California will host a wide range of events in September 2025, offering residents and visitors opportunities to enjoy the state’s diverse culture, food, music, and outdoor activities. The month features warm weather and is considered an ideal time for both summer and autumn experiences.
September brings some of the warmest days of the year in California. Activities include celebrating California Surfing Day on September 20 at the beach, taking advantage of one of seven fee-free days at national parks on September 27, and participating in California Wine Month with events like barrel tastings and vineyard tours.
Cultural celebrations are also prominent throughout the month. California Native American Day falls on September 26, with Pow Wows and other Native-themed festivals such as the Sycuan Pow Wow in Chula Vista from September 12–14. Oktoberfests, harvest festivals, and unique local traditions—such as Paul Bunyan Days in Fort Bragg (August 30–September 1) and Danish Days in Solvang (September 19–21)—take place across Northern, Central, and Southern California.
Northern California offers events like Jazz and Blues by the Bay in Sausalito on September 5 and 12; Windsor Chili Cook-Off on September 6; Fiesta en la Playa in Santa Cruz on September 6; Calistoga Harvest Table on September 7; Sangria Showdown in Elk Grove on September 12; Petaluma River Craft Beer Fest on September 13; Colfax Railroad Days from September 13–14; Taste of Half Moon Bay on September 19; Sausalito Boat Show from September 19–21; Portola Music Fest in San Francisco from September 20–21; Lafayette Art, Wine & Music Festival from September 20–21; Open Studios Napa Valley over two weekends starting September 20–21; Oroville Salmon Festival from September 26–27; Stories in Stone ghost tours at Columbia State Historic Park from September 26–27; Terra Madre Americas Slow Food Festival making its U.S. debut in Sacramento from September 26–28; Redding Roots Revival music festival during the same weekend; Bishop’s Annual Pow Wow for Native American Day from September 26–28; Kelseyville Pear Festival on September 27; Pacific Coast Fog Fest in Pacifica from September 27–28; and Petaluma Fall Antique Faire on September 28.
Central California highlights include Festa Italia in Monterey (September 5–7), Santa Barbara County Farm Day (September 6), Sequoia Dark Sky Festival (September 12–14), Whale Rock Music & Arts Festival in Paso Robles (September13-14), Ventura Art & Street Painting Festival (September13-14), Solvang Danish Days (September19-21), Dine in the Vines at ONX Estate Vineyard near Paso Robles (September20), Hueneme Banana Festival (September27), and ClovisFest with hot-air balloons (September28-29).
Southern California’s calendar features Halloween Time at Disneyland throughout the month, Norco Fair over Labor Day weekend (August29-September1), Halloween Horror Nights beginning at Universal Studios Hollywood on September4, Oktoberfest Big Bear starting on weekends after Labor Day through November2, Maritime Festival at Dana Point Harbor from September12-14, Route66 Cruisin’ Reunion car show in Ontario from September19-20, Nissan Super Girl Pro women’s surfing competition at Oceanside Pier between September19-21, Burbank International Film Festival running from September23-28, Ohana Festival headlined by Eddie Vedder at Doheny State Beach from September26-28, Monterey Jazz Festival over three days starting on the same weekend as Ohana FestivaI , Same Same But Different Music Festival at Lake Perris State Park during those dates as well ,and San Diego Spirits Festival at La Jolla’s Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego(Sept27-28).
The state encourages participation by providing resources such as online maps for planning farm visits during Santa Barbara County Farm Day or checking event websites for up-to-date information about musical lineups or ticketing options.
“Labor Day may be the symbolic end of summer, but California enjoys the best of both summer and autumn throughout this month.”
“California Native American Day arrives Sept.26,but the whole month is a prime time to see Pow Wows and other Native-themed festivals around the state,such as the three-day Sycuan Pow Wow(Sept.12 –14)in Chula Vista.”
“Some say the mythic lumberjack and his blue ox Babe spent some time in the redwoods around Fort Bragg so it makes sense that Mendocino County town has been home to this festival since1939.Take part in events like a logging show,tricycle races,and an ugly dog contest all while enjoying local beer and barbecue.”
“The modern history of Monterey holds a lot of Italian traditions thanks to fishermen who started emigrating here from Italy late19th century.Honoring that heritage translates to a lot of food:calamari steak,and sausage sandwiches as well as pasta arancini,and cannoli.Between snacks,enjoy music,dancing,and crafts.”
“Start celebrating Halloween season at Anaheim theme parks:The not-too-frightening attractions include seasonally decorated rides,the Main Street Pumpkin festival at Disneyland Park,and Plaza de la Familia area Disney California Adventure Park.On select nights,take part after-hours fun separate-ticket Oogie Boogie Bash.Runs through Oct31.”
