California Wine Month 2026: Guide to 5 Must-Visit Events

Fall in California does not necessarily mean sweaters, crunchy leaves, and dramatically holding a pumpkin-spice latte with both hands. In some parts of the state, September still feels suspiciously like summer. What fall does bring is an excellent festival calendar, with California events 2026 ranging from wine celebrations to major music and cultural weekends.

The best California fall events cover just about every possible group personality: wine lovers, jazz fans, film buffs, serious food people, and anyone willing to celebrate an avocado for an entire weekend. From September through November, these five California festivals 2026 give groups plenty of reasons to get out of the group chat and actually go somewhere. Here is what to know about dates, tickets, parking, transportation, and the experiences worth showing up for.

Where to Celebrate California Wine Month in 2026

September is California Wine Month, which basically means the state spends 30 days reminding everyone that grapes can have very successful careers. California Wine Month runs September 1–30, with wine events happening across several regions. Among the season's California fall festivals, LAWineFest returns to Burbank September 12–13, bringing wineries together for a big weekend of tasting. If you're driving, off-site parking is $16 and includes a complimentary shuttle.

That same weekend, Two Harbors Wine Fest takes place September 12 on Catalina Island. Just remember that Catalina adds an extra planning step: unless someone in your group owns a yacht and has been suspiciously quiet about it, you'll need to arrange boat transportation separately. For anyone planning group travel in California, that extra connection is worth sorting out before everyone starts making their own transportation plans.

The Lodi Grape Festival 2026 follows September 17–20, with official-lot parking available for $12. Then come Alexander Valley Wine Week from September 21–27 and the Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival from September 24–27. Together, they make September a strong month for California winery events and a terrible month to tell your wine-loving friends, “There's nothing going on.”

Monterey Jazz Festival 2026

Some music festivals require glitter, questionable footwear, and three days of pretending you’re perfectly comfortable sleeping outdoors. Monterey Jazz Festival 2026 takes a different approach. Now in its 69th year, the festival runs September 25–27 at the Monterey County Fairgrounds, with single-day tickets and three-day packages available.

Monterey Jazz Festival Lineup and Schedule

The Monterey Jazz Festival lineup is stacked with major names. Herbie Hancock and Ron Carter perform For Miles, while Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra appears with Wynton Marsalis and special guest Cécile McLorin Salvant. Other scheduled performers include Meshell Ndegeocello, Charles Lloyd, Ravi Coltrane, and dozens more.

Performances run across several stages Friday through Sunday, so this is less of a “watch one concert and leave” situation and more of a choose-your-own-jazz-adventure. The festival notes that performers and schedules can change, so groups should check the latest schedule before finalizing their day.

Monterey Jazz Festival Tickets, Parking, and Entry

Before buying Monterey Jazz Festival tickets, pay attention to the difference between Grounds and Arena admission. Grounds tickets include the smaller performance stages, food vendors, shops, and festival facilities but do not include Arena headliners. Arena tickets add access to the Jimmy Lyons Stage and headline performances.

And now for the sentence nobody enjoys reading: on-site Monterey Jazz Festival parking at the fairgrounds is listed as sold out. Off-site parking is available at Monterey Peninsula College, with shuttle service running during festival hours. The festival also uses a clear-bag policy and offers lawn-chair rentals. In other words, organize the parking before everybody is in three different cars texting, “Where are you?”

Mill Valley Film Festival 2026: What Groups Should Know

Love movies but not the part where everyone spends 20 minutes arguing over what to watch? Mill Valley Film Festival 2026 gives your group a much better reason to gather around a screen. CAFILM Education lists its in-theater and online MVFF49 educational programming for October 2–9, 2026. Keep in mind that these dates apply specifically to the education program, not necessarily the complete public festival schedule.

School groups get a particularly good deal: selected screenings are free for students in grades 1–12, colleges, and universities. Some programs may also include filmmaker Q&As and curriculum resources because occasionally watching a movie really does count as school. For general attendees looking for Mill Valley Film Festival tickets, a six-pack costs $86 for CAFILM members and $108 for the public. A 12-pack costs $172 for members and $216 for the public. Vouchers work for regularly priced programs and can even be shared with friends. General-public ticket redemption begins September 17 at noon. Among the Bay Area film festivals 2026, this is one worth keeping on your fall calendar.

What Are Some of the Best Things to Do in California in October?

Celebrate avocados, apparently. The 40th Carpinteria Avocado Festival 2026 takes over Linden Avenue in downtown Carpinteria from October 2–4. Friday runs from 1–11 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m.–10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m.–6 p.m. And despite the name, the avocado festival California experience involves considerably more than standing around admiring guacamole.

The California Avocado Festival Carpinteria lineup includes more than 60 bands across three stages, plus food vendors, arts and crafts, and commercial vendors. Festival proceeds support the Carpinteria Education Foundation and Future Farmers of America. It is one of those wonderfully specific California traditions that sounds slightly made up until you arrive and discover thousands of people are equally enthusiastic about avocados. The selected official festival information does not provide confirmed parking, shuttle, or ticket details, so groups should check the event's current visitor information before traveling.

