PIC CREDIT@DISNEYLAND
Updated: August 27, 2026
September in Los Angeles may bring the start of a new season, but the sunny, hot weather isn’t going anywhere just yet. Warm days continue throughout the month, making it a great time for outdoor festivals, concerts and weekend adventures. Keep the sunscreen and hats handy because summer weather in Southern California often sticks around well into fall.
From Labor Day celebrations and food festivals to outdoor concerts and film screenings, September is packed with things to do across LA and the surrounding Southern California communities. It’s also a great month to enjoy LA’s iconic outdoor venues, including the Hollywood Bowl, before its summer season comes to an end.
At the same time, the first signs of fall start popping up in a very Southern California way. Halloween celebrations begin at the major theme parks, while festivals, cultural events and special performances fill the calendar. Here are some of the best events to enjoy this September.
1 – Labor Day Weekend
Description:
Labor Day weekend brings three days of festivals, outdoor movies and end-of-summer fun to Los Angeles
One of the best choices is Fiesta Hermosa, returning to downtown Hermosa Beach from September 5th through 7th. This longtime beachside celebration fills the area with live music, a Makers Mercado, food vendors and a mini carnival. Admission to the main festival areas is free, making it an easy outing for families and groups of friends.
For an only-in-LA Labor Day evening, head to Cinespia at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. The popular outdoor movie series presents Josie and the Pussycats on September 5th and The Sandlot on September 6th. Bring a picnic and settle onto the lawn for a movie under the stars, complete with DJs and Cinespia’s popular photo booth.
Classic movie fans can also check out the 62nd Cinecon Classic Film Festival, taking place September 3rd through 7th at the Landmark Nuart Theatre. This longtime Labor Day tradition celebrates classic and rarely seen films, with screenings and special programs throughout the holiday weekend.
Location:Various
2 – Food and Drink Events
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Yes, we love lobster! The Original Lobster Festival returns to Fountain Valley Sports Park from September 11th to 13th. Fresh Maine lobsters are flown in daily and steamed onsite in the festival’s enormous lobster cooker.
Lobster may be the star, but there is plenty more to enjoy. The festival includes an international food court, live music, dancing, karaoke, carnival rides and games, magic shows and activities for kids. There are also wine, tequila and whiskey tastings for adults.
Next, visit Taste of Arcadia, returning to Santa Anita Park on September 19th. This popular Arcadia Chamber of Commerce event brings together restaurants and food vendors from Arcadia and throughout the San Gabriel Valley. Come hungry and spend the day sampling food and drinks while enjoying entertainment and exploring the Business Showcase.
Location:various
3 – Art, Film, Music and Cultural Events
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Start with The Other Art Fair, returning to the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica from September 24th to 27th. Presented by Saatchi Art, the fair showcases 160 independent artists and thousands of original artworks, including paintings, photography, sculpture and mixed media. Visitors can meet artists directly while enjoying immersive installations, performances and DJs.
Also new this year is the first Los Angeles Korean Film Festival, taking place September 24th to 26th at the Harmony Gold Preview House and Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles. The inaugural festival celebrates contemporary Korean cinema through screenings and special programs. Its theme, New Waves, New Voices, focuses on fresh perspectives and emerging voices in Korean filmmaking. All screenings and programs are free and open to the public.
Later in the month, enjoy a weekend of music by the ocean at the Ohana Festival, returning to Doheny State Beach in Dana Point from September 25th to 27th. More than 35 performances take place across three stages, with a 2026 lineup that includes Pearl Jam, Eddie Vedder, Tyler Childers, Maná, Alabama Shakes, Jon Batiste, Fontaines D.C. and Pixies.
September also marks the beginning of Oktoberfest season. Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest begins September 12th, Old World Oktoberfest in Huntington Beach begins September 13th, and the Lake Arrowhead Oktoberfest starts September 19th. Expect German food, beer, live music and plenty of traditional Oktoberfest festivities.
Location:various
4 – A Night at the Hollywood Bowl
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September offers one last chance to enjoy summer nights at one of LA’s most iconic outdoor venues.
Maestro of the Movies: A Tribute to John Williams comes to the Hollywood Bowl September 4th through 6th. The concert celebrates the legendary composer behind some of Hollywood’s most recognizable movie scores, with selections from Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter, Jaws, Jurassic Park and more. The music is accompanied by specially edited film scenes and clips shown on the Bowl’s big screens.
The following weekend brings another favorite Hollywood Bowl tradition. OneRepublic headlines the Fireworks Finale on September 11th and 12th. Hear hits including “Counting Stars” and “I Ain’t Worried” before the evening finishes with the Bowl’s famous fireworks lighting up the Hollywood sky.
Location:various
5 – Halloween Events at Your Favorite Theme Parks
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Halloween starts early in Southern California, and September brings the transformation of some of the region’s biggest theme parks.
At Disneyland Resort, Halloween Time runs from August 21st through October 31st, bringing seasonal decorations, themed attractions, special treats and entertainment. The popular Oogie Boogie Bash also takes place on select nights throughout September at Disney California Adventure, with immersive treat trails, Disney villains and special Halloween entertainment.
For those seeking more intense chills, Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood takes over the park on select nights from September 3rd through November 1st. Prepare to navigate elaborate haunted houses, scare zones and the famous Terror Tram.
Finally, Knott’s Scary Farm returns on select nights from September 17th through October 31st. Southern California’s longest-running Halloween theme park event transforms Knott’s Berry Farm with haunted mazes, scare zones, sinister shows and more than 1,000 creatures lurking throughout the fog-filled park.
Be sure to check park websites for specific dates, pricing and ticket availability, as the most popular Halloween events can sell out.
Location:various
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