Labor Day may be the symbolic end of summer, but California enjoys the best of both summer and autumn throughout this month.
Halloween festivities have already begun at some California theme parks, while harvest festivals, surfing competitions, and quirky events celebrate everything from Paul Bunyan to Danish heritage. Discover the top things to do this September across Northern, Central, and Southern California.
Across California
All Month: California Wine Month
Wineries host special events such as barrel tastings, vineyard tours, and grape stomps.
Starting Sept. 12: Oktoberfests
Come for live music, dancing, and beer-stein-holding contests at these fall festivals around the state. Start at Oktoberfest Big Bear (select dates from Sept. 12–Nov. 8), which was launched in 1969 by a duo of German immigrants, and is now one of the biggest German festivals on the West Coast. Put these on your calendar too:
Sept. 19: Tahoe City Oktoberfest
Sept. 19: Benicia Oktoberfest & Marketplace
Sept. 26: Oktoberfest in Midtown Sacramento
Sept. 27: Encinitas Oktoberfest, San Diego County
Sept.17: National Park Free Entrance Day
Explore one of California’s nine national parks on this fee-free day, in honor of Constitution Day. During September, evening temperatures are typically in the 70s and 60s at Joshua Tree National Park, making it a nice time to do some stargazing at this International Dark Sky Park. Or, plan a trip around seeing the beginning of fall foliage season at Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Sept. 20: California Surfing Day
September typically brings some of the warmest and sunniest days of the year—so heading to the beach to catch a wave (or just watch the experts) is the perfect way to honor California’s state sport.
Sept. 25: California Native American Day
Celebrate Native American tribes in California by visiting their communities and cultural centers. September is also a prime time to see pow wows and other Native-themed festivals around the state.
Northern California
Sept. 4–7: Paul Bunyan Days, Fort Bragg
Some say the mythic lumberjack and his blue ox Babe spent some time in the redwoods around Fort Bragg, so it makes sense that the Mendocino County town has been home to this festival since 1939. Take part in events like the logging show, tricycle races, and a fireman’s water fight, all while enjoying local beer and barbecue.
Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25: Jazz and Blues by the Bay, Sausalito
Summer’s outdoor-concert season continues with this Friday evening series along the waterfront in Sausalito. Bring a picnic blanket or low chair to Gabrielson Park to enjoy jazz and blues acts alongside big views; pack your own picnic or buy food and drink onsite.
Sept. 11–12: Redding Roots Revival, Redding
The natural beauty and mellow vibes of the Redding area create a perfect setting for this roots-music festival now in its seventh year. More than 15 national and regional acts will perform on three stages around downtown, including the Art Deco Cascade Theatre, which first opened in 1934.
Sept. 11–12: Winesong, Fort Bragg
Sip your way through this two-day wine festival in Fort Bragg. Friday features a celebration of Pinot at Little River Inn, followed by a grand tasting on Saturday at Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens featuring more than 100 wineries, breweries, spirits, and restaurants. Now in its 41st year, the event supports rural healthcare through the Mendocino Coast Healthcare Foundation.
Sept. 12: Windsor Chili Cook-Off, Windsor
Chili-making teams comprised of both amateur and professional chefs will throw down for trophies and glory at this annual competition in Sonoma County. As an attendee, you get to be a judge—tasting and voting on the competing chilis—while enjoying live music and local beer and wine for sale; proceeds benefit a local food bank.
Sept. 12: Petaluma River Craft Beer Fest, Petaluma
Sample your way along the waterfront of historic downtown Petaluma. Enjoy food, music, and about 20 breweries and kombucha makers from Sonoma County and beyond, including Lagunitas, Crooked Goat Brewing Co., and Hoocha Brewing.
Sept. 12–13: Colfax Railroad Days, Colfax
Immerse yourself in history in this Placer County town that played a key role in the construction of the Central Pacific Railroad. Check out model railroad displays, Union Pacific engines, and an 1840s reenactment camp, then try some local brews in the beer garden.
