September brings a seamless transition from summer to fall in Orange County. Warm coastal days continue while the calendar shifts toward outdoor concerts, food festivals, cultural celebrations, live theater, community gatherings, and some of the year’s most anticipated waterfront events.
This guide highlights the best September 2026 events in central and southern Orange County, with verified activities in Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Tustin, Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, and San Juan Capistrano.
Whether you are planning a beachside music weekend, experiencing Laguna Beach‘s final days of summer art, taking the family to an outdoor movie, or exploring a community festival, September offers another reminder of the exceptional lifestyle found throughout Orange County.
The Best Things to Do in Orange County in September 2026
Orange County’s September calendar combines the final celebrations of summer with the first community traditions of fall. The month opens with Laguna Beach‘s celebrated art season still underway and continues with major culinary, maritime, music, arts, cultural, and family events from Huntington Beach to San Clemente.
From Laguna Beach‘s final summer art nights to Ohana Festival on the sand in Dana Point, September 2026 offers a remarkable mix of culture, music, food, and coastal experiences across Orange County.
Event schedules, ticket availability, parking procedures, and programming can change. Before attending, confirm current times, admission requirements, and transportation information on the official event websites.
September 2026 Orange County Events at a Glance
| Dates | Event and Location | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Through September 3 | Festival of Arts Fine Art Show Laguna Beach |
The final days of the prestigious open-air exhibition featuring original works by more than 100 juried Orange County artists. |
| Through September 4 | Pageant of the Masters: The Greatest of All Time Laguna Beach |
The final performances of Laguna Beach‘s world-famous theatrical production in which real people recreate celebrated works of art. |
| Through September 6 | Sawdust Art Festival Laguna Beach |
The closing weekend of the summer festival with local art, handcrafted works, demonstrations, classes, food, and live entertainment. |
| September 4 | Mission Viejo Local Author Book Fair Mission Viejo |
Meet and support local authors as they share their latest books during an evening community literary event from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. |
| September 5 | Tchaikovsky Spectacular: Concert of Hope Irvine |
Pacific Symphony performs an outdoor program at Great Park Live featuring Tchaikovsky, violinist Randall Goosby, and a fireworks finale. |
| September 5–6 | Civil War Days Huntington Beach |
A free living-history weekend at Huntington Central Park with historical encampments, period interpretation, and battle reenactments. |
| September 9–October 4 | Wild Child Laguna Beach |
A contemporary, pop-driven new musical about connection, belonging, identity, and the transformative power of the natural world. |
| September 11–13 | Original Lobster Festival Fountain Valley |
Fresh Maine lobster, live music, dancing, food vendors, entertainment, carnival rides, games, and family activities at Fountain Valley Sports Park. |
| September 11–13 | 42nd Annual Maritime Festival Dana Point |
Ocean Institute’s signature celebration of tall ships, maritime heritage, ocean education, and family-friendly harbor experiences. |
| September 12 | Health & Safety Fair Aliso Viejo |
A free, family-friendly community event at Aliso Viejo Ranch from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. focused on health, wellness, and safety. |
| September 12 | Sun Soaked 2026 Huntington Beach |
Kaskade’s beachside electronic music experience returns to Huntington State Beach with a full day of dance music on the sand. |
| September 13 | Concert on the Green: Flashback Heart Attack Newport Beach |
A free 1980s tribute concert from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. on the Newport Beach Civic Center Green. |
| September 13 | Pacific Symphony: Symphony on the Go Mission Viejo |
A 6:00 p.m. outdoor concert at Melinda Park featuring a Pacific Symphony string quartet performing classical and contemporary selections. |
| September 17 | Tustin Sunset Market Tustin |
The final Sunset Market of the season brings vendors, live music, a farmers market, food trucks, and a beer and wine garden to Old Town Tustin. |
| September 18 | Movie in the Park: Hoppers Newport Beach |
A free family movie night at Bay View Park with activities, popcorn, candy, and an outdoor screening beginning around dusk. |
| September 19 | California Coastal Cleanup Day Laguna Hills |
Join the community from 9:00 a.m. to noon to help clean local parks, waterways, and surrounding environments. |
| September 19 | 25th Annual San Clemente Open Skate Contest San Clemente |
Young skateboarders ages 17 and under compete at Ralphs Skate Court during the city’s annual skateboarding event. |
| September 20 | Orange County Children’s Book Festival Costa Mesa |
A free day at Orange Coast College featuring authors, illustrators, books, storytelling, entertainment, activities, and family fun. |
| September 25 | Fall Flicks: Toy Story 3 Laguna Niguel |
An outdoor community movie night at Crown Valley Park from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. |
| September 25–27 | Ohana Festival Dana Point |
More than 35 performances across three stages, beachside food, environmental programming, and a full weekend of music at Doheny State Beach. |
With events spread throughout the month, September makes it easy to build weekends around both major regional festivals and smaller community traditions. Advance planning is especially helpful for ticketed concerts and beach festivals, while many municipal concerts, movies, and community programs are free.
