8 September Events to Add to Your Calendar
September is here, which means it’s time to gear up for fall! Aside from Labor Day weekend and the start of football season, there’s so much to be excited about. Whether you’re local to Newport Beach or simply visiting, there are plenty of events to add to your calendar this month. From live music on the Back Bay at Newport Dunes to the highly anticipated Pacific Wine & Food Classic, these eight events in Newport Beach are sure to liven up your fall.
Labor Day Weekend at Newport Dunes
When: August 29-August 31
Celebrate Labor Day weekend with some family fun at Newport Dunes! Enjoy everything from food trucks and live entertainment to an inflatable water park for the kids. Your little ones will love the climbable icebergs, 17-foot slide and trampolines. Let your kids play while you enjoy live tunes from DSB (a Journey tribute band) and a full bar with cocktails, beer and wine. You can even reserve a private waterfront cabana for the ultimate shoreside VIP experience!
“Midnight Market” Halloween Boutique at Roger’s Gardens
When: Opens August 29th
Get in the mood for spooky season with a trip to Roger’s Gardens in the heart of Corona del Mar. This garden oasis recently opened its annual Halloween Boutique, where visitors can shop a diverse collection of festive and spooky decor. Pumpkins and fall foliage will be on full display from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, and this year’s theme is “Midnight Market”—a mysterious after-dark bazaar complete with “smoldering pumpkins, gleaming cauldrons, enchanted botanicals, and curious treasures from other realms.” Get in the fall spirit and come witness this eerie enclave for yourself.
27th Annual Gentlemen’s Smoker
When: Sept. 11
Toast to the finer things in life at Balboa Bay Resort’s 27th Annual Gentlemen’s Smoker reception and multi-course dinner. This exclusive event will showcase culinary creations by the renowned culinary team at Balboa Bay Resort and will be held on the picturesque Member’s Lawn. Guests are encouraged to bring a bottle of their favorite wine and one of their most cherished cigars for a friendly competition to determine the best wine and cigar. Winners will receive special recognition, and luxury packages will be up for auction, offering an opportunity to acquire remarkable items and experiences. This event will benefit the Balboa Bay Club Scholarship Fund.
The Vineyard House Wine Dinner at VEA Newport Beach
When: Sept. 19
Savor an extraordinary evening at VEA Newport Beach with a five-course wine dinner featuring rare vintages from The Vineyard House, a historic Napa Valley estate led by second-generation vintner Jeremy Nickel. The night begins with tray-passed bites before unfolding into a seasonal menu, each course expertly paired with Bordeaux varietals from Oakville’s Halter Valley. Produced under the guidance of renowned winemakers Philippe Melka and Maayan Koschitzky, these wines showcase sustainability, legacy and Napa craftsmanship. Proceeds will benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, helping fund vital care for children in local communities.
Art in the Park
When: Sept. 20
Consider yourself an art enthusiast? Join the fun this month at the Newport Beach Civic Center for the 20th annual Art in the Park! From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., locals and visitors can peruse (and purchase!) the work of over 120 artists and artisans. Showcasing everything from paintings, jewelry and leatherwork to photography, glasswork, sculptures and mixed media, this free Newport Beach art festival is sure to be a hit.
Pacific Wine & Food Classic
When: Sept. 20
The crown jewel of summer culinary events in Newport Beach, the Pacific Wine & Food Classic returns Sept. 20 with bold flavors, dazzling sips and SoCal’s top chefs serving bites that celebrate our coastal bounty. Set against the serene Back Bay at Newport Dunes, this award-winning festival is a full-on feast for the senses, featuring unforgettable dishes from local restaurants, perfectly paired with world-class wines, craft cocktails, and a lively, sun-soaked atmosphere. And while many festivals highlight celebrity chefs from afar, this Newport Beach upcoming event proudly shines a spotlight on the culinary leaders who define Southern California’s food culture.
Newport Beach Oktoberfest Bar Crawl
When: Sept. 27
Mark Your Calendars for the ultimate Oktoberfest Bar Crawl on Sept. 27! Don your best lederhosen or dirndl and join the celebration as you saunter through the city’s most iconic bars and beer halls. This Newport Beach event is more than just a bar crawl—it’s a full-blown immersion into Bavarian culture with live bands and the rich flavors of specialty German brews. Each stop on the crawl is curated to deliver an authentic Oktoberfest experience, complete with pretzels, sausages and all the traditional delights that make this time of year so special. Prost!
63rd Annual Newport Beach Sandcastle Contest
When: Sept. 28
Calling all builders, creatives and beach lovers—the 63rd Annual Newport Beach Sandcastle Contest returns to Big Corona State Beach for a full day of sun, sand and friendly competition. Gather your team and put your sculpting skills to the test or simply enjoy the spectacle from the shore. With live music, delicious food and plenty of photo-worthy creations, this long-standing tradition promises the ultimate beach day. Free to watch and fun to compete, this iconic Newport Beach event captures the playful spirit of our city on the coast.
