APPLE HILL: Johnny Appleseed Day September 20-21, 2025, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Apple Hill participating apple farms and wineries. Many fun activities and events plus a contest to spot Johnny Appleseed, take a picture and submit it for a chance at a special gift. Free, applehill.com
ARCATA: Arcata Plaza Farmers' Market North County Fair September 20-21, 2025, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Location: Arcata Plaza surrounded by 8th, 9th, G, and H Street, Arcata, CA. Free, northcoastgrowersassociation.org
ARROYO GRANDE: Garden Party 60s-80s rock, folk, 1-3 p.m. at Summer Concerts at Heritage Square Park Nelson Street and Short Street Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 Free, arroyogrande.org
AVALON: Annual Catalina Festival of Art, September 19-21, 2025, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. daily One of the longest running and most acclaimed art festivals in California! Artists from all over the country exhibit along Crescent Avenue and sell their works of fine art, sculpture, fine crafts & photography. Highlights include charity art auction and kids art show. Catalina Art Association. Located on Crescent Avenue, along the waterfront, this three day art fair features local and mainland artists, crafts, musical entertainment, kids activities and more. Catalina Art Association. catalinaartassociation.org
BAKERSFIELD: Kern County Fair September 17-28, 2025. Alaskan Pig Races, Turkey Stampede, Concerts, Rodeo and more. Location: 1142 South P St., Bakersfield, CA. kerncountyfair.com
BERKELEY: Berkeley Old Time Music Convention September 17-21, 2025 at Berkeley Main Library, Freight & Salvage and Ashkenaz. Concerts, dances, string band contest, workshops and more with performers: Jake Blount, Judy Hyman & Jeff Claus, Bruce Molsky, Ozark Highballers, Sarah Kate Morgan, Black Banjo & Fiddle Fellows, Suzy Thompson, Aux Cajunals, WB Reid & Bonnie Zahnow, Manning Mud Stompers, Susan Michaels and Connor Maguire. $, berkeleyoldtimemusic.org
BIG BEAR LAKE: Oktoberfest September 6-November 2, 2025 at Big Bear Lake Convention Center. Log Sawing, Stein Holding, German bands, beers & food, dancing, cool merch and more! $, bigbearevents.com
BISHOP: Millpond Music Festival September 19-21, 2025 at Millpond County Park. Line up: Roy Rogers And The Delta Rhythm Kings, Clinton Davis Stringband, The Motet, Locura, Bodie601, Squideye, Las Cafeteras, Tanasi, The Vaudevillian, The Real Sarahs, $40-120, inyo.org Camping is also available by reservation | lineup
CALABASAS: Nights Of The Jack September 26-November 1, 2025, 6-10:30 p.m. at King Gillette Ranch. Jack o' lanterns along a 3/4th mile trail, activities, and spooky fun. Location: 26800 Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas, CA. $, pre-purchase required, nightsofthejack.com
CALABASAS: Calabasas Film Festival September 17-21, 2025. Annual festival showcases major film premieres, student films, documentaries and top quality film selections from all genres that are guaranteed to entertain. calabasasfilmfestival.com | film
CHULA VISTA: Sesame Place Halloween Spooktacular September 13-November 2, 2025. Perfect for youngsters, get ready for some not-too-spooky fun at The Count's Halloween Spooktacular! Location: Sesame Place, 2052 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista, CA. FREE child with each full-paid adult through Dec.31, 2025, sesameplace.com
DANVILLE: Danville Concours d'Elegance September 21, 2025, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in historic downtown Danville on Hartz. One of the most anticipated events at the Danville Concours d’Elegance is the Race Car Parade, right down the middle of Hartz Avenue. Vehicle displays, fine food, wine tasting including some of the finest Napa wines, and raffles in a relaxed environment. Free to see, danville-delegance.org
