Bay Area in September: 5 Major Shows You Can't Miss – Music, Movies, and Marvel Symphonies All in One

Golden September brings vibrant energy to the Bay Area in September, making it the perfect time to explore the city’s cultural highlights. Whether you’re a music lover, foodie, festival goer, or sports fan, San Francisco and its surrounding cities are ready to present you with a cultural feast.

We’ve handpicked 15 must-attend events this September, ranging from concerts and community celebrations to outdoor festivals, so you can plan an unforgettable weekend every time!

Events: Bay Area in September

 A Night with KTSF – 49th Anniversary Gala Dinner

• 🕔 Date: September 13, 2025

• 📍 Location: Crowne Plaza Hotel, 1221 Chess Drive, Foster City, CA 94404

Celebrate KTSF’s 49th anniversary with an evening of connection and nostalgia. This elegant gala offers guests a chance to meet and mingle with KTSF anchors, reporters, and hosts, while enjoying a special performance by “Cello Koko,” a cellist from the San Francisco Opera.

The evening includes a gourmet dinner, prize drawings, and a heartfelt look back at the station’s community journey. Tickets: $165 per person — seats are limited, so book early!

SF Cheese Fest – 10th Anniversary

• 🕕 Date: September 13, 2025

• 📍 Location: Ferry Building Grand Hall, San Francisco, CA 94111

Celebrate California’s best artisan cheeses at the 10th annual SF Cheese Fest. Savor a wide variety of cheeses made from cow, goat, sheep, and buffalo milk, paired with jams, chocolates, cured meats, local craft beer, and wine — all while taking in the scenic bay views.

San Francisco Chinatown Autumn Moon Festival

• 🕘 Date: September 27–28, 2025

• 📍 Location: Grant Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94108

Experience the magic of the Mid-Autumn Festival as San Francisco’s Chinatown transforms into a vibrant cultural stage. The two-day celebration features dragon and lion dances, live performances, authentic street food vendors, and a spectacular parade.

This family-friendly event brings together locals, tourists, and culture lovers to celebrate tradition, community, and togetherness.

Folsom Street Fair

• 🕙 Date: September 28, 2025

• 📍 Location: Folsom Street between 8th & 13th Streets, San Francisco, CA 94103

One of the world’s largest leather and alternative lifestyle festivals, the Folsom Street Fair takes over San Francisco’s SoMa district with multiple stages, live performances, and vendor booths.

The event celebrates freedom of expression, diversity, and avant-garde art, attracting attendees from around the globe.Note: This event is 18+ only, ideal for those curious about alternative art and subcultures.

Oakland International Film Festival

• 🗓️ Date: September 11–20, 2025

• 📍 Locations: Jack London Square, Grand Lake Theater, and various Oakland venues

This year’s Oakland International Film Festival brings together a wide range of independent films, documentaries, and experimental shorts. It’s a platform for local and international filmmakers to showcase fresh perspectives and innovative storytelling.

Screenings take place across multiple theaters and art centers, creating a rich cinematic experience perfect for indie film enthusiasts.

Monterey Jazz Festival

• 🕓 Date: September 26–28, 2025

• 📍 Location: Monterey County Fairgrounds, 2004 Fairground Rd, Monterey, CA 93940

The world-renowned Monterey Jazz Festival returns with a stellar lineup of internationally acclaimed musicians. Expect a diverse mix of classic jazz, fusion, and cross-genre performances.

The festival also features educational workshops, jam sessions, and breathtaking coastal views — a must-visit for any jazz lover.

Korean Chuseok Harvest Festival

• 🕙 Date: September 27, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• 📍 Location: Main Parade Lawn, Presidio, 103 Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94129

Celebrate Chuseok, Korea’s traditional harvest festival, at the Presidio. Enjoy authentic Korean cuisine, cultural performances, hands-on craft activities, and family-friendly fun.

This free event offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the warmth and spirit of Korean culture in a community setting.

Portola Music Festival

• 🗓️ Date: September 20–21, 2025

• 📍 Location: Pier 80, San Francisco, CA

Produced by Goldenvoice, the Portola Music Festival is a massive two-day EDM and electronic music party.

The 2025 headliners include LCD Soundsystem and Christina Aguilera, along with powerhouse acts like The Chemical Brothers, Underworld, Moby (performing his album PLAY in full), Peggy Gou, Caribou, Blood Orange, and more.

Featuring daytime sunshine beats and neon-lit night sets, Portola transforms Pier 80’s industrial space into a high-energy dance haven.

Tip: Tickets sell out fast and cost several hundred dollars — buy early!

SFJazz 2025–26 Concert Season

• 📍 Location: SF Jazz Center & various venues

Starting in September, SFJazz kicks off a year-long concert season with 350+ performances featuring everything from classic to experimental jazz.

Highlights include performances by Kamasi Washington, Ledisi, and Gregory Porter (at Davies Symphony Hall, $55–$175).

Special appearances by Stewart Copeland, Jacob Collier, and Michael League promise a dynamic season, with some shows offering livestream options and family-friendly events.

Carlos Santana Special Concert

• 🗓️ Date: September 13–14, 2025

• 📍 Location: SF Jazz Center (Miner Auditorium)

Legendary guitarist Carlos Santana returns to the Bay Area for two intimate nights of live music alongside his wife and drummer, Cindy Blackman Santana.

The all-star lineup includes Ravi Coltrane (saxophone), Patrice Rushen (keyboard), Aurélien Budynek (guitar), and Benny Rietveld (bass).

Tickets start at $45 — a rare chance to experience Santana’s timeless sound live.

Clueless 30th Anniversary Screening

• 🗓️ Date: September 10, 2025

• 📍 Location: Balboa Theater, San Francisco

Celebrate three decades of fashion, fun, and teenage drama with a special anniversary screening of Clueless.

The event features a Q&A with Elisa Donovan (Amber) moderated by San Francisco Chronicle columnist Tony Bravo.Guests can also enter a 90s costume contest and win prizes, making this a nostalgic night of film and fashion.

Marvel Studios’ Infinity Saga Concert Experience

• 🗓️ Date: September 4–6, 2025

• 📍 Location: Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco

Immerse yourself in the epic world of Marvel as the San Francisco Symphony performs iconic scores from 23 Marvel films, including The Avengers, Iron Man, Black Panther, and Doctor Strange.

Film scenes will be projected on a giant screen, creating a breathtaking fusion of music and cinema.Perfect for fans of all ages, with three performances across three days.

Whether you’re dancing the night away at an EDM festival, soaking up soulful jazz, or reliving your favorite superhero moments, September 2025 in the Bay Area offers an endless lineup of exciting events.

Don’t wait until tickets are gone — grab your friends, plan ahead, and make this fall one to remember!