California will host a range of events throughout September 2025, offering activities that reflect the state’s diverse culture and landscape.
The month features warm weather, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. On September 20, California Surfing Day encourages residents and visitors to enjoy the beaches, either by surfing or watching professionals. Additionally, all nine national parks in California will offer free admission on September 27 as part of one of seven fee-free days during the year.
Wine enthusiasts can participate in California Wine Month with events such as barrel tastings, vineyard tours, and grape stomps held across the state. Native American heritage is recognized with California Native American Day on September 26 and related Pow Wows and festivals throughout the month, including the Sycuan Pow Wow in Chula Vista from September 12 to 14.
Other notable events include Oktoberfests, harvest festivals, and celebrations highlighting local traditions and histories. In Northern California, Fort Bragg hosts Paul Bunyan Days from August 30 to September 1. Sausalito continues its Jazz and Blues by the Bay series on September 5 and 12. The Windsor Chili Cook-Off takes place on September 6 in Sonoma County, while Santa Cruz’s Beach Boardwalk offers Fiesta en la Playa on the same day and Boardwalk Pride on September 20.
Calistoga’s Harvest Table event occurs on September 7 with a communal dinner along Lincoln Avenue. Elk Grove presents Sangria Showdown on September 12 followed by Uncorked & Uncapped on September 19. Other regional highlights include Petaluma River Craft Beer Fest (September 13), Colfax Railroad Days (September 13–14), Taste of Half Moon Bay (September 19), Sausalito Boat Show (September 19–21), Groveland’s 49er Festival & Chili Cook-Off (September 20), Portola Music Fest in San Francisco (September 20–21), Lafayette Art, Wine & Music Festival (September 20–21), Open Studios Napa Valley (weekends of September 20–21 and 27–28), Oroville Salmon Festival (September 26–27), Stories in Stone at Columbia State Historic Park (September 26–27), Terra Madre Americas Slow Food Festival in Sacramento (September 26–28), Redding Roots Revival music festival (September 26–28), Bishop’s Annual Pow Wow for Native American Day (September 26–28), Kelseyville Pear Festival (September 27), Pacific Coast Fog Fest in Pacifica (September 27–28) and Petaluma Fall Antique Faire on September 28.
Central California also has several events scheduled: Festa Italia runs from September 5 to 7 in Monterey; Santa Barbara County Farm Day is set for September 6; Sequoia Dark Sky Festival happens from September 12 to 14 at Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks; Whale Rock Music & Arts Festival is held from September 13 to 14 in Paso Robles; Ventura Art & Street Painting Festival takes place over those same dates; Solvang Danish Days are celebrated from September 19 to 21; Dine in the Vines at ONX Estate Vineyard occurs on September 20; Hueneme Banana Festival is scheduled for September 27; ClovisFest and Hot-Air Balloon Fun Fly happen from September 28 to 29.
In Southern California, Halloween Time at Disneyland begins early in Anaheim and runs through October. The Norco Fair is held August 29 through Labor Day weekend. Universal Studios Hollywood launches Halloween Horror Nights starting September 4. Big Bear Lake hosts Oktoberfest weekends beginning September 6. Dana Point’s Maritime Festival takes place from September 12 to 14 near the Ocean Institute.
Ontario holds Route 66 Cruisin’ Reunion from September 19 to 20 as part of ongoing centennial celebrations for Route 66. Oceanside welcomes more than sixty professional female surfers during Nissan Super Girl Pro between September 19 and 21—the largest women’s surfing event globally.
Burbank International Film Festival runs from September 23 to 28 with screenings at AMC16 theater complex. Dana Point’s Ohana Festival occurs between September 26 and 28 at Doheny State Beach featuring artists like Eddie Vedder, Green Day, Kings of Leon, Hozier, Leon Bridges, and Cage the Elephant.
Monterey Jazz Festival also takes place over these dates with performances by Gregory Porter among others at Monterey County Fairgrounds—a tradition since its inception making it one of the longest-running jazz festivals worldwide [https://www.montereyjazzfestival.org/]. Same Same But Different Music Festival is held at Lake Perris State Park during this period as well.
San Diego Spirits Festival concludes the month with two days dedicated to cocktails alongside art exhibits at La Jolla’s Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego [https://sandiegospiritsfestival.com/].
“Labor Day may be the symbolic end of summer, but California enjoys the best of both summer and autumn throughout this month,” according to organizers.
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“Labor Day may be the symbolic end of summer, but California enjoys the best of both summer and autumn throughout this month.”
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