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10 min readNov 21, 2025

Things To Do in LA Around Thanksgiving: Events and Attractions

Things To Do in LA Around Thanksgiving: Events and Attractions

Thanksgiving is a time of togetherness and gratitude, one of those cozy seasons when pumpkin pies bake, sweaters come out, and cold winds roll in. In 2025, the holiday falls on Thursday, November 27, landing right in the middle of the year’s chilliest stretch. As temperatures drop across the Northeast and Midwest, many families trade icy sidewalks for sunshine - and California becomes one of the most popular escape routes. Travelers from New York, Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, and Pennsylvania often head west (or south) when the cold hits, joining the large flow of Americans who leave snow-prone states in favor of warmer regions during late fall.

And while California’s late-November rainy season can bring some showers, the state’s mild temperatures and bright coastlines still feel like a warm welcome compared to freezing winds back east - meaning you can truly enjoy your Thanksgiving celebrations without bundling up like it’s a snowstorm.

Universal Studios Adventures

Universal Studios Hollywood is wide open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM - because who says turkey should have all the fun? Instead of mashed potatoes, you can mash through cinematic adventures, meet your favorite characters. Of course, there’s no full-blown Thanksgiving parade here, but early hints of holiday cheer- garlands, snowflakes, and even a dash of Grinchmas make the park feel ready for December.

Thanksgiving crowds aren’t too terrifying - average waits hover around 40 minutes - so rise early, grab an Express Pass, and ride like a pro. Hungry? Some table-service restaurants accept reservations, while quick bites like The Three Broomsticks are first-come, first-served. Don’t miss the seasonal goodies: Grinch-themed donuts, hot Butterbeer, and holiday cocktails that scream, “I’m on vacation and I deserve this!” And when you need a breather from adrenaline, take a stroll outside the park: The Grove’s holiday shopping, outdoor ice rinks, Venice Beach boardwalk, or a golden Malibu sunset make perfect post-ride relaxers. Thanksgiving at Universal is basically a two-for-one deal: thrills plus a sneak peek at the holiday magic, without the stress of long lines or holiday chaos. 

A Fairytale Feast: Disneyland Week

No place blends the warmth of Thanksgiving with Disney magic quite like Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. During Thanksgiving Week, the park transforms into a fairytale of twinkling lights, festive parades, and mouthwatering themed treats. The variety of dishes is incredible - from roasted turkey legs to Mickey-shaped beignets (and yes, a few extra calories - but don’t worry, “calories don’t count on Thanksgiving”). The best part? Disneyland is open on this special day, welcoming families with magical entertainment and festive cheer.

The worst part is that the park during Thanksgiving week is one of the most crowded and expensive times of the year. In fact, for the week of Thanksgiving, from November 24 to November 29, ticket prices rise from $199 to $224, according to Disney’s website.

Thanksgiving Day itself tends to be a bit less crowded than the surrounding days, giving you a chance to enjoy the park’s magical holiday spirit with just a little more breathing room. And if you’re planning to visit with children, whether from nearby or another state, and want to avoid long drives, we’ve put together a helpful guide to the closest airports to Disneyland so you can get there quickly, skip parking hassles, and start your holiday adventure stress-free.

Raise a Glass: Coastal Wine Tours to Be Thankful For

A Hausa Proverb once noted, “Give thanks for a little, and you will find a lot.” For adults and families with grown kids a coastal wine escape may become the perfect option. California’s wine country from Santa Barbara to Paso Robles and Temecula Valley offers cozy vineyards combined with ocean views and testing that turn every moment into a celebration of togetherness. Just imagine golden hills, a gentle Pacific breeze, and a picnic basket full of local cheese, fresh fruit, and gratitude.

Here is the list of top wine regions recommended for visiting:

  • Napa Valley: Classic elegance and world-renowned Cabernet Sauvignons.
  • Sonoma County: Family-run vineyards and cozy, countryside charm.
  • Paso Robles: Sun-kissed rolling hills and boutique wineries.
  • Santa Ynez Valley: Ideal for scenic drives and peaceful getaways.
  • Temecula Valley: Close to LA and San Diego, perfect for a weekend retreat.

So, in case you are planning a wine tour during Thanksgiving week, you can skip the unnecessary stress of driving by renting a comfortable and luxurious private van. Transfers make it easy, safe, and comfortable to sip your way through California’s best vineyards.

