10 Fun Things To Do In Orange County In September (2023)

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Want to know all the best things to do in Orange County in September? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know!

Orange County has a variety of activities from pumpkin patches to festivals that are great for family outings, date nights, and more.

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Fun Things To Do In Orange County In September

Below are some of our favorite fun things to do in Orange County in September.

1. The Witching Hour Halloween Boutique at Roger’s Gardens

This plant nursery in Corona Del Mar, near Newport Beach, has been transforming it’s Halloween boutique for several years now.

Each year it gets a new theme and the theme for 2023 is The Witching Hour.

When you walk through the boutique you’ll find lots of Halloween decor that is available for purchase, plus even more decor that just sets the scene of “The Witching Hour”.

The Witching Hour Halloween Boo-tique at Roger's Gardens - things to do in orange county in september

2. Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch in Irvine

The Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch is open daily from September 16th – October 31st.

Parking passes are required in advance on weekends and they are $10.

Admission is $20 Monday – Friday morning and $22 on weekends and Fridays after 12 pm.

Active military, veterans, and retired military all get free admission with a valid ID.

Admission includes unlimited wagon rides, the barnyard educational exhibit, and more.

Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch - things to do in orange county in september

3. Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch

This event runs from September 16th – October 31st.

It’s a great activity to bring the whole family.

Admission is free, but there is a parking fee.

On week days you can visit from 10 am – 5 pm and on weekends you can visit from 8 am – 6 pm.

There are activities you can enjoy while you’re there that come with additional fees.

You can book activity ticket books to do more for less.

There are train rides, hay rides, a moon bounce, face painting, panning for gold, John Deere races (kids sized), cookie decorating, carnival games, and more.

4. Disneyland Resort Oogie Boogie Bash

Disneyland and California Adventure get all decked out for Halloween all season long.

Visit the parks at any time in September and October to experience the Fall decor, special Halloween treats, and special Halloween events.

Roger's gardens Nightmare Halloween Boutique - things to do in orange county in september

5. Knott’s Scary Farm at Knott’s Berry Farm

Also on select nights is Knott’s Scary Farm.

This is another event that is not recommended for young children.

There is also a new curfew in place that anyone under the age of 18 needs to be with someone 21+.

During the day there are plenty of non-scary Halloween and Fall things to at Knott’s Berry Farm, then on select nights it transforms into Knott’s Scary Farm.

Knott's Scary Farm

6. Maritime Festival In Dana Point

Located at the Dana Point Harbor, the Ocean Institute’s annual Maritime Festival (formerly known as Tall Ships Festival) returns September 8-10, 2023.

With a weekend celebration of all things maritime featuring sailing, food trucks and vendors, craft beers, live music, and more family-time fun. 

Presented by Toshiba, the festival brings history to life as crews from seven different ships, along with historical re-enactors, engage the public in mock cannon battles at sea, pirate adventures, mermaid encounters, ship tours, and other entertaining activities.

Some areas are ticketed while others are free to visit.

General admission is $17 for children and $20 for adults. 

Purchase tickets and learn more.

7. Oktoberfest at Old World Village In Huntington Beach

Oktoberfest at Old World Village in Huntington Beach takes place on Wednesdays through Sundays from September 17th – November 5th.

On Wednesdays and Thursdays admission is free and all ages are welcome to attend from 6 pm – 10 pm, though if you’re under 21 you must be attending with someone that is at least 21 years old.

On Fridays they are open 6 pm – 1 am and admission is $10-$30 per ticket, but you must be 21+ years old.

Saturdays from 11 am – 4 pm, admission is free and all ages are welcome, but again if you’re under 21 you must be attending with someone that is 21+.

Saturdays from 6 pm – 1 am, admission is $15-$40 per ticket and is 21+ only.

Sundays, from 12 pm – 7 pm, all ages are welcome and tickets are $10-$12 per person, and again if you’re under 21 you must be attending with someone 21+.

Old World Village in Huntington Beach - things to do in orange county in september

8. Shop At Halloween Bootique In Costa Mesa

Halloween Bootique is a year round shop at The Triangle in Costa Mesa.

They have over 8,000 square feet and just about every costume or accessory you could ever need for anything.