San Diego Food and Wine Festival 2026

By November, some states are preparing for freezing temperatures. San Diego is preparing lunch. The San Diego Food and Wine Festival 2026 runs November 1–8 and brings together a full week of culinary events, tastings, dinners, and special experiences.

San Diego Food and Wine Festival Schedule

The biggest weekend events begin with Icons + Legends on November 6 from 6–9 p.m. Then comes the Grand Tasting on November 7 from 11 a.m.–3 p.m., followed by the Grand Fiesta on November 8 from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. The wider San Diego food festival 2026 program also includes experiences such as a Día de Muertos Gala, Baja Culinary Expedition, chef dinners, and wine lunches. In other words, arriving hungry is not poor planning here. It is strategy.

Tickets and Weekend Packages

There are several ways to approach San Diego Food and Wine Festival tickets. The FOMO Four Pack includes four tickets for one selected Grand Weekend day. A two-day package covers the Grand Tasting and Grand Fiesta, while the full-weekend package adds Icons + Legends. Because pricing and availability can change, check the official event pages before purchasing particularly if you're coordinating a larger group.

Final Thoughts: Planning Group Travel to Fall Events in California

California's fall calendar makes choosing the event easy. Choosing who gets control of the playlist on the drive there may be harder. September brings wine festivals and the Monterey Jazz Festival. October delivers film screenings and an entire weekend dedicated to avocados. November finishes things off with one of San Diego's major culinary celebrations.

For group travel in California, compare more than the event itself. Look at driving distances, ticket types, parking availability, shuttle arrangements, and whether your group needs to arrive together. And that last point becomes surprisingly important

September in California has a little bit of everything: warm weather, fewer summer crowds, wine harvest season, and enough Oktoberfest celebrations to make you wonder whether you somehow took a wrong turn and ended up in Bavaria. Across the state, September events fill the calendar with beer gardens, Bavarian food, live music, family activities, coastal attractions, and plenty of excuses to plan one more trip before fall really settles in.

This year, you can celebrate Oktoberfest in Santa Cruz, Tahoe City, Benicia, and Santa Clarita, then mix in Boardwalk rides, Lake Tahoe scenery, wine-country stops, or a relaxed weekend by the coast. Whether you are planning a quick day trip or gathering friends for a full weekend, there are plenty of things to do in California in September and thankfully, not all of them require wearing lederhosen.

Is California a Good Place to Visit in September?

Yes. September falls within California’s autumn travel season, but much of the state can still experience warm weather. In some destinations, travelers may also encounter fewer visitors than during the peak summer months. The combination can make September a comfortable time for sightseeing, hiking, photography, and exploring California’s coastline. Clearer conditions in some coastal areas can also make scenic stops particularly appealing.

September is also harvest season in major California wine regions such as Napa Valley and Sonoma. Vineyards begin taking on autumn colors, while wineries welcome visitors for tastings and seasonal experiences. Popular tasting rooms can get busy during harvest, so making reservations in advance is a smart part of trip planning. For travelers considering California travel in September, some of the month's advantages include:

• Warm weather in many parts of the state
• Fewer crowds than peak summer in some destinations
• Wine harvest season
• Opportunities for hiking and sightseeing
• Pleasant conditions for coastal travel and photography
• Seasonal festivals and Oktoberfest celebrations

These conditions also make September a good time to combine a California weekend trip with one of the seasonal events happening around the state.

What Are the Top Tourist Attractions in California in September?

California has far more attractions than could fit into a single September itinerary. For travelers attending the events covered in this guide, however, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk provides an easy way to combine a seasonal celebration with classic California entertainment. The Boardwalk offers rides, games, arcade entertainment, Boardwalk Bowl, food, shopping, and nearby lodging options. That gives visitors flexibility to build a longer day around the Boardwalk Oktoberfest rather than traveling to Santa Cruz solely for the evening event.

Places to Visit in California in September

The California September events in this guide also provide an opportunity to experience very different parts of the state. Santa Cruz combines a beachside setting with Boardwalk rides, games, food, and entertainment. Tahoe City offers a Lake Tahoe setting and an Oktoberfest with food, drinks, vendors, music, contests, and activities. Benicia brings its celebration to downtown First Street Green, while Santa Clarita offers another Southern California Oktoberfest option later in the month. Instead of choosing a destination based only on the event itself, consider what you would like to do before and after it. An Oktoberfest can become part of a coastal day trip, Lake Tahoe getaway, or weekend exploring a California city.

Unique Things to Do in California in September

Some of the most interesting California fall events mix traditional Oktoberfest elements with local entertainment. Depending on the event you choose, you may find Bavarian food, beer gardens, commemorative steins, live music, DJs, food trucks, artisan vendors, contests, games, and family entertainment. Santa Cruz also gives visitors access to Boardwalk rides and arcade activities. That variety makes the September calendar useful for more than beer enthusiasts. Couples, groups of friends, and families can all find events with activities that match their plans.

What Events Take Place in California in September?

Several California festivals in September 2026 celebrate Oktoberfest, but each has a different format, location, and admission structure.

