10 Best San Francisco Bay Area Events in September 2026 | Festivals, Night Markets, Music & Weekend Fun

September is one of the best months of the year to explore the San Francisco Bay Area. As summer transitions into fall, San Francisco often enjoys some of its most comfortable weather, while communities across the South Bay and East Bay fill their calendars with cultural festivals, outdoor concerts, food events, night markets and seasonal shopping experiences. Whether you are planning a family weekend, a date, a night out with friends or simply looking for something new to do, September 2026 offers plenty of options.

This year's calendar is especially diverse. San Francisco Chinatown will welcome back its annual Autumn Moon Festival, the Mission District will host a three-day Greek food celebration, and Pier 70 will transform into a waterfront electronic music destination. Farther south, San Jose will offer a Mid-Autumn night market, a large international bachata festival and a fall makers market at Santana Row. Families who prefer to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival at home can also tune in to the 2026 CCTV Mid-Autumn Festival Gala on KTSF on September 25 at 8:00 PM.

If you are searching for San Francisco Bay Area events in September 2026, Bay Area weekend events, things to do in San Jose, or simply a few ideas for your next weekend outing, here are 10 events worth adding to your calendar.

1. KTSF 2026 CCTV Mid-Autumn Festival Gala

Event Name: 2026 CCTV Mid-Autumn Festival Gala

Date: Friday, September 25, 2026

Time: 8:00 PM

How to Watch: Broadcast on KTSF and available to stream on ZEAM

Language: Mandarin with Chinese subtitles

For Bay Area families who would rather spend Mid-Autumn Festival at home, the 2026 CCTV Mid-Autumn Festival Gala offers an easy way to turn Friday night into a family celebration. The program airs on September 25 at 8:00 PM and will be presented in Mandarin with Chinese subtitles. Viewers can watch through KTSF as well as ZEAM, making it accessible to households throughout the Bay Area.

The annual Mid-Autumn Gala brings together singers, dancers and other artists for an evening centered on the full moon, family reunion, homecoming and Chinese cultural traditions. Traditional artistic forms are combined with contemporary stage production and visual effects, creating a program that can appeal to multiple generations. For many Bay Area Chinese families, preparing dinner, cutting mooncakes and watching the Mid-Autumn Gala together offers a familiar holiday ritual without having to deal with parking, crowds or late-night transportation.

2. 2026 San Francisco Chinatown Autumn Moon Festival

Event Name: 2026 San Francisco Chinatown Autumn Moon Festival

Dates: September 19–20, 2026

Time: 11:00 AM–5:00 PM

Location: Grant Avenue between California Street and Broadway, San Francisco Chinatown

Admission: Free

Event Link： SF Chinatown Autumn Moon Festival

If you can attend only one major cultural street festival in San Francisco this September, the San Francisco Chinatown Autumn Moon Festival is an excellent choice. Returning September 19 and 20, the free two-day celebration transforms Grant Avenue into a lively community festival filled with food vendors, mooncakes, cultural organizations, local businesses, children's activities and stage performances.

The entertainment schedule brings together traditional Chinese culture and contemporary Asian American influences. Visitors can expect lion dancing, martial arts, Chinese folk dance, tai chi, taiko drumming, guzheng music and other performances, along with more modern attractions such as K-pop dance programming and community competitions. For families, the event is especially easy to enjoy because admission is free and there is no need to commit to a fixed schedule. You can spend an hour exploring the festival or build an entire afternoon around Chinatown dining, shopping and sightseeing.

3. San Francisco Greek Food Festival 2026

Event Name: San Francisco Greek Food Festival

Dates: September 18–20, 2026

Time: September 18–19, 11:00 AM–10:00 PM; September 20, 11:00 AM–7:00 PM

Location: Annunciation Cathedral, 245 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

Admission: Free

Event Link： San Francisco Greek Food Festival

Food lovers have another good reason to visit San Francisco in mid-September. The San Francisco Greek Food Festival returns to Annunciation Cathedral in the Mission District for three days of traditional Greek food, music, dance and community culture. The food is naturally one of the biggest attractions, with visitors able to sample savory dishes, grilled specialties, pastries and traditional desserts in one place.

The festival is more than a food market. Greek folk dancing, live music and cultural programming help create a fuller experience, while the Valencia Street location makes it easy to combine the festival with a broader Mission District outing. Visitors can stop by for lunch, stay for music and dancing, and then continue exploring nearby cafés, stores and neighborhoods. For groups with different interests, it is a relaxed event that offers both food and entertainment without requiring a complicated itinerary.

