August, you’ve been nice. But September, we’re expecting great things from you, too. (No pressure.)

Here are a few shows, gatherings and tasty treats that are making us excited about what lies ahead.

On Monday, September 16, iconic band Foreigner brings their wildly popular Very Important Beer series to downtown’s Pike Brewing Company. Be one of 80 fortunate fans to enjoy an intimate meet-and-greet with Bruce Watson and Michael Bluestein, as they rock out to a five-song acoustic set paired with Pike beer. (Doors open at 5 p.m., show  at 6 p.m. $45 entry, cash bar, 21+. Buy tickets now!)

On Saturday, September 21, Camden-born indie/alt-rock artist Chelou comes to Barboza, during his first-ever run of US dates. The headlining tour comes directly after the release of his debut album ‘Out of Sight.’ The talent’s alias translates to “bizarre,” “shady,” or “hidden” in French, and Billboard has described his music as a “glistening psych-pop lava lamp.”

On September 22,  Americana star Kelsey Waldon supports her label mate, the almighty John Prine, at the Woodland Park Zoo. Waldon’s upcoming new record ‘White Noise/White Lines’ drops October 4th on Oh Boy Records (John Prine’s label, his first signing in 15 years). (*Don’t get discouraged if Zoo Tunes appears to be sold out; the website directs hopeful attendees toward their ticket exchange, powered by Lyte, “a no-hassle sweet spot where you can securely buy or sell tickets.”)

From September 26 through October 6, the 14th Tasveer South Asian Film Festival brings the largest South Asian film festival in the country to screens around our city. There has never seemed a better time to learn about new cultures and get some conversations going.

From September 21 and 22, Northwest Folklife and Seattle Center present the Seattle Children’s Festival—a multicultural, intergenerational festival of music, dance, arts and all-around family fun.

Hackensaw Boys are back—after 20 years of touring together and creating dynamic American roots music (outlined by the energy of punk rock)— with a new EP, ‘A Fireproof House of Sunshine,’ out on Free Dirt Records. Join these Americana legends at Tractor Tavern on October 1,

Treat yourself to the invigorating beats of Hiss Golden Messenger, a critically-acclaimed North Carolina indie band that comes to Tractor Tavern on October 10 and 11. The show supports their upcoming album ‘Terms of Surrender,’ set for release on September 20 (Merge Records).

Get inspired on Saturday, October 12, when STG Presents Together Live at The Moore Theatre. This soulful and entertaining event brings together diverse storytellers “for an epic evening of laughter, music and hard-won wisdom. Thought leaders, musicians, celebrities and comedians share the stage and tell their own raw, inspiring stories of finding purpose and community.” Enjoy the wit and brilliance of Glennon Doyle, Cheryl Strayed, Abby Wambach and Sophia Bush, among others.

Looking for new wines to add to your library at home? To celebrate Washington Wine Month (in August), wine “negociant” Cameron Hughes Wines showcased a collection of wines from across the state, highlighting the Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley and Red Mountain regions. Hughes founded this company with a simple mission: “to offer great wines at affordable prices to everyone,” and here  are a few recent examples: Lot 622 2016 Columbia Valley Riesling ($12): a top shelf representation of what Washington state Riesling has to offer; Lot 637 2016 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($14): a plump, juicy Cabernet perfect for everyday drinking. Gold Medal & 90 points from the SF Int’l Wine Competition; and, Lot 660 2016 Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon ($25): CHW’s first blockbuster Cabernet release of the 2018 Fall season.

Also, just because summer will soon come to a close, this doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to your bubbly. Of course we always recommend trying local standouts, but we’ve also discovered some affordable options this month like Mionetto Sparkling Rosé Extra Dry ($14 a bottle) and Prosecco DOC Organic Extra Dry.

Looking to send a loved one some delicious, sommelier-selected, personalized wine to fit any life occasion (the good, the bad and the just plain funny)? Have a look at brand-new, Seattle-based company Chipmonkey Wine to brighten someone’s day (or entire week!).