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Best September Events in the Tri-Valley 2026

September 4, 2026

Best September Events in the Tri-Valley 2026

If you're looking for the best September events in the Tri-Valley, this month is packed with festivals, live music, food, wine, shopping, arts, and family-friendly activities throughout Pleasanton, Livermore, and Dublin.

September is one of the best times to explore the Tri-Valley. The final days of summer bring warm weather and outdoor events, while the beginning of fall introduces festivals and seasonal activities throughout the region. From the Scottish Highland Gathering in Pleasanton and Dublin's Splatter Festival to wine events in Livermore Valley, there's something happening almost every weekend.

In this guide, Elation Real Estate highlights some of the best Tri-Valley events happening in September 2026 and why you'll want to add them to your calendar.

Quick Answer: What Are the Best Tri-Valley Events in September 2026?

Some of the top September 2026 events in Pleasanton, Livermore, and Dublin include the 160th Scottish Highland Gathering & Games on September 5 and 6, Forkful Culinary Stroll on September 12, Dublin's Splatter Festival on September 12, Thrift Fest on September 19, and the Pleasanton Quilt, Craft & Sewing Festival from September 24 through 26. Livermore also offers concerts, wine experiences, and performances throughout the month.

1. Scottish Highland Gathering & Games

September 5 & 6, 2026

Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton

Start September with one of Pleasanton's most distinctive annual traditions. The 160th Scottish Highland Gathering & Games returns to the Alameda County Fairgrounds over Labor Day weekend.

The event brings Scottish culture to Pleasanton and is a fun way to spend the holiday weekend without leaving the Tri-Valley.

Why Go

  • Scottish culture and traditions
  • Live entertainment
  • A unique family outing
  • A longstanding Pleasanton tradition
  • A fun way to kick off September

Best For

Families, groups of friends, and anyone looking for a unique cultural experience in Pleasanton.

2. Paula Poundstone at the Bankhead Theater

September 5, 2026

Bankhead Theater, Livermore

Looking for a night out in Downtown Livermore? Comedian Paula Poundstone returns to the Bankhead Theater on September 5 with her signature observational comedy and spontaneous audience interaction.

Pair the show with dinner at one of Downtown Livermore's restaurants for an easy date night or evening with friends.

Why Go

  • Live comedy
  • Downtown Livermore location
  • Great date-night option
  • Dinner and entertainment in one evening

Best For

Couples, friends, and comedy fans.

3. Forkful Culinary Stroll

September 12, 2026 | 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Downtown Pleasanton

Food lovers, this one's for you. The Forkful Culinary Stroll returns to Downtown Pleasanton on September 12, bringing participating downtown restaurants together for an afternoon centered around signature bites and local dining.

It's also a great opportunity to explore Main Street, visit local shops, and discover a restaurant you may not have tried before.

Why Go

  • Sample food from local restaurants
  • Explore Downtown Pleasanton
  • Support local businesses
  • Spend an afternoon with friends
  • Discover new dining favorites

Best For

Foodies, couples, friends, and anyone who loves Downtown Pleasanton.

4. Splatter Festival

September 12, 2026 | 12:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Emerald Glen Park, Dublin

One of Dublin's biggest community celebrations returns on September 12. Splatter is a free multicultural festival combining food, art, music, dance, shopping, entertainment, and activities at Emerald Glen Park.

This year's celebration includes multicultural performances, interactive art, a World Craft Bazaar, carnival games and rides, live entertainment, and an evening dance party. New for 2026 is the Color Dash, a noncompetitive 1.2-mile experience featuring color stations, music, and interactive activities. General festival admission is free, although some rides and activities require payment.

Why Go

  • Live music and dance
  • Multicultural food and entertainment
  • Arts and crafts
  • World Craft Bazaar
  • Kids' activities and carnival rides
  • Free general admission

Best For

Families and anyone looking for a full day of entertainment in Dublin.

5. Livermore Valley Wine Auction

September 12, 2026 | 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Wente Vineyards Event Center, Livermore

September wouldn't be complete without celebrating Livermore Valley wine country.

The Livermore Valley 32nd Anniversary Wine Auction takes place at Wente Vineyards Event Center and features local wines, gourmet food, silent and live auction experiences, live music, and dancing in an outdoor garden-party setting.

Why Go

  • Livermore Valley wines
  • Gourmet food
  • Live and silent auctions
  • Live music
  • Beautiful wine-country setting

Best For

Wine lovers, couples, and anyone wanting to experience another side of the Livermore lifestyle.

6. ABBA Concert Experience

September 13, 2026

Bankhead Theater, Livermore

Calling all ABBA fans. The ABBA Concert Experience featuring Summer Night City comes to the Bankhead Theater with an eight-piece production celebrating some of ABBA's greatest hits.

It's another great reason to spend an evening exploring Downtown Livermore.

