Roger's Gardens opens its annual Halloween Boutique on Friday, Aug. 28, leading into a September packed with outdoor events across Newport Beach.
The Corona del Mar garden center's 2026 theme is "Moonlight Masquerade," described as a mysterious after-dark bazaar inspired by Venice at night, according to Visit Newport Beach's September events guide. The boutique is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and features pumpkins, fall foliage and festive decor.
Here's what else is on tap this month.
The Second City at VEA Newport Beach — Friday, Sept. 4
The improv troupe that helped launch Tina Fey, Bill Murray and Amy Poehler brings a 90-minute "Best of Second City" show to the Sunset Lawn at VEA Newport Beach on Friday, Sept. 4. The performance combines improv games, crowd interaction and classic scenes. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the show starts at 5:30 p.m. General admission and VIP table options are available, along with overnight packages through Marriott.
28th Annual Gentlemen's Smoker — Thursday, Sept. 10
The Balboa Bay Resort's Member's Lawn hosts the 28th Annual Gentlemen's Smoker on Thursday, Sept. 10. The evening includes a reception and multi-course dinner. Guests are encouraged to bring a bottle of wine and a cigar for a friendly competition, with winners receiving special recognition. Luxury packages will be auctioned. Proceeds benefit the Balboa Bay Club Scholarship Fund.
64th Annual Sandcastle Contest — Sunday, Sept. 27
The Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce hosts the 64th Annual Sandcastle Contest at Big Corona State Beach on Sunday, Sept. 27. This year's theme is "Surf, Sand & Sun." The event is free to watch and features live music, food and kids activities. Cash prizes are available for competitors. The Chamber says the contest draws thousands of spectators each year.
More September dates
- Friday, Sept. 4–Sunday, Sept. 6: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina Labor Day weekend celebration with live music 5–8 p.m. nightly, an inflatable water park, food trucks and a beach movie after sunset. Performers include country rock band Kelly Boyz and '80s cover band Flashback Heart Attack.
- Saturday, Sept. 12: Pacific Wine & Food Classic returns to Newport Dunes.
- Saturday, Sept. 26: Newport Beach Oktoberfest Bar Crawl with live bands and German brews at multiple bars.
- Wednesday, Sept. 30: Ghostbusters screens at the Lido Theater. Doors at 6:30 p.m., film at 7 p.m. with no trailers.
Roger's Gardens is open now. For tickets and registration details on the remaining events, visit visitnewportbeach.com.
