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 a local or simply visiting, there are plenty of Newport Beach 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: September 4-6
Newport Dunes is sending summer off in style with a full weekend of waterfront fun this Labor Day! Gather the family and head to the Back Bay for three days of sunshine, food trucks, live entertainment and plenty of fun on the water. Kids can make a splash at the inflatable water park, complete with a 17-foot slide, trampolines and climbable icebergs, while adults kick back with cocktails, beer and wine. From Sept. 4-6, live music takes the stage from 5-8 p.m., with performances from country rock band Kelly Boyz, ‘80s cover band Flashback Heart Attack and more. Make a day of it by booking a private beachfront cabana, then stick around after sunset for a family-friendly movie on the beach.
“Moonlight Masquerade” Halloween Boutique at Roger’s Gardens
When: Opens August 28th
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 “Moonlight Masquerade”—a mysterious after-dark bazaar inspired by the “romance of Venice after dark.” Get in the fall spirit and come witness this eerie enclave for yourself.
28th Annual Gentlemen’s Smoker at Balboa Bay Resort
When: September 10
Toast to the finer things in life at Balboa Bay Resort’s 28th Annual Gentlemen’s Smoker reception and multi-course dinner. This exclusive Newport Beach event will showcase indulgent 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 Second City Goes Coastal at VEA Newport Beach
When: September 4
Comedy gets a coastal twist this September as The Second City takes over the Sunset Lawn at VEA Newport Beach on Sept. 4. The legendary improv group—known for helping launch the careers of comedy icons like Tina Fey, Bill Murray and Amy Poehler—will bring its signature quick wit and audience-driven humor to an open-air setting overlooking the Pacific. The 90-minute “Best of Second City” performance combines improv games, crowd interaction and classic scenes, meaning you never quite know what’s coming next. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., giving you time to grab a drink or bite before the laughs begin at 5:30 p.m. Choose from general admission or VIP tables with prime views and drink tickets, or turn it into a staycation with one of VEA’s special overnight packages.
Pacific Wine & Food Classic
When: September 12
The crown jewel of summer culinary events in Newport Beach, the Pacific Wine & Food Classic returns Sept. 12 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: September 26
Mark your calendars for the ultimate Oktoberfest Bar Crawl on Sept. 26! 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!
64th Annual Newport Beach Sandcastle Contest
When: September 27
Calling all builders, creatives and beach lovers! The 64th 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.
Ghostbusters at Lido Theater
When: September 30
Spooky season starts a little early at the historic Lido Theater! On Sept. 30, catch the 1984 comedy classic Ghostbusters on the big screen for a nostalgic night of paranormal chaos, iconic one-liners and plenty of laughs. Follow three eccentric scientists as they trade academia for ghost hunting and quickly find themselves facing more supernatural activity than they bargained for. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and with no trailers, the film starts promptly at 7 p.m. So, grab your popcorn and settle in for a perfectly timed kickoff to October.
