What’s Happening Around Almaden & Santa Clara County This September?

September brings a welcome change of pace to Almaden Valley and communities throughout Santa Clara County. The days are still warm, the evenings become more comfortable, and local calendars fill up with festivals, family activities, arts and entertainment, sports, and community gatherings.

For residents of Almaden Valley and surrounding Santa Clara County communities, September is a great month to get out, explore the neighborhood, and enjoy the many things that make the South Bay such a vibrant place to live.

And before September officially gets underway, there’s one late-summer tradition worth putting on the calendar: the Santa Clara County Fair.

Don’t Miss the Santa Clara County Fair Before September Begins

The Santa Clara County Fair runs August 19–23, 2026, at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds in San Jose. While it falls just before September, it is a perfect way to wrap up summer before the fall calendar gets busy.

The five-day fair features carnival rides and games, live entertainment, agricultural and livestock exhibits, home arts, community exhibits, local vendors and plenty of classic fair food. The Fairgrounds also highlights its Junior Livestock Show & Auction, which supports local youth and agricultural education.

For families, it’s a fun reminder that you don’t have to travel far to find something special to do. The Santa Clara County Fairgrounds have been part of the local community for decades, hosting events throughout the year.

Santa Clara County Fair
August 19–23, 2026
Santa Clara County Fairgrounds
344 Tully Road, San Jose

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Comes to San Jose

September kicks off with a major Broadway event when Disney’s Beauty and the Beast comes to the Center for the Performing Arts in downtown San Jose.

The production runs September 8–13, 2026, with evening performances Tuesday through Friday, two performances Saturday, and two performances Sunday. The touring production features the familiar music and story of Belle and the Beast and is recommended for audiences ages 6 and up.

For families looking for a special night out—or anyone who enjoys live theater—this is one of the month's standout entertainment options.

Beauty and the Beast
September 8–13, 2026
Center for the Performing Arts
255 Almaden Boulevard, San Jose

A Big Weekend for Arts, Food and Community

One of the biggest community weekends of the month arrives September 19–20, when the Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival returns to Central Park.

The free, family-friendly festival features more than 170 artists and craft vendors, food, live entertainment, a Kids Kingdom, premium wines and microbrewed beer. The City of Santa Clara says the event raises money for local community groups and nonprofits.

The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

With so much to see and do, it’s a great opportunity to spend a few hours browsing local artwork, listening to live music, grabbing something to eat and enjoying the community atmosphere.

Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival
September 19–20, 2026
Central Park
909 Kiely Boulevard, Santa Clara

A Community Morning at Almaden Lake

For something closer to home, Almaden residents can participate in the 10th Annual SJVRC One Mile for One Child Charity Run on Sunday, September 20.

The event takes place at Almaden Lake Park, with check-in beginning at 7 a.m. and the race starting at 8:30 a.m. Participants can choose from a one-mile run, 5K or 10K, with virtual options also available.

Whether you participate or simply enjoy seeing neighbors come together for a community cause, events like this are part of what gives Almaden Valley its strong neighborhood feel.

One Mile for One Child Charity Run
Sunday, September 20, 2026
Almaden Lake Park
5989 Winfield Boulevard, San Jose

Catch the Earthquakes at Levi’s Stadium

Sports fans have another reason to circle September 19 on the calendar.

The San Jose Earthquakes take on LAFC at Levi’s Stadium on Saturday, September 19. The match is part of the Earthquakes' PRIME TIME celebration surrounding Mexican Independence Day and includes pregame and halftime entertainment. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.

With the game taking place in Santa Clara County, it adds another major event to an already busy weekend.

For local residents, September 19 is shaping up to be one of those weekends when you can find something happening in nearly every direction.

Discover Local History and the Outdoors

September is also a great time to take advantage of Santa Clara County's parks and historic sites.

For Almaden Valley residents, Almaden Quicksilver County Park remains one of the area's most distinctive outdoor destinations. The park preserves the history of the region's once-thriving mercury-mining industry while offering miles of trails and opportunities to explore the area's natural landscape.

County Parks regularly offers history hikes, museum programs and educational activities at Almaden Quicksilver. History hikes are generally designed around a 3- to 4-mile route and explore how the former mining landscape became a county park.

The County's September calendar also includes a Grant Ranch House Tour on September 5 and a Park Partner Open House at Martial Cottle Park on September 19.

These types of activities are easy to overlook, but they are some of the best ways to discover the history, agriculture and open spaces that make Santa Clara County unique.

September Is About More Than Events

One of the things I love about living in the Almaden Valley and Santa Clara County is that community life doesn't revolve around just one major event.

It can mean taking the kids to a festival.

It can mean walking around Almaden Lake.

It can mean supporting local artists.

It can mean watching a soccer match at Levi’s Stadium.

It can mean discovering a piece of local history at Almaden Quicksilver.

Or it can simply mean getting out of the house on a beautiful September evening and enjoying everything our community has to offer.

For homeowners, these events also offer a reminder of something that can be easy to overlook when you're focused on real estate: where you live is about much more than the house itself.

It's about parks, schools, restaurants, trails, festivals, entertainment, neighbors and the experiences available just minutes from your front door.

That's one of the reasons Almaden Valley continues to appeal to buyers looking for a strong sense of community along with convenient access to the rest of Silicon Valley.

Mark Your September Calendar

Here are a few dates to keep handy:

Broadway San Jose also has My Hero Academia In Concert scheduled for September 23, adding another entertainment option to the September calendar.

Enjoy September in the South Bay

Whether you're new to Almaden Valley or have called it home for years, September is a wonderful time to rediscover the community around you.

From the final days of the Santa Clara County Fair to the arts and wine festival, local charity events, outdoor activities, Broadway entertainment and professional soccer, there is no shortage of ways to enjoy the month.

So grab your calendar, invite some friends or family, and make a plan to experience a little more of what makes Almaden Valley and Santa Clara County such a special place to call home.

And if you're considering buying or selling a home in Almaden Valley, San Jose or elsewhere in Santa Clara County, remember that lifestyle is an important part of the real estate story. The neighborhood, amenities and community experiences surrounding a home can be just as meaningful as the property itself.

What September event are you most looking forward to?