
Smorgasburg Ice Cream Alley | ROW DTLA, Los Angeles
July 5 - September 6: Celebrate 10 years of Ice Cream Alley with frozen treats from LA ice cream makers, plus 60+ food vendors, shopping, DJs, and family-friendly activities at Smorgasburg. FREE!
Arts District County Fair | Arts District Brewing Company, Los Angeles
September 6: Enjoy carnival games, a petting zoo, local vendors, over-the-top fair food, and county fair fun in the heart of DTLA.
Wiener Dog “Inge Invitational” Race | Old World Village, Huntington Beach
September 6: Cheer on speedy dachshunds during the “Inge Invitational” Wiener Dog Races, plus enjoy a pet expo at Old World Village.
Teeth Tell the Story | OC Zoo, Orange
September 6: Kids ages 10-15 become wildlife detectives while examining real skulls, teeth, and animal clues, plus crafts and up-close zoo encounters.
Cinespia: The Sandlot | Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Los Angeles
September 6: Pack a picnic and watch the beloved baseball classic The Sandlot under the stars at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
Creep it Real OC | Heritage Museum of Orange County
September 11-13: Celebrate Halloween with spooky shopping, live music, trick-or-treating, entertainment, and appearances by Halloweentown stars Kimberly J. Brown, Judith Hoag, and Daniel Kountz.
Maritime Festival | Ocean Institute, Dana Point
September 11–13: Celebrate Dana Point's maritime heritage at the Ocean Institute's 42nd Annual Maritime Festival, featuring tall ships, sailor reenactors, local marine life, food trucks, vendors, and live music. Ticketed experiences include cannon battles aboard a historic tall ship, pirate and mermaid experiences, and a Festival Adventure Pass. Free areas include live music, a beer garden, Peddler's Village, a pirate adventure show, and a sailor reenactment camp.
Original Lobster Festival | Fountain Valley
September 11-13: Feast on fresh Maine lobster and enjoy live music, carnival rides, midway games, magic shows, crafts, and more at the Original Lobster Festival. Tickets start at $5.
25th Anniversary Memorial of September 11, 2001 | USS Midway Museum, San Diego
September 11: Honor the anniversary of September 11 with a ceremony featuring honor guards, music, tributes, and a helicopter flyover aboard the USS Midway. FREE!
Hispanic Heritage Celebration | MainPlace, Santa Ana
September 12: Celebrate Hispanic heritage with live entertainment, cultural activities, giveaways, special treats, and family fun at MainPlace. FREE!
Celebrate Los Al Street Fair & Carnival | Los Alamitos
September 12: Celebrate Los Al with carnival rides, live music, local vendors, a Public Safety Fair, Pine StrEATS, Veterans Recognition, and a nighttime Glow Run. FREE!
Renaissance Faire | Hurkey Creek Park, Idyllwild
September 12-13: Step into a Spanish Renaissance village with games, stage shows, kids’ activities, food, and lively entertainment all weekend long.
Bike Fest 12 | SkyPark at Santa’s Village, Skyforest
September 12-13: Hit the trails for mountain biking, e-bike demos, BMX big air shows, MTB trials, challenges, clinics, group rides, raffles, and more at Bike Fest 12.
Fiestas Patrias | Downtown Santa Ana
September 12-13: Celebrate Fiestas Patrias with live music, cultural exhibits, vendors, carnival rides, the Grito de Independencia Ceremony, and Sunday parade. FREE!
Plane Pull | JetZero, Long Beach
September 12: Watch teams race to pull a massive airplane for Special Olympics Southern California, plus kids ages 5-13 can take on their own CHP Cessna pull. FREE for spectators!
Lowe’s Kids Workshops
MyLowe’s Rewards Kids Workshops are free, hands-on DIY experiences designed just for kids. Feb 21: Birdhouse / Mar 21: Lawn Mower / Apr 18: Terrarium / May 16: Garden Basket / Jun 13: Trophy Cup / Jul 18: Mini Toy Box / Sep 12: Haunted House / Oct 17: Firefighting Plane / Nov 14: Holiday Engine / Dec 12: Holiday Trolley Car / Jan 16, 2027: Winter Play Lodge
Sensory Friendly Saturdays | GRAMMY Museum, LA
2nd Saturdays: Explore the GRAMMY Museum in a calmer, sensory-friendly environment with softer lighting and reduced noise levels.
Learn & Grow Family Fair | The District, Tustin
September 12: Explore after-school activities, tutoring, enrichment programs, and special needs resources at this free family fair in Orange County. FREE!
10th Anniversary Celebration | Michelle Obama Library, Long Beach
September 12: Celebrate the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library's 10th anniversary with storytime, performances, creative activities, commemorative crafts, and more. FREE!
TCL Is the Home Field Advantage | Westfield Century City, Los Angeles
September 12-13: Take on interactive football challenges, score giveaways, snap photos, and meet special guests including NFL legend Antonio Gates at this free fan experience. FREE!
Fiestas Patrias Celebration | Citadel Outlets, Commerce
September 12-13: Celebrate Fiestas Patrias with colorful Folklórico performances and live mariachi music at Citadel Outlets. FREE!
Boots on Main | Yorba Linda
September 12: Dance, shop, and enjoy live country music and food at Yorba Linda’s all-day Boots on Main festival. FREE!
10th Annual Rosemead Moon Festival | Downtown Rosemead
September 12: Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with cultural performances, live entertainment, street food, kids activities, community booths, and more in Downtown Rosemead. FREE!
$5 Play Day | The Children’s Museum at La Habra
February - December: The Children's Museum at La Habra hosts its first $5 Play Day with full access to all exhibits. Ride the carousel, explore the Dino Garden, and hop aboard the historic train car.
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.
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!
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!
Antique Aircraft Display Days at Fullerton Airport
2nd Sunday of the Month: Owners of classic aircrafts are invited to display their aircrafts and visitors are invited to view the displays.
California Turkish Festival | Shoreline Aquatic Park, Long Beach
September 13: Celebrate Turkish culture with live music and dancing, traditional food and coffee, shopping, face painting, balloon art, and more at Shoreline Aquatic Park. FREE!
Fiestas Patrias Family Day at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes in LA
September 13: Celebrate Fiestas Patrias with Folklórico, mariachi, marimba music, DJ tunes, hands-on art and garden workshops, and a special book giveaway. 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!
40th Anniversary Celebration | Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa
September 13: Celebrate Segerstrom Center for the Arts' 40th anniversary with performances, artmaking, music, dance, behind-the-scenes experiences, and more. 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!
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!
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!
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).
September Cooking Events at Lil’ Chef
SEPTEMBER 11, 13 & 18: Enjoy Family Fun Night on the 11th making pizza. Celebrate grandparents with a special brunch on the 13th. Bake Apples on September 18th while honing your baking skills.
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!
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!
Public Star Party | Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles
September 19, October 17, November 14, December 19: Look at the Sun, Moon, planets, and other objects through a variety of telescopes at Griffith Observatory's free monthly star party. Volunteer astronomers are on hand to answer questions and guide viewing. 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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Sugar Skull! A Día de Muertos Musical Adventure | Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa
September 19–20: Watch a bilingual family musical bring the traditions of Día de Muertos to life through regional Mexican music, dance, and vibrant storytelling. Recommended for kids (ages 6+).
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.
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.
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!
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!