Boardwalk Oktoberfest - Santa Cruz

Date: September 12, 2026Time: 5:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.Location: Aloha Terrace at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Boardwalk Oktoberfest brings a Bavarian-style celebration to one of Santa Cruz's best-known attractions. The evening includes a Bavarian buffet, beer and wine, souvenir steins, live entertainment, dancing, games, and contests. The event welcomes all ages, making it an option for families as well as groups of adults. Adult tickets are listed at $89.95, while All Ages tickets are $69.95, plus a $2 service fee. Because ticket packages include different benefits, visitors should review what comes with their selected admission before purchasing. The location also makes it possible to combine Santa Cruz Oktoberfest 2026 with the rides, games, food, and other entertainment available at the Boardwalk.

Tahoe City Oktoberfest - Lake Tahoe

Date: September 19, 2026Time: Noon–5 p.m.Location: Gatekeeper's Museum and William B. Layton State Park

For travelers looking for Lake Tahoe events in September, Tahoe City Oktoberfest combines an outdoor setting with a traditional fall celebration. Admission is free. Visitors can purchase Beer Garden tickets, commemorative steins, and drink tokens separately. The event also features brewers, food vendors, artisan vendors, music from Alpine Sound, contests, and children's activities. Transportation is another useful feature. Organizers list a free shuttle serving Olympic Valley and the West Shore, along with free TART Connect services, TART Bus transportation, and free bike valet. Those options can be particularly useful for groups that do not want everyone arriving in separate vehicles.

Benicia Oktoberfest & Marketplace - Benicia

Date: September 19, 2026Location: First Street Green, Downtown Benicia

The Benicia Oktoberfest and Marketplace combines a German-inspired celebration with a local marketplace. Visitors can expect German beer, food, live music, local vendors, contests, and family activities. A Kid Zone and face painting give families with younger children something to include in their visit as well. General admission is listed at $10. A $25 ticket includes admission and two drink coupons, while the $40 VIP Stein Package offers another ticket option. Children ages 12 and under can enter free. Because the celebration takes place at First Street Green in downtown Benicia, visitors should check the official event information before traveling for the latest parking and arrival instructions.

Santa Clarita Luketoberfest - Santa Clarita

Date: September 26, 2026

Southern California travelers have another option toward the end of the month with Santa Clarita's Luketoberfest. The celebration includes beer releases, seltzer cocktails, food trucks, a live DJ, contests, and games. Its combination of food, drinks, music, and activities creates a casual way to mark the beginning of the fall season without leaving Southern California. Before heading out, check the organizer's latest information for event hours, transportation, parking, and any admission details that may apply.

Why Is September a Good Month for California Wine Travel?

September isn't only about Oktoberfest. It is also closely associated with California wine and the annual harvest season.. Wine regions such as Napa Valley and Sonoma attract visitors interested in vineyard scenery, tastings, food, and harvest-related experiences. That popularity makes advance planning particularly important. Reserving tastings ahead of time can help you avoid arriving at a winery only to find that your preferred time is unavailable. It is also helpful to leave enough time between wineries rather than packing too many tastings into one day. Follow each winery's reservation policies, plan your route beforehand, and arrange transportation that does not require someone in your group to drive after drinking.

Transportation can be one of the less obvious challenges of a wine-country trip. Wineries may be spread across different areas, parking conditions can vary, and coordinating several cars becomes harder as a group grows. Keeping everyone together can simplify the itinerary and make it easier to move between planned stops. If wine country is the main reason for your September trip, visit our related California Wine Month guide for more events, dates, ticket details, and transportation information.

How Can Group Transportation Make September Events Easier?

Transportation deserves some attention when several people are attending the same event. Instead of coordinating arrival times, parking, and routes across multiple vehicles, a group can travel together and follow one itinerary. For Santa Cruz, visitors can plan their transportation around a full Boardwalk day, combining rides, games, food, and entertainment with the evening Oktoberfest. Tahoe City Oktoberfest offers particularly useful alternatives to driving. Visitors can use the free shuttle from Olympic Valley and the West Shore, free TART Connect services, TART Bus transportation, or the free bike valet.

For Benicia Oktoberfest, the event takes place at First Street Green in downtown Benicia. Groups should check the official event information before departure for current arrival and parking instructions.

Travelers attending Santa Clarita Luketoberfest should similarly confirm parking and transportation details with the linked organizer before making final plans.

For larger groups, thinking about transportation before purchasing tickets can prevent one of the most common event-day problems: everyone having a ticket but no coordinated plan for getting there and back.

September gives travelers plenty of reasons to explore California. The month's calendar ranges from Oktoberfest celebrations and beer gardens to Boardwalk rides, live music, food, shopping, games, contests, and family activities.Santa Cruz offers a Boardwalk Oktoberfest on September 12, while Tahoe City and Benicia hold celebrations on September 19. Santa Clarita follows with Luketoberfest on September 26. Together, these September events in California offer several ways to turn a regular fall weekend into a day trip or short getaway.

Whichever event you choose, check the organizer's latest information before leaving home. Dates, ticket prices, schedules, admission requirements, transportation arrangements, and parking details can change, and a few minutes of planning can make the event much easier to enjoy.