East Bay Events – September 2026

September has arrived, and the East Bay region continues to shine with a wide array of activities and events to enjoy as the seasons begin to change. Whether you're a longtime local or exploring the area for the first time, Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin, San Ramon, Danville, Walnut Creek, Lafayette, and the surrounding Tri-Valley communities offer something for everyone. Let's take a look at what's happening in the East Bay this September!

September 2026 East Bay Area Events

SEP 4: Sinatra Saloon: A Tale & A Tune at the Bankhead Theater

The Bankhead's Club Bankhead Jazz Series kicks off with Jefferson Bergey performing "Sinatra Saloon: A Take & A Tune" in Downtown Livermore. This show has already sold out, but keep an eye out for the October and November installments of the jazz series if you'd like to catch the next one.

SEP 5: Paula Poundstone at the Bankhead Theater

Stand-up comedian, author, and podcast host Paula Poundstone brings her sharp observational humor and relatable family stories to the Bankhead stage in Livermore for an evening of laughs.

SEP 12: Splatter in Dublin

Dublin's beloved end-of-summer festival returns to Emerald Glen Park from noon to 8:30 p.m. New this year, the day kicks off with the Splatter Color Dash, a non-competitive 1.2-mile fun run with color stations. The festival itself is free and features a World Craft Bazaar, live music and dance across three stages, hands-on art activities, local wine and craft beer, carnival rides, and a headlining evening dance party with Good Time Collective, capped off by a drone light show.

SEP 12: Forkful in Downtown Pleasanton

Taste your way through Downtown Pleasanton with Forkful! This self-guided culinary crawl brings you to about 10 participating restaurants for bite-sized tastings and paired drinks, plus a "Chef's Best Bite" vote. Check-in starts at the Museum on Main.

SEP 17: Matthew Morrison at the Bankhead Theater

The "Glee" alum brings his musical talents to Downtown Livermore for a night of live performance at the Bankhead.

SEP 17: Bites & Vines: Taste of Downtown Livermore

A new addition to Livermore Downtown's signature event lineup, this evening celebrates the flavors of Downtown Livermore with tastings from local restaurants and wineries.

SEP 18: San Francisco Comedy Competition at the Bankhead Theater

Top comedians battle it out for laughs and prizes at this always-popular comedy showcase in Livermore, a must-see for comedy fans.

SEP 19: Forever Motown at the Bankhead Theater

Classic Motown hits come to life at the Bankhead Theater in Downtown Livermore.

SEP 19: Thrift Fest at the Alameda County Fairgrounds

Step into vintage vibes at Thrift Fest! With 125+ vendors, wander through racks of retro fashion, unique jewelry, standout accessories, rare home goods, and art you didn't know you needed, all set to an '80s-to-present music mix. Runs noon to 6 p.m. in Pleasanton.

SEP 19–OCT 25: Northern California Renaissance Faire

Step into the fictional Elizabethan village of Willingtown for jousting, live entertainment and stage shows, an artisans marketplace (blown glass, custom blades, leather, jewelry, and more), games of skill (axe throw, archery, fencing), and a new "Murder Most Faire" mystery game this year. It's a bit of a drive from the Tri-Valley/East Bay core (about 90 minutes to Hollister), but could be a fun day-trip this September!

SEP 19–20: Lafayette Art & Wine Festival

One of the largest weekend events in Contra Costa County, this free two-day street festival along Mt. Diablo Boulevard in Downtown Lafayette draws more than 65,000 visitors. Browse 200+ art and craft booths, sample food from local restaurants and vendors, sip Lamorinda wines and microbrews, and enjoy nonstop live music across four stages. Saturday runs 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

SEP 25–26: Walnut Creek Oktoberfest

Downtown Walnut Creek's Civic Park East transforms into a two-day Bavarian celebration with live bands, traditional dancing, a biergarten pouring dozens of craft beers, artisan vendors, and a Kinder Karneval kids' zone with a giant slide, petting zoo, and more. Friday runs 5–10 p.m., Saturday noon–9 p.m. Admission is free with RSVP, and it's a short walk from Walnut Creek BART.

SEP 26: Corgi Con at the Alameda County Fairgrounds

Calling all Corgi lovers! The world's largest Corgi gathering returns to Pleasanton with Corgi races, a Ninja Warrior obstacle course, a costume contest, a Corgi market, food trucks, and photo ops. Runs 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Heads up: the Walnut Festival is on a break from its usual September slot. Heather Farm Park is mid-remodel through late 2027, so the festival relocated to the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds in Antioch last year and shifted to October. The 90th Annual Walnut Festival's 2026 dates hadn't been finalized as of this writing, worth a check on thewalnutfestival.org if you're planning around it.