Sun, Sand, and Fun: Santa Monica Pier Adventures

Imagine how you are enjoying beachside bliss when the tourist numbers drop and the vibe turns relaxed. Santa Monica in November is a perfect place to make that dream come true. Everything during this season is perfect: warm air, the sunsets turn the sky pink and gold creating a comfortable atmosphere for families craving fun and relaxation. You can spend your day in Santa Monica Pier, where kids can ride the Pacific Wheel, play arcade games and enjoy street performers who fill the boardwalk with energy and fun. As a bonus you can taste seasonal traits like caramel popcorn and warm churros. The Pier is open to the public daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, including holidays.

Run for a Cause: LA’s Marathons and Parade Cheer

If you are thinking that Thanksgiving is all about pies and parades, then we suggest you add running shoes to this list. The LA’s beloved Turkey Trot Race Day is not just a marathon, it's the official start of the Thanksgiving season. Every year this marathon units thousands of people in downtown LA for a joyful mix of fitness, community and gratitude.

The event runs for three festive days, November 22, November 26, and November 27 with designed courses for every age. Usually races start at 8:00 a.m at Grand Park circling through iconic downtown landmarks. Registration fees range from $45 - $77, mostly depending on the race category and include a finisher’s medal, event T-shirt and post-race snacks.

Turkey Trot Marathon

If you are looking for a fun Thanksgiving morning activity, then Van Nuys Turkey Trot is the best option for you. All the participants are allowed to choose from 5K (3.1 miles), 10K (6.2 miles), 15K (9.3 miles), or Half Marathon routes that wind through the scenic, tree-lined streets of Van Nuys.

The race starts at 7:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving day with registration fees at $40 for adults and $25 for kids. Open to both runners and walkers, it’s a fun, family-friendly way to stay active and enjoy the holiday spirit before sitting down to your Thanksgiving feast.

La Canada Thanksgiving Day Run

Another heartwarming event that you can catch on this day is Thanksgiving Run & Food Drive in La Canada. The event welcomes families with different start times 8:00 a.m. for adults and 9:00 a.m. for kids. By joining this event, you can add deeper meaning to the holiday by combining gratitude with generosity. 

And when your sneakers are off and your medals are shining, don’t miss the city’s grand finale: the Hollywood Christmas Parade, rolling down Hollywood Boulevard in late November. This star-studded spectacle marks LA’s magical handoff from Thanksgiving to Christmas, a reminder that in the City of Angels, the season of giving truly runs deep. 

Ocean Adventures: Holiday Fun at SeaWorld 

If your family is a big fan of marine life and outdoor shows, then SeaWorld San Diego is the ideal destination for you. The park is fully open on Thanksgiving Day and celebrates with dazzling sea life encounters, festive decorations, and themed treats that make the day unforgettable. 

While SeaWorld does attract more visitors during the Thanksgiving holiday, it’s generally less crowded than the days that follow, giving families the perfect balance between excitement and space to explore comfortably. 

Family Adventures At the San Diego Zoo

If you thought Thanksgiving was all about turkeys, wait until you meet the pandas, elephants, and flamingos at the San Diego Zoo. The zoo is open on Thanksgiving Day, welcoming visitors from across generations to explore nearly 3,500 animals along its lush shaded pathways. Thanksgiving here truly feels like a world tour in a single day - enhanced by seasonal décor and themed events that turn a regular visit into an unforgettable holiday adventure.

For families looking to make the day extra special, the zoo also offers a Thanksgiving Day Buffet in the Treetops Room (two seating: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.), priced at $85 for adults and $65 for children ages 3-11, including tax (zoo admission is required for non-members).

It rarely feels overwhelmingly crowded - especially if you arrive early in the day. After your visit, consider complementing it with a stroll through Balboa Park or a visit to Old Town San Diego to wrap up your Thanksgiving celebration in style.

Aquarium of the Pacific - Long Beach

Thanksgiving reminds us to pause and appreciate life’s simplest blessings. For a calm and family-friendly holiday, the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach is open Thursday, November 27, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Watch colorful sea creatures, learn about ocean conservation, and enjoy peaceful harbor views.

Don’t miss the Thanksgiving Feast on the Rooftop Veranda, with traditional favorites like herb-basted turkey, candied yams, and pumpkin desserts. Reservations run 10:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m., and tickets include Aquarium admission: $95 per adult, $72.50 per child ($70/$47.50 for members). It’s a relaxing yet memorable way to celebrate the holiday.

