Things to Do in the San Francisco Bay Area
September 2026
Curated by Thomas Henthorne
September in the San Francisco Bay Area brings that perfect shift from late summer into early fall, with outdoor festivals, art weekends, film events, harvest-season gatherings, live music, food and wine experiences, and community celebrations happening across the region. From the 160th Scottish Highland Games and Solano Stroll in the East Bay to Flower Piano, Autumn Moon Festival, and Portola in San Francisco, the month offers a wide range of ways to enjoy the Bay Area before fall fully settles in.
Closer to home, Marin has a particularly strong September calendar, including the Bolinas Film Festival, the Mill Valley Arts Festival, and San Rafael Porchfest. These are exactly the kinds of events that reflect why I love living and working in the towns and neighborhoods of Marin County: there is a small-town sense of community, but with easy access to the cultural depth, natural beauty, and regional energy of the greater Bay Area.
This month also brings excellent options beyond Marin, from Peninsula and South Bay favorites like the Millbrae Art & Wine Festival and Oktoberfest Downtown Redwood City to Wine Country events including Open Studios Napa Valley, FARM Fest at Carneros Resort and Spa, and Mary Blair: Mid-Century Magic at Napa Valley Museum Yountville.
This curated guide to the things to do in the San Francisco Bay Area in September 2026 highlights some of the top events happening around the region this month, with a special eye toward the lifestyle connections that make Marin such a compelling home base.
If you are exploring life in Marin more seriously, you may also enjoy my San Rafael lifestyle guide, my San Anselmo guide, or my guide to the Top 10 Hikes in Marin County.
What’s Happening Around the Bay September 2026
160th Scottish Highland Games
September 5–6 California’s largest and longest-running Scottish Games celebrates the best of Scottish competition, culture, and family entertainment. |
Solano Stroll
September 13 A mile of entertainers, music, shops, crafters, food booths, and family fun takes over Solano Avenue in Berkeley and Albany. Hosted annually since 1974. |
Oakland International Film Festival
September 9–19 Presented by The Oakland Film Society, this festival promotes independent filmmakers and showcases diverse voices and stories from around the world. |
Lafayette Art & Wine Festival
September 19–20 Stroll among booths of art and handmade crafts while enjoying food from local restaurants, food vendors, food trucks, and more. |
Bolinas Film Festival
September 17–20 In addition to film screenings and discussions, the festival includes immersive experiences such as farm tours, table reads, and nature excursions. |
47th Annual Chili Cook-Off 2026
September 19 Sample the goods, watch the brave few take on a hot pepper eating contest, and enjoy live music. Awards for the year’s best chilis are handed out at day’s end. |
Mill Valley Arts Festival
September 19–20 Shop for one-of-a-kind pieces, connect with the makers behind them, and spend the day wandering among the majestic redwoods. |
San Rafael Porchfest
September 20 At high noon, the streets close and fill with people while 70+ bands perform throughout the day across 20+ performance areas. |
Millbrae Art & Wine Festival
September 5–6 The Millbrae Art & Wine Festival is one of the Bay Area’s biggest end-of-summer street fairs, with art, wine, live music, gourmet food, crafts, family activities, and more. |
Starlight Evening Dinner Party
September 12 Ride, dine, and dance aboard the Beach Train from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk into Roaring Camp, where dinner and a live band await. |
Cars in the Park
September 12 Cars in the Park spotlights pre-1955 vehicles and pairs the display of classics with interactive experiences, kid-focused activities, and more. |
Oktoberfest Downtown Redwood City
September 18–27 Experience traditional cuisine, lively entertainment, and a festive atmosphere as Downtown Redwood City celebrates one of fall’s favorite traditions. |
Forever Grateful at Golden Gate Park
September 5–October 25 Celebrate the Grateful Dead through an immersive exhibition exploring the band’s connection to San Francisco through an interactive environment. |
Flower Piano 2026
September 10–20 Participants are invited to explore the Botanical Garden’s plant collections while seeking out 12 pianos spread across the 55-acre setting. |
Autumn Moon Festival
September 19–20 Wander through rows of food vendors, sample traditional mooncakes in classic and new flavors, and keep the kids busy with hands-on crafts and activities. |
Portola 2026
September 26–27 Portola returns to Pier 80, transforming the waterfront venue into a warehouse-style dance party featuring electronic, pop, rap, and more. |
Made by Pete at Napa Music Hall
September 11 Made By Pete is a London-born DJ, producer, and songwriter whose sound has become a defining voice in house and melodic techno. |
Petaluma River Craft Beer Festival
September 12 The 12th annual festival in historic downtown Petaluma celebrates craft beer tastings, food, and live music from local bands. |
Occidental Jazz Festival
September 18–19 Delight in amazing music, a tranquil setting, and the feeling of a warm and welcoming Sonoma County community. |
Open Studios Napa Valley
September 19–20, 26–27 Open Studios is a self-guided art discovery tour through the creative spaces of Napa Valley, open to Napa County artists and beyond. |
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Yountville Exhibition
Mary Blair: Mid-Century Magic
Through October 25 Explore the colorful world of Mary Blair, one of Disney’s most imaginative designers and art directors, in a special Napa Valley Museum Yountville exhibition featuring artwork, photographs, and mid-century design inspiration. |
Napa Harvest Season
FARM Fest at Carneros Resort and Spa
September 24 Celebrate the end of summer at Carneros Resort and Spa with live music, classic BBQ, wine, cocktails, lawn games, and a relaxed evening atmosphere in Town Square. |
Considering Moving to Marin?
September is a wonderful reminder of why Marin is such a special place to call home: neighborhood music festivals, art among the redwoods, film events on the coast, easy access to San Francisco’s cultural calendar, and close proximity to both Wine Country and the broader Bay Area. It is a lifestyle shaped by open space, creativity, community, and the ability to move easily between quiet local moments and world-class regional experiences.
If this month’s guide has you thinking more seriously about life in Marin, you may enjoy exploring my San Rafael lifestyle guide, my San Anselmo guide, or my Terra Linda neighborhood page. Also check out my Marin Real Estate and Lifestyle blog to learn more about the Marin County lifestyle and the ever-changing real estate market.
And if your ideal Marin weekend includes more time outdoors, my guide to the Top 10 Hikes in Marin County is a great place to start. From ridgeline views to redwood-shaded paths, these are some of the places that make the Marin lifestyle feel so distinctive.
If making a move to or within Marin County is on your horizon, please reach out at 415-847-5584. I am always happy to help you navigate both the market and the lifestyle.
About the Author
Thomas Henthorne is a consistently top-ranked Marin County real estate agent with Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty, known for thoughtful guidance, strong negotiation, and polished marketing. He is the publisher of a widely read Marin real estate blog covering local market insights, neighborhood spotlights, and the lifestyle that makes Marin such an exceptional place to live. Thomas also brings a design and branding background to every listing and client strategy, with an emphasis on presentation, positioning, and results.
You can learn more about Thomas here.
Call or text Thomas at 415-847-5584 to discuss your real estate goals.
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