Things To Do In California In September

September is one of the best months to explore California. Summer weather continues along much of the coast, wine country enters harvest season, and fall festivals begin popping up across the state. From stargazing and surfing to food festivals, concerts, Oktoberfests, and harvest celebrations, there are plenty of reasons to plan a California getaway this month. 

1. California Wine Month: September 1 to 30 — Across California

September is California Wine Month, making it a great time to explore wine country. Wineries across the state host special events such as barrel tastings, vineyard tours, harvest activities, and grape stomps. Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles, and Mendocino are great places to start.

2. Halloween Horror Nights, Los Angeles: September 3 to November 1

Halloween arrives early at Universal Studios Hollywood with Halloween Horror Nights. Starting September 3, you can experience new walk-through attractions, the Terror Tram, and eight haunted houses inspired by Hellraiser, Stranger Things 5, Sinners, and other popular entertainment.

3. Paul Bunyan Days, Fort Bragg: September 4-7

Head to Fort Bragg for Paul Bunyan Days, a longtime Mendocino County tradition dating back to 1939. The festival celebrates the legendary lumberjack with logging shows, tricycle races, a fireman’s water fight, local beer, barbecue, and other festivities.

4. Jazz and Blues by the Bay, Sausalito: September 4-25

Enjoy live jazz and blues beside the waterfront in Sausalito throughout September. These Friday evening concerts take place at Gabrielson Park, where you can bring a picnic blanket, enjoy food and drinks, and listen to music with beautiful bay views.

5. Norco Fair, Norco: September 4-7

Spend Labor Day weekend at the Norco Fair in Riverside County. The classic fair features rodeo events, mower races, rides, livestock shows, a pet parade, fair food, and other family activities. The weekend ends with a Labor Day parade.

6. Pick Your Own Roma Tomatoes Weekend, Moorpark: September 5-7

Enjoy harvest season at Underwood Family Farms during this special tomato-picking weekend. From 6 a.m. to noon, visitors can pick sun-ripened Roma tomatoes or buy pre-picked tomatoes and fresh basil while enjoying a fun farm experience.

7. Santa Barbara County Farm Day, Santa Barbara: September 19

Get a behind-the-scenes look at California agriculture during Santa Barbara County Farm Day. More than 15 farms, ranches, and agricultural organizations open their doors for free tours, tractor rides, tastings, giveaways, and family-friendly activities.

8. Redding Roots Revival, Redding: September 11-12

Music lovers can spend a weekend in Redding at the Redding Roots Revival. More than 15 national and regional acts perform across three stages around downtown, including the historic Cascade Theatre.

9. Winesong, Fort Bragg: September 11-12

Sip your way through Winesong, a two-day celebration of wine and food on the Mendocino Coast. Friday features a Pinot celebration at Little River Inn, while Saturday brings a grand tasting with more than 100 wineries, breweries, spirits, and restaurants.

10. Festa Italia, Monterey: September 11-13

Celebrate Monterey’s Italian heritage during Festa Italia. The weekend is filled with Italian favorites including calamari, pasta, arancini, cannoli, steak, and sausage sandwiches. Between meals, enjoy traditional music, dancing, crafts, and other cultural activities throughout the festival.

11. Sequoia Dark Sky Festival, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks: September 11-13

Explore Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks during the day, then stay after dark for the Sequoia Dark Sky Festival. Activities typically include stargazing, solar viewing, guided programs, and talks from NASA and Caltech scientists. Festival activities are free.

12. The Maritime Festival, Dana Point: September 11-13

Head to Dana Point for mock cannon battles, pirate adventures, and mermaid shows staged on seven different ships. The waterfront festival also features live music, food trucks, vendor booths, and craft beer near the Ocean Institute.

13. Oktoberfest at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: September 12

Celebrate Oktoberfest beside the Pacific at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The event brings live music, dancing, German-inspired food and drinks, and festive activities to the classic seaside amusement park.

14. Oktoberfest Big Bear: September 12-November 8

Big Bear hosts one of California’s biggest Oktoberfest celebrations, a tradition that began in 1969. Enjoy live music, dancing, German food, and beer-stein-holding contests.

15. Windsor Chili Cook-Off, Windsor: September 12 

Watch amateur and professional chili-making teams compete for trophies at this Sonoma County favorite. You can taste the competing chilis and vote for their favorites while enjoying live music and local beer and wine. Proceeds benefit a local food bank.

16. Petaluma River Craft Beer Fest, Petaluma: September 12

Sample your way along the waterfront during Petaluma River Craft Beer Fest. Enjoy food, music, and about 20 breweries and kombucha makers from Sonoma County and beyond, including Lagunitas, Crooked Goat Brewing Co., and Hoocha Brewing.