Halloween Bootique - Costa Mesa - things to do in orange county in september

9. Pirates Dinner Adventure Halloween Show – Vampirates

“On select nights Sept. 16 through Oct. 31, Pirates Dinner Adventure in Buena Park will host Vampirates: Undead Men Tell No Tales, a Halloween-themed dinner show suitable for ghouls and goblins of all ages. 

Every Halloween night, Captain Sebastian, the Vampirate King, rises from Davey Jones’ locker to unleash terror on the seven seas.

This year, he will attempt a spell that will free himself from the locker for good and only the world’s greatest monster hunter Kate, who has a personal score to settle with Sebastian, can stop him.

Pirates Dinner Adventure’s general admission includes a three-course dinner with unlimited soft drinks.

Ticket prices for the Halloween special are $68.95 for adults and $41.95 for children 11 and under.

Children ages two and under are free.” 

Pirates Dinner Adventure in Buena Park - things to do in orange county in september
Image Courtesy of Pirates Dinner Adventure – Buena Park

10. Ohana Music Festival In Dana Point

“Situated halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, Dana Point is a pristine beach town home to various seaside activities, such as one-of-a-kind whale watching excursions, world-class boating experiences and beachside music festivals.

Each year, Dana Point hosts a robust roster of signature annual events, including the Ohana Music Festival (Sep. 29-Oct. 1, 2023) at Doheny State Beach.

This three-day music festival includes over 35 performances, with headliners such as Eddie Vedder, The Killers, the Foo Fighters, The Chicks, HAIM, Suki Waterhouse and the Pretenders.

Festivalgoers can also attend on-site conversations and panels with leading environmentalists, researchers, and professional surfers, as well as enjoy a diverse selection of food offerings from local restaurants.

For more information, visit VisitDanaPoint.com and ohanafest.com.”

More Fun Things To Do In Orange County In The Fall

Below are more fun things to do throughout Southern California in the Fall.

🎃 Fun Things To Do In Anaheim In September

From seasonal foods and drinks to Fall Harvest festivals, there are a ton of great things to do in Anaheim in September.

All American Brew Works in Anaheim

🎃 Fun Things To Do In Los Angeles In September

September is one of the best times of the year to visit LA.

There are seemingly endless things to do in all areas.

Universal Studios Hollywood Main Entrance Gate

🎃 Fun Things To Do In San Diego In September

San Diego has a variety of haunted houses, haunted trails, seasonal festivals, and theme park special events all throughout the month.

Belmont Park Fall Fest

🎃 The Best Things To Do In Southern California This Fall

For even more ideas, check out our list of all the best things to do in Southern California this Fall.

We’ve got events, festivals, Oktoberfests, Fall foliage towns, and more.

Roger's Gardens Halloween Boutique - The Witching Hour

Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Orange County In September

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we get about things to do in Orange County in September.

✓ What Is The Weather Like In Orange County In September?

In Orange County, September typically experiences warm and dry weather.

Daytime temperatures range from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit, with minimal rainfall.

It is considered a pleasant month to visit, with mostly sunny skies and lower humidity compared to the summer months.

However, it’s advisable to be prepared for occasional fluctuations in temperature, as Southern California weather can be variable during this time of year.

✓ Are There Kid Friendly Things To Do In Orange County In September?

Yes, there are plenty of kid-friendly activities to enjoy in Orange County during September.

You can explore family-friendly attractions like Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm, which offer a wide range of rides and entertainment suitable for children of all ages.

Orange County also has beautiful beaches, such as Huntington Beach and Newport Beach, where kids can play in the sand and enjoy the ocean.

Additionally, there are various parks and outdoor spaces for picnics, hiking, and outdoor fun, making it a great destination for families in September.

✓ Are There Family Friendly Things To Do In Orange County In September?

Orange County offers a range of family-friendly activities in September.

Consider exploring the interactive Discovery Cube Science Center, where kids can engage in hands-on learning experiences.

Another option is a visit to the Santa Ana Zoo, which is compact and ideal for young children.

For outdoor enthusiasts, hiking in the beautiful Crystal Cove State Park or taking a family bike ride along the scenic Newport Beach boardwalk can be enjoyable.

Overall, Orange County provides numerous family-oriented options to have a memorable time in September.

Conclusion: Fun Things To Do In Orange County In September

September is a great time to visit Orange County with it’s variety of Fall festivals, theme park special events, great hiking weather, and more.