September Festivals & Fun

Just because summer is almost over doesn’t mean the fun is done. There are lots of local events and festivals coming up in September!

ART DECO FESTIVAL ON THE QUEEN MARY – Friday, Sept. 4^th – Monday, Sept. 7^th

Cruise back in time to the Gold Age for a weekend of drink, dance and opulence. The Queen Mary boasts some of the grandest and intricate interior designs on an ocean liner, influenced by the Art Deco movement of the 1920s and 30s. The weekend includes a look at the elaborate murals, paintings, sculptures and carvings onboard plus vintage inspired fun. Pack your best period wardrobe and head into the glitz and glamour of the past.  Event website: queenmary.com

LONG BEACH GREEK FESTIVAL – Saturday, Sept. 5^th – Sunday, Sept. 7^th – 12-9 p.m. daily

The 66^th annual Greek Festival returns to Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Church Labor Day weekend. Activities include Greek dancing, Greek travel films, cooking demonstrations, and continuous Greek music and entertainment. Meals, snacks, and beverages will be available along with vendor booths and a children’s carnival area. Event website: lbgreekfest.org

E HULA MAU 2015 – Friday, Sept. 4^th – Sunday, September 6^th

Returning to the Terrace Theatre at the Long Beach Performing Arts Center, E Hula Mau is a celebration of Hawaiian culture and includes a hula anc chant competiton, along with live performances, arts and crafts, interactive workshops, and the flavor of island foods. Event website: ehulamau.org

HEATHERS + RIOTSTAGE TRIBUTE TO 80’S AT SUNNYSIDE CEMETERY – Saturday, Sept. 5^th – Gates 6:30PM, Music 7:30PM, Film 8:30PM

All summer long Sunnyside Cemetery is hosting movies in the park and the September flick also has a performance from the band RIOTstage, a tribute to the 80’s. Bring low-back chairs, blankets and a picnic to enjoy while you sit back and enjoy the film. Event website: thefridacinema.org

SHORELINE JAM AT THE QUEEN MARY – Saturday, Sept. 5^th – Sunday, Sept. 6^th

Party this Labor Day weekend at the 5^th annual Shoreline Jam with food, lawn games, two stages of great music and more fun under the sun. Check out the website for a full list of performers and more info on tickets including the VIP passes with special line entrance, access to the VIP lounge and wristbands. Kids 4 years and under are free! Headliners are Matisyahu and The Green. Event website: queenmary.com

DOWNTOWN LONG BEACH PRESENTS BUSKERFEST – Saturday, Sept. 5^th  –  5PM-11PM

Closing out the popular summer concert series, local and regional bands will perform on four stages set up on flatbed trucks with minimal plugged-in equipment, busking for wooden nickels. Cheer for your favorite bands, dance in the streets and check out local artists and good old-fashioned competition. Event website: summerandmusic.com

13TH ANNUAL CHALK ART FESTIVAL ON THE PIER – Saturday, Sept. 12^th – 12PM-4PM

The Redondo Beach Pier will become a concrete canvas for this annual festival. The event is free to public, great for all ages and will include music and prizes. Register to be a chalk artist or just come to check out the amazing artwork taking over the pier. Event website: redondopier.com

SENIOR SATURDAY COMMUNITY FESTIVAL – Saturday, Sept. 12^th – 9AM-2PM

Held at the Huntington Beach Pier, the HB Council on Aging will put on the 27^th annual Senior Saturday Community Festival this month. 75 sponsored booths will have info on products and services geared toward the older adult population, plus a $2 breakfast, $2 lunch, giveaways, health screenings and free entertainment. Come by for an informative and fun day by the beach. Event website: hbcoa.org

OKTOBERFEST AT OLD WORLD VILLAGE – Sunday, Sept. 13^th – November 1^st – Wednesdays- Sundays

Old World is celebrating its 38^th year of Oktoberfest celebrations and it’s going to be bigger and better than ever. The German American Brass Band will be there to get the party started on opening day plus come enjoy the best German beers, brats (voted best in SoCal!), beautiful shot girls and more. Wednesday and Thrusday nights admission is free for beer tasting, food trucks and bands, Friday and Saturdays admission is $20 and includes beer contests and Sundays are Kinderfest aka Family Day with wiener dog races, and admission is only $5 for adults and $2 for kids. Event website: oldworld.ws

LA MIRADA OLIVE FESTIVAL – Saturday, Sept. 19^th –  11AM-10PM

Held at La Mirada Regional Park, the festival is free and includes live entertainment, a craft fair with over 80 vendors, local food vendors, a car & motorcycle exhibit, raffles, art walk and more. Check out the website for a full list of performers and details on the big day. Event website: lamiradaolivefest.com

ANAHEIM FEST OF ALES – Saturday, Sept. 19^th – 12PM-4PM

Over 40 breweries, food pairings, live music and games converge in Downtown Anaheim for the 2015 Fest of Ales. There will be a home brew challenge, tons of tastings available and partial proceeds will benefit non-profit organizations like Cops4Kids and Downtown Anaheim Association.  Event website: festofales.com

MOOMPETAM: NATIVE AMERICAN FESTIVAL – Saturday, Sept. 19^th – Sunday, Sept. 20^th –  9AM-5PM

In celebration of the local Native American cultures, the Aquarium of the Pacific will host its eleventh annual Moompetam Festival. This weekend celebration will feature traditional cultural crafts, storytelling, educational programs, live demonstrations, music, and dance celebrating the indigenous California maritime cultures, including Tongva, Chumash, Acjachemen, Costanoan, Luiseno, and Kumeyaay. Event website: aquariumofpacific.org

FARM TO COCKTAIL AT THE AQUARIUM OF PACIFIC – Thursday, Sept. 24^th  – 6PM-9PM

Enjoy handcrafted cocktails paired with 5 delicious courses, all through to you by the local sustainable resources from Babe Farms. Tickets are $75 for non members and the menu includes shrimp cocktail, fennel and orange salad, pork chops, and more seasonal surprises. Event website: aquariumofpacific.org

REDONDO BEACH LOBSTER FESTIVAL – Friday, Sept. 25^th – Sunday, Sept. 27^th

The Redondo Beach Lobster Festival is the best outdoor event of the year because, duh, lobster. Hosted by the Redondo Chamber of Commerce, fun under the sun at Seaside Lagoon includes food, live music and carnival fun for the kids. There are lobster and steak dinner specials and more mouthwatering meal packages to check out! Event website: lobsterfestival.com

BAJA SPLASH CULTURAL FESTIVAL – Saturday, Sept. 26^th – Sunday, Sept. 27^th – 9AM-5PM

In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month and Mexican Independence Day, the Aquarium of the Pacific will host its 14^th annual Baja Splash Cultural Festival featuring live entertainment, crafts, educational programs, ethnic cuisine, and much more. Experience the culture through song, dance and art plus learn about the animals of Baja, Mexico. Event website: aquariumofpacific.org

7TH ANNUAL UNLEASHED SURF CITY SURF DOG COMPETITION – Friday, Sept. 25^th – Sunday, Sept. 27^th 

Have you ever seen a dog surf? Because you can this month in Huntington Beach. The weekend of doggone fun starts with a red  carpet and “puptails” event on Friday night with open ceremonies and a costume contest. The main surfing event goes on Sunday starting at 8:30AM. Hosted by Petco, the Surf City Surf Dog Competition is all about having fun and putting your pup center stage. Registration for the event is $60 and competition heats include large, medium, small and xl dogs, shredders, and tandem surfing. Event website: surfcitysurfdog.com