17. Colfax Railroad Days, Colfax: September 12-13

Step into California railroad history during Colfax Railroad Days. The Placer County town played an important role in building the Central Pacific Railroad. You can see model railroad displays, Union Pacific engines, an 1840s reenactment camp, and a beer garden.

18. Two Harbors Wine Fest, Catalina: September 12

Take a trip to Catalina Island for the Two Harbors Wine Fest. Enjoy live music on the beach while sampling local and imported wines. Tickets include wine tastings, a keepsake glass, appetizers, and access to a silent auction.

19. Ventura Art & Street Painting Festival, Ventura: September 12-13

Visit Ventura Harbor Village for paintings, pottery, photography, jewelry, and colorful chalk murals covering the sidewalks. Kids can also get creative in their own chalk area.

20. Calistoga Harvest Table, Calistoga: September 13

Sit down at a giant 1,000-foot table along Calistoga’s Lincoln Avenue for the annual Harvest Table. This year’s Groovy ’70s theme celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris, followed by dinner from local restaurants.

21. National Park Free Entrance Day: September 17

Explore one of California’s nine national parks on National Park Free Entrance Day. Joshua Tree is a great choice for stargazing, while Lassen Volcanic National Park offers a chance to see the beginning of fall foliage season.

22. Uncorked & Uncapped, Elk Grove: September 18

Taste your way through Elk Grove’s local wine and beer scene at Uncorked & Uncapped. The event features wine and beer tastings, a Sangria Showdown, food trucks, live music, and outdoor games at Valley Hi Country Club.

23. Route 66 Cruisin’ Reunion, Ontario: September 18-19

Channel old-school road trip vibes in downtown Ontario during the Route 66 Cruisin’ Reunion. More than 22 blocks are filled with classic cars, live music, and entertainment.

24. Solvang Danish Days, Solvang: September 18-20

Experience Danish culture during the 89th edition of Solvang Danish Days. The weekend includes traditional Danish food, aebleskiver breakfasts, Scandinavian music, a Viking beer & wine garden, and a parade.

25. Tahoe City Oktoberfest: September 19

Enjoy Oktoberfest with a Lake Tahoe setting during Tahoe City Oktoberfest. The event brings German-inspired food, drinks, music, and festive activities to the mountain community.

26. Benicia Oktoberfest & Marketplace: September 19

Visit Benicia for another California take on Oktoberfest. The event combines German-inspired festivities with a marketplace, giving you a chance to enjoy seasonal entertainment while exploring local vendors and this historic waterfront community.

27. Lafayette Art, Wine & Music Festival: September 19-20

Browse more than 300 booths featuring artisan crafts and local cuisine at this Contra Costa County festival. The free event in Lafayette’s La Fiesta Square also includes children’s rides and games, food, and live music across four stages.

28. Open Studios Napa Valley: September 19-20, 26-27

Meet more than 50 artists during self-guided studio tours throughout Napa Valley. You can watch demonstrations, meet artists, and purchase locally made pieces. Studios include stops in Napa, Yountville, Calistoga, and St. Helena over two weekends.

29. Boardwalk Pride, Santa Cruz: September 19

Celebrate Pride at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk with rainbow leis, vendors, and a DJ dance party. The first 1000 guests to buy a ride wristband will get a rainbow flower lei!

30. Dine in the Vines at The ONX Estate Vineyard, Templeton: September 19

Enjoy an elegant winery dinner beneath illuminated olive trees at ONX Estate Vineyard near Paso Robles. The evening begins with hors d’oeuvres before a three-course dinner paired with wine, all as part of California Wine Month.

31. Whale Rock Music & Arts Festival, Paso Robles: September 19-20

Enjoy live music among the rolling hills of Whale Rock Vineyard and Castoro Cellars Winery. The family-friendly weekend features two stages and 16 bands, plus yoga, art, wine, craft beer, and kids’ activities supporting local music programs.

32. California Surfing Day: September 20

Celebrate California’s state sport on California Surfing Day. September typically brings some of the warmest and sunniest days of the year, making it a great time to visit the coast, catch waves, watch surfers, or simply enjoy the beach.

33. Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, Los Angeles: Opens September 22

Be among the first to explore the new Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles. The 300,000-square-foot museum features 35 galleries exploring visual storytelling through comics, children’s books, films, illustrations, and other forms of art.

34. California Native American Day: September 25 

Celebrate Native American tribes in California by visiting their communities and cultural centers. September is also a great time to look for pow wows and other Native-themed festivals around the state while learning more about California’s Indigenous cultures.

35. Stories in Stone, Columbia: September 25-26

Get a taste of California’s spooky history at Columbia State Historic Park. During this 4-hour evening experience, lantern-carrying docents lead you through a historic cemetery while sharing stories about 10 grave sites and the people buried there.