DAVIS: Davis Craft and Vintage Fair, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Music, food, vintage and handmade goods Art, Crafts, Vintage, Up-cycled, Handcrafted, Spa, Food and live music! Location: Central Park, 301 C Street, Davis, CA. daviscraftandvintage.org Additional dates: October 19 & 26, November 16 & 23, December 7 & 14, 2025
ELK GROVE: Butterfly Fest Weekends September 13-21, 2025, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Celebrate beautiful, orange-winged Gulf Fritillary butterflies returning each year to lay their eggs on passionvine at The Secret Garden. Guided Life Cycle Tours at 11 a.m., help with starting your own butterfly garden, face painting, coffee cart serving drinks & treats and 15% off all perennials during the event! Location: 8450 W Stockton Blvd, Elk Grove, CA. Free, secretgarden-online.com | (916) 682-6839
EUREKA: Band O Loco, cool originals & tasty covers, 1-3 p.m. Humboldt Botanical Garden Summer Music Series. Location: 7707 Tompkins Hill Road Eureka, CA 95503 $10-15, hbgf.org
FRESNO: Fresno Greek Festival September 19-21, 2025. St. George Greek Orthodox Church 2219 N. Orchard Fresno, CA fresnogreekfest.com Fresno's Premier Greek Festival is Back! Tickets may be purchased online or at the gate. | Greek
HAYWARD: East Bay Youth Orchestra + Ozone Pranksters + Dixie By the Bay, jazz, pop, hits, 1-5 p.m. Summer Concert Series, Location: Memorial Park, 24176 Mission Blvd., (behind Hayward Plunge) Hayward, CA. Free, haywardlodge.org
HOLLYWOOD: Air with Orchestra Bonobo (DJ Set) at KCRW Festival 7 p.m., at Hollywood Bowl Summer Concert Season. Location: 2301 N Highland Ave., Los Angeles, CA. $, hollywoodbowl.com
LAKEWOOD: Imaginarium's Zenthara August 28-November 9, 2025 at Lakewood Center Mall. Over 5 million lights create a fantastical landscape of larger-than-life Creatures and Dragons. Location: 326 Lakewood Center Mall, Lakewood, CA. $23-up, imaginarium360.com
MODESTO: Modesto Fall Home Improvement Show September 19-21, 2025. Modesto Centre Plaza 1000 L St. Modesto, CA $, metroexpositions.com
NEVADA CITY: Constitution Day September 20-21, 2025. Concert is on September 20, 2025, 4:30 p.m. Parade is on September 21, 2025, 1:30 p.m. The 58th Annual Constitution Day Weekend is the oldest and largest Constitution observance in the western United States and includes a parade, concert, and reenactments. Free, nevadacitychamber.com
OCEANSIDE: Endless Summer Music Festival September 21, 2025, 12-7 p.m. 2 stages with continuous music from local bands. Location: SoCal Soccer Complex, 3300 El Corazon Dr., Oceanside, CA. friendsofelcorazon.org
ONTARIO: Imaginarium September 5-November 9, 2025 at Ontario Mills. Millions of lights in colorful displays just in time for the holidays at the Alice in Wonderland themed attraction! Location: Ontario Mills Mall, 4377 Mills Circle, Ontario, CA. $27-up, imaginarium360.com
ORANGE: Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch September 13-October 31, 2025. Annual attraction and popular place to take children for pumpkin pictures, crafts, kiddie rides, food and wholesome fun! Location: 1 Irvine Park Rd., Orange, CA. Free admission on weekdays; $, weekends - reservations required, IrvineParkRailroad.com
REDWOOD CITY: Oktoberfest September 19-28, 2025 (no event Monday, September 22) at Courthouse Square features 4-hours Oktoberfest sessions that include live, German bands performing. $10-up, all ages event, redwoodcity.org
SAN BERNARDINO: San Manuel Pow Wow September 19-21, 2025 Cal State University, San Bernardino 5500 University Pkwy San Bernardino, CA sanmanuel-nsn.gov/Culture/Pow-Wow | or socalpowwow.com/ pow wow
