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As the summer heat starts to mellow and the promise of fall hangs in the air, it's a fantastic time to visit Anaheim and the surrounding Orange County area. September in Orange County means the last stretch of summer fun mixing with early fall festivities. Major conventions and family-friendly events keep September buzzing with activity all month long!
Fall Celebrations at the Theme Parks
Frightfully Fun Season at DisneylandⓇ Resort
From now until October 31st, you can experience the spook-tacular season of them all, Halloween Time at Disneyland® Resort. At Disneyland® Park, prepare for enchanting encounters with beloved Disney characters, like the mischievous Jack Skellington and endearing Sally. Speaking of Jack and Sally, starting this month, you can visit the Haunted Mansion® Holiday inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, adorned with chillingly charming decorations featuring your favorite characters and songs. Delight in a culinary journey of Halloween-themed sweets, perfectly crafted to satisfy every ghost and ghoul's cravings for decadence and flavor.
Eerie Chills at Disney California Adventure® Park
Don’t miss Disney California Adventure® Park’s eerie offerings! Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! gets a creepy twist this season with Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark and your favorite Cars will be donning hilarious Haul-O-Ween attire in “Radiator Screams.” Plus, you'll have an opportunity to celebrate Dia de los Muertos and celebrate the ties of family at the Plaza de la Familia. Learn more about Halloween Time at Disney’s California Adventure® Park.
Disneyland® Halloween Half Marathon Weekend (September 4–7)
Runners take center stage during the Disneyland® Halloween Half Marathon Weekend, a multi-day event filled with themed races, exclusive photo opportunities, and plenty of Disney magic along the course. Participants can choose from a variety of distances, and spectators can soak in the energy as the resort comes alive with costumes, live entertainment, and spooky celebrations throughout the weekend.
Halloween Season is Back at Knott's Berry Farm
Another beloved theme park in the region, Knott's Berry Farm, prepares for Halloween by offering a mix of thrilling rides and family-friendly attractions. On select nights from September 18 through November 1, you can experience their annual Knott's Scary Farm event, where the park is transformed into a spooky haunt with mazes, scare zones, and Halloween-themed entertainment. On select dates from September 25 – October 31, 2024, Knott's Spooky Farm will also fill the space with its family-friendly, day-time fall celebration filled with frights for the whole family. Enjoy trick-or-treating through Calico Town's friendly townsfolk and enjoy themed decor throughout the park and spooky surprises.
Live Entertainment at Honda Center
Professional Bull Riders – September 5 to 7 at the Honda Center, Anaheim
Get ready for an action-packed weekend as the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Camping World Team Series rolls into Anaheim. This groundbreaking event redefines bull riding, turning it into a thrilling team competition where riders join forces to battle it out for championship glory. Taking place from September 13 to 15 at the Honda Center, this event promises high-stakes action and edge-of-your-seat excitement as the toughest riders face off against the most formidable bulls. Don’t miss out on witnessing this electrifying event where teamwork meets pure adrenaline.
Anaheim's Conventions
Sneaker Con Los Angeles (September 6–7)
Sneaker Con brings sneakerheads from around the globe to the Anaheim Convention Center for two days of buying, selling, trading, and showing off the latest and rarest footwear. Known as one of the premier sneaker events in the world, it’s also a hub for streetwear culture, with apparel vendors, customization booths, and panels featuring industry insiders.
Reptile Super Show Anaheim (September 13–14)
The Reptile Super Show returns to the Anaheim Convention Center, offering visitors the chance to see and learn about thousands of reptiles and amphibians. The event is equal parts educational and entertaining, with opportunities to meet breeders, explore pet care supplies, and even adopt a new scaly family member!
Orange County Auto Show 2025 (September 25–28)
Each year, Anaheim hosts the Orange County Auto Show, where the latest cars, trucks, SUVs, and EVs are on display. Guests can compare upcoming models side by side, test drive select vehicles, explore luxury and exotic car displays, and get up to speed on the newest automotive technology.
Family-Friendly Festivals
Mehregan Persian Festival at the Bowers Museum (September 7)
Celebrate the Persian festival of autumn at the Bowers Museum’s free family festival. Mehregan honors Mithra, the god of light, friendship, and love, and the event brings the tradition to life with live performances, art-making stations, face painting, and complimentary treats in the museum’s Key Courtyard.
Westminster FallFest (September 25–28)
Westminster’s Civic Center transforms into a seasonal party during the Westminster Fall Festival. Expect carnival rides, live entertainment, vendor booths, and plenty of great food. Admission is free, making it an easy addition to your weekend plans (and it’s just a short drive from Downtown Anaheim!)
Sports Games in Anaheim
Baseball in September: Home Stretch at Angel Stadium
The Angels pack the month with home games against the Athletics (Sept. 5–7), Twins (Sept. 8–10), Royals (Sept. 23–25), and Astros (Sept. 26–28), making September one of the most exciting stretches of the season. With the playoffs just weeks away, each matchup carries extra weight, so it’s the perfect time to grab a seat, cheer on the team, and see how the postseason picture unfolds.
Watch The Anaheim Ducks Pre-Season Games
Hockey fans, mark your calendars! The Anaheim Ducks kick off their pre-season action this September at the Honda Center. Catch the Ducks as they face off against the Utah Mammoths on September 22 and their crosstown rivals, the Los Angeles Kings, on September 24. It’s the perfect way to get back into the hockey spirit and cheer on the Anaheim Ducks as they prepare for the upcoming NHL season.
Celebrate the Region’s Culture
National Hispanic Heritage Month September 15 - October 15
Before Hispanic Heritage Month officially begins, the Anaheim Marketplace will be hosting its annual Live Entertainment and Folklorico Celebration from September 13 and 14. This family-friendly event will be filled with delicious regional fare, live music, games, and rides for the whole family. Santa Ana will also celebrate local Hispanic and Latin American communities for their Independence Day with the Fiestas Patrias Parade on September 13 and 14, 2025.
Explore Nature & OC's Beaches
Take A Hike
With pleasant weather prevailing in September, it's an ideal time to explore Anaheim and Orange County's natural beauty. Two of the best hikes in Anaheim are Weir Canyon Trail and Peters Canyon Regional Park. Packed with amazing views and a short drive to the outskirts of Anaheim, they are perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Or hike in the expansive Santiago Oaks Regional Park and explore the 3.5-mile loop that takes you to a dam across Santiago Creek. In the mood for a beach hike? Head to the picturesque Orange County coast and hit the trails at Crystal Cove State Park where the ocean views are breathtaking.
Discover more hikes in and around Anaheim.
62nd Annual Corona del Mar State Sandcastle Contest (September 29)
This September, the shores of Corona del Mar State Beach will transform into an open-air gallery of sand art during the Annual Sandcastle Contest. This long-running event draws thousands of spectators eager to see elaborate sculptures take shape. Creations range from playful to impressively complex. It’s a full day by the ocean, perfect for strolling the beach and watching the skilled artists at work!
With so many fun things to do in Anaheim, you're in for a treat every time you visit! Whether you're a local looking for new experiences or a visitor exploring the area, this is a month to savor the best of what the region has to offer.
More Events on Our Event Calendar
Stay tuned to our events page for more details on these happenings and discover even more fun things to do in Anaheim and the OC throughout September!
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