Heading out to Southern California this fall and bringing the kids? If so, chances are you will probably look into Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland and Legoland to take advantage of smaller crowds and shoulder season specials. It’s also a given those theme parks will have seasonal-themed attractions built around Halloween and fall country harvests with nostalgic elements.
However, if you want to celebrate fall the way California residents do, mark your calendar for the following events that prove there’s more to the Golden State than endless summers.
L.A. County Fair, Pomona, through Sept. 23:
The 97-year-old fair shows there’s more to Los Angeles than the entertainment industry and urban sprawl. Various delights include a variety of fried snacks on a stick, thrill rides, petting zoo and livestock beauty contests. By night, you can rock out to enduring rock, soul and pop acts on the nostalgia circuit, including The Beach Boys, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, War & Tower of Power, The Manhattans and The Commodores.
During the fall months, La Purisima Mission State Historical Park in Lompoc, an hour north of Santa Barbara, offers special fall events and scenery that not only celebrate Central Coast harvest traditions but interesting glimpses into California history. Harvest Mission Life Day (Sept. 15) invites families to experience a variety of end-of-the-season harvest and traditional Mission activities from yesteryear, while the Candlelight Tour (Sept. 22) whisks guests back in time to the 1820s on a walking tour through the mission to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of traditional mission life.
Danish Days, Solvang, Sept. 14–16:
The old world Scandinavian way of life comes alive with parades, concerts, music and dance, a Viking beer and wine garden, a chainsaw carver, an old world artisan marketplace, demos, antique shopping, Danish food and proud Danish-Americans celebrating their heritage and sporting traditional clothing. Danish Days also features Hans Christian Anderson story-telling by Randel McGee, authentic pastries (aebleskiver) and Danish sausage (medisterpoise), and wine tasting from the adjoining Santa Ynez Valley.
The Underwood Family Farms Fall Harvest Festival, Ventura, Sept, 29–Oct. 31:
During its five-week run, an interesting assemblage of county fair and agricultural harvest elements will be rolled out every week, including a farm field labyrinth, pig races, animal competitions, hay pyramids, pick-your-own fruit and vegetables, live concert performances and farm-to-fork food for purchase. There will also be numerous educational and nostalgic exhibits for the kids, ranging from a pumpkin playhouse to an animal center with livestock and bee barn, “Fun Hill” and “Kid’s Corral” play areas, Farmer Craig’s Chicken Show, Combine Slide and more.
Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, Downtown Los Angeles/Chinatown, Sept. 29:
If Asian food and culture is your thing, journey to Chinatown in Downtown to enjoy and savor a variety of Chinese and Asian fare as well as cultural demonstrations, Mooncake samples from Chinatown’s popular bakeries, live pop and rock concerts by local acts, a photo booth with 1940s cutouts, walking tours of Chinatown, art demonstrations and workshops, dessert eating competition and glimpses of the full harvest moon through scientific telescopes.
Seaside Highland Games at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, Ventura, Oct.13–14:
The best of the British Isles is out in force, from brilliant cultural entertainment such as bagpiping, drumming, dancing and folk music to classic British cars, British food, games, athletic competitions, herding dogs and a children’s area.
Read This Next
Kids Can Now Adopt Plants at Grand Velas Los Cabos
Kids
Mar 21, 2024#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Mar 26, 2024Spring Adventures in New River Gorge
New River Gorge, America’s newest national park at less than 4 years old, was formed by one of America’s oldest rivers. New River surges through deep canyons, surrounded by a rugged landscape of forests and rock cliffs. Family travelers to this 70,000-acre park will find outdoor sports and adventures for the whole family.
Sponsored Content
Interior Upgrades Begin Rolling Out Across United Fleet
United Airlines is in the midst of a major initiative to modernize its fleet over the next several years. After first announcing the plan in 2021, planes fitted with United’s signature interior are finally beginning to appear across the airline’s narrowbody fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes. United flyers are sure to notice these enhancements from the moment they step on board: Each new or updated plane sports remodeled seats, seatback entertainment screens for everyone, Bluetooth connectivity and more, all adding up to a better experience on every journey.
North America
Mar 26, 2024Don’t Miss Grande Lakes Orlando’s Modern Willy Wonka Golden Ticket Experience
If you hear the phrase “golden ticket,” you’re apt to think of Willy Wonka and the popular films to have come from the franchise. But did you know Grande Lakes Orlando takes the golden ticket concept one step further? This spring, the popular resort pays homage to the classic film and recent movie Wonka with a one-of-a-kind Golden Ticket Experience.
Destinations / Europe
Mar 25, 2024Unique Shore Excursions on European River Cruises
The appeal of a leisurely cruise along one of Europe’s rivers goes well beyond the beautiful riverside scenery and charming villages along the banks. Daily excursions to nearby landmarks and attractions add historic and cultural dimension to the travel experience for couples and families, and some cruise lines arrange special activities that take passengers deeper inside the destinations.
Sponsored Content
United Airlines Celebrates its First Class of United Aviate Graduates
As the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, United Airlines already hit a major milestone, and now the carrier celebrates another important — and historic — step as the inaugural class of United Aviate Academy pilots graduates, leading the next generation of aviators. The 51 students in the graduating class were majority, at 80 percent, women and people of color — another stride toward United’s goal of training 5,000 new pilots by 2030 with half women or POC.
Destinations / North America
Mar 25, 2024Top 7 Gardens to Visit in Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon, invites family travelers to explore its many gardens this summer.
ShareThis