25 Best California Food Festivals in September
September might be my favorite month to eat across California. The heat of summer is still holding on in most inland towns, but the harvest is coming in fast: wine grapes are getting crushed, apples are dropping in Mendocino orchards, and raisins are drying in the Central Valley sun. Add in a run of Greek festivals, an Oktoberfest or two, and a banana festival on the coast, and September turns into one of the busiest food-event months of the year.
25 Best California Food Festivals in September
I've spent enough Septembers driving between fairgrounds, harbor festivals, and small-town grape stomps to know that this month rewards planning. Some events, like California Wine Month, run all 30 days and let you build a whole itinerary around them, while others are single-weekend affairs that sell out fast. Dates, admission fees, and vendor lists shift year to year, so I always confirm details directly with organizers before locking in travel.
Quick picks:
- Best statewide anchor: California Wine Month spans the entire month and covers every wine region.
- Best harvest tradition: Lodi Grape Festival for grape-stomping and Central Valley agriculture.
- Best coastal specialty event: Hueneme Banana Festival for a genuinely unusual harbor celebration.
- Best cultural food festival: Long Beach Greek Festival for scale and decades of history.
1) California Wine Month
September is California Wine Month, a statewide celebration that turns the harvest season into a monthlong invitation to visit wine country. Nearly every California wine region, from Napa and Sonoma to Temecula and Paso Robles, hosts tastings, harvest tours, and vineyard dinners during this stretch.
I like this event because it isn't tied to one date or one town. It's a loose network of happenings you can build a trip around, whether that means a weekend in Sonoma or a quick afternoon at a Central Coast tasting room. Grape harvest, or “crush,” is in full swing in September, so many wineries let visitors watch or even help with picking.
If you're planning a road trip built around wine tasting, September gives you the most active vineyard scenery of the year. For a deeper look at how the season unfolds later in fall, this guide to California wine tasting this November is worth bookmarking for a follow-up trip. Confirm specific event calendars with each wine region's visitor association before booking, since participating wineries and events change annually.
2) Lodi Grape Festival
The Lodi Grape Festival celebrates the San Joaquin Valley's identity as a major wine grape growing region. Lodi sits at the heart of one of California's largest wine appellations, and this long-running festival has historically combined agricultural exhibits, grape stomping, live entertainment, and a working fairground feel.
I appreciate that this festival leans into its farming roots instead of dressing itself up as a polished wine event. Expect produce displays, kids' activities, and food booths alongside the grape-focused programming.
Because Lodi's wine identity runs deep, pairing a festival visit with a stop at a nearby tasting room rounds out the day. Check the Lodi Grape Festival listing pages for 2026 dates, since fairground events like this can shift by a week or more year to year. Admission and vendor lineups are also subject to change, so confirm before you drive out.
3) Mendocino County Fair & Apple Show
The Mendocino County Fair & Apple Show turns Boonville into an apple lover's destination every late September. Held at 14400 Highway 128, this fair has historically run from around September 23 to 25, and blends classic county fair elements with a dedicated apple show.
I like the timing here. Late September puts you right in the middle of apple harvest in Mendocino and Anderson Valley, so the fair's apple displays and baked goods feel genuinely tied to what's happening in the orchards nearby.
Pair a fair visit with a stop for apple picking in Sonoma County or a walk through nearby vineyards using this guide to Mendocino wineries. Confirm 2026 fair dates and ticket prices directly with the Mendocino County Fairgrounds before planning your trip.
4) Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival
The Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival is Sonoma's long-standing harvest celebration, historically held in late September around the Sonoma Plaza. Past editions ran from September 27 to 29, featuring wine and food vendors, live music, and a parade tied to the grape harvest.
This is one of the oldest harvest festivals in California wine country, and it shows in how deeply the event is woven into Sonoma's civic identity. Local wineries, restaurants, and civic groups all participate, giving the festival a homegrown feel that bigger wine events sometimes lack.
If Sonoma is on your September itinerary, this festival pairs naturally with a broader wine country stop. Check current dates before booking, since Vintage Festival scheduling has shifted between years in the past.
