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 is packed with events that offer something for everyone, from adrenaline-pumping sports to music festivals and celebrations of the region’s rich maritime history. Here are some of the top things to do in Anaheim and the OC this month.
Fall Celebrations at the Theme Parks
Frightfully Fun Season at DisneylandⓇ Resort
Starting August 23, you can experience 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.
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 19 through November 2, 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 26 – 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 13 to 15 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 Ducks Pre-Season – September 26 and 30 at the Honda Center, Anaheim
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 San Jose Sharks on September 26 and their crosstown rivals, the Los Angeles Kings, on September 30. It’s the perfect way to get back into the hockey spirit and cheer on the Ducks as they prepare for the upcoming NHL season.
Top Things to Do in Orange County
Celebrate the Region’s Culture
Before Hispanic Heritage Month officially begins, the Anaheim Marketplace will be hosting its annual Fiestas Patrias Carnival from September 5-8. This three-day event will be filled with delicious regional fare, live music, games, and rides for the whole family. Santa Ana will also celebrate Mexican Independence Day and various Latin American communities with the Fiestas Patrias Parade on September 14 and 15, 2024.
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.
Sand Sports Super Show – September 20-22 at OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
If you’re into dune and dirt sports, the Sand Sports Super Show is the place to be. Held at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa from September 20 to 22, this massive expo showcases the latest in sand rails, ATVs, UTVs, and all the accessories you could need for your next off-road adventure! Whether you’re a seasoned off-roader or just curious about the sport, this show offers plenty of opportunities to check out the newest gear, talk to experts, and even score some great deals on products.
Explore the Orange County Beaches
Whale Watching in Newport Beach or Dana Point
Anaheim and the Orange County coast are full of sights to see for the whole family. Experience whale watching in September, which marks the continuation of the Gray Whale migration along the California coast. Whale-watching trips, especially in Newport Beach, let you witness a variety of marine animals. From large blue and fin whales to playful humpback whales and friendly bottlenose and common dolphins, every sighting makes the experience truly special. Dana Point also offers the fantastic opportunity to watch the planet’s largest mammal. Book a whale-watching tour from Newport Beach or Dana Point to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures as they make their way south.
Ohana Music Festival – September 27-29 at Doheny State Beach, Dana Point
Music fans won’t want to miss the Ohana Music Festival at Doheny State Beach, running from September 27 to 29. Founded by Eddie Vedder, this festival features an impressive lineup of 35+ performances across three stages with acts like Pearl Jam, Devo, Alanis Morissette, and Sting. Beyond the music, the festival also emphasizes environmental awareness and activism, with thought-provoking programming, an art gallery, and panel discussions on ocean ecology and environmental issues. Set against the backdrop of OC’s coastline, the Ohana Festival is a unique opportunity to engage with music, art, and nature in the heart of Dana Point.
40th Annual Ocean Institute Maritime Festival – September 13-15, Dana Point
Head down to Dana Point for the 40th Annual Ocean Institute Maritime Festival, a beloved event that celebrates California’s rich maritime history. Taking place from September 13 to 15, this festival is a fun-filled weekend featuring visiting Tall Ships, thrilling cannon battles, lively mermaid swim shows, and the chance to learn about marine life at Sailor Camp. With food trucks, beer gardens, live music, and vendors adding to the festivities, it’s a must-visit for families and ocean enthusiasts alike. The event supports the Ocean Institute’s mission of using the ocean as a classroom to inspire children, with all proceeds going directly to their educational programs.
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.
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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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