September is undeniably one of the best times of the year to bask in the golden days of late summer while enjoying our mild Mediterranean climate. Catch a live NFL game, attend an art festival, or just relax on a hike while watching the sun dip behind the mountains.
Our enviable weather allows one of the most diverse harvests in the world—and local farms will soon be bursting with produce and offering self-picking opportunities. September is also California Wine Month! Attend a harvest party or farm-to-table dinner, or explore one of many hands-on harvest tours at area wineries and get behind the scenes to see the winemaking production in action. Whatever you choose to do, you won’t be disappointed!
4th Annual Vine To Wine | San Jose | Sept. 1
Celebrate the start of harvest at Downtown San Jose’s San Pedro Square Market with a celebration of wine, music, and community. Taste local award-winning wines from the Santa Clara Valley, groove to tunes spun by an all-vinyl DJ, and spin the wheel for a chance to win a three-stop winery tour aboard the Morgan Hill Trolley! For tickets and more info, go here.
Summer Nights & Orchard Days | Woodside | Various Dates
Grab a Summer Nights ticket to slow down, smell the roses, and watch as the sun sets the sky on fire Wednesday and Thursday nights through Sept. 19. Then, get ready for Filoli’s harvest festivities beginning Sept. 21! Enjoy the jewel tones of autumn in the Gentleman’s Orchard with live music, spiced cider, and good times spent together. Explore the historic trees, learn about traditional fall celebrations, and find a diverse amount of fun every weekend. Visit filoli.orgfor more info.
52nd Annual Art & Wine Festival | Mountain View | Sept. 7 & 8
Voted “Best Festival” in the South Bay by Metro readers numerous times, the Mountain View Art & Wine Festival features over 350 of the region’s finest artists and craft-makers, stellar live music, and artisan specialty food and drink. Live music throughout the downtown district transforms Castro Street into an entertainment hotspot. Learn more at mvartwine.com.
49ers Vs. Jets | Santa Clara | Sept. 9
The start of the NFL season is here! Cheer on the Bay Area’s own San Francisco 49ers at the kickoff game of the NFL regular season at Levi’s Stadium against the New York Jets. There’s nothing like a live game—join the Niner Faithful and don’t forget to wear your red! Get tickets here.
The Great Sandcastle Contest | Carmel-by-the-Sea | Sept. 14
Bring your friends and family to the sun-kissed shores of Carmel Beach to compete for the “Golden Shovel” in the 61st Annual Great Sandcastle Contest, a cherished tradition for locals and tourists presented by the city of Carmel-by-the-Sea and the Monterey Bay chapter of the American Institute of Architects. All skill levels are invited to participate. Or just bring a picnic and take in the salty sea breeze while you admire the sandy artworks. For more details, go here.
Fall Wine Walk | Downtown Campbell | Sept. 19
Don’t miss this one-night oasis of wine-tasting filled with good times, great bands, and great wine from 20 area vintners in fun-loving Downtown Campbell. Stroll the town and live it up! Buy tickets here.
KRTY Songwriter Series | San Martin | Sept. 19 & 20, Oct. 3 & 4
Enjoy an incredible late-summer evening at beautiful Clos La Chance Winery listening to top songs performed in person by the writers themselves while sipping glasses of delicious wine. Check out the lineup at clos.com, as well as other end-of-summer special tribute concerts throughout the season.
Fiesta De Artes | Los Gatos | Sept. 21 & 22
Shop, dance, eat, drink, and be merry at the annual Los Gatos art & wine festival known as Fiesta de Artes. Featuring over 200 artists, live music all day, fine wines by local vintners, and food trucks, there is no shortage of things to do! All proceeds go back to the community to support local at-risk high schoolers, leadership clubs, and community service projects supported by the Kiwanis Club of Los Gatos. Visit losgatosfiesta.com.
Valley Of The Moon Festival | Sonoma | Sept. 26-28
This year’s Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival commemorates the 200th anniversary of Sonoma Valley wine. Community-wide festivities include a vintage movie night, 5K fun run, artisan festival, live music, a historic grape-stomp, firefighter water fights, and of course, delicious wine and food. Dazzle your senses at the Sonoma Valley Harvest Dinner or Grand Tasting Events for an unforgettable experience. For more info and tickets, click here.
67th Annual Jazz Festival | Monterey | Sept. 27-29
This colossal festival at Monterey County Fairgrounds celebrates its 67th year with a multiple Grammy Award-winning, legendary lineup, including Stanley Clarke N•4EVER, Samara Joy, Mavis Staples, Joshua Redman Group feat. Gabrielle Cavassa, and many others. This massive musical gathering boasts a total of 350 artists and 86 performances on five stages spanning three days and nights, plus food and beverage, arts and crafts, and clothing merchants. For schedule and tickets, visit montereyjazzfestival.org.