Sept. 13: Calistoga Harvest Table, Calistoga
Sit down for the annual feast at a 1,000-foot table on Calistoga’s Lincoln Avenue: This year’s theme is the Groovy ’70s, as a nod to the 50th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris, which was a game changer for California wines.
The evening includes a social hour, followed by dinner from one of a dozen local restaurants. (When you book your tickets, you pick which restaurant you prefer, with typical options including Evangeline and Calistoga Inn.)
Sept. 18: Uncorked & Uncapped, Elk Grove
See why the Gold Country town of Elk Grove has such a thriving wine and beer scene at this event at Valley Hi Country Club. Taste the local beers and wines, then vote on your favorite wine-and-fruit concoctions at the event’s Sangria Showdown. The event also features food trucks, live music, and outdoor games.
Sept. 19–20: Lafayette Art, Wine & Music Festival, Contra Costa County
Browse 300-plus booths of artisan crafts and local cuisine at the biggest annual festival in Contra Costa County, located on the eastern side of San Francisco Bay. The free-admission festival in Lafayette’s La Fiesta Square also features rides and games for kids, plus live music on four stages.
Sept. 19–20, 26–27: Open Studios Napa Valley, Napa Valley
Experience the work of more than 50 artists during self-guided tours of studios in Napa and nearby towns over the course of two weekends. Meet the artists, watch demonstrations, and buy locally made pieces. To chart your path, check the event website for the map of studios, which include stops in Yountville, Calistoga, and St. Helena.
Sept. 19, 26–27: Boardwalk Pride and Fiesta en la Playa, Santa Cruz
A new season of fun kicks off after Labor Day at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, where the old-school rides and games are complemented by special events. On Sept. 19, the Boardwalk hosts its own Pride event, with rainbow leis, vendors, and a DJ dance party. Come back for the weekend of Sept. 26–27, when the Fiesta en la Playa celebrates the Latino community through folklorico dancers, mariachi bands, and a free beach concert.
Sept. 25–27: Sausalito Boat Show, Sausalito
Explore Sausalito’s Clipper Yacht Harbor and soak up the vibes of this picturesque seaside town. You’ll get to ogle cool boats, from sailboats to luxury yachts, across this three-day event that includes live music and lots of fresh seafood from local vendors.
Sept. 25–26: Stories in Stone, Columbia
Get some Halloween season scares at Columbia State Historic Park, the living history museum in Gold Country that is reputed to have more than its share of ghostly inhabitants. During the four-hour evening, you’ll accompany lantern-toting docents through a historic cemetery to learn about 10 grave sites and how the inhabitants both lived and died. Can’t make it in September? They’ll be conducting two more tours in October.
Sept. 26–27: Portola Music Fest, San Francisco
San Francisco’s Pier 80 hosts this two-day concert (for ages 21 and up) with a diverse lineup of acts including Robyn, Dog Blood, Swedish House Mafia, and Zara Larsson.
Sept. 26: Oroville Salmon Festival, Butte County
Behold the longtime salmon run at this Butte County fish hatchery, then make your own run in the 3K Salmon Dash at this festival that celebrates the fishes’ annual journey to the Feather River. The day also features a Motor Mania car show and the Slammin' Salmon Smackdown PCW Wrestling event, as well as the Friday night salmon dinner.
Sept. 26: Kelseyville Pear Festival, Lake County
Fall isn’t just for apples and pumpkins in the Lake County town of Kelseyville, which holds a parade and a pear pie–eating contest every year. Walk Main Street, lined with musicians and vendors offering pear-related merchandise, pear fritters, and pear margaritas.
Sept. 26–27: Pacific Coast Fog Fest, Pacifica
The San Francisco Peninsula town of Pacifica is known for its good surf, beaches, and dramatic fog that regularly rolls in off the ocean. This free annual event—always scheduled for what should be a sunny weekend—embraces the spirit of the town through a parade, live music, and lots of local food and craft vendors.
