EVENTS 2024-25
Nov 11
Veterans Day Parade
Parade Theme “Salute to the Coast Guard” located just west of Petaluma, Training Center Petaluma is the Coast Guard’s largest West Coast Training Center. Graduates are the latest cooks, medics, storekeepers, yeoman, information technicians, electronics technicians, and operations specialists. TDetails at petalumaveteransparade.com.
Nov 16
Sonoma County Wine Fest
Uncork and Unwind with us at our Sonoma County Wine Fest. It features over 72 wines from Sonoma County. Ticketed wristbands include free wine glass, small bites, giveaways and live music. Visit kemahboardwalk.com.
Dec 8
Handmade Holiday Crafts Fair
The 49th annual crafts fair is a festive shopping experience featuring over 90 local artists! Celebrate the season with gifts for yourself or loved ones in this festive shopping experience featuring over 90 local artists. Shop for quality, hand-crafted holiday décor, home goods, jewelry, bath and body products, gourmet delights and more! All products sold by the artists. Learn more at Sonoma.com.
Jan 18-19 2025
Winter Wineland
Join us for 2 glorious days along the Wine Road for our 32nd Annual Winter WINEland …The perfect winter escape…taste current vintages, multiple varietals grown in Sonoma County, and experience the beauty of Winter in Sonoma County. Visit wineroad.com.
Jan 25
Chowder Day
Join us for a fun day in the Bodega Bay area, sampling chowder at numerous restaurants! It is not a walking event, driving is necessary.
Valley
Seasonal Mediterranean-inspired fare in a polished restaurant featuring a terrace & a wine bar. 487 1st St W, Sonoma, CA 95476
Phone: (707) 934-8403| Web: www.valleybarandbottle.com
Gott’s Roadside
Member of an area fast-food chain with indoor-outdoor seating showcases gourmet burgers & tacos. 933 Main St, CA-29, St Helena, CA 94574
Phone: (707) 963-3486| Web: www.gotts.com
Sandrino Pizza & Vino
Quaint pizzeria for creative pies, craft beer & Italian wine in a cozy tile-and-wood setting. 45 Caledonia St, Sausalito, CA 94965
Phone: (415) 729-9166| Web: www.sandrino.co
Have a restaurant you’d like us to feature?
Send in a recommendation for your favorite restaurant to be added to our list. Be sure to mention why you think they are worthy of being featured and include a link to their website.
Lighthouse Café
Casual spot offering an American breakfast/lunch menu with Danish options.
1311 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA
The Charter Oak
Seasonal, family-style Californian fare served in luxe, brick-walled quarters with an outdoor patio.
1050 Charter Oak Ave, St Helena, CA
Willi’s Wine Bar
Charming roadhouse cottage with a cozy patio offering Eclectic small plates & local wines.
1415 Town and Country Dr, Santa Rosa, CA
Della Santina’s
Rustic Italian fare crafted in a homey, family-run trattoria with a greenery-filled courtyard.
133 E Napa St, Sonoma, CA
The Red Grape
Easygoing, family-run pizzeria with brick-oven pies, salads & pasta dishes, plus a charming patio.
529 1st St W, Sonoma, CA
The Plaza Bistro
Warm, brick-lined space in a historic building for Mediterranean & Italian fare & ample wine.
420 1st St E, Sonoma, CA
La Casa Restaurant & Bar
Opened in 1967, this Mexican venue offers Jalisco cuisine in a warm, traditional space with a patio.
121 E Spain St, Sonoma, CA
B&V Whiskey Bar & Grille
Rustic-chic hangout in a former creamery offering hearty burgers, plus beer & whiskey flights.
400 1st St E, Sonoma, CA
LaSalette
Modern takes on Portuguese dishes are served at this intimate spot with wood-fired oven & terrace.
6757, 452 1st St E Suite H, Sonoma, CA
Shige Sushi
Tokyo-born chef serves sushi at this Japanese dinner locale.
