Grandparents Day | La Habra Community Center, La Habra

September 13: Celebrate Grandparents Day with a pancake breakfast, arts and crafts, a Mobile Museum visit, and admission to the Children's Museum at La Habra.

Dates:
Location:
La Habra Community Center 101 W. La Habra Blvd., La Habra, CA
+ Google Map

Belmont Shore Car Show | 2nd Street, Long Beach

September 13: See 600+ cars take over 2nd Street, plus live music, DJs, vendors, and a street fair at the Belmont Shore Car Show. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
Belmont Shore 2nd Street, Belmont Shore
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

East LA Parade & Festival | East Los Angeles

September 13: Celebrate 80 years of the East LA Parade & Festival with Mexican-American cultural traditions, live music and entertainment, food, art, and community festivities. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
East LA Mednik between Cesar Chavez Blvd and 1st St., Los Angeles
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

Americana in the Park | Gandara Park, Santa Monica

September 13: Enjoy live Americana music from Albert Lee, Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca, Abby Posner & the Big Fall, and more, plus Bob Baker Marionette Theater and family activities. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
Gandara Park - Santa Monica 819 Stewart St., Santa Monica
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

Route 66 Cruisin’ Reunion | Euclid Avenue, Ontario

September 18-19: Cruise Euclid Avenue and check out over 1,000 classic cars, from Model Ts to hot rods and custom builds. Enjoy live music, food vendors, contests, a Ferris Wheel, and kid rides. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
Euclid Ave. Ontario
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

Los Angeles International Ukulele Festival | Torrance Cultural Arts Center, Torrance

September 18–20: Strum, sing, and celebrate at a free three-day ukulele festival featuring live performances, free beginner classes and demos, an open mic, and a marketplace with instruments and accessories from independent luthiers and international brands. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
Torrance Cultural Arts Center 3330 Civic Center Dr., Torrance, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

Solvang Danish Days | Downtown Solvang

September 18–20: Celebrate Danish heritage at the 89th annual Solvang Danish Days with aebleskiver breakfasts, folk dancers, live music, free outdoor concerts, axe throwing, an artisanal crafts marketplace, story time with Hans Christian Andersen, and LEGO activities for kids. General admission is free. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
Solvang Visitor Center 1637 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

Pasadena Greek Festival | Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church, Pasadena

September 18–20: Celebrate Greek culture with live dance performances, cooking demos, Greek dance lessons, church tours, authentic food and drinks, and a Kidzone for kids. Free admission for kids (ages 11 and under).

Dates:
Location:
Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church 778 S Rosemead Blvd, Pasadena, CA
+ Google Map

Hispanic Heritage Celebration | AJ Padelford Park, Artesia

September 18: Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with music, live performers, dancing, games, and vendors in Artesia. Free food will be available while supplies last. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
AJ Padelford Park (Artesia) 11870 169th St., Artesia, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

California Coastal Cleanup Day

September 19: Join California's largest annual volunteer event and help remove trash from beaches and inland waterways statewide. Use the interactive map at the California Coastal Commission's website to find a cleanup site near you. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
Southern California
Cost:
Free

Hispanic Heritage Month Kick Off Event | Pretend City, Irvine

September 19: Kick off Hispanic Heritage Month with a celebration of culture, community, and creativity. Explore traditions, stories, music, mariachi, and folklorico dancing honoring Hispanic and Latino communities. Included with museum admission.

Dates:
Location:
Pretend City Children's Museum 29 Hubble, Irvine, CA
+ Google Map

Great Pumpkin Weigh-Off | Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch, Orange

September 19: Watch pumpkin growers compete for cash prizes at the annual Great Pumpkin Weigh-Off. Giant pumpkins will be on display and all pumpkin patch activities will be open to visitors. Park entrance fee applies; pumpkin patch entry is free.

Dates:
Location:
Irvine Park Railroad 1 Irvine Park Rd., Orange, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

Spectrum SunWheel Grand Opening | Irvine Spectrum Center, Irvine

September 19: Celebrate the grand opening of the Spectrum SunWheel with live entertainment, pop-up treat stations, and a commemorative photo opportunity. The first 300 guests score a complimentary ride on the new wheel. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
Irvine Spectrum Center 670 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

Nat at Night | San Diego Natural History Museum, San Diego

Sep 19, Oct 16, Nov 20, Dec 18: Explore exhibitions and the rooftop deck at the San Diego Natural History Museum at night on select Fridays, open until 11 PM. The whole family is welcome — grab dinner in the Atrium or on the rooftop and explore until bedtime. Admission is half-price after 5 PM.

Location:
San Diego Natural History Museum Balboa Park, 1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA
+ Google Map

Vista Viking Festival | Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, Vista

September 19–20: Celebrate Viking and Norse culture with live music, fire exhibitions, a professional stonelifting world championship qualifier, an interactive Viking village, axe and archery ranges, adult competitions, and an expanded kids pavilion with hands-on activities.

Dates:
Location:
Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum 2040 N. Santa Fe Ave., Vista, CA
+ Google Map

Free Miniature Train Rides at Fairview Park in Costa Mesa

THIRD WEEKEND OF EVERY MONTH: The Orange County Model Engineers offer public ride days every third full weekend of each month. To ride the trains, children must be able to walk and be at least 31" tall. A typical trip takes about 12 minutes and covers two loops of the park.

Dates:
Free Miniature Train Rides at Fairview Park in Costa Mesa
Location:
Fairview Park - Costa Mesa 2501 Placentia Ave., Costa Mesa, CA
Cost:
Free

Zootoberfest | L.A. Zoo, Los Angeles

September 19–20: Celebrate fall Oktoberfest-style at the L.A. Zoo with live bands, German-inspired food and drinks, specialty beer and root beer floats, a braid bar, giant ribbon tunnel, lawn games, keeper talks, and themed photo opportunities.