Experience the Final Days of Laguna Beach‘s Summer Art Season
September begins with one last opportunity to experience the extraordinary summer art traditions that have made Laguna Beach an internationally recognized arts destination.
Festival of Arts Fine Art Show
The Festival of Arts Fine Art Show concludes its 2026 summer season on September 3. More than 100 juried Orange County artists exhibit original painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, glasswork, jewelry, and other fine art in the open-air festival setting.
The final three September evenings also feature live music, including Slim Man on September 1, Red Corvette – A Tribute to Prince on September 2, and the Scott Wilkie Band during Art, Jazz, Wine & Chocolate on September 3.
Pageant of the Masters: The Greatest of All Time
The Pageant of the Masters presents its final performances through September 4. The 2026 production, The Greatest of All Time, celebrates artists and masterpieces that have helped define art history through the Pageant’s signature tableaux vivants, or “living pictures.”
The season closes September 4 with The Greatest Party of All Time, a special finale featuring guest host Esai Morales, a performance by Beatles tribute band Hard Day’s Night, and a special presentation of the Pageant.
Sawdust Art Festival
The Sawdust Art Festival continues through Sunday, September 6 at 935 Laguna Canyon Road. The handcrafted art village offers a distinctly Laguna Beach atmosphere with artist booths, demonstrations, art-making experiences, food, and live entertainment.
Once the summer festivals close, Laguna Beach‘s cultural calendar continues indoors. Wild Child opens September 9 at Laguna Playhouse and runs through October 4, bringing a new pop-driven musical to the stage.
Celebrate Labor Day Weekend With Art, History, and Music
The first weekend of September offers several very different ways to spend the holiday weekend.
In Huntington Beach, Civil War Days returns to Huntington Central Park September 5–6. The free living-history event brings historical encampments, demonstrations, costumed interpreters, and battle reenactments together for an immersive look at 19th-century American life.
In Irvine, Tchaikovsky Spectacular: Concert of Hope takes over Great Park Live on September 5. Pacific Symphony’s program includes Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto with acclaimed violinist Randall Goosby and concludes with the 1812 Overture and a fireworks finale.
Meanwhile, the final days of the Festival of Arts, Pageant of the Masters, and Sawdust Art Festival make Laguna Beach particularly appealing for an arts-focused Labor Day weekend.
Make September 11–13 a Festival Weekend
The second weekend of September is one of the month’s busiest, with major events taking place from Fountain Valley to Dana Point.
Original Lobster Festival in Fountain Valley
The Original Lobster Festival takes place September 11–13 at Fountain Valley Sports Park. Fresh Maine lobster is the centerpiece, complemented by live music, dancing, food vendors, local artists, carnival attractions, games, and family entertainment.
The festival runs Friday from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m., Saturday from noon to 10:00 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 8:00 p.m. Free parking is available at the festival grounds.
42nd Annual Maritime Festival in Dana Point
At Dana Point Harbor, Ocean Institute’s 42nd Annual Maritime Festival runs September 11–13. The annual celebration centers on tall ships and Southern California’s maritime heritage while supporting Ocean Institute’s educational mission.
The main Maritime Festival takes place Saturday and Sunday, while Friday’s Sails ‘n Ales programming begins the weekend on September 11.
Sun Soaked in Huntington Beach
On Saturday, September 12, electronic music returns directly to the sand when Sun Soaked comes back to Huntington State Beach. Created by Kaskade in partnership with Insomniac, the 2026 lineup includes Kaskade, Cassian, Matroda, BUNT., D.O.D, Me N Ü, Lavern, Bobby Harvey, and Esse.
Enjoy September Concerts and Movies Under the Orange County Sky
Warm evenings do not disappear when August ends. September continues Orange County’s outdoor entertainment season with concerts and movies in Newport Beach, Mission Viejo, and Laguna Niguel.
- Newport Beach Concert on the Green: Flashback Heart Attack brings its high-energy 1980s tribute show to the Civic Center Green on September 13 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. The concert is free. Explore Newport Beach.
- Mission Viejo Symphony on the Go: Pacific Symphony’s mobile stage arrives at Melinda Park on September 13 for a 6:00 p.m. string-quartet performance of classical and contemporary music. Explore Mission Viejo.
- Tustin Sunset Market: The final market of the 2026 season takes place September 17 from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. in Old Town Tustin with live music, vendors, food trucks, farmers-market offerings, and a beer and wine garden.
- Newport Beach Movie in the Park: Bay View Park hosts a free outdoor screening of Hoppers on September 18. The event begins at 6:00 p.m. with activities, popcorn, and candy before the movie. Explore Newport Beach.
