News Summary
Southern California is buzzing with events this September as families gear up for the back-to-school season. From cultural festivals to culinary experiences, there are plenty of opportunities for fun and bonding. Highlights include the ArtWalk Carlsbad, Cardiff Greek Festival, Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld, and much more. This guide showcases 12 exciting events that promise to enrich the local community and create lasting memories for both residents and visitors.
Southern California is set to come alive with excitement this September as various events kick off across the region, coinciding with the back-to-school season. Families are busy with meetings, extracurricular activities, and workplace deadlines. Amid the hustle, an array of engaging happenings will provide opportunities for date nights, family bonding, and personal downtime. Here’s a guide to 12 must-attend events that will enliven the month.
1. ArtWalk Carlsbad
Dates: September 20-21
Location: 5790 Armada Drive, Carlsbad
The ArtWalk Carlsbad features over 150 local and traveling fine artists showcasing their works. It includes interactive family activities, musical performances, food trucks, and more, creating an artistic atmosphere for attendees.
2. Cardiff Greek Festival
Dates: September 6-7
Location: Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 3459 Manchester Ave, Encinitas
The festival celebrates Greek culture with delectable food and pastries, live music, traditional folk dance performances, a wine and beer garden, and a fun zone for kids.
3. East Village Oktoberfest
Date: September 20, 3 to 8 p.m.
Location: Quartyard, 1301 Market St, San Diego
This ninth annual event features a vibrant atmosphere filled with craft beer, festive food, live music, and engaging games, perfect for attendees looking to soak in the local culture.
4. Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld San Diego
Dates: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from September 5 to November 5
Families can enjoy Halloween-themed activities at SeaWorld, including trick-or-treating and live shows featuring mermaids and pirates. A special Día de los Muertos celebration will also take place on November 1 and 2.
5. Harry Potter High Tea
Date: September 14, noon
Location: Corbeaux Wine & Tea House, 41923 2nd Street, Suite 105, Temecula
Harry Potter fans can indulge in a themed tea experience, complete with merchandise, a three-tiered pastry tower, and a variety of seasonal teas.
6. Los Angeles Kids Book Festival
Date: September 7, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: West Hollywood Park, 647 North San Vicente Blvd, West Hollywood
This festival promotes early childhood education, featuring nearly 100 authors, live performances, and storytelling sessions fit for young readers.
7. Malibu Food & Wine
Dates: September 5-7
Location: Saddlerock Ranch, 32111 Mulholland Highway, Malibu
Attendees can enjoy culinary experiences led by chefs, local wine tastings, and other gourmet offerings while supporting the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu.
8. Maritime Festival
Dates: September 12-14
Location: Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point
Celebrating Dana Point’s maritime history, the festival features marine life exhibits, reenactors, food stands, and activities for children and families.
9. O’Hoppe Bowl All-Star Bowl
Date: September 7, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Fountain Bowl, 17110 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley
Hosted by Angels catcher Logan O’Hoppe, this charity bowling tournament offers a chance to bowl alongside players, enjoy food, get autographs, and receive gift bags.
10. Oktoberfest at Old World Huntington Beach
Dates: Every Wednesday through Sunday from September 7 through November 9
Location: Biergarten at Old World Huntington Beach, 7561 Center Ave, #49
This event promises traditional German beer, delicious food, and lively music to celebrate the rich culture of Oktoberfest.
11. San Diego International Summer Organ Festival
Final concert: September 1, 7:30 p.m.
Location: Spreckels Organ Pavilion, 2125 Pan American East Road, San Diego
This is the largest organ festival in the U.S. and will feature a classical rock concert commemorating the 60th anniversary of the San Diego Beatles concert.
12. San Diego Restaurant Week
Dates: September 14 to September 21
During this week, over 100 restaurants across San Diego will showcase special multi-course menus emphasizing local ingredients, inviting food lovers to explore the culinary scene.
With such a diverse array of activities, September promises to be an exciting time for both locals and visitors in Southern California. These events offer not only entertainment but also rich cultural experiences that highlight the community’s vibrant spirit.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Diego Weekend Events Guide: Activities for All Ages
Exploring the Vibrant Live Music Scene in San Diego
San Diego Hosts Upcoming Culinary and Cultural Festivals
San Diego Hosts an Array of Events This Week
San Diego Gears Up for Vibrant Weekend of Events
Old Globe to Present Annual Grinch Musical This Holiday Season
Gas Prices Rise in San Diego County Amid Concerns
Patrons of the Prado Gala Enhances Education and Culture
San Diego’s Dining and Drinking Scene Transforms
San Diego Extends Parking Meter Hours and Introduces Sunday Enforcement
Additional Resources
- LAist: Best Things Labor Day Weekend Southern California
- Wikipedia: Southern California
- KTLA: Amtrak Surfliner Events Southern California
- Google Search: Southern California events
- LAist: Best Things to Do This Week in LA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Southern California
- ABC7: Juneteenth Events Southern California
- Google News: California events
- South Pasadenan: Ronald McDonald House Charities
- Google Scholar: Southern California culture
- BizBash: Southern California’s Top Events
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
