4 min readJan 5, 2026

2026 California Events & Festivals You Can’t Miss

January, a new month, a new year, a fresh beginning. It is a kind of invitation to start something amazing and new. January is the best period for visiting California. When most of the country is hiding from winter, California is doing what it does best: staying effortlessly cool. The crowds thin out, hotel prices take a dip, and exploring famous attractions suddenly feels easy and stress-free. From strolling past iconic parade floats to catching a world-class film festival or diving into lively city block parties, January proves that California doesn’t hibernate.

Mild days, clearer skies, and a packed calendar of unforgettable events make this month the perfect time to kick off the year with adventure, culture, and a little bit of sun on your face. So, keep reading our blog to discover the top events, festivals, and must-see experiences that make California in January 2026 an unforgettable destination for every type of traveler.

Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade and Weekend Celebrations

January 19, 2026

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is both a national holiday and one of the most active community-focused weekends in California. Cities across the state honor Dr. King’s legacy through parades, marches and cultural celebrations that combine residents and visitors alike.

How LA Celebrates

In Los Angeles, the MLK Day Parade is one of the largest in the country and a major highlight of the holiday weekend. The event typically begins at 9:00 a.m. and runs for several hours, often lasting until around 5:00 p.m., featuring marching bands, community organizations, local leaders and cultural performances that celebrate Dr. King’s legacy. Attendance is free and open to all ages, though families are encouraged to arrive early due to street closures and limited parking, with public transportation and rideshare services being the easiest ways to access the parade route.

Beyond the parade, visitors can explore MLK Day programs at the California African American Museum, take part in community volunteer events held across the city, enjoy a relaxed day at Griffith Observatory or The Getty, or spend time discovering LA’s diverse neighborhoods, restaurants and cultural landmarks while crowds are lighter than usual.

How Long Beach Celebrates

Long Beach extends its MLK celebrations across the entire weekend, with a parade that usually runs for about two hours, followed by festivals, live music and educational events. The atmosphere is family-friendly and inclusive, with no admission fee required for general attendance. Children are welcome and many activities are specifically designed for younger participants.

Morning March in San Francisco

San Francisco’s MLK celebrations generally include a morning march followed by performances, speeches and community gatherings throughout the day. Events are free and open to the public, attracting a wide range of ages. January weather and lighter tourist traffic make it an especially comfortable time to explore the city while attending these meaningful events.

Annual Rose Parade in Pasadena

January 1, 2026 – The parade begins at 8:00 a.m. and concludes around 10:00 a.m. PST

The Rose Parade is one of California’s most iconic New Year’s Day traditions and a defining January event. Held every January 1st in Pasadena - unless the date falls on a Sunday - the parade has delighted audiences for more than a century with its elaborate floral floats, international marching bands and equestrian units that travel along Colorado Boulevard in a moving celebration of creativity and community spirit.

This January the parade begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. and lasts roughly two hours. While curbside viewing is free, many visitors choose reserved grandstand seating, which typically ranges from around $80 to $130 depending on location, with VIP tour packages available at higher prices to include premium seating and added perks. The event is open to all ages and is a popular family tradition, though January mornings in Pasadena can be cool, so layered clothing is highly recommended. After the parade, visitors can further extend the experience at Floatfest:

A Rose Parade Showcase, a three-day event running from January 1 to January 3, 2026, where nearly 70,000 attendees walk a two-mile display of the themed floats parked along Sierra Madre and Washington Boulevards and get an up-close look at the intricate details that make each float a work of art.

How to Get The Tickets

Floatfest tickets are generally priced around $26.50 for adults, with children ages five and under admitted free and the showcase welcomes guests with a family-friendly atmosphere, food trucks (including California favorites at the Food Fare near Gate A) and interactive opportunities with float exhibitors.

January 1: Opens at 1:30 p.m., ticket sales end at 3:30 p.m., with the last entry at 4:00 p.m.
January 2: Early-access hours for seniors and visitors with mobility disabilities from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., followed by general admission until 5:00 p.m.
January 3: Open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

That’s because parking near the showcase is limited, free shuttle service from designated Pasadena locations is included with ticket purchase and offers priority access to the event.

San Francisco’s Annual New Year’s Day Block Parties

January 1, 2026

San Francisco comes up with a distinctly urban way to welcome the new year with a vibrant mix of community block parties and organized city events that reflect the city’s creative energy and appeal to travelers who prefer nightlife and arts-driven experiences over more traditional holiday celebrations. One of the most talked-about gatherings is “It’s A New DAY + Breakfast Of Champions,” a long-running block party that takes over the streets around The Great Northern in the heart of the city on January 1, 2026, from early morning into the evening, with music, dancing, food and good vibes as attendees kick off the year together - this event typically draws large crowds and has become a staple of San Francisco’s New Year’s Day scene.