- Laguna Niguel Fall Flicks: Crown Valley Park hosts an outdoor screening of Toy Story 3 on September 25 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Explore Laguna Niguel.
For outdoor concerts and movies, bring blankets or low-backed chairs when permitted and check each city’s event page for parking, food, and seating policies before leaving home.
Discover Family + Community Events Across Orange County
September also brings smaller community events that offer an excellent reason to explore different parts of Orange County.
On September 12, the Aliso Viejo Health & Safety Fair brings a free morning of family-friendly programming to Aliso Viejo Ranch from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. The same weekend, Mission Viejo offers several options, including Ales & Trails on the Oso Creek Trail and the beginning of its fall Movies in the Park series.
On September 19, residents can take part in California Coastal Cleanup Day at the Laguna Hills Community Center from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Volunteers help remove litter and protect local parks, waterways, and community spaces.
San Clemente‘s sports culture takes center stage that same day with the 25th Annual San Clemente Open Skate Contest at Ralphs Skate Court. The city event runs from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is open to competitors ages 17 and younger.
Rancho Santa Margarita will hold a Patriot Day Commemoration on September 11 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Civic Plaza/Central Park. The observance marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks and provides a community setting for remembrance.
Spend September 20 With Books in Costa Mesa
Families and young readers can head to Orange Coast College on Sunday, September 20 for the Orange County Children’s Book Festival.
The free festival runs from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and brings authors, illustrators, booksellers, exhibitors, entertainment, storytelling, and children’s activities together on the college’s Main Quad. Admission and parking are free.
For families who want an event built around reading, creativity, and meeting the people behind children’s books, it is one of September’s standout community gatherings.
Explore History at Mission San Juan Capistrano
As San Juan Capistrano approaches one of the most important milestones in its history, September offers additional opportunities to experience Mission San Juan Capistrano.
The Mission’s special 250th-anniversary Artifact of the Month programming continues throughout September. Beginning September 4, the featured exhibit focuses on early books written about the Mission, including Chinigchinich, Capistrano Nights, and Little Chapters.
The historic bells will also toll at 10:00 a.m. on September 11 in remembrance of those who lost their lives during the September 11 attacks, followed by a special Constitution Day bell ringing at 1:00 p.m. on September 17.
Close Out September at Ohana Festival in Dana Point
September ends with one of Southern California’s signature coastal music weekends. Ohana Festival returns to Doheny State Beach September 25–27.
The three-day festival features more than 35 performances across three stages, along with beachside culinary offerings and Storytelling in the Cove, where conservationists, environmentalists, researchers, and professional surfers participate in exhibits and discussions.
Gates are scheduled to open at noon each day. Because tickets and transportation options can change as the festival approaches, attendees should review current parking, rideshare, shuttle, and entry information directly through Ohana before arriving.
Build a September Orange County Weekend
September makes it particularly easy to combine Orange County events with the region’s everyday lifestyle. Spend a morning along the coast and an evening at Pacific Symphony in Irvine. Pair the Maritime Festival in Dana Point with dinner overlooking the harbor. Explore the final Sawdust Art Festival weekend before heading downtown for a Laguna Beach sunset. Or make Ohana Festival the centerpiece of a full coastal weekend.
The diversity of these experiences is part of what distinguishes Orange County real estate. Coastal recreation, celebrated arts institutions, community parks, cultural programming, dining, entertainment, and neighborhood traditions are not simply seasonal attractions—they are part of everyday life throughout the region.
Tips for Attending September Events in Orange County
Popular September festivals can draw substantial crowds, particularly in Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, Dana Point, and Costa Mesa. Purchase tickets in advance when required and review official event transportation information before traveling.
September afternoons can still feel distinctly summery, while coastal evenings may cool considerably after sunset. For outdoor concerts and movies, bringing layers along with permitted lawn seating can make the evening more comfortable.
For major beach events such as Sun Soaked and Ohana Festival, review the organizer’s current rideshare, bicycle, shuttle, and parking guidance. For free city events, arriving early generally makes parking and lawn seating easier.
Experience the Orange County Lifestyle
September showcases Orange County at a particularly appealing time of year. Summer’s coastal energy remains, while arts programming, outdoor performances, neighborhood gatherings, food festivals, and fall traditions begin filling the calendar.
From fine art and symphonic music to oceanfront festivals and intimate community events, these experiences illustrate why Central and Southern Orange County continue to offer such an exceptional quality of life.
If you are exploring buying, selling, or investing in Orange County real estate, Surterre Properties can provide expert guidance, neighborhood insight, and local market knowledge tailored to your goals.
→ Connect with a local Surterre Properties real estate specialist at SurterreProperties.com
About the Author
Kristine Everly is president of Surterre Properties and a veteran Orange County real estate executive. Bringing extensive luxury brokerage discipline and deep local market expertise, Kristine guides clients through the premier coastal communities of Newport Beach and South Orange County.
