Top Southern California community events in September

Summer may be coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean the fun is! There’s plenty of things happening throughout the area this month. Check them out here:

Tall Ships Festival

When: September 6^th-8^th, 2019
Where: Ocean Institute (24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629)
Cost: $15/ adult, $12.50/ child, $50/ family of four

For the 34^th year, the Ocean Institute on Dana Point will be hosting the Tall Ships Festival and allowing families a look behind the scenes of a working tall ship. There will be ship tours, hands-on science, living history, a craft show, a boat parade, live music, and a beer garden. Visit the Pirate Camp for historical reenactments, pirate songs, and activities like learning how to tie a bowline. Everybody in the family is sure to find something exciting here.

Santa Ana Mariachi Festival

When: September 7^th, 2019 from 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Where: Sycamore Street & West 4th Street (480 N. Sycamore, Santa Ana, CA 92701)
Cost: Free admission

In celebration of the city’s 150^th Anniversary, residents and visitors are invited to attend the Santa Ana Mariachi Festival and enjoy a lineup of talented local mariachi bands, Folklorico performances, retail booths, and of course a wide variety of food! Totras, tacos, burritos, mulitas, corn on the cobb, ice cream, and churros will all be served. 

Surf City Days & He'e Nalu Aloha Pier Fest

When: September 14^th-15^th, 2019
Where: Downtown Huntington Beach (Huntington Beach, CA 92648)
Cost: Free admission

Closeout your summer season with a variety of events in the sand at Pierside Plaza. You’ll find plenty of music, island food, and vendors throughout the plaza, along with a Surfboard Demo Day on Saturday, Dory Boat Races on Sunday afternoon, a surf contest, and Old School Skateboarding all day Saturday

Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show

When: September 20^th-22^nd, 2019
Where: OC Fair & Event Center (88 Fair Drive Costa Mesa, CA 92626)
Cost: General admission $9, Kids (13-17) $4, Kids (under 12) free

For 46 years, the Harvest Festival has been bringing the best craft shows to indoor venues throughout California and Nevada. Guests can enjoy hand-crafted items from nearly 300 vendors, food, and plenty of family-friendly entertainment! Featured entertainers include WC Willy Stilt Cowboy, Billy Banjo, Juggler Jeremiah Johnson, and the HyJinx Band.

Annual BBQ and Family Faire

When: September 21^st, 2019 from 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Where: The Shea Center (26284 Oso Road, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675)
Cost: $55/adult, $33/child, senior, or person with a disability, $155/ family of four

The Shea Center’s Annual BBQ and Family Faire is sure to be a hit with all ages. Guests can watch rider demonstrations, participate in faire games, enter auctions, and enjoy an amazing BBQ dinner. Following dinner, there will be live country music played, dancing, and the “Parade of Stars.”

Extreme Cowboy Challenge

When: September 22^nd, 2019 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where: Huntington Beach Central Park (6956 Ellis Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648)
Cost: Free

Watch horses and their riders dodge and maneuver a track full of water crossings, bridges, jumps, and other obstacles with the agility and skill of the finest cowboys. All are invited to attend this event and will have an opportunity to meet both the horses and their riders. Food trucks will be onsite, along with plenty of activities for kids.

20th Anniversary Cruisin' For A Cure Car Show

When: September 28^th, 2019 from 6:00 am – 3:30 pm
Where: OC Fair & Event Center (88 Fair Drive Costa Mesa, CA 92626)
Cost: $15/adult, kids 12 & under enter free

Visit the world’s largest one-day charity car show to see over 200 vendors and exhibitors, and the 3,500 classic cars, hot rods, trucks, and custom vehicles on display. With cars in five separate buildings and live entertainment featuring three banks, you won’t be bored. Plus, this event is for a great cause. Proceeds towards research to save men from prostate cancer. Free cancer screenings will also be provided on-site.

Los Angeles Chocolate Convention

When: September 29^th, 2019 starting at 10:00 am
Where: Pasadena Convention Center (300 E Green St, Pasadena, CA 91101)
Cost: $20

Ready your sweet tooth and head over the Pasadena Convention Center for the 13^th annual Lost Angeles Chocolate Salon. Chocolate lovers and addicts alike will find themselves heaven among the finest artisan and gourmet chocolates from the top culinary artists and chocolatiers. Not only can guests sample a variety of chocolate, but they can also listen to talks by top authors and chefs, and witness chocolate-related demonstrations.

5^th Annual OFF THE HOOK Seafood Festival

When: September 29^th, 2019 starting at 10:00 am
Where: Santa Monica Pier (200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401)
Cost: Tickets starting at $65

Each year, seafood lovers hit the Santa Monica Pier to dive into offerings from the city’s best seafood restaurants. Featuring oysters, shrimp, fish, lobster and more, you’ll leave with a satisfied appetite and a memory of a fun night. In between the food, you’ll have drinks, listen to live music, participate in games and other exciting activities on the pier.

A look forward…

On October 3^rd, Nuvision will be hosting a special concert just for our members. Music is performed by Michael Paulo, international recording star and renowned saxophonist in pop, soul, and contemporary jazz. After the show, members will be treated to free wine and beer at Andei’s.

Keep an eye out for more information coming soon!