For those looking for free, all-ages fun later in the day, the Downtown First Thursdays New Year’s Day Edition provides a lively street party on 2nd Street between Market and Howard from about 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., complete with DJs, live performances, dancing, food trucks, drag entertainment and local vendors and since it’s free with RSVP, it’s a popular choice for families or travelers who want to experience San Francisco’s community atmosphere without ticketed entry. Both ticketed and free events highlight the city’s blend of arts, music, food and nightlife and prove that January 1 in San Francisco isn’t a quiet day, it’s a celebration of culture, community and creativity that’s easier to enjoy when crowds are lighter and public transportation options are more accessible than during peak tourist months.

San Diego Rodeo

January 16 through 18, 2026

The San Diego Rodeo returns to Petco Park in downtown San Diego from January 16 to January 18, 2026, bringing three days of high-energy, family-friendly rodeo action to Southern California. This annual winter tradition features top professional rodeo athletes competing for more than half a million dollars in prize money, along with BeerFest on Friday and Saturday in Gallagher Square, where local and national breweries pour specials from the time the gates open until the first rodeo performance.

On Sunday, KidsFest comes up with a Western-themed afternoon of games, balloon artists, inflatables and family fun for younger visitors, making this event welcoming for all ages and especially appealing to families looking for a unique January outing in the sun.

Daily rodeo performances start in the early evening on Friday, January 16 and Saturday, January 17 and typically begin mid-afternoon on Sunday, January 18, giving attendees the chance to enjoy multiple aspects of the event throughout the day. Ticket prices for individual rodeo performances vary by day and seating level, but many general admission tickets start in the low-to-mid $30–$40 range, with average prices closer to $80–$110 depending on the night and seat quality, while premium and VIP seating can be significantly higher for those seeking a front-row view or special perks.

Each night also includes rodeo after-party concerts in Gallagher Square that require separate admission. The Friday night show on January 16 features Charley Crockett, the Saturday night show on January 17 stars Jamey Johnson and Sunday’s after-party on January 18 highlights Cody Jinks, giving visitors live country music alongside the rodeo excitement.

Between the competitions, rodeo festivities and off-field entertainment, the San Diego Rodeo delivers a lively and authentic Western experience that enhances January travel in California. Located about 120 miles south of Los Angeles, the event is an easy road trip from LA and traveling by sprinter van offers a more comfortable and stress-free option for groups, allowing everyone to relax, stretch out and enjoy the ride without worrying about traffic, parking, or coordinating multiple vehicles.

Palm Springs 37th Annual International Film Festival

January 2–12, 2026

Palm Springs is one of the warmest destinations in California during January, making it a popular winter escape. Beyond its sunny weather, the city is deeply connected to Hollywood history and has served as a filming location for tons of classic and contemporary movies. The 37th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival is set to take place in the sunny Coachella Valley from January 2 through January 12, 2026, making it one of the year’s most anticipated cultural events for film lovers and international visitors alike. This long-running festival gathers together cinema fans from around the world, with more than 160 films from over 70 countries scheduled for screening and a vibrant mix of premieres, international features, and documentaries. The event kicks off with Opening Night on January 2 and features the star-studded Film Awards ceremony early in the schedule, celebrating the best performances and achievements in cinema.

Festival offerings are open to the public with individual tickets sold by screening, and while general pricing can vary by film and venue, many shows begin around standard ticket prices in the ballpark of $20–$30, with special programs like “Talking Pictures” often priced slightly higher. Pass options are also available for those who want to attend multiple screenings or experience a larger portion of the festival, ranging from multi-day passes to full-festival premium packages. Because the festival takes place across several theaters in Palm Springs, attendees can enjoy films set against the backdrop of the desert’s cool winter days and warm evenings, making this a perfect cultural addition to any January trip to California.

Lunar New Year Festival – Alhambra

February 28, 2026, Saturday

Alhambra’s Lunar New Year Festival believes the new year should be welcomed with noise, color, and an impressive amount of food, and honestly, they’re right. This annual celebration is free to attend (yes, $0, not even a “suggested donation” side-eye), open to all ages, and typically runs from late morning through early evening, giving everyone plenty of time to catch the lion and dragon dances, cultural performances, martial arts demonstrations, and nonstop festive energy.

