways to celebrate life’s transitions. Try a few of these ideas (or all 30!) and watch how September becomes one of your favorite months of the year. Take care, loves.