(by) Donna McCrohan Rosenthal– September brings fall, festivals – and frights as we approach Halloween – as you will read in this month’s roundup of short hops and trips around the Golden State. Consult websites or call to confirm details before setting out, keeping in mind whatever damage that Tropical Storm Hilary might have caused.
To the southwest in Fountain Valley (next door to Huntington Beach), Friday-Sunday, September 8-10, the Original Lobster Festival offers fresh live Maine lobster flown in daily along with a Cool Critter Show and Critter Close-Up Encounter, face painting, carnival rides, and games 562-495-5959).
To the southwest in Solvang, Danish Days over the September 16-17 weekend combine an Old Worlds Artisans marketplace, LEGO competition, and free Æbleskiver Eating Contest. A tour includes 9-10 tastings and foodie locations, bites, and sips with a professional guide (www.solvangdanishdays.org). Offshore, catch the 13th Catalina Film Festival Wednesday-Sunday, September 20-24 (818-787-1946).
Eerie doings get underway as we move into autumn. At Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, Knott’s Scary Farm September 21 – September 28 (Thu, Sun) 7 p.m. – 1 a.m., September 22 – September 30 (Fri, Sat) 7 p.m. – 2 a.m., October 1 – October 29 (Wed, Thu, Sun) 7 p.m. – 1 a.m., and October, 31 (Tue) 7 p.m. – 1 a.m., experience terror in the fully transformed theme park, with uniquely haunted mazes and attractions, sinister shocks, and more than 1,000 horrifying creatures (not recommended for children under 13) whereas Knott’s Spooky Farm (daytime Thursdays-Sundays, September 28 – October 29, plus Halloween), focuses on family-friendly activities and surprises 714-220-5200).
On the coast, the San Diego Zoo delivers HalGLOWeen, its light-up-the-night, Halloween-inspired extravaganza Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through October 619-231-1515). Meanwhile, at SeaWorld San Diego’s Spooktacular, “kids love trick-or-treating during this daytime event as they explore our decorated trail and meet all sorts of colorful characters.” From a Halloween dance party to a pumpkin scavenger hunt and more, this immersive adventure runs on Saturdays and Sundays, September 15 through October 31, 619-222-4732).
Also on the coast, Goleta’s Lemon Festival, Saturday, September 30 – Sunday, October 1, returns with pie-eating contests, local non-profits, arts and crafts vendors, entertainment, and a classic car show 805-967-2500).
Over the Sierra, the annual Wasco Rose Festival, Thursday-Saturday, September 7-9, begins with the Miss Wasco Rose Queen Pageant. The merriment continues with the Rose Parade, a vendor fair, and Block and Tackle Deep Pit Dinner. Added this year: a pancake breakfast fundraiser for the Wasco High Traveling Tigers and Wasco Lady Tiger/Tiger Golf (email ).
Book ahead for the annual Lone Pine Film Festival up north on Hwy 395, Thursday-Sunday, October 5-8, that celebrates the legacy of Western film through screenings, presentations, and on-location tours 760-876-9103).