5) ClovisFest
ClovisFest brings a Central Valley agricultural town's food and community spirit together in one weekend event. Clovis, just outside Fresno, has a strong farming and ranching identity, and this festival typically reflects that with local food vendors, live entertainment, and family activities.
I think ClovisFest works well for travelers who want a Central Valley stop that isn't strictly about wine or apples. It rounds out a harvest-season road trip with a broader small-town fair experience, including classic fair food and regional agricultural pride.
Fresno County's harvest season overlaps with several other Central Valley festivals in September, so ClovisFest can anchor a day trip that also includes a stop in Dinuba or Lodi. Confirm 2026 dates and admission details with the Clovis event organizers, since scheduling for this festival can move depending on the year.
6) Original Lobster Festival in Fountain Valley
The Original Lobster Festival in Fountain Valley is one of Southern California's most food-focused events, built entirely around fresh lobster. This multi-day festival, historically held over a September weekend, draws seafood lovers with lobster dinners, carnival rides, and live music.
I find this festival stands out because it commits fully to one ingredient instead of spreading across a general food-and-fun format. The lobster dinners are the headline draw, and the event has built a loyal following in Orange County over many years.
If seafood festivals are your focus for the month, this is worth planning a dedicated day around. Confirm 2026 dates, ticket prices, and lobster dinner availability directly with organizers, since seafood pricing and supply can shift the festival's offerings from year to year.
7) Julian Grape Stomp Festa
The Julian Grape Stomp Festa turns this small mountain town east of San Diego into a hands-on harvest celebration. Visitors stomp grapes barefoot in barrels, a messy and genuinely fun tradition that draws families and wine lovers alike.
Julian is better known for apple pies than wine, which makes this festival feel like a fun contrast. Local wineries in the Julian area participate, offering tastings alongside the stomping competitions and live music.
I recommend this for travelers who want a lighter, more playful harvest event compared to a formal wine tasting. Bring old shoes or go barefoot, and expect purple-stained feet by the end of the day. Confirm 2026 dates with Julian's local wineries and event organizers, since this festival's scheduling can shift depending on harvest timing.
8) Festa Italia Monterey
Festa Italia Monterey celebrates the city's deep Italian fishing heritage with food, music, and cultural programming along the waterfront. Monterey's Italian community has historic ties to the sardine fishing industry, and this festival reflects that legacy through Italian cuisine, wine, and live entertainment.
I like how this event connects food to Monterey's actual history rather than treating Italian culture as a generic theme. Expect pasta dishes, seafood, and desserts alongside cultural performances that highlight the city's fishing-village roots.
Monterey's coastal setting makes this festival easy to pair with a broader Central Coast food trip. If you're building an itinerary around Central Coast dining, this California food road trip guide offers useful stops nearby. Confirm 2026 dates and venue details with Monterey festival organizers before finalizing travel plans.
9) Hueneme Banana Festival
The Hueneme Banana Festival is one of the more unusual food festivals in California, built entirely around bananas at the Port of Hueneme. Historically held at the Port of Hueneme Harbor District at 105 East Port Hueneme Road, this free event has run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with banana splits, banana-themed contests, and live entertainment.
I find this festival memorable because bananas aren't grown in California, yet Port Hueneme has built its identity around importing them. The port has long handled banana shipments arriving from Latin America, which gives this quirky festival a real economic backstory.
Kids tend to love the banana-eating contests and giant banana split creations. This is a good pick for a family day trip along the Ventura County coast. Confirm 2026 dates and free admission details with Port Hueneme's event organizers before visiting.
10) Millbrae Art & Wine Festival
The Millbrae Art & Wine Festival combines Peninsula wine tasting with an art fair atmosphere south of San Francisco. This community event typically fills Millbrae's downtown with vendor booths, wine and beer gardens, and live music alongside local art displays.
I think this festival works well for travelers who want a lower-key wine event without the crowds of Napa or Sonoma. It draws a local Bay Area crowd more than out-of-state tourists, which keeps the pace relaxed.
Millbrae's location near San Francisco International Airport makes this an easy add-on for visitors flying in or out of the Bay Area. Confirm 2026 dates and wine garden ticket prices with the festival organizers, since Peninsula street fairs can adjust scheduling based on city permitting each year.
