1. 🚆 A Line (Foothill) Opens Sept 19
After years of anticipation, the Metro A Line (formerly Gold Line) officially extends eastward. Starting Sept 19, riders can travel seamlessly from Pasadena through Azusa and on to Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne/Fairplex, and Pomona–North. Expect ribbon-cuttings, community celebrations at each new station, and free rides during the opening weekend. This expansion is expected to boost local business near the stations, reduce traffic along the 210/10 corridors, and offer students and commuters a faster, eco-friendly option.

2. 🚧 57/60 Confluence Project Closures
Diamond Bar and Walnut brace for nighttime connector closures in September as crews advance long-delayed work at the 57/60 interchange. Plan detours via Grand Ave or Lemon Ave, and allow extra travel time.

Driving tip: During the 57/60 work, Waze/Apple/Google may route you through neighborhood streets in Diamond Bar/Walnut at peak. Give yourself +10 –15 minutes the week of closures, and re-check morning of travel.

3. 🥟 Dumpling & Beer Fest Turns 10 — Oct 3
San Gabriel’s Mission District hosts the 10th annual Dumpling & Beer Fest on Oct 3, 6–10 pm. Entry is free; beer garden wristbands for unlimited pours are on sale now. Live music, 20+ vendors, and a big anniversary party vibe.

4. 🍷 Taste of Arcadia — Sept 13
The famed 626 Night Market at Santa Anita Park wraps up its 2025 season in September. This three-day evening festival has become a cultural landmark in Arcadia, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each weekend. Expect outrageous food innovations (giant squid skewers, ube milk teas, bacon-wrapped everything), live music, art installations, and quirky shopping stalls. Families and couples alike flock to this event for its neon-lit, carnival-like atmosphere.

5. 🎨 Fall Arts Explosion…

6. 🚲 Baldwin Park E-Bike Pop-Up — Sept 14
On Sunday, Sept 14, Walnut Creek Park in Baldwin Park will host a free ActiveSGV event where residents can test ride e-bikes. Staff will provide helmets, basic safety training, and family-friendly demos. The event is designed to raise awareness about sustainable transportation and encourage residents to consider alternatives to car commuting. For families, it’s a fun and educational morning; for adults, it’s a chance to try an affordable alternative to daily driving.

Business spotlight

Cal Poly Pomona (Pomona/La Verne)

Mt. San Antonio College (Walnut)

K-12 snapshots (district calendars for planning)

San Gabriel Fall Fun Festival (Oct 24)
Head to the Historic Mission District from 5–9 PM for one of the most popular community gatherings of the season. Families can enjoy carnival games, food trucks serving SGV classics, a trunk-or-treat lane for safe candy collecting, and even free family portraits. Perfect for kids in costume and parents who want a low-cost, family-friendly night out.

Pasadena Food & Culture Walking Tours (Weekends)
Offered on Saturdays and Sundays, these tours combine light walking with storytelling about Old Pasadena’s history. Stops include artisan bakeries, hidden chocolatiers, ethnic eateries, and local landmarks. It’s an engaging way for children and parents to experience food, architecture, and history together.

Arcadia 626 Night Market (Through September)
Held at Santa Anita Park, the 626 Night Market is famous for being the largest of its kind in the U.S. Families can explore rows of food stalls with eye-catching dishes (think rainbow drinks and foot-long fries), enjoy live entertainment, and shop quirky crafts. Kids especially love the neon lights, art installations, and festival atmosphere.

Baldwin Park E-Bike Pop-Up (Sept 14)
At Walnut Creek Park from 8 AM–12 PM, ActiveSGV will provide free access to e-bike demos, helmets, and safety workshops. Parents can test out sustainable commuting options while kids learn about eco-friendly transportation in a safe, supervised park setting.

Claremont Village Venture (Oct 25)
The Village Venture transforms Claremont’s tree-lined streets into a sprawling arts and crafts fair with 450+ booths, food vendors, and live music. Families can browse handmade goods, enjoy seasonal snacks, and take part in kid-friendly activities like pumpkin painting and a children’s parade. Admission is free, making it a great all-day outing.

San Gabriel River Bike Trail (All Season)
This 28-mile paved trail runs through Baldwin Park, Irwindale, and South El Monte. Families can bring bikes or scooters and enjoy flat, safe paths with shaded picnic spots. It’s ideal for weekend exercise or teaching little ones to ride while enjoying the outdoors.

Glendora Public Market (Ongoing)
This indoor food hall, located in a renovated Hostess factory, offers everything from tacos to craft ice cream. It’s a great family stop when the weather turns cooler, parents can relax with local brews while kids pick fun food options.

Oak Glen Preserve (Sept–Nov)
Just a short drive from Duarte and Monrovia, Oak Glen offers classic fall apple picking. Families can pick seasonal fruit, sip fresh cider, visit a petting zoo, or walk nature trails. Peak season runs September through early November, making it the perfect fall weekend tradition.

Arcadia 626 Night Market
For foodie couples, this event is a dream. Share unusual street eats like ramen burgers or fried squid, browse local artists’ booths, and listen to live bands under festival lights. The night market runs into the evening, making it an energetic, fun date option.

Pomona A Line Ride + Dinner (From Sept 19)
Celebrate the launch of the A Line extension by taking a ride into Pomona–North. From there, explore Pomona’s downtown Arts Colony, known for its eclectic galleries, vintage shops, and cozy restaurants. Try dinner at a farm-to-table spot or grab craft beer nearby, it’s transit-friendly and makes for a unique outing.

San Gabriel Fall Fun Festival (Oct 24)
Even though this is family-friendly, couples can also enjoy the food trucks, live music, and festive Mission District setting. Take a stroll, share snacks, and enjoy the energy of the community gathering while soaking in historic architecture under the evening lights.

Claremont Village Venture (Oct 25)
A more relaxed daytime date option, this sprawling festival offers browsing artisan goods, listening to street musicians, and grabbing coffee or brunch at one of Claremont’s cafes. It’s ideal for couples who want to explore, shop, and take in the crisp fall atmosphere together.

Oak Glen Escape (Sept–Nov)
Plan a cozy day trip to the apple orchards of Oak Glen. Couples can go apple picking, sip cider, buy fresh pies, and enjoy scenic walks at the Oak Glen Preserve. It’s a romantic countryside retreat that feels worlds away while still close to the SGV.

The San Gabriel Valley is alive with energy this fall — from new transit milestones and cultural festivals to hidden family outings and cozy date ideas. We hope this guide helps you discover something new in your own backyard.

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Keep showing up, keep cheering each other on and as always, be kind 💛

📩 Hosting a community event? If your neighborhood gathering, school festival, or local market wasn’t listed here, we’d love to include it in future editions. Just reach out and share the details, together we can keep this guide as complete and community-driven as possible.