4. San Francisco Brewing Co Oktoberfest 2026

Event Name: San Francisco Brewing Co Oktoberfest 2026

Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026

Time: 12:00 PM–5:00 PM

Location: San Francisco Brewing Co., 3150 Polk Street, San Francisco, CA 94109

Event Link： Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest season starts early in the Bay Area, and San Francisco Brewing Co Oktoberfest 2026 brings a Bavarian-inspired celebration to the city on September 19. The afternoon event combines German-style food and beer with traditional live music and lighthearted Oktoberfest activities, making it an easy option for groups looking for a social Saturday outing.

Guests are encouraged to get into the spirit by wearing lederhosen, dirndls or other traditional-inspired outfits. The program also includes interactive activities such as a pretzel-eating competition and festive entertainment, creating more of a celebration than an ordinary afternoon at a brewery. Because alcoholic beverages are a major part of the experience for many visitors, using public transportation or rideshare is a smart option if you plan to drink.

5. PIER PLAY S.F. at Pier 70

Event Name: PIER PLAY S.F. w/ Blond:ish, Darco, Nico De Andrea, Malas & Admiral

Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026

Time: 2:00 PM–10:00 PM

Location: Pier 70, 22nd Street Entrance, San Francisco, CA 94107

Age Requirement: 21+

Event Link： PIER PLAY S.F.

Dance music fans can head to San Francisco's waterfront on September 19 for PIER PLAY S.F., an eight-hour outdoor electronic music event at Pier 70. The lineup includes Blond:ish, Darco, Nico De Andrea, Malas and Admiral, bringing different styles of dance music together from the afternoon through the evening.

The location is one of the biggest reasons to consider this event. Instead of spending the day inside a dark nightclub, attendees can experience electronic music against a waterfront backdrop and enjoy the transition from afternoon sunlight into a San Francisco sunset. Interactive and immersive elements add to the festival-style atmosphere. The event is restricted to guests 21 and over, making it better suited to adults planning a group outing, birthday celebration or an alternative to a traditional Saturday night club experience.

6. San Jose Harvest & Handmade Discovery Fest

Event Name: San Jose Harvest & Handmade Discovery Fest

Dates: September 18–20, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM

Location: Almaden Lake Park, 6099 Winfield Boulevard, San Jose, CA 95120

Event Link： Harvest & Handmade Discovery Fest

South Bay residents who want a more relaxed weekend experience can visit the San Jose Harvest & Handmade Discovery Fest at Almaden Lake Park. The three-day event focuses on local makers, independent small businesses, handmade arts and crafts, specialty products, food vendors and seasonal finds.

The appeal of a makers market is that there is no strict schedule to follow. Visitors can wander through the booths, discover work from local designers and artists, shop for home décor or gifts, grab something to eat and enjoy the park setting at their own pace. It is especially attractive for families, couples and shoppers who enjoy supporting local businesses instead of spending the weekend inside a traditional shopping mall.

7. Baychata Festival 2026

Event Name: Baychata Festival 2026

Dates: September 24–28, 2026

Time: Programming begins at 7:00 PM on September 24, with workshops, performances and social dancing continuing throughout the weekend and into late-night hours

Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Jose, 2050 Gateway Place, San Jose, CA 95110

Event Link： Baychata Festival 2026

Dance lovers should keep the final full weekend of September open for Baychata Festival 2026. Held in San Jose, the multi-day event focuses on Bachata Sensual-Fusion and brings together instructors, performers and dancers from the United States and abroad. The schedule includes workshops, masterclasses, advanced training, bootcamps, performances and social dancing.

You do not need to be a professional dancer to enjoy a large bachata festival. For many attendees, the biggest attraction is the opportunity to improve their skills, meet dancers from other cities and spend several days immersed in music and dance. Some social dancing sessions continue well into the night and early morning, so anyone planning to participate in the full festival should think ahead about transportation, accommodations and rest.

8. 2026 San Jose Fall Makers Market at Santana Row

Event Name: 2026 San Jose Fall Makers Market

Dates: September 25–27, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM daily

Location: Santana Row, San Jose, CA 95128

Admission: Free

Event Link： San Jose Fall Makers Market

Santana Row will welcome the 2026 San Jose Fall Makers Market during the final weekend of September, bringing local artisans, independent creators and small businesses together for three days of shopping. Visitors can browse handmade jewelry, artwork, home décor, apparel, gifts and specialty goods while enjoying the lively atmosphere of one of San Jose's most popular shopping and dining districts.

