September may technically mark the end of summer, but the events calendar around Anaheim and Orange County isn’t slowing down! September brings big concerts, international food festivals, cultural celebrations, and all sorts of family-friendly fun across Anaheim and Orange County.
Disney in September: Oogie Boogie Bash
Curious about experiencing Disney after-hours? Halloween arrives early with the return of Oogie Boogie Bash, Disney’s biggest Halloween party at Disney California Adventure® Park.
The separately ticketed, night-time celebration takes over on select nights from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. with immersive treat trails, special entertainment, spookified rides and plenty of Disney villains for selfies and photo ops!
For more Halloween Time fun at Disneyland® Resort, be sure to check out our ultimate guide to Halloween happenings at the parks.
Anaheim Concerts & Live Music in September
September has a stacked concert calendar in Anaheim, with everything from pop and hip-hop to metal and punk coming to venues like the Honda Center, the House of Blues Anaheim and Garden AMP.
- ZAYN — Honda Center | September 1
- Mad Caddies — Garden AMP | September 3
- Kamelot — House of Blues Anaheim | September 4
- Peaches — Garden Amp | September 6
- Slaughter to Prevail — House of Blues Anaheim | September 15
- Chance the Rapper — House of Blues Anaheim | September 17
- The Midnight — House of Blues Anaheim | September 19
- Danzig — Honda Center | September 26
- GZA (of Wu-Tang Clan) — Garden AMP | September 30
NHL Preseason Hockey in Anaheim
September is also a great time to catch some of California’s biggest hockey rivalries as the Anaheim Ducks return to Honda Center for preseason action.
The Ducks take on the San Jose Sharks on September 20, followed by a showdown against their SoCal rivals, the Los Angeles Kings, on September 23. It’s an early chance to get back to the hockey spirit before the regular NHL season gets underway.
Pro Tip: Read our Ultimate Guide to Anaheim Ducks games for the inside scoop.
Anaheim Craft & Vintage Fair | September 19
Shop local at the Anaheim Craft & Vintage Fair, returning to Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Church on September 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Over 30 vendors will be selling handmade goods and vintage finds, while the church will serve Eastern European food alongside a bake sale featuring homemade jams and jellies. Admission is completely free.
Orange International Street Fair | September 4–6
Just down the road from Anaheim, the Orange International Street Fair takes over the streets surrounding historic Orange Plaza over Labor Day weekend.
The long-running festival brings international food, crafts, folk dancing and live music to a four-block area centered around Chapman Avenue and Glassell Street. Food is the main attraction here, so be sure to come hungry and sample dishes representing cuisines and cultures from around the world.
The Original Lobster Festival | September 11–13
Calling all seafood lovers! One of Orange County’s most unique food festivals of the year returns to Fountain Valley for three days dedicated to fresh Maine lobster. The Original Lobster Festival flies in live Maine lobsters every day before cooking them in giant steamers and serving them alongside a full weekend of festival entertainment that includes: a karaoke lounge, wine tastings, dancing and carnival rides.
Dana Point Maritime Festival | September 11–13
Set sail for Dana Point Harbor, where the Maritime Festival brings tall ships, pirates and plenty of nautical fun to the Ocean Institute. The weekend includes live cannon battles, music, pirate school lessons, mermaid swim shows, historical reenactments, vendors and food trucks. There’s even a Pirate and Mermaid Ball!
Santa Ana Fiestas Patrias | September 12–13
Celebrate Orange County’s Hispanic and Latino communities at Santa Ana’s annual Fiestas Patrias. Taking place across Downtown Santa Ana, the weekend celebrates the independence of Mexico and several Latin American countries with a street fair, live music, cultural exhibitors, carnival rides, food and the annual Fiestas Patrias parade. It’s one of Orange County’s largest annual cultural celebrations and an easy trip from Downtown Anaheim.
San Clemente Car Show | September 20
On September 20, nearly 300 classic cars, hot rods, muscle cars, exotic vehicles and vintage trailers take over historic Avenida Del Mar for the annual San Clemente Car Show. After checking out the lineup, you can easily make a full beach day of it with some time along the OC coast.
OC Children’s Book Festival | September 20
The free Orange County Children’s Book Festival returns to Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa on September 20. Families can meet award-winning authors and illustrators, browse books, enjoy storytelling and entertainment, and take part in kid-friendly activities. Admission and parking are both free.
Greek Festival | September 26–27
San Juan Capistrano’s Greek Festival takes over Orange County on September 26 and 27 with authentic Greek food and pastries, live music, folk dancing, a Greek bazaar and plenty of family-friendly activities. Opa!