As summer fades, September brings a fresh lineup of events across Orange County—from vibrant cultural parades to lively street fairs and artful performances. Whether you’re chasing free family fun, soaking in stage shows, or indulging in food, culture, and community spirit, OC has it all this month.
Featured September Events
Oktoberfest
📍 Old World Village, Huntington Beach
📅 September 7 – November 9, 2025
This epic fusion of Oktoberfest and live music brings 21+ ticketed concerts and Sunday free shows with food, drinks, and high-energy fun.
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29th Annual Original Lobster Festival
📍 Fountain Valley Sports Park
📅 September 5–7, 2025
Indulge in a seafood extravaganza featuring live Maine lobster in every form—rolls, bisque, mac ‘n’ cheese—and a killer lineup of tribute bands to keep the party sizzling.
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Oktoberfest Launch – Old World Wiener Nationals
📍 Old World Village, Huntington Beach
📅 Sunday, September 7, 2025 | 10 AM – 2 PM
The beloved wiener dog races kickoff the fall—and this “Oktoberfest Launch” edition adds beer hall atmosphere alongside the pet expo. A tail-wagging good time.
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Bowers Museum’s Mehregan Persian Festival
📍 Santa Ana
📅 Sunday, September 7, 2025 | 11 AM – 3 PM
Celebrate Persian culture with free family-friendly activities—face-painting, art, live performances, and treats in a beautiful museum courtyard.
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Avenue Q at The Gem Theatre
📍 Garden Grove
📅 September 4 – October 12, 2025
Don’t miss this irreverent, puppet-filled musical that tackles big life themes with heart and humor. Rated 13+, it’s a quirky, clever night out.
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Maritime Festival
📍 Dana Point
📅 September 12–14, 2025
Set sail on adventure with tall ships, cannon battles, pirate and mermaid antics, a craft beer party, live music, reenactments, and more—perfect for landlubbers and sea lovers alike.
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Fiestas Patrias Festival & Parade
📍 Downtown Santa Ana
📅 September 13–14, 2025
Join the community in honoring Hispanic and Latino heritage at this vibrant street fair featuring live music, carnival rides, cultural booths, and delicious food for the whole family.
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Million Dollar Quartet – South Coast Repertory
📍 Costa Mesa
📅 September 13 – October 11, 2025
Relive an epic 1956 jam session with Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins in this Tony-nominated musical packed with rock’n’roll hits—“Blue Suede Shoes,” “Great Balls of Fire,” and more.
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San Juan Summer Nites
📍 San Juan Capistrano
📅 Wednesday, September 17, 2025 | 6–8 PM
Wrap up the free summer series with “Yachty by Nature” and a relaxed evening of live music in Historic Town Center Park. Packed with food trucks, wine, and community vibes.
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Be More Chill – The Phantom Projects Theatre
📍 La Habra
📅 September 19 – 28, 2025
A contemporary, high-energy musical exploring teenage angst, identity, and what it means to fit in—a fun, electric pick for theater lovers.
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Westminster Fall Festival
📍 Westminster Civic Center
📅 September 25–28, 2025
Carnival rides, lively entertainment, and tasty bites—all with free admission. Great for families looking to go “peek behind the fall curtain.”
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San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival
📍 San Juan Capistrano Community Center
📅 September 27–28, 2025
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.
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Annual Sandcastle Contest
📍 Corona del Mar State Beach (Marguerite & Ocean Blvd.)
📅 September 28, 2025 | 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, thousands of sightseers will descend on “Big Corona Beach” to view amazing sand sculptures created by participants ranging from novice to expert. A perfect day for family and friends.
🔗 Event Info
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