19161 Sonoma Hwy, Sonoma, CA
EVENTS 2025
Tasting begins at 10:00 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m. There are two checkin locations where you will receive your map, a commemorative spoon, and a wristband to verify your eligibility to taste at each location. Details at visitbodegabayca.com.
Jan 25
Lunar New Year Festival
Celebrate the Year of the Snake at the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County! The Redwood Empire Chinese Association presents the wonders and joy of the Lunar New Year at the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County! Saturday, Jan. 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., this special event will feature traditional Chinese Dancers’ performances including lion and dragon dances, with the opportunity for child participation as well! Details at cmosc.org.
Feb 8
Lake Sonoma Steelhead Festival
The Lake Sonoma Steelhead Festival will be held on the grounds of the Milt Brandt Visitor Center at Lake Sonoma. We plan to have a full day of fish, fun and festivities! If you would like a booth for your business or nonprofit, please continue to the Steelhead Festival page on this website for links to booth applications. Details at lakesonoma.org.
Feb 15
Festival of Olives
Food and wine will be available for purchase. We can’t wait to see you and celebrate all things olive! If you wish to enhance your visit with a wine tasting at Jacuzzi Family Vineyards - reservations are highly recommended. Admission is free to the Festival of Olives, but RSVPs are encouraged! Visit sonomacounty.com.
Mar 1-2
Barrel Weekend
The magic of Barrel Tasting is to get into the cellar and taste wines directly
EVENTS 2025
from the barrels. Almost all of the wineries will be selling futures – so plan now to taste…then buy the future! Many of the wines being offered are so limited they will sell out as futures. After you sample from the barrel, most wineries will also have a few current vintage wines for you to try, so you can buy wine to take home…to hold you over, waiting for those “futures” to get bottled! Barrel Weekend does not take place at one location, you travel from winery to winery, visiting the ones you are interested in exploring. Visit wineroad.com.
Mar 19-23
Sonoma International Film Festival
Presenting a program of international film, food, wine, and fun, SIFF hosts its annual festival each March, as well as film education programs, special events, and year-round film screenings. Get your tickets now at sonomafilmfest.org. Prices increase on January 31st.
Apr 25-27
Passport to Dry Creek Valley
A fun-filled Spring weekend in Healdsburg, CA. This weekend means sun-soaked vineyards, laughter amongst friends, and unforgettable experiences in world-class wine, food, and live entertainment! This year, the sooner you buy, the more you save! Tickets will be priced in tiers and for the first time ever, single-day tickets are available. Learn more at drycreekvalley.org.
May 23-25
Sonoma Harvest Music Festival
BottleRock Napa Valley is the perfect way to kick off summer, combining music, wine, food, and fun in the heart of Napa! The intimate atmosphere and up-close stage viewing make for a premium experience for all guests. Dedicated to hospitality, the festival perfectly pairs great music with the best of what Sonoma Valley has to offer, artisanal foods from Sonoma’s acclaimed chefs plus B.R. Cohn’s selection of premium wines and Northern California craft beer. Details and tickets at bottlerocknapavalley.com.
EVENTS 2025
Jun TBD
Sonoma County Pride
Sonoma County Pride Celebration spans three days of events and activities designed to appeal to a large diversity of tastes as well as to invite our neighbors from the entire bay area to join the weekend fun. Our festival will be returning to the fabulous downtown Santa Rosa on Courthouse Square. Get details at www.sonomacountypride.org/festival.
Jun 21
Taste of Sonoma
You’ll taste wines from 100+ wineries, refuel at complimentary food trucks and relax at themed lounges. The lineup will also include a walk-around wine tasting, beer garden, premium wine experiences and more! Enjoy early bird pricing through April 30. Taste of Sonoma showcases Sonoma County’s most renowned vintners and the bounty that Sonoma County has to offer in one immersive day. Explore Sonoma County wineries by region in the specially designated Grand Tasting AVA Tents at the walkaround tasting. Details at tasteofsonoma.com.
