With summer winding down, September in Los Angeles welcomes a shift in the atmosphere and a fresh wave of events and attractions. The still warm days are perfect for outdoor adventures and the cooler evenings are ideal for cultural experiences. This post features a diverse range of activities for visitors of all ages and interests during this month.
From lively street festivals to food and wine events, September is filled with opportunities to soak up LA’s vibrant culture. It’s also one of the best months to enjoy LA’s iconic outdoor venues, with concerts, night markets, and film screenings under the stars.
Whether you’re looking for family fun, date night ideas, or a unique weekend outing, Los Angeles has something special waiting for you this September.
1 – Fun Fairs and Festivals
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Step into a world where your favorite superheroes, anime characters, and pop culture icons come to life at L.A. Comic Con 2025! Head over DTLA this September 26th-28th for an epic weekend celebrating everything comics, gaming, cosplay, anime, and more.
The entertainment guests this year include Vincent D’Onofrio, Elizabeth Olsen, Charlie Cox, Mike Colter, Paul Bettany and several more from your favorite films and tv series. Come on and show off your costume.
Next is the Other Art Fair. This great event presented by Saatchi Art, is taking place from September 25th to 28th, and it showcases a handpicked selection of over 140 independent artists. Expect to see thousands of original artworks across various media, including painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media.
Engage in interactive workshops, enjoy live music from DJ sets, indulge in delicious food from various food trucks, and experience immersive art installations. The Other Art Fair offers a unique opportunity to connect directly with emerging artists and discover your next treasured piece in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
Also visit the Train Festival at Union Station. Get ready for a spectacular celebration of rail history and the future of train travel at the Train Festival 2025: LA’s Spirit in Motion, returning to Los Angeles Union Station on Saturday, September 20th and Sunday, September 21st, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
This FREE, family-friendly event invites you to explore a dynamic lineup of activities throughout the iconic landmark, including tours and displays of vintage and modern rail equipment, engaging model train exhibits, interactive booths from industry experts, live entertainment, and exclusive giveaways.
Don’t miss the chance to step aboard historic locomotives like Santa Fe 3751 or delve into the intricate world of model trains created by skilled artisans. Have fun!
Location:Various
Pic Credit: @theotherartfair
2 – Food and Drink Events
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Yes, we love lobster!! Indulge your inner foodie at the 29th Annual Original Lobster Festival, hitting the Fountain Valley Sports Park from September 5th to 7th. Feast on fresh, live Maine lobsters, flown in daily and steamed to perfection in the world’s largest cooker.
There will be tasty lobster rolls, sliders, and even lobster-on-a-stick, alongside a wide array of international cuisine including BBQ, Mexican, American, Chinese, and Thai options, plus delightful desserts and adult beverages.
Also enjoy live music with dance lessons, sing your heart out at the karaoke lounge, check out arts and crafts, and treat yourself to a complimentary tasting of El Baston del Rey Tequila/Whiskey. It’s a weekend filled with fun, flavor, and festivities for all ages, so gather your friends and family and dive into this unforgettable culinary experience!
Next visit Arcadia’s premier culinary event! Taste of Arcadia, is back at the stunning Paddock Garden of Santa Anita Park on Saturday, September 13th! Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable afternoon from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, featuring unlimited food and drink tastings from over 50 of Arcadia’s and the San Gabriel Valley’s most tantalizing restaurants.
Find favorite Brazilian flavors like Fogo de Chao to Japanese delights such as Marugame Udon and local favorites like Max’s Mexican Cuisine. You can also explore local business booths, enjoy entertainment from DJ John Villa of Dance Syndicate, and marvel at the Longo Toyota Auto Showcase.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the vibrant community, discover new culinary gems, and indulge in a truly all-inclusive tasting experience!
Location:various
PIC Credit: @tasteofarcadia
3 – Pumpkin Patch
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September brings a touch of autumn magic to Los Angeles with the arrival of pumpkin patches at farms across the region. Whether you’re searching for the perfect pumpkin to carve a spooky face or seeking a day of family-friendly fun amidst the vibrant fall scenery, local farms offer a wealth of experiences for all ages.
Embrace the spirit of the season by venturing out to pick your own pumpkin and participate in the various harvest activities available. Many farms are gearing up to welcome visitors, including Tanaka Farms, which opens its pumpkin patch on September 13th. Pick pumpkins, enjoy wagon rides, explore a barnyard education exhibit, and navigate a corn maze.
For those seeking even more fall adventures, consider a visit to Irvine Park Railroad, where their Pumpkin Patch also opens on September 13th. This beloved destination offers a variety of activities, from hay rides and carnival games to train rides and a haunted house, promising a full day of excitement for the whole family.
Choose your favorite farm, and immerse yourselves in the wonderful world of pumpkin patches near Los Angeles this September.
Location:various
PIC Credit: @let’splayoc!
4 – Halloween Events at Your Favorite Theme Parks
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It’s time to appreciate the incredible transformation of the Halloween season at your favorite theme parks. At Disneyland Resort, Dia de los Muertos celebrations are in full bloom in Frontierland, offering vibrant cultural displays, festive entertainment, and delicious treats.
Also the super popular Oogie Boogie Bash Halloween Party in Disney California Adventure Park on select nights is on until the end of October. This separately ticketed event offers after-hours access to the park, unique character encounters, immersive treat trails, and the popular “Frightfully Fun Parade”.
For those seeking more intense chills, Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights takes over the park on select evenings from September 4th to November 2nd. Prepare to navigate terrifying mazes, brave eerie scare zones, and survive the iconic Terror Tram, all featuring beloved and original horror characters.
Finally, for the ultimate scream experience, Knott’s Berry Farm transforms into Knott’s Scary Farm on select nights from September 18th to November 1st. This legendary Halloween haunt features more than 1,000 monsters lurking throughout the fog-filled park, along with 10 haunted mazes, five scare zones, three live shows, and thrilling night rides on the park’s biggest coasters.
Be sure to check park websites for specific dates, pricing, and ticket availability, as popular events tend to sell out quickly.
Location:various
PIC Credit: @visitanaheim
5 – Community and Cultural Events
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Immerse yourselves in a diverse array of experiences this month. Kick off your September with a nautical adventure at the Maritime Festival in Dana Point, taking place from September 12th to 14th at the Ocean Institute. This engaging event celebrates California’s rich maritime history with visiting tall ships, thrilling cannon battles, pirate and mermaid swim shows, live music, reenactors, and a bustling Peddler’s Village.
Then, later in the month, immerse yourself in a weekend of music and beachfront bliss at the Ohana Festival, returning to Doheny State Beach in Dana Point from September 26th to 28th. This festival, curated by Eddie Vedder, features over 35 performances across three stages, showcasing a variety of acts and genres. Explore exhibits and panels with leading conservationists and environmentalists at the Storytelling Cove.
As the month progresses, many communities embrace the spirit of Oktoberfest. Find celebrations throughout September at various locations, including Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Oktoberfest Food & Brews Festival (starting September 26th), Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest (kicking off September 6th), and the always-vibrant Old World Biergarten in Huntington Beach.
Don’t miss the free admission Lake Arrowhead Oktoberfest at Waterfront Park in Lake Arrowhead Village (starting September 20th), featuring German food, beer, live music, and fun activities like the Sausage Toss and Stein Holding contests.
These diverse events offer fantastic opportunities to celebrate community, immerse yourself in different cultures, and make the most of September in and around Los Angeles.
Location:various
PIC Credit: @latfusanews
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