Fall in California is a special time — the heat fades, vineyards turn golden, and cities come alive with festivals and cultural events. It’s the perfect season to travel across the state: there are fewer tourists, nature looks its best, and the list of activities can impress even the pickiest locals. Fall 2025 is expected to be packed with experiences — from food festivals and wine harvests to outdoor concerts and new art shows.
1. Wine Season in Napa and Sonoma
September and October are grape harvest months. Napa Valley and Sonoma host dozens of wine festivals and tastings in the fall. You can enjoy California’s best wines and see winemaking from the inside. Many wineries also offer vineyard tours where guests can join in the harvest.
Highlights:
- Harvest Celebration in Napa (mid-September).
- Gourmet dinners with guest chefs in Sonoma.
- Fall tours at famous wineries like Robert Mondavi, Beringer, and Opus One.
For California residents, it’s a great way to enjoy the season without traveling far.
2. Harvest Festivals and Food
Fall is also the season of farmers’ markets and local food events. Pumpkin festivals, apple harvests, and culinary fairs happen across the state.
- Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival (October 19–20, 2025) — the state’s biggest pumpkin festival, featuring giant pumpkins weighing over 2,000 pounds.
- Apple Hill, near Placerville — famous for its orchards, cider, and homemade pies.
- Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival (September) — a celebration of world-class cuisine with top chefs.
3. Music and Concerts
California is a world stage for music, and this fall has plenty to offer.
- San Francisco Jazz Festival (September–October) — dozens of concerts across the city.
- Desert Daze Festival (October, Lake Perris) — a favorite for indie and alternative music fans.
- Hollywood Bowl (Los Angeles) continues its fall series of outdoor concerts with global stars.
4. Art and Exhibitions
Fall brings a rich cultural program.
- Getty Center (Los Angeles) presents the exhibition Rome and the Renaissance (September–December 2025).
- San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) opens a show featuring contemporary Asian artists.
- In Sacramento, Wide Open Walls leaves behind dozens of new murals that remain on display through fall.
5. Outdoor Adventures
Fall is the best time for hiking and outdoor trips.
- Yosemite is quieter in autumn, with golden oaks, crisp mornings, and fresh mountain air.
- Lake Tahoe is stunning in September and October — perfect for hiking or relaxing by the lake.
- Big Sur offers dramatic Pacific views with fewer tourists and a peaceful atmosphere.
6. Fall Holidays and Halloween
California is famous for its Halloween celebrations.
- Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights (Los Angeles) — haunted houses and thrilling attractions.
- Disneyland Halloween Time (Anaheim) — family-friendly parades, shows, and themed decorations.
- Parades, parties, and carnivals also take place in cities across the state.
7. Sports Events
- Fall is NFL season. The San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams draw massive crowds.
- In October, the NBA season begins, bringing excitement for fans of the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors.
8. Family Activities
- In San Diego, October is Kids Free Month — children get free admission to the zoo, museums, and theme parks.
- Sacramento and nearby towns host family fairs with rides, live music, and farm-fresh food.
9. The Spirit of California Fall
Fall here is all about contrasts: warm sunny days in the south, cool evenings in the mountains, and golden colors across the valleys. While other states prepare for winter, California keeps celebrating with sunshine, culture, and outdoor adventures.
Fall 2025 in California means wine harvests, food festivals, concerts, sports games, art exhibitions, and breathtaking nature. Locals don’t need to travel far to enjoy the season — from San Francisco to San Diego, from Napa to Tahoe, every corner of California has something special to offer this fall.