36. Sausalito Boat Show, Sausalito: September 25-27

Explore Sausalito’s Clipper Yacht Harbor during this three-day boat show. You can see everything from sailboats to luxury yachts while enjoying live music and fresh seafood.

37. Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival, Sonoma: September 24-27

Celebrate harvest season in Sonoma Plaza with grape stomping, a Blessing of the Grapes, a fun run, live music, food vendors, a wine garden, children’s activities, and a vintage car show. Some events require separate tickets.

38. Monterey Jazz Festival, Monterey: September 25-27

Head to the Monterey County Fairgrounds for the world’s longest-running jazz festival. The weekend features 73 performances across five stages, with artists including Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, Wynton Marsalis, Ravi Coltrane, and Cécile McLorin Salvant.

39. Ohana Festival, Dana Point: September 25-27

Spend three days at Doheny State Beach during the Ohana Festival, led by Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder. The lineup includes Pearl Jam, Maná, Billy Idol, Bad Religion, Tyler Childers, Jon Batiste, the Pixies, and other major performers.

40. Same Same But Different Music Festival, Lake Perris: September 25-27

Enjoy a weekend of eclectic music at Lake Perris State Park alongside art installations, yoga sessions, and wellness workshops. You can also swim, paddleboard, or relax on the beach, making this more than just a music festival.

41. Oktoberfest in Midtown Sacramento: September 26

Celebrate Oktoberfest in Sacramento with German-inspired food, drinks, music, and festive activities. The Midtown event is another option for enjoying the popular fall tradition while exploring California’s capital city and its lively downtown neighborhood.

42. Portola Music Fest, San Francisco: September 26-27

Head to Pier 80 for Portola Music Fest, a two-day concert for ages 21 and older. The lineup includes Robyn, Dog Blood, Swedish House Mafia, Zara Larsson, and other artists for a lively San Francisco weekend.

43. Oroville Salmon Festival, Butte County: September 26

Celebrate the annual salmon run at this Butte County festival. Watch the salmon’s journey to the Feather River, join the 3K Salmon Dash, and check out the Motor Mania car show, wrestling event, and Friday night salmon dinner.

44. Kelseyville Pear Festival, Lake County: September 26

Celebrate the pear harvest in Kelseyville with a parade, pear pie-eating contest, live music, and local vendors. You can also find pear fritters, pear margaritas, and other pear-themed treats while walking through the town’s lively Main Street.

45. Pacific Coast Fog Fest, Pacifica: September 26-27

Celebrate Pacifica’s famous coastal fog during this free annual festival. The weekend features a parade, live music, local food, and craft vendors while highlighting the San Francisco Peninsula town’s beaches, surf, and dramatic ocean scenery.

46. Hueneme Banana Festival, Ventura County: September 26

Celebrate the Port of Hueneme’s important role in bringing bananas into America at this quirky Ventura County festival. Enjoy banana-infused funnel cakes, milkshakes, frozen dipped bananas, live bands, banana cream pie contests, kids’ activities, and free boat tours.

47. ClovisFest and Hot-Air Balloon Fun Fly, Clovis: September 26-27

Watch hot-air balloons float above Clovis before exploring a 12-city-block street fair. The event features food, artisans, live music, and a beer garden, with festivities beginning at the Clovis Rodeo Grounds.

48. San Diego Spirits Festival, La Jolla: September 26-27

Enjoy cocktails, art, live music, and entertainment at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla. Admission includes unlimited cocktails from dozens of brands while visitors explore the museum’s galleries during the two-day event.

49. Ocean Way Festival, Santa Monica: September 26-27

Enjoy a new beachside music festival in Santa Monica from the concert promoter behind Coachella. Headliners include Olivia Dean and The Killers, with Sublime, Jack White, and Durand Jones & the Indications also on the lineup.

50. Underwood Family Farms’ Fall Harvest Festival, Moorpark: September 26-October 31

Start fall at Underwood Family Farms with a giant pumpkin patch, corn maze, farm animals, wagon rides, and hay-climbing pyramids. Each weekend features a different theme, along with live bands, pig races, and roaming performers.

51. Fiesta en la Playa, Santa Cruz: September 26-27

Return to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for Fiesta en la Playa, celebrating the Latino community with folklorico dancers, mariachi bands, and a free beach concert.

52. Petaluma Fall Antique Faire, Petaluma: September 27

Browse antiques and collectibles from more than 200 dealers during this semi-annual fair in downtown Petaluma. Vendors typically offer clothing, art, books, kitchenware, and other vintage finds, while nearby cafes, bakeries, and taprooms offer places to relax.

53. Encinitas Oktoberfest, San Diego County: September 27

Finish September with Oktoberfest in Encinitas, bringing German-inspired food, drinks, music, and festive activities to San Diego County.