As the summer heat (finally) gives way to cooler days, Southern California comes to life during fall with an assortment of activities to celebrate the season of harvest (and the long-awaited end of summer). From art and wine festivals to cozy celebrations in apple orchards, the following are some of the top fall festivals in Southern California.
Weekends, Sept. 25 to Nov. 3: Mellano Farm Stand Fall Festivities
For a traditional fall experience, Mellano Farm Stand in Oceanside offers a charming celebration of the season with its fall festivities. This includes photo ops in the pumpkin patch, getting lost in the corn maze, panning for gems, sliding down inflatables, and more. Live music will also take place at the farm, in addition to an assortment of food trucks and local vendors to browse. This fall festival in Southern California will take place each weekend from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free, subject to purchases.
For more information: mellanofarmstand.com.
Sept. 27: Cal Poly Pomona Pumpkin Festival Preview Night
Pomona
Indulge in fall fare and award-winning beers during Cal Poly Pomona Pumpkin Festival Preview Night, an evening offering a glimpse into the Pumpkin Festival, taking place from Sept. 28 to Oct. 27. This seasonal event, celebrating its 31st anniversary, will feature an evening of beer, wine, and food from local chefs and restaurants, including dishes created from produce grown on the Cal Poly Pomona farm. These vendors include favorites like Crust & Crumble Pies, BB’s Cafe, Campsite Brewing, Homage Brewing, Horsehill Vineyards, Fable, and more. The event will take place from 5 to 8:30 p.m. but is for those 21-plus.
Cost: $75 per person. Tickets include the cost of food and beverage. Proceeds from the Pumpkin Preview will support Cal Poly Pomona’s Huntley College of Agriculture.
Tickets: www.cpp.edul.
Sept. 28 and Sept. 29: La Jolla Art & Wine Festival
La Jolla
Returning for its 16th year, the La Jolla Art & Wine Festival is a weekend-long extravaganza highlighting the community’s finest wines, beers, spirits, and art. In addition to sampling these libations in the beer and wine garden, guests can browse an extensive selection of regional and international art, partake in a silent auction, and enjoy various hands-on activities for all ages. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, and a portion of the proceeds support the San Diego Unified School District, helping to fund essential programs and initiatives.
Cost: Free to attend; the wine and beer garden tickets start at $44.99 for five samples (prices will increase on Sept. 1.).
Tickets: www.ljawf.com.
Oct. 4 to Oct. 6: California Avocado Festival
Carpinteria
Get ready for three days of peace, love, and guacamole at the California Avocado Festival, a celebration of all things avocado. This Central Coast festival features fare from over 15 vendors, live music from 60 bands, 50 arts and crafts shops, and a dozen nonprofits offering resources and community support. A youth area, in addition to carnival rides, will be available for little ones, while beer gardens are on-site for those 21-plus. All festival proceeds go to the Carpinteria Education Foundation and the Future Farmers of America. California Avocado Festival will take place on Friday, Oct. 4, from 1 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 5, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 6, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: Admission is free, and donations are accepted. Subject to purchases.
For more information: avofest.org.
Oct. 10 to Oct. 13: Joshua Tree Music Festival
Joshua Tree
Set against the stunning desert landscape of Joshua Tree, Joshua Tree Music Festival is a unique experience for music lovers and creatives. This fall festival in Southern California offers a mix of live music, art installations, yoga, and wellness workshops, creating an immersive experience that celebrates nature, self-care, and creativity. With a lineup of diverse musical acts, the festival is a vibrant and eclectic event that draws people from all over for a weekend of community and connection. This year’s lineup includes performances from 36 musicians, including Polyrhythmics, Basic, Honeywild, House of Hamsa, Rosa Pullman, The Local Honeys, and many more.
Cost: Admission varies depending on the date but starts at $50 on Oct. 10 and $110 on Oct. 11 and Oct. 12. Tickets to attend all four days are $275.
Tickets: joshuatreemusicfestival.com.
Oct. 19 and Oct. 20: The Original Farmers Market Fall Festival
Los Angeles
Join The Original Farmers Market for its annual Fall Festival, taking place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. This event celebrates local farmers and their bountiful harvests, with fresh produce and seasonal treats available. In addition to browsing the vendors, this fall festival in Southern California will also house a petting zoo, pumpkin patch, fall-themed games, live music, crafts, photo ops, and more family-friendly fun.
Cost: Free, subject to purchases.
For more information: farmersmarketla.com.
Nov. 2 to Nov. 10: San Diego Food + Wine Festival
San Diego
San Diego Food + Wine Festival, one of the largest culinary events on the West Coast, kicks off 20 years with a cross-border celebration this fall. The festival is partnering with the James Beard Foundation and Food Tank for dynamic programming that will establish San Diego Food + Wine as a hub for thought leaders in the food and beverage industry. The award-winning festival and weeklong celebration of Latin, Asian, and BIPOC culinary influences will feature over 175 renowned food and beverage pros from the US and Mexico and an epic array of 800-plus wines and spirits.
Cost: Ticket prices vary, depending on event.
Tickets: www.sandiegowineclassic.com.
Nov. 16 and Nov. 17: Aquarium of the Pacific Autumn Festival
Long Beach
Aquarium of the Pacific is set to host its annual Autumn Festival on Saturday, Nov. 11, and Sunday, Nov. 12, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. This educational event, returning for its 23rd year, celebrates the rich traditions and cultures of Japan, China, Korea, and the Philippines. Attendees can look forward to music and dance performances, craft demonstrations, cultural exhibits, and storytelling.
Cost: Admission to the festival is included with general aquarium tickets, starting at $44.95 per person over 12 and $22.95 per person under 11.
Tickets: aquariumofpacific.org.