Thanksgiving in Long Beach offers more than just home-cooked turkey - this year, you can enjoy festive feasts without lifting a finger in the kitchen. From ocean-view buffets to elegant dining rooms and global flavors, the city’s top restaurants and cruises serve up memorable ways to give thanks. Whether you crave Mediterranean twists or classic holiday fare, Long Beach has plenty of options to make your Thanksgiving weekend delicious and stress-free.

The Spirit of Thanksgiving, California-Style

It does not matter which destination you choose, a Thanksgiving in California puts one thing above all - gratitude under the sun. Whether you’re riding roller coasters, watching dolphins leap, or toasting at a vineyard, each experience is a reminder that the best holidays aren’t about where you are, but who you’re with.

If Thanksgiving is about slowing down and sharing moments with family, January in California is about stepping out and exploring. From charming small towns to bustling cities hosting festive markets and seasonal events, California offers countless magical places to celebrate Christmas. Whether it’s ice skating in Pasadena, exploring the festive displays in San Francisco, or strolling through the holiday lights in Lake Arrowhead, there’s something for everyone.

So pack your bags, bring your loved ones, and celebrate the holidays the California way — with warmth, joy, sunshine, and memories that last a lifetime.

Thankful, grateful, and ready for the next holiday magic!

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Explore the best lakes in California, featuring Lake Tahoe’s clear blue water and mountain scenery.

California has plenty of famous beaches, but its lakes deserve some attention too. Think glassy alpine water, pine-covered mountains, hidden coves, fishing spots, and the occasional lake day that somehow turns into an entire weekend. The best lakes in California are anything but one-size-fits-all. Think glassy alpine water, pine-covered mountains, hidden coves, and quiet fishing spots. Some lake days can even turn into an entire weekend. So grab the sunscreen, maybe a kayak, and definitely a camera. Each of these five California lakes offers something different. Choosing a favorite may be the hardest part of the trip.

What Is the Prettiest Lake in California?

There is no objective answer. California's lakes offer very different types of scenery.

Lake Tahoe is probably the strongest choice for travelers picturing dramatic alpine views. Its deep blue water is framed by Sierra Nevada peaks, forests, beaches, and rocky shoreline. Big Bear Lake offers a more compact pine-covered mountain setting, while Bass Lake combines emerald-green water with tall Sierra pines. Clear Lake has broad open water beneath the volcanic landscape of Mount Konocti, and Shasta Lake is known for its long, winding shoreline and forested coves. For sheer alpine drama, though, Lake Tahoe is hard to overlook. Visit California describes the lake as 22 miles long with 72 miles of shoreline and ranks it as the second-deepest lake in the United States after Crater Lake.

Lake Tahoe

Straddling California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is one of the most famous lakes in the West, and for good reason.Its combination of mountain scenery, unusually clear blue water, beaches, trails, lakeside towns, and year-round recreation gives it more variety than almost any other destination on this list. The lake stretches about 22 miles and has 72 miles of shoreline. Summer brings hiking, biking, boating, paddling, and beach days. Winter completely changes the experience, with skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, sledding, and other snow activities available throughout the region.

Things to Do in Lake Tahoe

If you are researching things to do in Lake Tahoe, start with the water. Kayaking and paddleboarding are among the most accessible Lake Tahoe activities, with rentals, tours, and public launching areas around the shoreline. The 72-mile Lake Tahoe Water Trail also helps paddlers plan routes and find launch and landing points. Away from the water, hikers can explore sections of the 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail, while paved trails around communities such as Tahoe City offer easier cycling options. The Truckee River provides another experience altogether, including relaxed rafting from Tahoe City. Different shoreline communities also create different trips. Kings Beach has a casual beach-town atmosphere, while Tahoe City combines lake access with trails, shops, restaurants, and access to the Truckee River.

Big Bear Lake

For Southern California travelers who want a mountain escape without heading all the way to the Sierra Nevada, Big Bear Lake is an easy standout.

Located in the San Bernardino Mountains about two hours from Los Angeles, Big Bear sits at roughly 6,759 feet and centers around a 7-mile lake. Its biggest advantage is that it works as a year-round destination rather than simply a summer lake trip.

Big Bear Lake Activities

During warmer months, visitors can kayak, paddleboard, boat, waterski, jet ski, hike, bike, and fish. The lake contains trout and bass, while surrounding trails range from short, relatively easy paths to longer mountain routes. Winter changes the focus to skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and tubing. The area is also home to nesting bald eagles, adding wildlife viewing to the list of Big Bear Lake activities.That four-season flexibility makes Big Bear particularly useful for travelers who want both a lake and a mountain-town experience.