Food vendors line the streets selling lucky favorites like dumplings, noodles, and sweets, so arrive hungry and prepared to “sample everything” in the name of prosperity.

Getting there is simple, but parking is a sport. Alhambra sits about 10 miles east of downtown Los Angeles and is easily accessible via I-10 or local streets. Because road closures and crowds are common, many visitors choose to hire a professional driver to get to Alhambra, allowing them to enjoy the festival without worrying about traffic, parking, or navigating detours. Rideshares and Metro bus routes are often the least stressful option unless you enjoy competitive parallel parking With no tickets, no age restrictions, and no reason not to go, this festival is a joyful, high-energy way to celebrate the Lunar New Year, proof that in Alhambra, the year starts out loud, lucky, and delicious.

Southwest Arts Festival - Indio

January 23–25, 2026

The Southwest Arts Festival returns to the beautiful Empire Polo Club in Indio from January 23 through January 25, 2026, offering a three-day celebration of creativity and culture in the heart of the Coachella Valley. Recognized as one of the region’s premier juried art festivals, this event brings together more than 200 acclaimed artists showcasing a wide variety of traditional, contemporary and abstract works including fine art painting, pottery, jewelry, glass and quality crafts, all set against the scenic desert landscape and towering mountain views.

Festival Hours, Admission & Parking Information

Opening time: 10:00 a.m. each day
Friday & Saturday hours: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sunday hours: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
General admission (advance purchase):- $28.52
Senior tickets (55+): - $25.31
Children 12 and under: Free admission
Parking: Free for all attendees
Overall: Affordable, family-friendly event

Visitors of all ages can explore the art displays, enjoy live music and watch artist demonstrations that bring the creative process to life. Whether you’re a seasoned art lover or just curious to see vibrant works in a relaxed outdoor setting, the Southwest Arts Festival makes January in California feel like a cultural celebration that’s worth planning a trip around.

Why January 2026 Is the Perfect Time to Visit California

January in California is the perfect time to explore everything the Golden State has to offer. The weather is pleasantly mild, the crowds are smaller, and attractions feel easier to enjoy without the usual hustle. Travelers can catch colorful parades, lively city block parties, exciting rodeos, and unique desert art shows, or immerse themselves in the buzz of international film festivals. Disneyland is especially enjoyable this month, with shorter lines, seasonal decorations and comfortable temperatures that make the parks feel more magical than ever. With so many destinations spread across Los Angeles, San Diego, Palm Springs and San Francisco, hopping between cities in a van or sprinter van makes travel relaxed, comfortable and hassle-free, whether you’re adventuring with friends, family, or a group of fellow explorers. January proves that California is just as exciting in the new year as it is in summer, sometimes even better.

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.

When and Where Are the Emmys in 2026?

So, when are the Emmys 2026? The main ceremony is scheduled for Monday, September 14, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. The 78th Emmy Awards will take place at the Peacock Theater at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles. That gives us the Emmy Awards 2026 date and answers where are the Emmys held this year: right in downtown Los Angeles, where finding television stars is considerably easier than finding cheap parking.

Who Is Hosting the Emmys in 2026?

The Emmys 2026 host is Mariska Hargitay, best known for her long-running role as Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. After spending decades handling fictional New York crime scenes, hosting one of television's biggest nights should be relatively peaceful.

Keep in mind that a host announcement is not the same thing as a complete presenter list. The full lineup of people handing out trophies should only be treated as confirmed when officially announced.

Where to Watch the Emmys 2026

Wondering where to watch the Emmys 2026? You have two main options in the United States. The September 14 ceremony will air live on NBC and stream live on Peacock. That's for the main Emmy telecast. The Creative Arts Emmys have their own dates and broadcast arrangements, which we'll get to below. In other words, don't turn on NBC a week early and wonder why everyone forgot to show up.

What Shows Are Nominated for Emmys 2026?

The Emmy nominations 2026 stretch across a huge number of categories, so listing every nomination here would turn this guide into a small novel. Instead, let's focus on three of the biggest program races: Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Comedy Series, and Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series. These are official Emmy nominees 2026, not winners. The trophies haven't been handed out yet, no matter how confident your favorite show's subreddit may be.

Drama Series Nominees

The Outstanding Drama Series race includes eight shows:

The Diplomat
The Gilded Age
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
Paradise
The Pitt
Pluribus
Slow Horses
Your Friends & Neighbors

It's a crowded field, with established Emmy competitors sharing the category with newer shows. But nominations are nominations, we'll save the crystal ball for the prediction section.

