September 11 is the l Enkutatash, or Ethiopian New Year. The date traditionally marks both the end of the rainy season and the return of Queen of Sheba after a journey to Jerusalem. The holiday is celebrated with dancing and singing throughout the country’s villages.  

It may not be as well known as Munich’s Oktoberfest, but Belgium’s Beer Weekend is gaining attention as a top-notch showcase of the country’s extensive brewski offerings. Held in Brussels’ Grand-Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the festival includes a solemn consecration of the beer as well as processions, blind tastings and the expected forays into the pride-free zone. The action starts this Friday. 

Now that The Obamas have come and gone, Yellowstone National Park can get down to business managing their August crowds. While advance planning is advised during this peak travel month, in the past week or so we’ve heard reports of people getting rooms inside the park on the day of their arrival. If you’re not one of them, check out this video of an iconic Yellowstone experience. 

This Sunday is the second running of Il Palio, the horse race that takes place every July and August in Siena, Italy. The tradition dates back to the Medieval times and involves jockeys riding bareback around a track that winds through the city’s main piazza. A few riders usually lose their mounts, which clearly is part of the attraction for the crowds who throng to this gorgeous city. See for yourself in this video.

The colonial city of San Miguel de Allende in central Mexico has been an American expat haven for decades, first for GIs looking to make the most of their education funds and then by heat-weary southerners who discovered this mountain town offers perfect summer weather. The number of tourists are bound to be down this summer thanks to H1N1, but its many charms will be remain long after the crowds return. Take in this sites and sounds with this video. 

The 2009 AirVenture Oshkosh (better know as the Oshkosh Air Show) starts next Monday. This year’s highlights include Predator B, an unmanned U.S. Customs and Border Protection aircraft that looks like a giant insect. Check out the Predator B and more planes with these video clips.