Shasta Lake

Shasta Lake is the place to consider when the water itself is the main attraction. California's largest reservoir covers roughly 30,000 acres at full pool and has about 370 miles of shoreline. Its many arms and coves create an enormous amount of space for boating, fishing, jet skiing, camping, and exploring. Houseboating is especially closely associated with Shasta Lake, while some recreation areas and campgrounds around its complicated shoreline are most easily reached from the water. The scale is what separates Shasta from the other lakes to visit in California on this list. Instead of one compact lakeside community, the shoreline branches into long arms surrounded by forested hills, with views toward the mountains of Northern California.

Lake Shasta Caverns and Dinner Cruise

One of Shasta's most unusual attractions begins with a boat ride. Lake Shasta Caverns sits roughly 900 feet above the lake and is recognized as a National Natural Landmark. The two-hour cavern experience begins with a boat ride across the McCloud Arm, followed by transportation up toward the cavern and a guided underground tour. Visitors can also combine the cavern experience with a dinner cruise on Shasta Lake. For travelers planning both on the same day, check the current tour and cruise schedule before booking so there is enough time between experiences. The combination makes Shasta unusual: you can spend part of the day exploring underground formations and finish it back on the open water.

Clear Lake

Clear Lake California offers a very different Northern California lake experience. It is the largest natural freshwater lake located entirely within California and is widely associated with its long geological history. Clear Lake covers about 43,000 acres and is surrounded by communities, parks, vineyards, and the volcanic landscape around Mount Konocti. Fishing is one of the main reasons people come here. Clear Lake has a strong reputation for largemouth bass, but visitors can also go boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, camping, and bird-watching. Lake County has developed more than 50 miles of water trails for paddlers as well. For travelers asking about California's hidden gems, Clear Lake deserves consideration. It receives less national attention than Tahoe but offers significantly more open-water space and a strong fishing and boating culture.

Bass Lake

Bass Lake California combines a classic mountain-lake vacation with easy access to Yosemite country.The lake sits about 17 miles from Yosemite National Park's southern entrance, surrounded by tall pines at roughly 3,415 feet elevation. Its summer water can warm considerably, making swimming and watersports a major part of the experience. Boating, waterskiing, wakeboarding, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and swimming are all popular. The area also has marinas, public boat launches, lakeside lodging, and campgrounds. Bass Lake even has a Hollywood connection. Parts of the 1988 comedy The Great Outdoors were filmed here, including scenes at a lakeside bar that still operates today. Its location is probably the biggest advantage. Travelers can build a relaxed lake day into a longer Yosemite trip instead of choosing between the two.

What Is the Cleanest Lake to Swim in in California?

There is no official statewide ranking that identifies one definitive "cleanest lake to swim in." But Lake Tahoe is one of California's strongest answers when exceptional water clarity is the priority.

UC Davis has monitored Tahoe's clarity for nearly 60 years. In 2025, the lake's average annual Secchi clarity was 69.2 feet, meaning a white monitoring disk remained visible at that depth on average. Researchers emphasize that clarity changes by season and remains an active focus of restoration work.Swimming is popular around Tahoe, including at areas such as Pope Beach, Emerald Bay, Commons Beach, and Sand Harbor on the Nevada side. The water can remain cold even in summer, so conditions should always be checked before getting in.

Visitors bringing boats or other watercraft should also pay attention to invasive-species rules. Tahoe requires inspection procedures for watercraft to help protect the lake's ecosystem.Maintaining Tahoe's clarity takes ongoing work involving sediment, pollution, invasive species, shoreline conditions, and broader watershed restoration. The lake may look remarkably pristine, but protecting that clarity is an active process rather than something that can be taken for granted.

Which of the Best Lakes in California Should You Visit?

The best lakes in California are definitely not competing for the same kind of weekend. Lake Tahoe brings the big mountain drama, Big Bear makes an easy Southern California escape, and Shasta Lake is where you go when “let’s rent a boat” somehow turns into a full vacation. Clear Lake is a favorite for fishing and slower days on the water, while Bass Lake combines swimming and watersports with the bonus of having Yosemite nearby.

So don’t just pick the lake with the most famous name. Pick the one that matches your idea of a good day. Kayak? Fishing rod? Hiking boots? Houseboat? Beach towel? California has a lake for all of them. Pick one for now. You can always make the others your next excuse to hit the road.