SAN DIEGO: Adams Avenue Street Fair September 20-21, 2025, 12-10 p.m. Adams Avenue San Diego, CA Free, adamsavenuebusiness.com 20 stages and 70 live musical performancesSAN DIEGO: Pacific Island Festival September 20-21, 2025. Emphasis on the Indigenous People of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. Ski Beach, Mission Bay. Free admission, pifasandiego.com | polynesian
SAN FRANCISCO: San Francisco, A Taste of Greece September 19-21, 2025 at Annunciation Cathedral. Beloved Greek Food Festival, newly rebranded. Location: 245 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA. Free admission, annunciation.org | Greek
SAN FRANCISCO: "Ole!" Music and Dance of Spain, 1 p.m. Golden Gate Bandstand Concerts. Location: Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA. Free. goldengateparkband.org
SAN JOSE: Larussell, Music in the Park at Cesar Chavez Park, San Jose, CA. $, sjdowntown.com
SOLVANG: Solvang Danish Days September 19-21, 2025 includes Danish food, themed entertainment, kids game and vendors selling unique gifts. Sunday features Aebleskiver Eating Contest, free Kids Parade, and concert with The Lowdown Dudes. Free, SolvangDanishDays.com
WHEATLAND: Bishop's Pumpkin Farm open daily September 6-November 9, 2025. It's like going to a fair with fun foods and drinks, barnyard animals, carnival rides, hayrides, firepits, entertainment and free admission! Location: 1415 Pumpkin Lane, Wheatland, CA. Free, parking fees select days, bishopspumpkinfarm.com
Past events
ANDERSON: Hawes Farms Watermelon Festival September 21-29, 2024. Held during the last two weekends of September, along with the Sunflower & Zinnia Festival, the event includes watermelon eating contest, melon sampling, flower picking, games, food concessions and more. Location: 21923 Dersch Rd., Anderson, CA. $10-up, historichawesfarms.com
BIG BEAR LAKE: Twilight Zoo Safaris. Book your tickets for September 21, 28; October 5 &12, 2024. Big Bear Alpine Zoo 747 Club View Drive Big Bear Lake, CA $30, limited and sold online only: bigbearzoo.org
FIDDLETOWN: Fiddlers' Jam September 21, 2024, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Musician sign-ups begin at 9 a.m. The Fiddletown Community Center presents the Annual music festival on Main Street in Fiddletown offers free, fun, family-friendly entertainment. fiddletownca.org
FONTANA: La Gran Fiesta Hispanic Heritage Celebration September 21, 2024, 5-9 p.m. at Miller Park Amphitheater. Music, dance, food, art and novelty vendors plus Create & Paint workshops, Loteria, lawn games and a beer & wine garden and something for everyone in the family. Be sure to bring lawn chairs and blankets to relax and enjoy the show! Performances by Ballet Folkloric Conmigo Dance Group, Mariachi Los Santaneros,Urban Flamenka, Tania Y Su Nuevo Era. Location: 17004 Arrow Blvd., Fontana, CA. fontanaca.gov
FRESNO: Fresno Greek Festival September 20-21, 2024. St. George Greek Orthodox Church 2219 N. Orchard Fresno, CA fresnogreekfest.com Fresno's Premier Greek Festival is Back! Tickets may be purchased online or at the gate. | Greek
HOLLISTER: Northern California Renaissance Faire September 13-October 19, 2025, weekends. Queen Elizabeth, minstrels, sword fights, jugglers and jesters at Casa de Fruta $, norcalrenfaire.com
HOLLYWOOD: Forever Summer Concert Season - Rodgers & Hammerstein's The Sound of Music Sing-A-Long September 21, 2024, 7:30 p.m. at Hollywood Bowl. Location: 2301 N Highland Ave., Los Angeles, CA. $, hollywoodbowl.com
KERMAN: Kerman Harvest Festival & Parade September 19-22, 2024 in Downtown and mostly at Kerckhoff Park. $10 admission to festival includes concerts and entertainment, and wristbands for carnival rides are also sold.
