California will host a range of events throughout September 2025, offering activities for residents and visitors across the state. The month is marked by warm weather, with opportunities to visit beaches and participate in events such as California Surfing Day on September 20. Wine enthusiasts can take part in California Wine Month, which features tastings, vineyard tours, and grape stomps.
The state will also observe California Native American Day on September 26, accompanied by Pow Wows and other cultural festivals including the Sycuan Pow Wow in Chula Vista from September 12–14. Throughout the month, Oktoberfests, harvest festivals, and various themed celebrations will take place in different regions.
In Northern California, Fort Bragg’s Paul Bunyan Days (August 30–September 1) continues a tradition dating back to 1939 with logging shows and community contests. Sausalito hosts Jazz and Blues by the Bay concerts on September 5 and 12. Windsor will hold its annual Chili Cook-Off on September 6, while Santa Cruz celebrates Fiesta en la Playa for the Latino community and Boardwalk Pride later in the month.
Calistoga’s Harvest Table event on September 7 offers a communal dinner featuring local restaurants. Elk Grove presents wine- and beer-focused gatherings on September 12 and 19. Petaluma River Craft Beer Fest occurs on September 13, followed by historical celebrations like Colfax Railroad Days (September 13–14) and Groveland’s Gold Rush-themed festival (September 20).
San Francisco’s Portola Music Fest is scheduled for September 20–21 at Pier 80 with acts such as Christina Aguilera and LCD Soundsystem. Art lovers can visit Open Studios Napa Valley over two weekends to meet artists in their studios.
Events celebrating local produce include Kelseyville Pear Festival (September 27) and Pacifica’s Fog Fest (September 27–28). Other notable gatherings are Redding Roots Revival music festival (September 26–28), Bishop’s Annual Pow Wow for Native American Day (September 26–28), Terra Madre Americas Slow Food Festival debuting in Sacramento (September 26–28), and several antique fairs.
Central California will feature Monterey’s Festa Italia from September 5–7 honoring Italian heritage with food and music. Santa Barbara County Farm Day takes place on September 6 with free farm tours across the region. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks host a Dark Sky Festival for stargazing between September 12–14.
Paso Robles’ Whale Rock Music & Arts Festival happens from September 13–14; Ventura hosts an art festival during the same weekend. Solvang Danish Days returns from September 19–21 highlighting Scandinavian traditions.
Other Central Coast events include Dine in the Vines at ONX Estate Vineyard near Paso Robles on September 20 for wine lovers celebrating California Wine Month. The Hueneme Banana Festival is set for Ventura County’s port area on September 27. ClovisFest runs from September 28–29 with hot-air balloon launches followed by street fairs.
Southern California marks Halloween Time at Disneyland throughout the month starting August 29 through October 31 with themed attractions suitable for families. Universal Studios Hollywood begins its Halloween Horror Nights scarefest on September 4 through November 2.
Big Bear Lake opens its Oktoberfest festivities beginning on weekends after Labor Day until November 2; similar Oktoberfest celebrations occur statewide including Benicia, Sacramento, Santa Cruz, Encinitas, among others.
Dana Point hosts The Maritime Festival from September 12–14 featuring ship displays near the Ocean Institute educational center; Ohana Festival follows at Doheny State Beach from September 26–28 led by Eddie Vedder alongside Green Day and other musicians.
Ontario’s Route 66 Cruisin’ Reunion takes place from September 19-20 showcasing classic cars along historic highway blocks as part of ongoing centennial commemorations leading up to Route 66’s centenary in 2026: https://www.route66centennial.org/.
Oceanside presents Nissan Super Girl Pro surfing competition—the world’s largest women’s surfing event—on September 19-21: https://supergirlpro.com/. Burbank International Film Festival runs between September 23-28 screening over two hundred films: https://www.burbankfilmfest.org/.
Monterey Jazz Festival brings hundreds of artists to multiple stages at Monterey County Fairgrounds between September 26-28: https://montereyjazzfestival.org/. Same Same But Different Music Festival comes to Lake Perris State Park during those dates as well: https://ssbdfest.com/.
La Jolla’s Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego hosts San Diego Spirits Festival during afternoons of September 27-28 providing cocktail tastings amid art exhibits: https://sandiegospiritsfestival.com/.
These events highlight both long-standing traditions as well as new offerings throughout California this coming fall season.