Read more...Aug 24, 2026
Visitors enjoying wine tastings during California Wine Month 2026.

California in September has a serious grape problem in the best possible way. Harvest season is in full swing, tasting rooms get busier, vineyards come alive, and entire towns find creative ways to turn grapes into a reason to celebrate. California Wine Month brings everything from beachside tastings and winery dinners to grape stomps, live music, food pairings, vineyard tours, and full weekend festivals.

The best part? No two events feel the same. In 2026, you can taste wine in Los Angeles one weekend, head to Catalina Island for pours by the beach, join a grape-filled celebration in Lodi, explore harvest season in Alexander Valley, and finish in Sonoma with one of the region’s biggest wine traditions. So clear a few September weekends. These are five California Wine Month 2026 events worth raising a glass to.

Is September California Wine Month?

Yes. California Wine Month runs from September 1 through September 30, 2026, placing the celebration right in the middle of harvest season for many California wine regions.

There is no single California Wine Month festival. Instead, the month brings together events across a state whose wine regions stretch hundreds of miles.

That variety is part of the fun. One weekend might mean a walk-around tasting in a city, while another could include wandering through a vineyard, talking with a grower, attending a winemaker dinner, joining a harvest activity, or listening to live music with a glass in hand.

Visit California lists special tastings, vineyard tours, winemaker dinners, grape-harvest experiences, seminars, blending workshops, festivals, and food-and-wine pairings among the experiences offered during the month.

California Wine Month 2026 dates

The simple answer is September 1–30, 2026. The more useful answer is that every festival has its own calendar. Some of the biggest California Wine Month 2026 events happen on a single day. Others fill an entire weekend or stretch across a full week. That makes September a good month for anything from a quick Saturday outing to a longer road trip through several California wine regions. If you are building a multi-stop itinerary, check the official event schedule before booking. Special dinners, tastings, tours, and limited-capacity experiences may have completely different hours from the main festival.

California Wine Month 2026 food

Come for the wine, but do not overlook what's on the plate. Food is a major part of many California Wine Month experiences. Depending on where you go, that could mean a formal winemaker dinner, a curated food-and-wine pairing, small bites during a tasting, or festival food enjoyed between live performances. California Wine Month programming across the state includes both winemaker dinners and food-and-wine pairings, but offerings differ significantly by destination.Before attending, check whether food is included with admission or sold separately. For smaller dinners and winery experiences, reservations may also be required. Travelers with allergies or other dietary needs should confirm available options directly with the organizer or participating venue.

LAWineFest 2026

Wine tasting in L.A. without the drive to wine country? LAWineFest 2026 makes that an easy weekend plan. The 21st annual festival takes place September 12–13, 2026, at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank. Expect California and international wines, craft brews, ciders and other drinks alongside live music, food trucks, and local vendors. The event is 21+ only.

Saturday, September 12: General Admission runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., while VIP ticket holders get early entry at 1 p.m.Sunday, September 13: General Admission and VIP entry run from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Standard gate prices are listed at $100 for General Admission, $150 for the VIP Garden, and $25 for a Designated Driver ticket. Advance and promotional tickets may cost less. For example, current partner offers show discounted single-day tickets starting around $55–$60 for General Admission and $90–$95 for VIP, so it is worth checking the official LAWineFest ticket page before paying at the gate. General Admission includes festival entry, unlimited wine and craft brew tastings, and a commemorative LAWineFest glass. VIP tickets include the General Admission experience plus access to the separate VIP Garden, where guests can sample boutique and premium wines, enjoy bites, and use additional seating and dedicated restrooms. VIP attendance is limited to 400 guests per day. Food is not an afterthought either. Food trucks and other vendors will be serving throughout the festival, making it easy to break up the tastings with something to eat while catching live music or browsing local exhibitors.

If you are looking for wine events in Los Angeles that feel more like a relaxed weekend festival than a formal tasting, LAWineFest is one of the easiest California Wine Month events to add to your September plans.

LAWineFest Tickets, Parking, and Transportation

Planning to drive? LAWineFest offers offsite parking for $16 at Providence Hospital/Providence High School, about one mile from the festival venue. A free shuttle will run between the parking area and LAWineFest throughout both event days. Groups also have another useful option: the Designated Driver ticket. It is intended for guests who want to attend LAWineFest without participating in the wine tastings, such as the person driving the group home. The ticket provides festival admission beginning at 2 p.m., but does not include alcoholic tastings.

