September is a favorite month of mine for basking in the late summer days and enjoying our mild Mediterranean climate. Attend an art festival, celebrate harvest in Wine Country or right here at a local farmers market or wine walk—or even head to the coast and enjoy some of the warmest weather of the year at the beach! We have 21 days of summer left and still so many opportunities to enjoy a weekend vacation right at home in our beautiful Bay Area.
Here are some fabulous events and activities to help you make the most of the end of summer:
Summer Nights At Filoli | Woodside | Select Dates
On Wednesday and Thursday nights through Sept. 18, grab a Summer Nights ticket to slow down, stroll through the gardens, and see all six folklore-inspired TROLLS sculptures as you watch the sun dip behind the mountains. Then, beginning Sept. 22, embrace the spirit of autumn with a cozy afternoon tea experience in the Garden House. Visit filoli.org for more info.
Art & Wine Festival | Mountain View | Sept. 6-7
Don’t miss one of the largest and most beloved festivals in the South Bay, featuring 400+ of the region’s finest artists and craft-makers, stellar live music, and artisan specialty food and drink. Live music throughout the downtown area transforms Castro Street into an entertainment hot spot. Learn more at mvartwine.com.
KRTY Songwriters Series | San Martin | Sept. 11, 12 & Oct. 2,3
Enjoy an incredible late summer eve at beautiful CordeValle Winery listening to top country songs performed in person by the writers themselves while sipping glasses of delicious wine. Check out the lineup here.
Flower Piano 10th Anniversary| San Francisco | Sept. 12-21
Experience one of the most unique and creative events in the Bay Area at the 10th Anniversary of Flower Piano, where the San Francisco Botanical Gardens turn into an al fresco concert hall. Seek out 12 pianos and discover 100+ performances, beginning with a special opening night event at Flower Piano Lounge that features Montuno Swing Salsa Band with Grammy-winning pianist Christian Tumalan. Learn more here.
62nd Annual 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 this cherished tradition presented by the city of Carmel-by-the-Sea and the Monterey Bay chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Or, simply bring a picnic and take in the salty sea breeze while you admire the multitude of sandy artworks. For more details, go here.
Fall Wine Walk | Downtown Campbell | Sept. 18
Stroll and sip your way through fun-loving Downtown Campbell at this one-night oasis of wine tasting filled with good times, great bands, and great wine from 25+ amazing winemakers. Buy tickets here.
Fiesta De Artes | Los Gatos | Sept. 20-21
Shop, dance, and be merry at the annual Los Gatos art and wine festival that showcases 200+ artists, live music all day, fine wines by local vintners, and food trucks! All proceeds go back to the community to support local at-risk high schoolers, leadership clubs, and community service projects sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Los Gatos. Visit losgatosfiesta.com.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals | Santa Clara | Sept. 21
Join the Niner Faithful! Cheer on the Bay Area’s own 49ers against the Arizona Cardinals at the first home game of the regular season at Levi’s Stadium. Get tickets here.
Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival | Sonoma | Sept. 25-27
Celebrate harvest at this year’s Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival for a weekend of wine, music, and harvest fun in the heart of Sonoma Valley. A 5K Fun Run on Sept. 27 kicks off the daytime festivities, followed by the Blessing of the Grapes, the Grape Stomp, the Artisan Fair, live music, and of course, delicious wine and food. For more info and tickets, click here.
68th Monterey Jazz Festival | Monterey | Sept. 26-28
The legendary Monterey Jazz Festival celebrates its 68th year with headliners Christian McBride, Ledisi, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Gregory Porter, Dianne Reeves, and many others. This massive musical gathering at the Monterey County Fairgrounds spans three days and nights, featuring 70+ performances on five stages, plus food and beverage, arts and crafts, and clothing merchants. For schedule and tickets, visit montereyjazzfestival.org.