11) Monterey County Fair
The Monterey County Fair blends classic county fair traditions with Central Coast agricultural pride. Held at the Monterey County Fairgrounds, this multi-day event typically features livestock shows, carnival rides, and food vendors representing the region's farming and fishing industries.
I like that this fair gives visitors a full look at Monterey County's agricultural side, which goes beyond the wine and seafood most travelers associate with the area. Expect produce competitions, baked goods, and local vendor booths selling everything from kettle corn to regional specialties.
This fair pairs naturally with a Monterey Peninsula food trip, especially if you're already visiting for Festa Italia or a coastal seafood outing. Confirm 2026 fair dates, admission prices, and carnival ticket details directly with the Monterey County Fairgrounds before planning your visit.
12) Solvang Danish Days
Solvang Danish Days celebrates the Santa Ynez Valley town's Danish heritage with traditional food, folk dancing, and craft demonstrations. Historically held in mid-September, the festival has featured a traditional Aebleskiver breakfast served Saturday and Sunday mornings from 8:30 a.m. to noon.
I think this festival stands out because Solvang's Danish identity runs through its architecture, bakeries, and daily life, not just this one weekend. Aebleskiver, a round Danish pancake, is the signature dish, and bakeries around town sell it well beyond the festival dates too.
Solvang's location in wine country makes this an easy pairing with a Santa Ynez Valley tasting trip. For a broader look at nearby wine regions, this guide to Santa Barbara wine country rounds out a weekend visit. Confirm 2026 dates with Solvang Danish Days organizers before booking.
13) Saint Basil Greek Food Festival in Stockton
The Saint Basil Greek Food Festival brings authentic Greek cuisine and cultural traditions to Stockton's Central Valley community. Organized by the local Greek Orthodox parish, this festival typically features souvlaki, pastries, Greek dancing, and church tours over a weekend.
I find these parish-run Greek festivals tend to feel more intimate than the larger citywide versions in Los Angeles or San Diego. Homemade pastries like baklava and loukoumades are usually the standout items, made by parish volunteers using family recipes.
This festival works well as a cultural food stop if you're already exploring the Central Valley for Lodi's wine events or ClovisFest. Confirm 2026 dates, admission cost, and food menu details directly with Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church before planning a visit, since parish festival scheduling can shift year to year.
14) Long Beach Greek Festival
The Long Beach Greek Festival is one of Southern California's largest and longest-running Greek cultural celebrations. Hosted by Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, this festival has run for over 60 years and historically falls on Labor Day weekend, featuring carnival rides, cooking demonstrations, dancing, and church tours alongside its food offerings.
I like the scale of this event. With decades of history behind it, the festival has built a reputation for reliable food quality, especially its souvlaki, spanakopita, and Greek pastries.
Admission has historically run around $5, making it an accessible day out for families. Because this festival often lands right at the edge of summer and September, confirm the 2026 dates carefully; some years it shifts slightly later into the month. Check directly with Assumption Greek Orthodox Church for current details.
15) Sausalito Chili Cook-Off
The Sausalito Chili Cook-Off turns Dunphy Park into a lively chili competition with a Western theme. Past events have run from noon to 4 p.m., with tasting wristbands historically priced around $20 for unlimited chili sampling.
I appreciate how this event balances competition with community fun. Past years have included a chili pepper eating contest, live music, hot dogs for non-chili fans, and a dog-friendly policy for leashed pets.
The event's Marin County setting makes it an easy add-on to a Bay Area weekend. Snow cones and sodas are typically sold by the local Parks and Rec department, and a water bottle filling station keeps things practical on a warm September afternoon. Confirm 2026 dates and wristband pricing with the Sausalito Parks and Recreation Department before attending.
16) Taste of ‘Dena
Taste of ‘Dena supports the Altadena Library District while showcasing food from local Altadena restaurants. Hosted outdoors by the Altadena Library Foundation, this annual event has historically included a silent auction, a Mystery Wine Pull, and a variety of wine tastings alongside restaurant tastings.
I like that this festival ties directly into a community cause rather than existing purely as a food showcase. Proceeds support library programs, giving the event a purpose beyond the tastings themselves.