LAKE ARROWHEAD: Lake Arrowhead Village Oktoberfest September 14-October 27, 2024, Saturdays & Sundays with musik provided by an authentic Bavarian band at each events, bier, dancing, contests, German food & more.
LAKE ARROWHEAD: Annual Lake Arrowhead Home Tour September 21, 2024, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. See 5 beautiful homes in Lake Arrowhead. $95, LakeArrowheadHomeTour.com
LONG BEACH: SteelCraft Long Beach Oktoberfest September 21, 2024, 12-10 p.m. Location: 3768 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach, CA. facebook.com/steelcraftlb
LOS ANGELES: Los Angeles Times Foodbowl September 20-22, 2024. Southern California's culinary scene shines. $, lafoodbowl.com
LOS GATOS: Los Gatos Art & Wine Festival September 21-22, 2024 at City Hall Lawn 110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA Free, losgatosfiesta.com
LOS GATOS: Magical Glass Pumpkin Patch September 21-22, 2024 at Los Gatos High School. Location: 20 High School Court, Los Gatos, CA. magicalglasspumpkinpatch.com
MILL VALLEY: Oktoberfest September 21, 2024, 3-8 p.m. Wear your dirndl and lederhosen to Tam Valley Community Center parking lot for live music, dancing, games, food, amusements. Location: 203 Marin Ave., Mill Valley, CA. $25, tamcsd.org | Oktoberfest
MISSION VIEJO: Night Market Oktoberfest September 21, 2024, 5-9 p.m. Live music, food, games - Beer Stein holding Contest, over 40 vendors, Food Trucks, Beer Garden. Location 25282 Marguerite Pkwy, Mission Viejo, CA. Free admission, weekendnightmarket.com | Oktoberfest
MODESTO: Modesto Fall Home Improvement Show September 20-22, 2024 Modesto Centre Plaza 1000 L St. Modesto, CA $, metroexpositions.com
MODESTO: Greek Festival September 21-22, 2024 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Join the fun at the Annual Greek Festival in Modesto featuring authentic Greek food, homemade Greek pastries, marketplace, outdoor Greek Coffeehouse with live Greek music and Greek folk dance group performances, and tours of Byzantine style Greek Orthodox Church. Location: 313 Tokay Ave. Modesto, CA. $20, goannunciation.org Saturday Noon - 8 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. | Greek
MORGAN HILL: Morgan Hill Downtown Brew Crawl, September 21, 2024, 1-5 p.m. Morgan Hill Downtown Association invites you to an afternoon experiencing amazing craft beers, local merchants and live music at the Annual Downtown Morgan Hill Brew Crawl. Check in on 3rd Street near Monterey Road 11a-3p. Proceeds from this event help pay for the Downtown Twinkle Lights. Your ticket includes: Craft Beer tasting for up to 20 different Local Breweries, Live Music and Dancing. $55 approx., mhdowntown.org | eventbrite | beer
MOUNTAIN VIEW: Ludwig's Oktoberfest September 20-21; September 27-28, 2024, 4-10 p.m. at Ludwig's Mountain View. DJ playing traditional Oktoberfest music and some party favorites. Location: 383 Castro Street, Mountain View, CA. $150, ludwigsmv.com | Oktoberfest
ONTARIO: Route 66 Cruisin' Reunion Sept.20-21, 2024
ONTARIO: Route 66 Cruisin' Reunion September 20-21, 2024. Euclid Avenue Ontario, CA Free admission, Route66CruisinReunion.com
PLACERVILLE: Placerville Oktoberfest Street Fair September 21, 2024, 3-8 p.m. Back on Main Street! Wiener Dog Races, Beer Stein Holding. By the Bell Tower Placerville CA Free admission, visit-eldorado.com | Oktoberfest
REDWOOD CITY: Oktoberfest September 20-29, 2024 at Courthouse Square features 4-hours Oktoberfest sessions that include live, German bands performing. $10-30 for all ages event, redwoodcity.org
ROCKLIN: Oktoberfest at Kathrin's Biergarten September 21, October 9 & 12, 2024. Schedule: Sept 21, 2024 Gruber Family Band; October 9, 2024 Pech und Schwefel; October 12, 2024 Alpenband. Location: 4810 Granite Drive, Suite 1A Rocklin, CA $15-25 Presale tickets available online at kathrinsbiergarten.com/events | Oktoberfest
SALINAS: Steinbeck Festival September 21, 2024, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Steinbeck Museum, 1 Main Street & 100 block of Main Street, Salinas, CA Free, steinbeck.org