Jun 27-29
Country Summer Music Festival
Northern California’s largest country music festival, the weekend includes more 20 country artists across two stages on the grassy, five-acre Carnival Field at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds. State-of-the-art staging and sound are enhanced by two 16-foot video walls, showcasing the talents of country music’s hottest stars. Concessions serve beer, wine, spirits and Wine Country food alongside an array of festival activities. Details at countrysummer.com.
Jul 4
Navarre Beach Fireworks
The Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Office will present an Independence Day fireworks show at 9 pm on July 4, at the end of the
EVENTS 2025
Navarre Beach Fishing Pier. The pyrotechnic demonstration will be held rain or shine. Residents and guests are reminded to allow plenty of time to find parking and remember to leave pets at home. For more information, call 850-981-8900.
Jul 12
Taste of Napa
Joining live music with exceptional food and wine, Festival Napa Valley’s annual signature tasting event celebrates the bounties of Napa Valley, sharing Wine Country’s gracious hospitality with visitors and locals alike. Taste of Napa guests can sample fare from wineries, breweries, restaurants, and culinary artisans, as well as craft beverages. Details at festivalnapavalley.org
Jul 18-20
Gay Wine Weekend
3 days of LGBTQ+ celebration in Sonoma Wine Country. Gay Wine Weekend makes a move to the Russian River Valley & Healdsburg wine region of Sonoma County, with all-new venues, wineries, restaurants, and more! Join us for a weekend of wine and celebration, benefiting Face to Face, Sonoma County HIV/AIDS Network. Visit outinthevineyard.com.
Jul 28 - Aug 4
Lazy Bear Week
Lazy Bear Fund, Inc. puts on one of the largest and most successful bear gatherings in the world. Lazy Bear Week is our annual, signature event. For over 28 years we have entertained thousands of guests in Guerneville, California in the heart of Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley. Attendees enjoy pool parties, dance parties, campfires, live entertainment and amazing DJs. Most Lazy Bear Week revelers stay in local lodges, campgrounds and cabins, or avail themselves of any number of options in nearby towns and cities.
While you’re enjoying your long, lazy weekend, remember that all of the
profits go to charity. We’ve raised over $2.5 million for worthy causes and we just keep going! Join us from July 28th to August 4th for the time of your life! Details at Eventbrite.com.
Aug 16-17
Cotati Accordion Festival
The Cotati Accordion Festival is a non-profit, two-day festival that celebrates accordion music, food, and culture. The festival features accordion bands and soloists from around the world. The music ranges from traditional Tex-Mex to rock-pop. The festival includes a polka tent and a zydeco dance party. Featuring food vendors, a beer and wine tent, and craft vendors. Visit cotatifest.com.
Aug 16-17
Futures BBQ
Join us for our 35th Annual Lamb BBQ! Enjoy our famous Leg of Lamb BBQ and fully catered luncheon, with live music, and of course, plenty of Roche Wine. Learn more at rochewinery.com.
Sep 20
Russian River Pride
The Russian River Pride Fest is a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community held in Guerneville, California, featuring a parade, various events like a “prom you never had,” live music, food vendors, and a focus on community connection and support for the Lower Russian River area, all aimed at uplifting the local LGBTQ+ community and fostering inclusivity; it’s known for its vibrant atmosphere and beautiful river setting. Visit russianriverpride.org.
Oct 3-5
Charity Challenge at Sonoma Raceway
The CSRG Charity Challenge includes over 200 of the finest vintage race cars and a whole lot of good times! Plus, enjoy ride-alongs all day - all proceeds directly benefit Speedway Children’s Charities - Sonoma. Visit sonomavalley.com.
Be Flexible: Travel during off-peak seasons for cheaper flights and accommodations. Midweek flights are often more affordable than weekend ones.
Stay Smart: Skip pricey hotels and opt for hostels, vacation rentals, or even house-sitting gigs.
