September in Orange County is one of those months when summer does not quite feel over, but fall starts making its way into the calendar. The weather is still perfect for spending time near the coast, while local festivals, community events, art shows, family activities, and seasonal celebrations give you plenty of reasons to explore different parts of the county.
Whether you live in Orange County, recently moved here, or are visiting for the weekend, September 2026 offers something for almost everyone. From tall ships in Dana Point and cultural celebrations in Santa Ana to children's events in Costa Mesa and the final days of Laguna Beach's famous summer art festivals, here are some events worth adding to your calendar.
Dana Point Maritime Festival
September 11–13, 2026
Dana Point Harbor / Ocean Institute
One of South Orange County's most distinctive annual traditions returns to Dana Point Harbor in September.
The Maritime Festival brings maritime history to life with historic tall ships, demonstrations, entertainment, vendors, food, and activities for families. Visitors can explore the waterfront while learning more about Southern California's connection to the sea.
Dana Point is already one of my favorite places for a coastal afternoon, and an event like this gives you another reason to spend the day exploring the harbor, restaurants, beaches, and surrounding community.
Location: Dana Point Harbor / Ocean Institute, Dana Point
Fiestas Patrias Festival & Parade
September 12–13, 2026
Downtown Santa Ana
Fiestas Patrias is one of Orange County's major cultural celebrations, bringing music, food, entertainment, a parade, carnival activities, and cultural exhibits to Downtown Santa Ana.
The event celebrates Mexican and Latin American heritage and provides a wonderful opportunity to experience the history, food, music, and community that make Santa Ana such an important part of Orange County.
If you enjoy community festivals where there is something happening around every corner, this one deserves a place on your September calendar.
Orange County Children's Book Festival
September 20, 2026
Orange Coast College, Costa Mesa
Families with young readers should know about the Orange County Children's Book Festival, which takes place at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa.
The event brings together children's authors, illustrators, storytellers, booksellers, entertainment, crafts, and family activities. Admission and parking are listed as free for the 2026 festival.
It is the kind of local event that can turn an ordinary Sunday into something memorable, especially for children who already love books—or parents hoping to encourage them to read more.
Location: Orange Coast College, 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa
Catch the Final Days of Laguna Beach's Summer Art Festivals
September also gives you one last opportunity to experience some of Laguna Beach's signature summer art traditions.
The Sawdust Art Festival and Laguna Art-A-Fair are scheduled to continue through September 6, while the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show runs into early September.
If you have been telling yourself all summer that you would make it down to Laguna Beach, this is your reminder.
Spend a few hours exploring the artwork, then turn the visit into a full Laguna Beach day with lunch, a walk downtown, or sunset near the coast.
Huntington Beach Civil War Days
September 5–6, 2026
Huntington Beach Central Park
For families interested in history, Huntington Beach Civil War Days offers a different kind of weekend activity.
The annual living-history event uses reenactments and educational demonstrations to give visitors a glimpse into life during the Civil War era. The 2026 event is scheduled for September 5 and 6 at Huntington Beach Central Park and is listed as free to the public.
Location: Huntington Beach Central Park
Oktoberfest at Old World Village
September 6–November 8, 2026
Huntington Beach
September also marks the beginning of Oktoberfest season at Old World Village in Huntington Beach.
The annual celebration is scheduled to run from September 6 through November 8, with German food, music, entertainment, games, and other festivities throughout the season.
Old World Village has its own distinctive atmosphere, making this a fun option if you are looking for something different from the typical beach or park outing.
Families may also want to look for the Wiener Dog Race & Pet Expo, scheduled for September 6.
Go Whale Watching From Newport Beach or Dana Point
Not everything on your September calendar needs to be a festival.
September falls within Orange County's blue whale and fin whale viewing season, with whale-watching excursions departing from areas including Newport Beach and Dana Point.
For residents, this is one of those experiences we sometimes forget is practically in our backyard. You do not necessarily need to travel far to create a memorable weekend when the Southern California coastline offers experiences like this so close to home.
Enjoy One More Outdoor Concert
Summer concert season also stretches into September in parts of South Orange County.
San Juan Capistrano's outdoor concert schedule includes a September 16 performance at Historic Town Center Park, and Pacific Symphony's Symphony on the Go is scheduled to visit Los Rios Park on September 15.
Bring a chair or blanket, enjoy the evening weather, and make the most of those last summer-style nights before the season officially changes.
September Is a Great Month to Explore Orange County
One of the things I love about living and working in Orange County is how different one weekend can feel from the next.
You can spend Saturday surrounded by art in Laguna Beach, take the family to a book festival in Costa Mesa the following weekend, experience maritime history in Dana Point, or simply enjoy an evening concert close to home.
These experiences are also part of what makes choosing the right community so personal. When you buy a home, you are not only choosing bedrooms, bathrooms, and square footage. You are choosing the parks you may visit, the local traditions your family may look forward to, the restaurants that become your regular spots, and the community that surrounds your everyday life.
If you are considering a move within Mission Viejo, South Orange County, or the surrounding Orange County communities, I would be happy to help you explore not only the homes available, but the neighborhoods and lifestyles that come with them.
Before You Go
Event dates, hours, admission policies, and programming can change, so always confirm details directly with the event organizer before making plans.