Comedy Series Nominees

Outstanding Comedy Series also has eight contenders:

Abbott Elementary
The Bear
Hacks
Margo's Got Money Troubles
Nobody Wants This
Only Murders in the Building
Shrinking
Widow's Bay

Yes, The Bear is still in the comedy category. At this point, arguing about it has practically become its own annual Emmy tradition. These primetime Emmy nominations 2026 include longtime awards regulars alongside newer competitors, but all eight enter September as nominees not winners.

Limited or Anthology Series Nominees

The Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series category is a slightly shorter list:

All Her Fault
The Beast in Me
Beef
DTF St. Louis
Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette

Those five make up the category. Television movies compete separately, so they shouldn't be mixed into this list. Now comes the more dangerous part: trying to guess what the voters will actually do.

Who Will Win at Emmys?

First, the important disclaimer: these are Emmy predictions 2026, not results. Until somebody opens an envelope onstage, a prediction is still a prediction-even if an awards expert says it with tremendous confidence. Variety awards editor Clayton Davis has identified The Pitt as his predicted winner for Outstanding Drama Series. The medical drama enters the race as a major contender, but Pluribus and the rest of the field mean nobody should start engraving anything early.

For comedy, Davis's pick is Widow's Bay. That makes the race particularly interesting because Hacks remains a formidable rival. Hacks is hardly unfamiliar with Emmy attention, while Widow's Bay represents the kind of fresh challenger that can make an awards night much less predictable. In Limited or Anthology Series, Davis predicts Beef. The big competition is DTF St. Louis, creating another category where the favorite doesn't have a clear walk to the podium.

That's what makes Emmy Awards 2026 predictions fun. Everyone gets to be an awards expert for a few weeks, and then an envelope gets opened and reminds half the internet that confidence is not the same thing as accuracy. The actual Emmys 2026 winners won't be known until the awards are presented.

Who Votes for the Emmys?

So who actually decides which shows get those little gold statues? Not Twitter. Not your group chat. And definitely not whichever family member keeps insisting their favorite show was “robbed.” The answer to who votes for the Emmys is the Television Academy's eligible National Active members.

The Academy describes the Emmy as a form of peer recognition. Its membership includes television professionals organized into specialized peer groups representing different areas of the industry. National Active members vote on nominees and winners in categories connected to their areas of expertise. That means television professionals are essentially judging the work of other television professionals. The Emmys are therefore not a public fan vote. Watching every nominated show in a single weekend may earn you impressive couch endurance, but unfortunately it does not earn you an official ballot. There is another distinction worth knowing: you do not have to be a Television Academy member to submit eligible work for Emmy consideration or to receive an Emmy Award. Voting eligibility and award eligibility are two different things.

What Are the Creative Arts Emmys?

If the main Emmy telecast is television's big night, the Creative Arts Emmys are where you discover just how many people it takes to make that television look and sound so good. The Creative Arts Emmys 2026 recognize a huge range of television achievement. Categories include cinematography, costumes, picture editing, makeup, hairstyling, sound editing and mixing, visual effects, animation, production design, music, and voice-over performance.

When Are the Creative Arts Emmys 2026 and How Can You Watch?

And despite the name, they are not exclusively “technical awards.” The Creative Arts ceremonies also include selected performance and programming categories. Basically, television doesn't magically appear after someone yells “Action!” A small army of talented people has been very busy. The 2026 Creative Arts ceremonies are scheduled for Saturday, September 5, and Sunday, September 6, at the Peacock Theater. That puts them more than a week ahead of the September 14 main telecast. If you want to watch from home, the schedule is different from the main Emmys. An edited presentation combining the first two nights will air on FXX on Saturday, September 12, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. It will then be available to stream on Hulu the following day.

So keep the dates straight:

September 5-6: Creative Arts ceremonies.
September 12: Edited Creative Arts broadcast on FXX.
September 13: Creative Arts presentation available on Hulu.
September 14: Main Emmy ceremony live on NBC and Peacock.

Television loves a complicated timeline. Apparently awards season does too. The Emmys 2026 arrive on September 14 with Mariska Hargitay hosting, NBC broadcasting, Peacock streaming, and some seriously competitive television waiting for its moment. The Pitt, Pluribus, Hacks, Widow's Bay, Beef, DTF St. Louis, and plenty of other shows enter the Emmy season with nominations. Predictions may point toward certain favorites, but they're still forecasts until somebody is standing onstage holding a trophy.And don't forget the Creative Arts Emmys. Those ceremonies happen September 5 and 6, with their edited broadcast arriving before the main show. So pick your favorites, prepare your snacks, and practice your best “I knew they were going to win” face. Even if you absolutely did not.