September 2012 event guide: Los Angeles, San Diego and Boston

Aug 30, 2012
LadyLUX

As the weather cools down, it’s the perfect time to head outside and enjoy some unique events that only happen once a year. September promises to be an exciting month, as it not only kicks off the marathon of fashion weeks, but also celebrates Labor Day weekend, Oktoberfest, apple harvesting season and California’s Wine Month. Make plans to attend the endless beer and wine events or a food festival that will tempt the inner foodie. If that’s not up your alley, September also offers exhibits of all kinds, including Titanic’s artifacts, art galleries and sand sculpting. With so much to do, 30 days will fly by in a hurry!

California Wine Month

The month of September was proclaimed California Wine Month by Governor Jerry Brown to celebrate the state’s rich wine history and all the vineyards and growers that contribute to the state’s lifestyle and economy. Wineries from Temecula to Napa will celebrate this month with special tastings, events and offers. Read more details.

The Taste
The Los Angeles Times presents The Taste, a three-day indulgence during Labor Day weekend that is all about food. Taking place at Paramount Pictures Studios, there are various events to attend, including Field to Fork, Cocktail Confidential, Flavors of Los Angeles, Labor Day Picnic and more. Celebrity chefs Thomas Keller, Ludovic “Ludo” Lefebre, Susan Feniger, Nancy Silverton and Ricardo Zarate will be in attendance. Read more details.

L.A. County Fair
The L.A. County Fair, the largest county fair in North America, takes place from August 31 to September 30 at the Fairplex in Pomona. The L.A. County Fair has something for everyone with endless food, beer and wine, live music, rides, petting zoos, shows and more. Read more details.

Fiesta Hermosa
On September 1-3, Fiesta Hermosa is taking over Hermosa Beach with 400 artists, crafters, painters, photographers, ceramicists, jewelers and sculptors. The Food Court will offer 18 kinds of ethnic foods while the Charity Beer & Wine Garden presents microbrews, wines, margaritas and icy coolers. The fiesta goes from 10am to 6pm each day with free admission. Read more details.

Port of Los Angeles Lobster Festival
The world's largest lobster festival - with a Guinness World Record to prove it - takes place at Ports O'Call Village in San Pedro on September 4 to 15. With fresh Maine lobster meals flown in daily, “Lobster fest” has been a South Bay tradition since 1999. The event includes live music, games, rides, and all kinds of food and fun for the entire family. Read more details.

Julia Schwartz: Trading for the Stars
From September 15 to October 15, Bleicher Galleries in La Brea is showcasing the work of Los Angeles painter Julia Schwartz. Since her shift into abstraction, her work has been going through a rapid evolution in form, all while staying true to her psychoanalytic process. Read more details.

Photography Sculpture Figure
Photography Sculpture Figure is a group exhibition curated by Matthew Dipple, with artists Daphne Fitzpatrick, K8 Hardy, Sara Greenberger Rafferty, Mariah Robertson and Sara VanDerBeek. The exhibit will be held at the M+B gallery from September 15 to October 27. Read more details.

LadyLUX via sandiego.org and sdbeerfest.org

US Sand Sculpting Challenge and 3D Art Exposition
San Diego celebrates the art of sand castles at the US Sand Sculpting Challenge and 3D Art Exposition. Taking place from August 31 to September 3, 10 professional world masters will come to create the most amazing sculptures ever for the sand castle competition. The event also includes the 3D Art Exposition, which features leading California metal, stone and wood sculptors, designer clothing and jewelry, and 3D wall art. Read more details.

Julian Apple Harvest
Just 45 minutes northeast of San Diego, the mountain town of Julian revels in fall foliage and delicious apples during the Julian Apple Harvest. Experience the fresh fruit in homemade pie and apple cider while enjoying live entertainment. The harvest begins September 1 and lasts until the end of November. Read more details.

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
Presented at theNat, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition showcases 200 artifacts retrieved from the wreckage of Titanic, the world’s largest ship of its time. Explore the stories of the Titanic and discover how the “unsinkable” ship met its tragic end. The exhibition ends on September 9 with tickets ranging from $12-$27. Read more details.

18th Annual San Diego Festival of Beer
San Diego’s original beer festival and cancer fighting fundraiser returns to Downtown on September 21 from 6-11pm. At the 18th Annual San Diego Festival of Beer, guests can sample over 60 different breweries and 120 varieties of some of the nation’s best craft beer. The event also includes live music on two stages and food from local restaurants and trucks. Read more details.

LadyLUX via sdbeerfest.org, beersummit.com, beantownjazz.org and calendar.boston.com

The Boston Arts Festival
The Boston Arts Festival is held at the Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park on September 7 from 6 to 9pm. The arts extravaganza boasts a specially built artist village with over 60 juried visual artists exhibiting and selling their works of art. Two stages will provide entertainment from the city’s art organizations. Read more details.

Natick Community Organic Farm Harvest Dinner and Auction
The 11th Annual Natick Community Organic Farm Harvest Dinner and Auction highlights organic vegetables, fruits, meats, fishes, cheeses, breads, shellfish, maple syrup, honey, wine and beer. The Wellesley College Club will prepare a special meal at their lakeside facility on September 19 from 5:30 to 8:30pm. Tickets are $80 if purchased before Labor Day and $100 after. Read more details.

Samuel Adams Octoberfest
Join Samuel Adams on September 21 and 22 to celebrate Octoberfest and fall beers. The first day offers the VIP Preview Reception that includes four beers, a keepsake stein, live traditional German music, an opportunity to sample the newest limited-release specialty beers from Samuel Adams and a chance to be a part of the ceremonial tapping of the keg with a Samuel Adams brewer! The second day will offer a traditional beer hall event. Join the fun at the Park Plaza Castle. Read more details.

Shipwreck! Pirates & Treasure
On September 23, Shipwreck! Pirates & Treasure presents an incredible journey through thousands of years of maritime history. The exhibit at the Museum of Science displays over 500 artifacts, including gold and silver treasures as well as the technology used to work thousands of feet below the ocean’s surface. Read more details.

Berklee Beantown Jazz Festival
The Berklee BeanTown Jazz Festival is a delight with a host of jazz, Latin, blues, and groove acts. The celebration on September 29 includes three stages, tasty eats, face painting and an instrument petting zoo. Read more details.