Because admission is free and Santana Row already offers a wide selection of cafés, restaurants and stores, the market is easy to turn into a half-day or full-day outing. Couples can browse the booths before dinner, families can combine shopping with other nearby activities, and anyone already thinking about holiday gifts can get an early start by looking for unique items from Bay Area makers.

9. September 25–26 Mid-Autumn Festival by 365 Night Market

Event Name: September 25–26 Mid-Autumn Festival by 365 Night Market

Dates: September 25–26, 2026

Time: 4:00 PM–10:00 PM

Location: Grand Century Shopping Mall, 1111 Story Road, San Jose, CA 95122

Admission: Free admission and free parking

Event Link： 365 Night Market Mid-Autumn Festival

For anyone who wants to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival outside the house, the 365 Night Market Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most convenient South Bay options this year. The event begins on September 25, the actual date of Mid-Autumn Festival in 2026, and continues through September 26 at Grand Century Shopping Mall in San Jose. More than 50 vendors are expected, with food, shopping, live music, dance and cultural entertainment filling the evening.

The appeal of a night market is the freedom to build your own experience. Visitors can start with dinner, walk through the vendor area, watch a performance, shop, and return for dessert later in the evening. For families in San Jose, Milpitas, Santa Clara, Cupertino or Fremont, the location can be much more convenient than driving into central San Francisco. One possible Mid-Autumn plan is to visit the market earlier in the evening and then head home to watch the KTSF Mid-Autumn Festival Gala at 8:00 PM.

10. Canyon Fest 2026

Event Name: Canyon Fest 2026

Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026

Time: 12:00 PM–7:30 PM

Location: 3800 Clark Road, El Sobrante, CA 94803

Age Group: All Ages

Event Link： Canyon Fest 2026

If massive festivals are not your style, Canyon Fest 2026 offers a smaller, community-focused alternative in the East Bay hills. The family-friendly music and arts festival combines local performers, DJs, food and artisan vendors with the natural setting around Wildcat Canyon, creating a more relaxed atmosphere than many large urban music events.

The lineup features Bay Area artists and musicians along with DJ programming and community-centered performances. One of the more distinctive elements is a participatory drumming experience connected to Ghanaian Ewe musical traditions, giving visitors a chance to take part instead of simply watching from the audience. For families or music fans who want live performances without the crowds and logistics of a giant festival, Canyon Fest is a comfortable way to close out September.

How to Choose the Right Bay Area events in September

The best event depends on what kind of weekend you are looking for. For a classic San Francisco cultural experience, the Chinatown Autumn Moon Festival and San Francisco Greek Food Festival are two of the strongest choices. Dance music fans will likely prefer PIER PLAY S.F., while people who want to participate in dance rather than simply listen to music may want to dedicate several days to Baychata Festival 2026.

Families can focus on the Chinatown festival, San Jose makers markets or Canyon Fest, while visitors looking specifically for Mid-Autumn Festival activities have two very different options: celebrate in person at the 365 Night Market or spend the evening at home with the KTSF 2026 CCTV Mid-Autumn Festival Gala. South Bay residents also have a particularly strong September calendar this year, with multiple events in San Jose that do not require making the drive into San Francisco.

Because outdoor festivals and community events can occasionally adjust schedules, parking arrangements or admission procedures, it is always a good idea to check the official event link again before leaving home.

September Is One of the Best Months to Explore the Bay Area

What makes September in the Bay Area especially interesting is the contrast between events. In a single weekend, you could eat Greek pastries in the Mission District, watch lion dancing in Chinatown, dance beside the waterfront at Pier 70 and then head to San Jose for an Asian night market. Few regions offer that range of cultural experiences within such a short drive.

The month also marks an ideal transition between summer and fall. Outdoor activities are still plentiful, but the calendar begins shifting toward harvest celebrations, cultural festivals and seasonal markets. For longtime Bay Area residents, these events are an opportunity to rediscover familiar neighborhoods; for newer residents and visitors, they offer an easy introduction to the communities that make Northern California so culturally diverse.

If you are searching for things to do in the Bay Area in September 2026, these 10 events are a strong place to start. From free family festivals and handmade markets to electronic music, international dance and Mid-Autumn celebrations, September offers plenty of reasons to get out and explore San Francisco, San Jose and the East Bay.