September in Coastal Orange County: Events Worth Adding to Your Calendar
September is one of the best months to be along the Orange County coast. The summer crowds begin to ease, the weather stays warm, and the calendar fills with everything from surf competitions and waterfront festivals to food, art, live music, and community traditions.
Whether you are spending the weekend in Dana Point, San Clemente, Newport Beach, or San Juan Capistrano, there is plenty to get out and enjoy. Here are a few of the events we have on our September calendar.
September 2–6 | Miracle Makers International Film Festival
Newport Beach
Kick off the month with film, storytelling, and a little Hollywood energy at the Miracle Makers International Film Festival in Newport Beach. With screenings and special events throughout the festival, it is a great option for anyone looking to mix culture and entertainment into their weekend.
September 11–20 | Lexus Trestles Pro
Lower Trestles • San Clemente
Some of the world’s best surfers return to Lower Trestles for the Lexus Trestles Pro. San Clemente’s iconic surf break provides the backdrop for one of the area’s biggest professional surfing events, making this a must for anyone who loves the ocean and Southern California surf culture.
September 11–13 | Maritime Festival
Ocean Institute • Dana Point
Dana Point’s Maritime Festival celebrates the city’s deep connection to the ocean with a weekend of maritime-inspired activities, entertainment, and experiences at the Ocean Institute. It is a fitting celebration for a harbor community known for its boating, sailing, and coastal lifestyle.
September 12 | Pacific Wine & Food Classic
Newport Beach
For something a little more indulgent, the Pacific Wine & Food Classic brings together wine, food, and the Newport Beach waterfront. It is the kind of September afternoon that feels quintessentially Orange County: good food, great wine, and an ocean breeze.
September 19 | Toast to the Casa: An Evening in Paradise
Casa Romantica Cultural Center • San Clemente
Spend an evening overlooking the Pacific at Casa Romantica’s annual celebration. With its historic setting and coastal views, Toast to the Casa offers an elegant way to experience one of San Clemente’s most beautiful landmarks while supporting the cultural center.
September 20 | San Clemente Annual Car Show
Downtown San Clemente
Head to downtown San Clemente for a classic Southern California tradition. The annual car show brings vintage and specialty automobiles to the streets of San Clemente, surrounded by the city’s Spanish-inspired architecture, local shops, and laid-back coastal atmosphere.
September 25–27 | Ohana Festival
Doheny State Beach • Dana Point
One of the biggest music weekends of the season returns to Doheny State Beach. Ohana Festival combines live music with one of Southern California’s most iconic beach settings, making it a September highlight for both locals and visitors.
September 26 | Flying Miz Daisy
O.C. Fair and Event Center • Costa Mesa
For something a little different, Flying Miz Daisy brings an evening of entertainment to the Orange County Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa. It is an easy addition to a weekend spent exploring Costa Mesa’s restaurants, shops, and creative scene.
September 26–27 | San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival
San Juan Capistrano
The San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival is a favorite annual celebration featuring Greek food, music, dancing, and plenty of family-friendly fun. It is also a great excuse to spend a fall weekend exploring the historic downtown and charming streets of San Juan Capistrano.
September 26–27 | Still Life Ceramics Pop-Up
Doheny State Beach • Dana Point
Art meets the coast at the Still Life Ceramics Pop-Up at Doheny State Beach. Stop by to browse handmade ceramics and creative work while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of Dana Point’s coastline.
September 27 | Annual Sandcastle Contest
Corona del Mar State Beach
September wraps up with one of Orange County’s most charming traditions. The Annual Sandcastle Contest transforms Corona del Mar State Beach into a showcase of elaborate sand sculptures, bringing together artists, families, and beachgoers for a fun afternoon by the water.
Make a Weekend of It
One of the best things about September in Coastal Orange County is how easy it is to turn an event into an entire weekend. Catch the surf in San Clemente, spend an afternoon along the Dana Point Harbor, explore the shops and restaurants of Newport Beach, or wander through historic San Juan Capistrano.
The events may be what gets you out the door, but the coastal lifestyle is what makes you want to stay.