This makes it possible to enjoy the food, entertainment, and festival atmosphere even if you are skipping the wine or volunteering to be the responsible one for the day.

Two Harbors Wine Fest 2026

There are wine festivals, and then there are wine festivals where your tasting room comes with sand and an ocean view. The Two Harbors Wine Fest takes place September 12, 2026, on the beach in Two Harbors on Catalina Island, with General Admission tasting from 1 to 4 p.m. Tickets start at $106.25 and include tastings from participating wineries, a souvenir wine glass, complimentary appetizers, live entertainment, and access to the Avalon Rotary Silent Auction. The event is 21+ only. Since the festival is literally on the beach, the organizer recommends comfortable shoes, layers, sunscreen, and a hat. Wine in one hand and sand under your feet? Not a bad Saturday.

Getting there takes a little more planning. Boat transportation is not included with a regular ticket. Catalina Express runs from San Pedro to Two Harbors, while visitors staying in Avalon can take the Cyclone. Transportation-and-event packages are also available.And because the event can sell out, this is one California Wine Month plan you probably should not leave until Friday night.

Lodi Grape Festival 2026

Wine gets the spotlight in September, but in Lodi, the grape gets the whole festival. The Lodi Grape Festival 2026 runs September 17–20 with carnival rides, food, live entertainment, vendors, exhibits, and the festival’s famous grape and commodity murals. It’s a four-day celebration built around San Joaquin County’s grape-harvest tradition.

Regular admission is $15 for ages 13+, $10 for ages 6–12, and free for kids 5 and under. Even better, the festival has some wallet-friendly deals: guests 16 and under get in free Thursday, everyone gets free admission Friday from noon to 5 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday you can bring two cans of food and get in for $2 before 2 p.m. Want to plan ahead? The official ticket page currently lists 2026 presale admission for $9.50 and an unlimited-ride carnival wristband for $33, both valid for one day. Parking is $12 in official festival lots and is credit/debit only. So yes, you can come for California Wine Month, but staying for carnival rides and $2 admission is completely understandable.

Alexander Valley Wine Week 2026

Prefer wine country without the giant festival crowds? Alexander Valley Wine Week takes a more flexible approach. Running September 21–27, 2026, the event spreads across wineries in Alexander Valley and Healdsburg. There is no single festival ticket or all-access wristband. Instead, each winery handles its own reservations, tours, tastings, and special experiences. That means you can build your week around what actually sounds fun, think vineyard hikes, tractor tours, wine-blending sessions, sensory seminars, winemaker tastings, and harvest celebrations. Some local lodging partners also offer special Wine Week stays.

Just remember: this is not a “show up and wander in” kind of event. Pick the wineries and experiences you want, then book directly with each one in advance.

Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival 2026

If your ideal September weekend includes wine, food, live music, grape stomping, and a little Sonoma history, the Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival checks a lot of boxes.

The festival runs September 24–27, 2026, with events spread across Sonoma Valley. Friday features a $125 Harvest Immersion Experience at Sangiacomo Family Wines, followed by the Sonoma Valley Harvest Dinner, where individual tickets are $250.

Saturday is the big festival day on Sonoma Plaza. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the daytime festival is free to attend, with live music, food, artisan vendors, kids’ activities, a vintage car show, wine, and beer.

Registration costs $75 per team of two and includes the grape stomp plus a T-shirt. Participants can request a preferred time slot -10 a.m. - noon, noon - 2 p.m., or 2–4 p.m. although exact times are not guaranteed. Registration closes September 22, 2026.

So yes, for $75 you and a friend can literally stomp grapes in Sonoma. Shoes may never be the same.

Plan Your California Wine Month 2026 Experience

California Wine Month is basically September giving you five very good excuses to make weekend plans. You can sip your way through L.A., trade the city for a beach tasting on Catalina Island, celebrate harvest season in Lodi, go behind the scenes in Alexander Valley, or finish the month surrounded by Sonoma traditions. Better yet, the dates are spread out enough that choosing just one is completely optional. Just match the event to the kind of day you actually want. Beach and wine? Two Harbors. Big festival energy? Lodi. Winery experiences? Alexander Valley. Sonoma classics? Valley of the Moon. Then handle the less exciting part before you go: tickets, transportation, hotel rooms, age requirements, and reservations. A little planning now means more time enjoying the wine later and less time standing in a parking lot wondering where the shuttle went.

Read more...Aug 14, 2026