SALINAS: Rancho Day at the Adobe 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Boronda Adobe. Historical re-enactments, blacksmithing and cowboy roping. David Ford plays the historical (c.1880) Ignacio Boronda violin, dancing Charro Horses, arts and crafts, and ambassadors' presentation. An optional luncheon requires payment by Sept.1. Location: 333 Boronda Road, Salinas, CA . Free Admission, mchsmuseum/Salinas
SAN BERNARDINO: San Manuel Pow Wow September 20-22, 2024 Cal State University, San Bernardino 5500 University Pkwy San Bernardino, CA sanmanuel-nsn.gov/Culture/Pow-Wow | pow wow
SAN FRANCISCO: Woodsfest Island Oktoberfest September 21, 2024, 12-5 p.m. at Treasure Island. Hosted by WOODS Beer & Wine Co. Ages 21 & up are invited to celebrate with the oldest Bavarian beer hall on the West Coast. Music from Joe Smiell's German Brass Band. $12.51 admission, eventbrite.com | Oktoberfest
SAN FRANCISCO: San Francisco, A Taste of Greece September 20-22, 2024 at Annunciation Cathedral. Beloved Greek Food Festival, newly rebranded. Location: 245 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA.Free admission, annunciation.org | Greek
SAN FRANCISCO: How Weird Festival, September 21, 2024, 12-8 p.m. Time Travel: Stargate on Howard Street Howard & 2nd Streets San Francisco, CA $25-40, howweird.org
SAN JOSE: Annual Luna Park Chalk Art Festival September 21, 2024, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Backesto Park. Theme is PEACE. Food trucks, art & craft vendors, live entertainment and more! Luna Park Chalk Art Festival attracts over 3,000. Free admission, lunaparkchalkart.org
SANTA CRUZ: Aloha Outrigger Races 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. These short-course outrigger races are designed especially for the new or novice paddlers. You provide four people and we provide a canoe plus steer-person and stroker from the Pu Pu O'Hawaii Outrigger Canoe Club. Location: Santa Cruz Wharf, 21 Municipal Wharf Santa Cruz, CA. $100 per team, free to see, cityofsantacruz.com
SANTA ROSA: Pacific Coast Air Museum Wheels and Wings Air Show September 21, 2024, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Charles M. Schulz - Sonoma County Airport $10, pacificcoastairmuseum.org | air shows
SAUSALITO: Cavallo Point Oktoberfest September 21 & 28, 2024, 6-9 p.m. Presented by the Cooking School at Cavallo Point. Location: Cavallo Point, 601 Murray Circle, Sausalito, CA. $145 + tax & gratuity, cavallopoint.com | Oktoberfest
SOLVANG: Solvang Danish Days September 20-22, 2024 includes Danish food, themed entertainment, kids games, a parade and vendors selling unique gifts. Free, SolvangDanishDays.com
TAHOE CITY: Tahoe City Oktoberfest September 21, 2024, 12-5 p.m. at Gatekeeper's Museum. Food trucks, Bavarian food selections, regional craft brews, live music, German games with prizes, artisan market and kid friendly fun. Authentic accordion duet Les Bellowettes sets the stage for a Bavarian day of Stein squat, Yodel Contest, and Weiner toss. For the kids there's pumpkin painting, Balloon Twisting and Coloring Corner plus Story Trail courtesy of TC Friends of the Library! Location: William B. Layton State Park, 130 West Lake Boulevard Tahoe City, CA. $20-25 includes a commemorative Oktoberfest beer glass and two drink tokensvisittahoecity.org | eventbrite.com for tickets | Oktoberfest
TEHACHAPI: Brews on the Mountain September 21, 2024, 2-6 p.m. Celebrating the craft beer culture, sample a variety of beers while enjoying live music and delicious food. Location: West Park, 490 W. D Street, Tehachapi, CA $55-80, tvrpd.org
TEMECULA: South Coast Winery Fall Harvest Festival and Grape Stomp September 20-22, 2024, 1 p.m. Join the annual Grape Stomp. Location: South Coast Winery Resort & Spa $, southcoastwinery.com | stomps
VISTA: Viking Festival September 21-22, 2024, The Year of Thor, Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum 2040 North Santa Fe Avenue Vista, California 92083 $5-25, vistavikingfestival.com Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Axe throwing, spear throwing, archery, Viking log toss, horn blowing competition, vendor row, craft beer & mead, ethnic foods, Viking encampment, more. Vista Viking Festival is hosted by Norway Hall Foundation and presented by Norwegian Fish Club Odin and Norge Lodge of Sons of Norway.