Eat Local: Ditch the tourist traps and try street food or local markets for authentic, wallet-friendly meals.
Use Freebies: Many cities offer free walking tours, museums with free days, and parks brimming with charm.
Plan Ahead: Book tickets early to snag the best deals.
Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing fun. With these tips, you can make memories that are priceless—without spending a fortune! Where will your next adventure take you?
EVENTS 2025
Oct 11
Sonoma County Harvest Fair
The Sonoma County Harvest Fair is a one-night event that celebrates Sonoma County’s food, wine, and agriculture. The Harvest Fair is considered one of the premiere regional wine judging events in the country, and is an important showcase for Sonoma County’s storied wineries, restaurants and farms. The premier event, the Professional Wine Competition, recruits expert judges from throughout the United States to judge the entries. Learn more at harvestfair.org.
Nov 1-2
Wine & Food Affair
The Wine & Food Affair in Sonoma County is a weekend event that pairs wine with food at wineries in the Russian River, Dry Creek, and Alexander Valleys. The event features wine tastings, food pairings, live music, small bites, and VIP experiences. Visit wineroad.com.
Dec 1
Estate Wine Tasting
We invite you to enjoy a wine-tasting flight. We are pleased to offer seated wine-tasting experiences, both inside and outside. We aim to create a special and safe place for all our guests to taste our estate wines. All guests must be 21+ to enter our tasting areas. All earning of the winery is devoted to the stewardship of this gorgeous 375-acre estate, which provides access to the hiking trails and picnic grounds free of charge to the public. Visit bartestate.com for details.
Dec 9
Santa Rosa Taco Tuesday
A fun community bike ride through the heart of Santa Rosa! Come join us Tuesdays! We roll through the JC and McDonald Ave neighborhood, stop in Courthouse Square, then on to the taco trucks at Mitote Food Park in Roseland for dinner! Details at downtownsantarosa.org.
NORTH BAY LGBTQI FAMILIES
Building community and advocating for families with LGBTQIA+ parents, caregivers, and children in Sonoma County, California and the surrounding areas of the North Bay. NBLGBTQIFAMILIES.ORG
LGBTQ CONNECTION - NAPA - SONOMA
LGBTQ Connection, an initiative fueled by youth and other emerging leadership, fosters a healthier, more vibrantly diverse and inclusive community. Each year, LGBTQ Connection engages 3,500 LGBTQ people, their families and community, and trains 500 providers from local organizations across Northern California to increase the safety, visibility and well being of LGBTQ residents.
LGBTQCONNECTION.ORG | (707) 582-1227
CALIFORNIA LGBTQ H&HS NETWORK
The California LGBTQ Health & Human Services Network is an LGBTQ-specific program of Health Access, bringing together more than 60 non-profit providers, community centers, and researchers to advocate collectively for state level policies and resources that will advance LGBTQ health.
CALIFORNIALGBTQHEALTH.ORG | (916) 497-0923
SONOMA
COUNTY PRIDE
The mission of Sonoma County LGBT Pride is to promote equality for all. Working with community leaders we work to support the non-profit community and to preserve and educate the community about the rich LGBT history of Sonoma County.
SONOMACOUNTYPRIDE.ORG
TRANSGENDER NORTH BAY - SONOMA COUNTY PRIDE
Free male to female support group, for those 18 and older. (707) 494-6983
Feeling drained by endless notifications and screen time? A digital detox might be just what you need to reclaim your energy and focus!
Start small—try unplugging for an hour a day. Use this time to read, journal, or simply relax. Gradually extend your tech-free periods to rediscover what life feels like offline.
Create phone-free zones, like your bedroom or dinner table, to reconnect with yourself and loved ones. Replace mindless scrolling with meaningful hobbies, like painting, yoga, or gardening.
You’ll notice big changes: better sleep, improved concentration, and more time for what truly matters. It’s not about ditching tech completely—it’s about finding balance.
So, go ahead! Power down to power up your life. What will you do with your reclaimed time?
