There’s always something going on in Orange County, and there are plenty of events happening throughout September to enjoy the beautiful weather and stunning scenery. Whale watching season is in full swing, so take a boat trip out of Newport Beach or one of the other local marinas for a chance to see these majestic creatures up close. Octoberfest celebrations are also taking place at Old World Village, so raise a glass of beer and enjoy some traditional German fare. And finally, don’t miss the Dana Point Maritime Festival, which celebrates Orange County’s rich nautical history with tall ships, pirate shows, and more. Whatever your interests, there’s sure to be an event in Orange County this September that’s perfect for you.
Blue Whale & Finback Whale Migration
September 1-30
September is a special time along the coast of Orange County with warm and mild days and huge numbers of blue whales feeding, sometimes just several hundred yards from shore. The Blue Whale Migration is in full swing in September, with cruises often seeing several blue whales or more during a single whale-watching cruise. And if blue whales weren’t enough, finback whales and minke whales or also viewed regularly. An excellent opportunity for even the most seasoned whale watcher. Newport Beach is regarded as one of the top whale-watching destinations worldwide. See why.
LOCATION: Newport Landing
309 Palm St. #A,
Newport Beach, CA 92661
Labor Day weekend – September 2-4, 2022
International foods, crafts, folk dancing, and music. Many different ethnic foods and costumes. The Street Fair has become known for the variety of food reflecting cuisine from around the world. They provide food, drink, entertainment, and crafts to the visitors.
LOCATION: Downtown Orange
Original Lobster FestivalSeptember 9-11, 2022
Fresh Live Maine Lobsters are flown in daily prepared to mouth-watering perfection in the World’s Largest Steamers, which steams up to a thousand pounds of lobster at a time—so there’s plenty to go around! For over 26 years, the Original Lobster Festival has become a tradition to over thousands of festival goers annually. You can find all things lobster, from lobster rolls to lobster mac and lobster fries, lobster bisque, and even lobster surf ‘n’ turf!
LOCATION: Fountain Valley Sports Park,
16400 Brookhurst St,
Fountain Valley
September – October
EVERY Wednesday through Sunday, Eat, Drink, Dance & be Merry at Southern California’s BEST & Most DIVERSE OKTOBERFEST (voted by German World Magazine) with Oom-Pah-Pa Bands directly from Germany. Sample Imported German Beers, Bratwurst, Rotisserie Chicken, Hamburgers, Pork Sandwiches, Strudel, Pretzels & more. Guests can also enter the Beer Drinking & Stein Holding Contests and, of course, do the Chicken Dance! Wednesday through Saturday are adult nights & Sundays are family days with Dachshund Races.
Special dates to remember Oktoberfest Parade Sunday, Sept. 30th, 2 pm, German Day Thursday, Oct. 4th, 7 pm
LOCATION: Old World Village,
7561 Center Ave, #49
Huntington Beach
714-696-TAP1 (8271)
September 30 – October 2, 2022
Tustin Tiller Days has been a regular event in Tustin since 1957. The event provides an opportunity for Tustin to celebrate Orange County’s agricultural heritage. Features Parade (on Saturday at 10 am), carnival, rides, food, and entertainment
LOCATION: 17522 Beneta Way, Tustin, CA
714-573-3326
September 9-11, 2022
The largest annual gathering of tall ships on the West Coast, this festival features a spectacular array of family-fun activities, including live music, art shows, and a variety of tasty food. Interactive living-history encampments including blacksmiths, scrimshaw artists, and the infamous Port Royal Privateers are sure to entertain and amaze guests of all ages and are not to be missed. Additionally, you can explore the historic tall ships and listen to the crew share tails of adventure and life at sea.
LOCATION: Dana Point Harbor / Ocean Institute
949-496-2274
Fiestas Patrias Festival and Parade
September 14-15, 2019, 12-10 p.m. daily
This annual tradition celebrates Santa Ana‟s vibrant Mexican culture with a parade, performers each night, delicious food, affordable shopping, interactive activities, and exciting carnival rides for children of all ages.
LOCATION: Downtown Santa Ana
San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival
September – 2022 dates TBA
Be Greek for the day! Enjoy authentic Greek food and pastries, live Greek music and dancing, shopping at the Greek bazaar, kid-friendly activities, and exhibits featuring Byzantine icons and traditional Greek costumes.
LOCATION: San Juan Capistrano Community Center
25925 Camino Del Avion, San Juan Capistrano
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