VISALIA: Home Expo Remodeling & Decorating show September 21-22, 2024 Visalia Convention Center $, visaliahomeshows.com
WOODSIDE: Hispanic Heritage Weekend September 21-22, 2024 Filoli 86 Cañada Road Woodside, CA 94062 $38, filoli.org | Fiestas Patrias
Past events
BUENA PARK:
KNOTTS SCARY FARM:
mazes and scare zones, bands performing throughout the park, rides and some
pretty cool shows in the oldest, largest and most dedicated Halloween scare
experience celebrating 50 years in 2023.
BUENA PARK: Vampirates Halloween Dinner Show at Pirate's Dinner Adventure. Evil Captain Sebastian the Black and a band of vampires have taken over in a battle of good versus evil aboard the 18th-century Spanish galleon as you, the audience, pitch in to save the day during your 3-course dinner experience. Location: 7600 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA $, piratesdinneradventureca.com
BURBANK: Burbank International Film Festival September 21-24, 2023 at AMC 16 Theaters. BIFF begins with an Opening Night Ceremony, Featured films and Gala Reception. Location: 125 E. Palm Ave. Burbank, CA $20-up approx., burbankfilmfest.org | film
GRASS VALLEY: Draft Horse Classic & Harvest Fair September 21-24, 2023. In between the Draft Horse performances, the Harvest Fair is bustling with activity. The Harvest Fair is an experience that can be enjoyed by kids and adults - and admission is free! Don't miss the opportunity to visit the barns and meet the horses, taste the delicious Treat Street goodies. Location: 11228 McCourtney Road Grass Valley, CA. $17-20-up, nevadacountyfair.com
HUNTINGTON BEACH: Old World Village Oktoberfest September 17-November 5, 2023. Held at the Biergarten, and indoor/outdoor venue.
IRWINDALE: Mariachi Fest at Dan Diaz Recreation Center every Thursday in September. Event includes Mexican band Mexican food for sale, BalletFolklorico Dancers (youth group), Craft Vendors, Free, irwindaleca.gov
KERNVILLE: Kern River Rock N Blues Festival September 21-24, 2023 kernriverrocknblues.com
MENDOCINO: Mendocino Open Paint Out (MOPO) September 18-23, 2023 Mendocino Art Center The annual Mendocino Open Paint Out includes paint sales each day in the Art Center, daily demonstrations and presentations. Find painters at beaches, bays, wineries, mountain landscapes, redwoods and more. All events are free and open to the public, including watching the artists paint. mendocinoartcenter.org
SAN FRANCISCO: After Dark 6-10 p.m. at Exploratorium. Location: Pier 15, Embarcadero at Green Street, San Francisco, CA 94111. Age 18+ only, $19.95, exploratorium.edu
VISALIA: Oktoberfest September 21, 2023 Chamber Of Commerce Oktoberfest at Vossler Farms. The best of Central Valley's food, beer, wine & entertainment. 21+ $60.54, visaliachamber.org
Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.