Those long hot days of summer may be behind us. But there’s still many equally hot though perhaps not as long days of fall ahead of us here in Orange County. Yes, it’s officially pumpkin spice season and that is cause for celerbation, September is also the month of awesome street fairs, nature activities, and fun international heritage events. Check out all the family-friendly and exciting Orange County events September has to offer!
Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort – Anaheim
Now – October 31
It’s never too early to scare up some Halloween Time fun right? As in years past, certain rides will be getting limited-time-only Halloween theming and story changes. Entire lands will be revamped in the spirit of the season! Orange you glad I’m telling you about this?? (Sorry, I just can’t help myself with these bad puns!)
I’m partial to Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween at Carsland, plus there Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree, Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark, Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit scavenger hunt, and many more festive, family-friendly touches. And don’t even get me started on all the Halloween-themed menu items and sweet treats! Let’s just say that this mummy is very excited for what is going to be a frightfully fun time at the Disneyland Resort!
One day one park tickets for Disneyland or Disney California Adventure start at $104 for adults and kids ages 3-9. Children 2 and under are free. Tickets to Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party, an after-hours celebration on select evenings starting September 5th, have unfortunately sold out. Check the Disneyland website for more info!
BioBlitz! In Celebration Of Biodiversity Day – Laguna Beach
September 7
From their website: “Come and learn how to be a scientist by joining OC Parks in celebrating Biodiversity Day! Did you know California is a biodiversity hotspot! Help scientists and OC Parks Staff with documenting the species found in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. You will learn about California’s unique biodiverse flora and fauna and how to use iNaturalist. Then you will go out and hike on your own while documenting the species you find along the way!”
Advance registration required. The program is free. Parking is $3 per vehicle.
Grandparents Day Hike – Laguna Beach
September 8
Encourage Granme and Grampy to get out there and be active for this gentle and scenic family hike! From their website: “Come celebrate National Grandparents’ Day by sharing a family-friendly 2.5-mile hike to Barbara’s Lake over mostly flat terrain with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers and staff. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the South Coast Wilderness, its native plants and animals, and experience the joys of bonding across generations!”
Advance registration required. The program is free. Parking is $3 per vehicle.
Ocean Institute’s 40th Annual Maritime Festival – Dana Point
September 13-15
Come celebrate California’s rich maritime history and our connection to the ocean at the 40th Annual Maritime Festival! This is a fun filled weekend with, visiting Tall Ships, Sails ‘n Ales Craft Beer Party, Cannon Battles, Pirate and Mermaid Ball, Beer Garden, Mermaids Swim Shows, Pirate School, Live music, Reenactors and Sailor Camp, Local Vendors, Food Trucks and more!
Free for ship reenactments, sailor camp, pirate reinactment camp, beer garden entry, live music, and vendor booths. Additional fees for some premium experiences such as Pirate School, Lil Lads Landing, food and refreshments etc.
Family Hike: Black Star Canyon – Silverado
September 14
From the website: “Enjoy an afternoon family hike in Black Star Canyon, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. We will hike along a flat trail and cross a dry creek as we watch for red-tailed hawks and mule deer. The hike will average 3-4 miles round trip at an easy pace with a medium level of interpretation. This program is for participants who would enjoy a slower-paced and low-level hike. Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes, and bring water for the hike.”
Free. Registration required. Family-friendly and children under the age of 5 are permitted to attend the hike but only if they are secured in a carrier for the duration of the hike. Strollers or all terrain wagons are not permitted.
Fiestas Patrias For Hispanic Heritage Month – Santa Ana
September 14+15
From their website: “Celebrate our local Hispanic and Latino communities on September 14-15, 2024 at Santa Ana’s very own Fiestas Patrias! Open to all, the free weekend-long festivities include a parade and street fair, live music, carnival rides and more – all commemorating Mexican independence and celebrating the various Latin American communities that reside throughout Orange County.”
Admission and entertainment is free. Additional costs for carnival rides, food, etc.
Mid-Autumn Festival – Silverado
September 17
From their website: “This month we will focus on a Chinese celebration called Mid-Autumn Festival. This fun night of celebration enjoys the middle of autumn with lanterns and lion dances and moon cakes. Come and enjoy an evening hike in Round Canyon. Discover unique historical tales about the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks as we celebrate different cultures together! Each month, a different culture and celebration will be highlighted, usually with the program presented in multiple languages which allows everyone to fully enjoy the beauty of the land.”