Because it's held at the Altadena Main Library at 600 East Mariposa Street, the setting feels more neighborhood gathering than large festival grounds. That makes it a good pick for travelers who prefer a smaller, community-driven food event over a big fairground crowd. Confirm 2026 dates and ticket pricing with the Altadena Library Foundation.
17) Bizerkeley Food Fest
Bizerkeley Food Fest bills itself as the largest vegan food festival in Northern California, and the scale backs that up. Past events have filled 35,000 square feet with more than 75 vendors, running from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. or until vendors sell out.
I think this event works well for travelers curious about plant-based food without needing to be strictly vegan themselves. Vendor variety historically has ranged from vegan comfort food to baked goods, plus games with prizes.
Tickets have historically ranged from $5 to $50 depending on entry tier. Held at Sports Basement on Milvia Street in Berkeley, the location keeps things accessible for East Bay visitors. Confirm 2026 dates, ticket pricing, and vendor lineup with Bizerkeley Food Fest organizers before planning a trip.
18) Fair Oaks Chicken Festival
The Fair Oaks Chicken Festival is a free community event centered on Fair Oaks Park near Sacramento. Past editions have leaned into a small-town fair feel with chicken-themed food, vendor booths, and family activities.
I like that this festival keeps things simple and approachable. It doesn't try to be a major destination event, which makes it a comfortable stop for Sacramento-area families looking for a low-cost afternoon out.
Free admission makes this an easy add to a broader Sacramento region weekend that might include Folsom or Nevada City stops. Confirm 2026 dates and event hours with the Fair Oaks Park district before visiting, since community park festivals can shift dates with little notice.
19) Nevada City Uncorked
Nevada City Uncorked showcases Sierra Foothills wine alongside this historic Gold Country town's shops and restaurants. The event typically combines wine tastings from foothill wineries with a walkable downtown setting full of Victorian architecture.
I find this festival appeals to travelers who want a wine event with real small-town character. Nevada City's downtown is compact and walkable, so tasting stations tend to blend naturally with local shops and cafes rather than feeling like a fenced-off festival ground.
This is a solid pick if you're exploring the Sierra Foothills wine region, which gets far less attention than Napa or Sonoma but produces distinctive wines from warmer inland growing conditions. Confirm 2026 dates and ticket details with Nevada City event organizers before booking a foothills trip.
20) Dinuba Raisin Harvest Festival
The Dinuba Raisin Harvest Festival celebrates the Central Valley's identity as a major raisin-producing region. Held at Roseanne Vulch Park in Dinuba, past festivals have run for four days in late September.
I like this festival because raisins rarely get their own dedicated celebration, even though the Fresno County region around Dinuba produces a large share of the country's raisin supply. Expect agricultural displays, food vendors, and community entertainment tied to the harvest.
This festival pairs naturally with a Central Valley food trip that includes Lodi or ClovisFest. Confirm 2026 dates and event details with Dinuba's city event organizers, since this festival's scheduling has moved between years historically.
21) Pacific Coast Fog Fest
The Pacific Coast Fog Fest brings a coastal community celebration to the Pacifica area, blending food vendors with arts and crafts booths. This festival typically leans into the region's foggy coastal identity with a laid-back, community-fair atmosphere.
I think this event works well for travelers looking for a coastal food festival that isn't centered on seafood specifically. Local food trucks and vendor booths usually offer a mix of casual fair food alongside craft and art displays.
Its coastal Pacifica setting makes it an easy stop for Bay Area visitors looking for something outside San Francisco proper. Confirm 2026 dates and admission details with Pacifica festival organizers before planning your visit.
22) Oktoberfest by the Bay
Oktoberfest by the Bay brings German beer garden traditions to San Francisco with pretzels, sausages, and live oompah bands. This event has historically kicked off the Bay Area's Oktoberfest season, giving visitors an early taste of the German celebration before October arrives.
I like that this festival captures the beer garden energy without requiring a Munich-scale commitment. Expect classic German fare like bratwurst and pretzels alongside stein-holding contests and polka music.