Sept. 27: Petaluma Fall Antique Faire, Petaluma
Browse the collectibles and antiques of 200-plus dealers at this semi-annual fair held in downtown Petaluma. The Bay Area vendors who are typically here also offer clothing, art, books, and kitchenware; recharge at the onsite branches of local cafes, bakeries, and taprooms.
Central California
Sept. 6: Santa Barbara County Farm Day, Santa Barbara
Explore behind the scenes at more than 15 farms, ranches, and agricultural organizations across Santa Barbara County and the Santa Ynez Valley. Enjoy free farm tours, tractor rides, tastings, giveaways, and family-friendly activities. Visit farms producing specialty crops, seasonal produce, berries, wine grapes, and livestock.
Sept. 11–13: Festa Italia, Monterey
The modern history of Monterey features many Italian traditions, thanks to the fishermen who started emigrating here from Italy in the late 19th century. Honoring that heritage means a lot of food: calamari, steak, and sausage sandwiches, as well as pasta, arancini, and cannoli. Between snacks, enjoy the music, dancing, and crafts.
Sept. 11–13: Sequoia Dark Sky Festival, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Explore this pair of national parks during the day, then stay after dark for some world-class stargazing in various spots around the park, such as the Big Stump or Wuksachi Lodge parking areas (get the latest on viewing sites through their social media posts). The schedule of events typically includes talks from NASA and Caltech scientists, as well as guided activities such as solar viewing. All activities are free.
Sept. 12–13: Ventura Art & Street Painting Festival, Ventura
Browse paintings, pottery, photography, and jewelry at Ventura’s Harbor Village while also checking out the sidewalks emblazoned with chalk murals. Kids, meanwhile, can express themselves in their own chalk area.
Sept. 18–20: Solvang Danish Days, Solvang
Feast on Danish cuisine and Scandinavian cheer at the 89th edition of this festival that celebrates the Santa Barbara County town of Solvang. The weekend includes aebleskiver breakfasts (think spherical pancakes), a Viking beer and wine garden, and a parade.
Sept. 19: Dine in the Vines at The ONX Estate Vineyard, Templeton
Enjoy a winery dinner just south of Paso Robles when ONX Estate Vineyard hosts this evening as part of California Wine Month. The feast underneath illuminated olive trees begins with hors d’oeuvres and is followed by an elegant three-course dinner with wine pairings.
Sept. 19–20: Whale Rock Music & Arts Festival, Paso Robles
Not to be confused with yacht rock, this family-friendly music festival is set among the rolling hills of organically farmed Whale Rock Vineyard and Castoro Cellars Winery in Paso Robles. The weekend features two stages and 16 bands, as well as such diversions as yoga, art, craft beer, wine, and kids’ activities. The festival—with headliners Local Natives and Larkin Poe—also raises money for local music programs.
Sept. 25–27: Monterey Jazz Festival, Monterey
Monterey throws the world’s longest-running jazz festival, with 73 performances on five stages at the woodsy, 200-acre Monterey County Fairgrounds. This year’s headliners include a duo performance by Herbie Hancock and Ron Carter, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Ravi Coltrane, and Cécile McLorin Salvant. Check the event website for limited-time hotel offers.
Sept. 26: Hueneme Banana Festival, Ventura County
Ventura County’s deepwater Port of Hueneme (pronounced “why-nee-mee”) ushers a lot of bananas into America, so the town celebrates during this annual festival with banana-infused funnel cakes, milkshakes, and frozen dipped bananas. In between snacks, check out the live bands, banana-cream-pie-eating contests, and kids’ activities, as well as free boat tours of the port.
Sept. 26–27: ClovisFest and Hot-Air Balloon Fun Fly, Clovis
Watch hot-air balloons float in the sky at this annual festival in the Central Valley town of Clovis. Festivities begin at the Clovis Rodeo Grounds then head to the 12-city-block street fair featuring food, artisans, live music, and a beer garden.