Event and parking are free. Advance registration is required. Minimum age to participate is 6 years old; children 5 and under allowed to attend if they remain secured in a carrier. Strollers and wagons not permitted.
Preschool Paleontology: Art & Storytime – Buena Park
September 19
From the website: “Join us for a story and more! Learn about our ancient Earth, make a craft, visit the Interpretive Center, and enjoy a morning at Clark Park. This month we will will read about fossils and how they are made!”
Free but there is a Park Entrance Fee per vehicle of $3 on weekdays. Registration required and geared towards children ages 2-5 but all are welcome.
45th Annual Polish Dożynki Harvest Festival – Yorba Linda
September 21+22
From their website: “The DOZYNKI Harvest Festival is a celebration of Polish culture, heritage, music and Polish cuisine. Join us for an unforgettable two-day festival which was held for the first time in 1978 and has now become one of the largest Polish festivals in California. Don’t miss out on this incredible cultural experience! It’s a must-do family event with wonderful attractions to keep kids and adults happy. Our annual DOZYNKI Polish Harvest Festival offers: Non-stop entertainment & live music, Authentic Polish food, Carnival games, face painting, arts & crafts, Cultural exhibits, Local vendors, Polish beer, Disco under the stars, [and] Opportunity Drawing with great prizes.”
Admission and entertainment is free. Raffle tickets and food are an additional cost.
Coastal Clean Up Day – Multiple Locations Throughout Orange County
September 21
Do your part to keep our beaches and parks clean, and have a fun day of outdoor service with your kids at the same time! Hit our local beaches and inland parks with OC Coastkeeper to pick up trash that will otherwise end up in our oceans. A few years ago, 7,000 volunteers collected a record-breaking 70,485 pounds of trash and recyclable materials during the event. Some of the most obscure findings included wigs, a flute, car parts and more. I challenge you to find something during this event that’s even more random than these items LOL. And if you have a scheduling conflict and can’t do this Orange County events September, follow my lead and do your own mini beach clean up project whenever you have time – every little bit helps!
Free and supplies will be provided. However, participants are encouraged to bring their own clean up supplies if possible. Registration is required and you can select from one of the many different locations in our area.
Orange County Children’s Book Festival – Costa Mesa
September 22
Discover the latest in children’s book publishing! This annual festival features over 3,000 titles, including books personally autographed by authors. You can buy just about any book there. That makes this festival one of the world’s largest bookstores! Multiple stages feature authors, illustrators, and professional storytellers. Past festivals have included a trackless train ride, kids crafts, face painting, crazy hair styling, petting zoo, balloon animals, and other family fun activities. Food vendors and more!
Free admission and parking. Food and books available for purchase.
Greek Festival – San Juan Capistrano
September 28+29
From their website: “The weekend event evokes the sights, sounds and tastes of Greece. Enjoy the hospitality (philoxenia) of San Juan Capistrano’s Greek community, meet some new friends and experience a glimpse of Greece without leaving Southern California. Lots of traditional Greek dishes to choose from! Try the flavorful lamb chops and souvlakia, a tasty gyro sandwich, or a delicious Greek village salad. Enjoy Greek wine tasting and beers in our sports bar taverna while listening to live Greek music. For your sweet tooth, we have plenty of yiayia’s Greek pastries to compliment your Greek coffee or refreshing iced coffee frappe. …Watch a Greek folk dance performance by our costumed troupe and learn to dance like Zorba! There is plenty of shopping at the Greek bazaar and activities for kids. Enter the raffle for a chance to win great prizes. A fun-filled weekend for the whole family!”
$3 Admission. Free for children 12 and under, active military, and first responders.
OC Zoo’s Halloween Animal Art – Orange
September 28
The OC Zoo always has fun programming for younger ones, but especially so around the fall as we ramp up to Halloween time when they include the animals in fall fun. This kid-centered class includes hands-on learning, fun crafts, and meeting some zoo creatures up close!
$5 per family member. Advance reservation is required. Weekend parking is $5 per car.
For more Orange County events September inspiration, check out Orange County’s Ultimate Guide To Fall. We hope you have a fun and festive start to the fall season!