If Oktoberfest events are a September priority for you, this guide to the best Oktoberfests in California covers several other options worth comparing. Confirm 2026 dates and ticket pricing with San Francisco Oktoberfest by the Bay organizers before attending.
23) Folsom Lake College Food Truck Festival
The Folsom Lake College Food Truck Festival gathers a rotating lineup of mobile kitchens on campus grounds near Sacramento. This event typically draws a mix of students, families, and food truck regulars looking for a casual, low-cost outing.
I like food truck festivals like this one because the format naturally brings variety. A single visit might cover tacos, barbecue, Asian fusion, and dessert trucks all in one parking lot, without committing to a single cuisine.
This is a good option if you're building a broader food truck tour of the Sacramento region. For more on the format statewide, this guide to California food trucks covers other festivals worth adding to your list. Confirm 2026 dates and truck lineups with Folsom Lake College before visiting.
24) Santa Clarita Oktoberfest
Santa Clarita Oktoberfest brings German beer garden traditions to the Santa Clarita Valley north of Los Angeles. This event typically features imported and craft beers, German food like schnitzel and pretzels, and live entertainment in a fairground-style setting.
I find this festival gives Southern California visitors an Oktoberfest option without a drive up to the Bay Area or Central Coast. It draws a mixed crowd of families during the day and a more beer-focused evening crowd.
If you're comparing Oktoberfest options across the state, this guide to the best Oktoberfests in California is worth checking before choosing which one fits your trip. Confirm 2026 dates and ticket pricing with Santa Clarita event organizers before attending.
25) Temecula Valley Crush
Temecula Valley Crush celebrates the annual wine grape harvest across Temecula's wine country with harvest-themed events at local wineries. This celebration typically spans several weeks in September, with individual wineries hosting their own crush-season tastings, grape stomps, and harvest dinners.
I like that this event lets visitors build a custom itinerary rather than attending one fixed festival. Because Temecula wineries participate individually, you can pick tastings that match your schedule and wine preferences.
Temecula's wine country sits close enough to San Diego and Los Angeles for an easy day trip or weekend stay. For nearby weekend planning ideas, this guide to wine and food getaways from LA offers useful pairings. Confirm 2026 participating wineries and event dates directly with Temecula Valley Crush organizers.
26) Oceanside Harbor Days
Oceanside Harbor Days combines seafood, craft vendors, and harbor views along the San Diego County coast. This festival typically features fresh seafood dishes, local craft booths, and live music set against Oceanside's working harbor.
I think this event pairs well with the Original Lobster Festival if you're planning a Southern California seafood-focused weekend. The harbor setting gives it a different feel from Fountain Valley's more carnival-style atmosphere, leaning instead into a working waterfront character.
Free admission has historically made this an easy stop for coastal day trips. Confirm 2026 dates and vendor lineups with Oceanside Harbor organizers before visiting, since harbor-based events can shift based on tide schedules and dock availability.
How to Choose a September California Food Festival
Picking the right festival comes down to matching your travel radius, food interests, and tolerance for crowds to the event's character. California's September festival calendar spans wine harvest celebrations, cultural food festivals, and small-town agricultural fairs, so narrowing down by region and theme first saves time.
