Fall is in the air! Here are this month’s can’t-miss events.
Embrace the last of the summer and sink into autumn vibes! September is here, and it’s bringing a lineup of fantastic events that promise to add a touch of fun to your days. From food and wine extravaganzas to lively night markets and community gatherings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Central Orange County
Rocktoberfest
When: Friday, September 1 – Saturday, September 16 (Fridays, Saturdays + Sundays) · Times Vary
Where: Biergarten at Old World Huntington Beach, 7561 Center Avenue, Huntington Beach
Rock the fall every weekend until September 16th in Huntington Beach! Every day features a different cover band, from Devotional (Depeche Mode tribute) and Queen Nation (Queen tribute) to The Reflexx (’80s tribute) and Sega Genecide & ’90s Rockshow (’90s tribute). Friday and Saturday shows require advance tickets, but Sunday shows are FREE for the whole family!
Irvine Nights
When: Friday, September 8 · 5 – 10 pm
Where: Irvine Great Park (Palm Courts Art Complex), 8000 Great Park Boulevard, Irvine
Looking for an evening of food, music, and fun? Come to Irvine Nights, the ultimate night market at The Great Park! The community will come together through delicious food, vibrant music, and if you’re 21 and over, wine & beer selections. Support local vendors, enjoy shopping, and immerse yourself in exciting games and activities for kids. With live music by The Flux Capacitors, this night is bound to be a blast.
Cruisin’ for a Cure
When: Saturday, September 9 · 6 am – 3:30 pm
Where: OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
Revving up for a great cause! Come out to the West Coast’s biggest one-day car show and drive towards raising funds for cancer research. Every engine roar and gleaming chassis makes a difference in the fight against this disease. Let’s come together for a day of horsepower and hope!
Tastemakers of Orange County
When: Wednesday, September 13 · 6 – 9 pm
Where: Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa
Indulge in the flavors of culture and community at Tastemakers of Orange County. Set off on a delectable culinary journey celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander cuisines. Your palate’s delight supports OCAPICA’s vital programs in mental health, youth development, housing, and more. Come savor the tastes that make a difference!
Concerts on the Green: The Boys of Summer
When: Sunday, September 17 · 6 – 7:30 pm
Where: Civic Center Green, 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach
Get your groove on at Newport Beach’s Concerts on the Green! Bring your favorite low-slung beach chair, sit back, and enjoy an evening filled with FREE live music from The Boys of Summer and good vibes. Explore a variety of gourmet food trucks for a culinary adventure or pack your own picnic feast. Make this summer unforgettable with the perfect blend of music, laughter, and delicious flavors!
Costa Mesa Speedway: 53rd US National Speedway Championship
When: Saturday, September 23 · 6 pm
Where: Action Sports Arena, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
Hold onto your seats and prepare for adrenaline-pumping racing with the Speedway’s 53rd US National Championship! Watch your favorite fearless riders push the limits of speed — you won’t want to miss this.
Fall Fest
When: Saturday, September 23 · 1 – 8 pm
Where: Bella Terra (on the green located in front of Century Theaters), 7777 Edinger Avenue, Huntington Beach
Embrace the spirit of the season at Bella Terra’s Fall Fest! Enjoy a day filled with fantastic entertainment, a delightful apple cider station, engaging crafts, and an array of mouthwatering eats and brews from Bella Terra’s finest establishments. Bring the whole family for a day of fall fun and flavors.
Pacific Wine & Food Classic
When: Saturday, September 30 · 2 – 5 pm
Where: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach
Save the date! The Pacific Wine & Food Classic is back for its fifth year of culinary delights. Get ready for a sensational lineup of top chefs, restaurants, and wineries. Discover exquisite flavors, fine wines, and great company at this can’t-miss event that brings together the best of food, drink, and community. Cheers to a day of indulgence by the waterside!
South Orange County
39th Annual Maritime Festival
When: Friday, September 8 – Sunday, September 10 · Times Vary
Where: Ocean Institute, Dana Point Harbor, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point
Dive into a weekend of ocean adventures and maritime heritage! From tall ships to pirate balls, craft beer to mermaid shows, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the 39th Annual Maritime Festival (formerly the Tall Ships Festival). Come out for three days of nautical fun, live music, and exciting activities. See you there, mateys!
Live Music on the Wharf
When: Thursday, September 21 · 4 – 6 pm
Where: Dana Point Harbor, Hansen Courtyard, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point
Feel the ocean breeze and groove to the tunes! Get ready to be serenaded by the incredible Anthony Small and Matt Samia. Don’t miss out on this perfect blend of music, views, and coastal vibes.
San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival
When: Saturday, September 23 + Sunday, September 24 · Saturday 11 am – 10 pm; Sunday 12 pm – 9 pm
Where: Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church, 31612 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano
Embrace the spirit of Greece at the San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival! Indulge in the rich flavors of traditional dishes, sway to live Greek melodies, and explore the warmth of Greek culture right here in the OC. Let your taste buds travel with lamb chops, souvlaki, gyro sandwiches, and more. Discover a family-friendly weekend of ‘kefi’ and connection!
Ohana Music Festival
When: Friday, September 29 – Sunday, October 1 · Times Vary
Where: Doheny State Beach, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point
Experience musical paradise at the Ohana Music Festival! With an incredible lineup of over 35 performances across three stages — including The Killers, Haim, Father John Misty, Eddie Vedder, Foo Fighters, and more — you’re in for an unforgettable oceanfront experience at Doheny State Beach. Let the melodies of diverse genres wash over you in this stunning setting.
Toast to the Casa: The Golden Age of Hollywood
When: Saturday, September 30 · 5 – 10 pm
Where: Casino San Clemente, 140 Avenida Pico, San Clemente
Get ready to raise the roof and support Casa Romantica at Toast to the Casa! Enjoy high-energy music, delicious bites, drinks from 25+ vendors, exciting games, and a dazzling array of live and silent auction items. Come to the historic Casino San Clemente for a night of dancing and good times, featuring the electrifying Lizzy and the Triggermen on the main stage. Your participation directly fuels Casa Romantica’s community, artistic, and preservation initiatives, so let’s make memories and make a difference!
Desert Cities
FREE Museum Thursdays
When: Thursdays in September · 5 – 8 pm
Where: Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 Museum Drive, Palm Springs
Explore captivating galleries and exhibitions with free admission to the Palm Springs Art Museum. Wander through the enchanting sculpture garden and let the beats of a skillful DJ transport you to a sonic wonderland, blending musical genres and eras seamlessly. Savor a drink or indulge in delectable bites as you connect with fellow art aficionados and music enthusiasts. Don’t miss out on this perfect fusion of culture, community, and creativity!
Food Truck Fridays
When: Fridays in September · 5 – 10 pm
Where: Bliss Avenue and Towne Street, Indio
Get ready to satisfy your taste buds at Indio’s ultimate foodie extravaganza! Come down to Food Truck Fridays, where you’ll experience a culinary journey like no other with a lineup of top-notch food trucks serving up an irresistible array of flavors. From cheesy pizzas to refreshing slushies, every craving is covered. Indulge, explore, and treat yourself to a feast of epic proportions.
Of course, there are too many amazing events throughout Orange County and the desert to list. That’s one of the many reasons Southern California is one of the best places in the world to live! If you’re ready to live the ultimate Orange County or desert lifestyle, contact our real estate specialists today at SurterreProperties.com.