Why Go

  • ABBA classics performed live
  • High-energy entertainment
  • Downtown Livermore setting
  • Fun night out with friends

Best For

Music lovers and anyone ready for a little dancing and nostalgia.

7. Thrift Fest

September 19, 2026 | 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton

Love vintage shopping and discovering one-of-a-kind pieces? Thrift Fest brings more than 125 vintage vendors, makers, and artists to the Alameda County Fairgrounds for one day.

Visitors can shop retro clothing, jewelry, handmade crafts, home goods, art, and more. Children ages 10 and under receive free admission, according to the event listing.

Why Go

  • 125+ vendors, makers, and artists
  • Vintage clothing
  • Jewelry and accessories
  • Handmade goods
  • Art and home décor
  • Unique local finds

Best For

Vintage lovers, shoppers, families, and anyone searching for something different.

8. Pleasanton Quilt, Craft & Sewing Festival

September 24–26, 2026

Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton

Creative minds will have plenty to explore at the Pleasanton Quilt, Craft & Sewing Festival.

The festival brings together vendors offering quilting, sewing, crafting, and stitching products and supplies. Visitors can also participate in free classes and giveaways. Admission to the event is free, although parking fees apply.

Why Go

  • Quilting and sewing vendors
  • Craft supplies and inspiration
  • Free classes
  • Giveaways
  • New products and exhibitors
  • Free event admission

Best For

Crafters, sewists, quilters, DIY enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a creative weekend activity.

9. September Sips at City Center Bishop Ranch

September 27, 2026 | 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM

City Center Bishop Ranch, San Ramon

Want to combine shopping with a taste of Livermore Valley wine country? September Sips brings participating Livermore Valley wineries to City Center Bishop Ranch in San Ramon on September 27.

The event combines wine tasting with shopping and small bites throughout City Center. Participating wineries listed for the event include Almost Famous Wine Company, Darcie Kent Estate Winery, Rosa Fierro Cellars, The Steven Kent Winery, Wood Family Vineyards, and others.

Why Go

  • Livermore Valley wines
  • Shopping at City Center
  • Small bites
  • Relaxed Sunday afternoon atmosphere
  • Opportunity to discover local wineries

Best For

Wine lovers and groups of friends looking for a Sunday afternoon activity.

More Upcoming Events in the Tri-Valley

The fun doesn’t stop when September ends. Throughout the fall and holiday season, Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin, and the surrounding Tri-Valley come alive with live performances, seasonal festivals, farmers markets, wine country experiences, and community celebrations. September brings entertainment to the Bankhead Theater and Firehouse Arts Center, while October and November welcome pumpkin patches, fall festivities, holiday shopping, and seasonal events throughout the region. The Pleasanton Farmers’ Market also continues year-round, making Saturday mornings in Downtown Pleasanton a local favorite.

As the holidays approach, there are even more reasons to celebrate locally. Be sure to save the date for Elation Real Estate’s Christmas Market on December 3, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at our Pleasanton office. The event will bring together local vendors, unique holiday gifts, food, sweet treats, and neighbors for a festive evening dedicated to shopping local and supporting the small businesses that make the Tri-Valley community so special.

Frequently Asked Questions About September Events in the Tri-Valley

What are the best events in Pleasanton in September 2026?

Highlights include the Scottish Highland Gathering & Games on September 5 and 6, Forkful Culinary Stroll on September 12, Thrift Fest on September 19, and the Pleasanton Quilt, Craft & Sewing Festival from September 24 through 26.

Are there family-friendly events in the Tri-Valley this September?

Yes. Dublin's Splatter Festival is especially family-friendly, with multicultural performances, interactive art, a craft bazaar, carnival games, rides, and other activities. The Scottish Highland Gathering & Games and several other community events also offer options for families.

What events are happening in Livermore in September?

Livermore has a busy September calendar featuring Bankhead Theater performances, winery events, live music, and the Livermore Valley Wine Auction at Wente Vineyards.

Are there free September events in the Tri-Valley?

Yes. General admission to Dublin's Splatter Festival is free, although carnival rides and some activities have additional charges. The Pleasanton Quilt, Craft & Sewing Festival also lists free admission, with a parking fee at the fairgrounds.

Experience September in the Tri-Valley

September is the perfect time to get out and experience everything the Tri-Valley has to offer. From community festivals and local restaurants to wine country, live entertainment, shopping, and family activities, there's always another reason to explore Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin, and San Ramon.

Living in the Tri-Valley means having experiences like these close to home, and that's one of the many reasons people continue to fall in love with this part of the East Bay.

Discover the Tri-Valley with Elation Real Estate

At Elation Real Estate, we know choosing a home is about much more than the property itself. It's also about finding a community where you can enjoy the lifestyle, local businesses, events, parks, restaurants, and experiences that matter to you.

Whether you're considering buying or selling a home in Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin, San Ramon, Danville, Alamo, Walnut Creek, or elsewhere in the East Bay, our local real estate team is here to help you discover the community that feels like home.

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