Southern California
Begins Sept. 3: Halloween Horror Nights, Los Angeles
This year’s scarefest at Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles features new walk-through experiences, the Terror Tram, and eight haunted houses, including those inspired by Hellraiser, Stranger Things 5, and Sinners. Runs through Nov. 1.
Sept. 4–7: Norco Fair, Norco
Rodeo events, mower races, and a pet parade are just some of the events at this classic fair in Riverside County that also offers rides, livestock shows, a pet parade, and fair cuisine. The weekend culminates in a Labor Day parade on Monday.
September 5–6: Pick Your Own Roma Tomatoes Weekend, Moorpark
Enjoy a harvest weekend at Underwood Family Farms in Conejo Valley: From 6 a.m. to noon each day you can fill a container (bring your own or buy one from the farm) with sun-ripened romas for 45 cents per pound. Or just buy pre-picked romas for 75 cents per pound or fresh basil ($9 per 1-pound bag).
Sept. 11–13: The Maritime Festival, Dana Point
Watch mock cannon battles, pirate adventures, and mermaid shows staged on seven different ships in the Orange County town that is also a Whale Heritage Site. Shore-bound attractions at the event—now running more than 40 years—include live music, food trucks, vendor booths, and craft beer vendors.
It all takes place near the Ocean Institute, the marine life and history education center located on the Dana Point waterfront.
Sept. 12: Two Harbors Wine Fest, Catalina
Enjoy live music on the beach on Catalina Island while sampling both local and imported wines. Admission tickets to the event—which also includes a silent auction—come with wine tastings, a keepsake glass, and a range of appetizers.
Sept. 18–19: Route 66 Cruisin' Reunion, Ontario
Channel some old-school road-trip vibes in downtown Ontario, an Inland Empire town that sits along the original Route 66. Ogle 22 blocks’ worth of classic cars then catch festival concerts including Cherry Poppin’ Daddies and Lou Gramm.
MORE: Celebrate the Centennial of Route 66
Opens Sept. 22: Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, Los Angeles
Be among the first to explore this 300,000-square-foot museum in L.A.’s Exposition Park, created by the mastermind behind the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises. The museum’s 35 galleries do deep dives on visual storytelling including comics, children’s books, films, and more.
As of July 21, you can pre-book admission tickets for dates ranging from Sept. 22 through Feb. 28, 2027. Tickets are $25 for adults, $21 for seniors, and free for ages 17 and under, as well as active military, personal caregivers, and EBT cardholders. The museum will also offer a café and gift shop.
Sept. 25–27: Ohana Festival, Dana Point
Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder always helms this three-day weekend at Dana Point’s Doheny State Beach that features his favorite musicians. (The word “ohana” means “family” in Hawaiian.) Vedder shares top billing with the rest of Pearl Jam and other stars all weekend—including Maná, Billy Idol, Bad Religion, Tyler Childers, Jon Batiste, and the Pixies.
Sept. 25–27: Same Same But Different Music Festival, Lake Perris
Come to Lake Perris State Park, south of Riverside, for a weekend of eclectic music alongside art installations, yoga sessions, and wellness workshops. Fill out the weekend by swimming or paddleboarding on the lake or kicking back on the beach.
Sept. 26–27: San Diego Spirits Festival, La Jolla
Enjoy cocktails and works of art at La Jolla’s Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego. Your admission for the two afternoons grants you unlimited cocktails from dozens of brands—ranging from high-end spirits to ready-to-drink cocktails and seltzers—along with live music and entertainment as you explore the museum’s galleries.
Sept. 26–27: Ocean Way Festival, Santa Monica
The concert promoter behind Coachella is debuting a new festival, set literally on the beach in Santa Monica. Headliners are Olivia Dean and The Killers, and the rest of the lineup includes acts such as Sublime, Jack White, and Durand Jones & the Indications. Check the festival website for tickets, hotel packages, and developing information on food and drink.