| Festival | Region | Food Focus | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| California Wine Month | Statewide | Wine, harvest | Varies by winery |
| Lodi Grape Festival | Central Valley | Grapes, wine | Varies |
| Mendocino County Fair & Apple Show | North Coast | Apples | Varies |
| Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival | Sonoma | Wine, harvest | Varies |
| ClovisFest | Central Valley | General fair food | Varies |
| Original Lobster Festival | Orange County | Lobster, seafood | Varies |
| Julian Grape Stomp Festa | San Diego County | Grapes, wine | Varies |
| Festa Italia Monterey | Central Coast | Italian, seafood | Varies |
| Hueneme Banana Festival | Ventura County | Bananas | Free |
| Millbrae Art & Wine Festival | Bay Area | Wine, art | Varies |
| Monterey County Fair | Central Coast | Fair food | Varies |
| Solvang Danish Days | Santa Ynez Valley | Danish pastries | Varies |
| Saint Basil Greek Food Festival | Central Valley | Greek | ~$3 historically |
| Long Beach Greek Festival | Los Angeles County | Greek | ~$5 historically |
| Sausalito Chili Cook-Off | Bay Area | Chili | ~$20 wristband |
| Taste of ‘Dena | Los Angeles County | Restaurant tastings | Varies |
| Bizerkeley Food Fest | Bay Area | Vegan | $5-$50 |
| Fair Oaks Chicken Festival | Sacramento region | Chicken, fair food | Free |
| Nevada City Uncorked | Sierra Foothills | Wine | Varies |
| Dinuba Raisin Harvest Festival | Central Valley | Raisins | Varies |
| Pacific Coast Fog Fest | Bay Area | General fair food | Varies |
| Oktoberfest by the Bay | San Francisco | German beer, food | Varies |
| Folsom Lake College Food Truck Festival | Sacramento region | Food trucks | Varies |
| Santa Clarita Oktoberfest | Los Angeles County | German beer, food | Varies |
| Temecula Valley Crush | Inland Empire | Wine, grapes | Varies by winery |
| Oceanside Harbor Days | San Diego County | Seafood | Free |
Which California Region Fits Your Trip?
Your starting point should narrow the list fast. Southern California residents have easy access to Julian, Temecula, Fountain Valley, and Long Beach, while Bay Area travelers can cover Sausalito, Millbrae, Berkeley, and Pacifica in a single weekend without a long drive.
Central Valley events like Lodi, ClovisFest, and Dinuba cluster together geographically, making a multi-stop road trip practical if you're coming from Fresno or Sacramento. For a broader look at planning trips around the state's calendar, California by month breaks down what each season offers region by region.
Do You Want a Wine Harvest, Cultural Feast, or Family Fair?
Wine harvest events like California Wine Month, Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival, and Temecula Valley Crush suit travelers chasing crush-season tastings and vineyard scenery. Cultural festivals like the Long Beach Greek Festival and Festa Italia Monterey offer deeper community history alongside the food.
Family-oriented fairs like the Monterey County Fair, Fair Oaks Chicken Festival, and Hueneme Banana Festival work better if you're traveling with kids who want rides and hands-on activities alongside the eating.
What Should You Confirm Before Buying Tickets?
Confirm exact 2026 dates, since many of these festivals shift by a week or more between years based on venue availability. Check admission costs and whether tastings require separate wristbands, as seen with the Sausalito Chili Cook-Off's $20 tasting wristband.
Verify parking arrangements and whether the event is rain-or-shine, since outdoor fairground and harbor events can change format with little notice.
Planning Tips for September Festival Weekends
September festival planning works best when you book lodging early and prepare for inland heat. California's Central Valley and wine country regions regularly see high temperatures well into September, even as coastal towns stay mild.
When Should You Book Hotels and Transportation?
Book hotels at least four to six weeks ahead for popular wine country towns like Sonoma, Solvang, and Temecula, since September overlaps with harvest season demand from wine tourists. Coastal towns like Monterey and Sausalito also fill up fast on festival weekends.
If you're driving between multiple festivals in one trip, mapping out a route in advance saves time. A resource like the ultimate California food road trip guide can help sequence stops efficiently across regions.
How Can You Plan for Heat, Crowds, and Parking?
Inland festivals in Lodi, Clovis, and Dinuba can see temperatures above 90 degrees in September, so early arrival and shaded rest areas matter for comfort. Coastal events like Oceanside Harbor Days and Festa Italia Monterey stay cooler, often in the 60s and 70s.
Parking fills fast at fairground events with carnival rides, so arriving within the first hour of opening gives you the best shot at close parking and shorter food lines.
Which Festivals Require Advance Tickets or Age Verification?
Wine and beer-focused events like the San Diego Spirits Festival, Oktoberfest by the Bay, and wine tastings tied to California Wine Month typically require ID checks for alcohol service and often sell tickets online in advance. Chili cook-offs and food truck festivals rarely require pre-purchased tickets, though wristband systems like Sausalito's chili tasting band are common.
Confirm each festival's specific ticket policy directly with organizers, since rules around advance sales and age verification can change between festival years.
