5 California Food Fests in September

September is here and Autumn is in the air! Bring in the new season with some fabulous food fests from the West Coast.

1. Farm to Fork Festival, Sacramento

This festival kicks off with attendees purchasing one meal for themselves and one for a family in need. Proceeds from local chefs go to local charities. Mini events within the festival include a wine tasting and a free day of tastings of locally grown food and drink.

2. Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest, Big Bear Lake

For log-sawing, stein-toting and yodel contests, the 44th annual Oktoberfest has you covered. Enjoy two authentic polka bands and a five-course meal. Sausages, German beer, pretzels and more will also be served.

3. California Beer Festival, Ventura

Blues and craft beer make the perfect pairing at Mission Park, Ventura. With a different theme each day, visitors can enjoy beer, food, music and delectable pairings sure to please the masses.

4. Sip LBC, Long Beach

At Sip LBC, a weekend-long whirlwind of wine, cocktail and beer samplings await thirsty patrons. Various events include a mixology demo, Tequila Tuesday and sessions on gin and whiskeys from around the world.

5. Sunset Savor the Central Coast, Santa Margarita

Top Chef Fabio Viviani and San Francisco's Tanya Holland have featured talent at this year's festival, which includes cooking and wine seminars, evening wine tastings at Hearst Castle and a Friday night Winemaker Dinner with Holland and others. The main events are held at the historic Santa Margarita Ranch.