Dates:
Location:
Los Angeles Zoo 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA
+ Google Map

Power of The Arts Festival | Discovery Cube LA, Sylmar

September 19-20: Celebrate creativity at the intersection of art and science at Discovery Cube LA's two-day festival. Activities span music, dance, culinary arts, and more. Included with general admission or membership.

Dates:
Location:
Discovery Cube - Los Angeles 11800 Foothill Blvd., Sylmar, CA
+ Google Map

Thai Fest by the Beach | Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica

September 19-20: Taste Thai street food, watch traditional dance and Muay Thai demonstrations, enjoy live music, photo ops, and family activities at Santa Monica Pier. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
Cost:
Free

La Mirada Youth Fishing Derby | La Mirada Regional Park, La Mirada

September 19: Cast a line at the annual La Mirada Youth Fishing Derby at La Mirada Regional Park. The lake is generously stocked, a free pancake breakfast kicks off the morning, and fishing lessons are provided by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Only youth fish, but the whole family is invited. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
La Mirada Regional Park 13701 Adelfa Drive, La Mirada, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

Chalktastic | Whittier City Hall, Whittier

September 19: Create chalk art on a 4x4-foot concrete square at this free outdoor event at Whittier City Hall. Artists of all ages receive a free chalk kit and kneeling pad upon registration. Watch professional demonstrations, play games, listen to music, and enjoy food on-site. Prizes awarded by age group and a People's Choice Award. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
Whittier CIty Hall 13230 Penn St., Whittier, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

City Celebration | Empty Saddle Club, Rolling Hills Estates

September 19: Enjoy an outdoor family festival with equestrian events, pony and horse rides, a petting zoo, hay rides, a stick horse rodeo, a rock wall, corn pits, a magician, a reptile show, face painting, picnic games, and food vendors. An all-day activities wristband is $15 online or $20 at the event. Event entry is FREE!

Dates:
Location:
The Empty Saddle Club 39 Empty Saddle Road, Rolling Hills Estates, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

Discovery Zone | Madrona Marsh Nature Center, Torrance

Third Saturday: Explore a hands-on space where kids can touch feathers, match animal tracks, build food webs, and learn how wetlands support plants, animals, and people. Through simple science activities and real marsh artifacts, young explorers discover why protecting nature matters. FREE!

Dates:
Discovery Zone | Madrona Marsh Nature Center, Torrance
Location:
Madrona Marsh Preserve 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

Buena Park Culture Fest and Parade | Boisseranc Park, Buena Park

September 19: Celebrate cultural heritage with live performances, community booths, food, and family-friendly activities — plus a brand-new parade through the streets of Buena Park. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
Henry Boisseranc Park 7520 Dale St., Buena Park, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

I Love Downey Festival | Downey

September 19: Celebrate Downey's 70th anniversary with live bands, an art exhibition, a beer & wine garden, community booths, giveaways, and local food vendors. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
I Love Downey Festival Between 2nd & 4th St., Downey, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

Astronomy Night | Columbia Memorial Space Center, Downey

September 19: Explore the night sky with telescope viewing and an expert speaker presentation at this monthly astronomy event celebrating National Observe the Moon Night. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
Columbia Memorial Space Center 12400 Columbia Way, Downey, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

Kidz Bop Live Birthday Concert Event | F&M Bank Amphitheater, Long Beach

September 20: Celebrate KIDZ BOP's 25th anniversary with a live birthday concert featuring the KIDZ BOP Kids performing pop hits and throwback favorites. DJ KB opens the show with a dance party, and the fan-favorite Daddy Dance Off makes its return.

Dates:
Location:
F&M Bank Amphitheater 1051 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, CA
+ Google Map

Kids Run the Bases | Dodger Stadium, LA

Select Sundays, June 21 - September 20: Kids Run the Bases gives children (ages 5-14) the chance to run the bases after most Sunday afternoon games. 

Dates:
Location:
Dodger Stadium 1000 Vin Scully Avenue, Los Angeles
+ Google Map

Fiesta Alhambra 2026 | Alhambra Farmers Market, Alhambra

September 20: Celebrate Latino and Hispanic Heritage Month with live music, cultural performances, artisan vendors, family-friendly activities, and local produce at Alhambra Farmers Market.

Dates:
Location:
Alhambra Farmer's Market 100 S. 2nd St., Alhambra, CA
+ Google Map

Orange County Children’s Book Festival | Orange Coast College, Costa Mesa

September 20: Explore books, meet authors, and catch live performances and author read-alouds at this free, one-day literary festival at Orange Coast College. Special guest StoryTeller from KidTime StoryTime performs, and the OCC Planetarium hosts a headliner presentation including a Magic Tree House program. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
Orange Coast College 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa
Cost:
Free

12th Annual Bob Baker Day | LA State Historic Park, Los Angeles

September 20: Celebrate the legacy of Bob Baker with a free all-day festival featuring puppets, art, interactive activities, crafts, artisans, vendors, and food. The Hooray LA Village includes free art activities, educational offerings, and storytelling programs, plus a quiet book nook from the Los Angeles Public Library. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
Los Angeles State Historic Park 1245 N Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

Disclaimer: The Kidsguide team does their best to keep event details accurate at the time of posting, but information can change without notice! Be sure to double-check with the event organizer before heading out. Kidsguide is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or changes on our calendar—we’re just here to help you find the fun!