This weekend in Santa Rosa, CA

Cars & Coffee: North Bay returns to Hansel BMW of Santa Rosa for a relaxed gathering centered on cars and coffee, with area representative Bryan Haas in attendance.

Young golfers can get started at Foxtail Golf Club with a beginner clinic that introduces the game in a simple, step by step format. Instruction follows the Pathway Program developed by the U.S. Kids Coaches Institute, keeping lessons clear, engaging, and focused on building confidence. Coaches certified by U.S. Kids Golf lead every session so participants receive quality guidance and a strong foundation for long-term enjoyment. An additional processing fee of up to 5% applies.

Gain confidence on a paddleboard with a welcoming two-hour class held on the calm waters of the Petaluma River in downtown Petaluma. Led by an ACA-certified instructor, this small group session of 2 to 6 paddlers offers personalized coaching and real-time feedback to help you paddle smarter. Participants learn stable foot placement and balance, efficient stroke technique to conserve energy, turning and maneuvering, how to launch and return to the dock, and essential river awareness and safety. All equipment is included, and the format is beginner friendly. The price is $60 per person. Class size is limited to six and requires at least three participants. If only one person is enrolled, the class can be converted to a private lesson for $95. Participants may attend solo or with a friend.

Explore the stories of people who share names with the famous, blending history, irony, and a touch of mistaken identity on a walking tour. Departures take place from the Franklin Gate. Admission is free, with donations appreciated. Expect uneven terrain and some slopes. Pre-registration is requested to reserve a spot. To register, call the City at 707-543-3737 or visit the City website and locate the event on the ticketing page, which may be listed under Tours in the Tours and Special Events section.

Angel Foundation teams up with Santa Rosa Barber College to offer a back to school boost for youth ages 6 to 17. Free backpacks with school supplies are available, limited to two children per family while supplies last. Complimentary haircuts are offered on a first come, first served basis. Registration is required, and signups are available through the QR code shown on the event flyer. The goal is to help students step into the new school year feeling prepared and confident.

The Sonoma County Fair is a community-focused celebration with plenty to do for all ages. You can enjoy amusement rides, live music, and interactive exhibits featuring local produce, crafts, and artwork. There’s also delicious fair food, competitions, and live animal exhibits, all highlighting Sonoma County’s agricultural heritage.

Experience the Petaluma River on a guided paddle that explores its past, present, and future as an iconic Sonoma County waterway. Recognized as a Sonoma County Signature Experience, this outing reveals how a tidal corridor once linked local bounty and innovation to a booming San Francisco during the Gold Rush era and beyond, sending food, materials, and ideas to markets near and far. The story flows from early industry to modern recreation and restoration, highlighting resilience, ambition, and connection along the river. Along the route, the group pauses at notable sights such as towering grain elevators, quaint footbridges, stately Victorians, and lively riverside cafes, with stories that blend historical moments, contemporary insights, and a few personal snippets. Led by the knowledgeable Floathouse Petaluma crew, the experience is beginner friendly and includes stable kayaks, all necessary gear, and expert guidance. Expect roughly 90 minutes on the water within a relaxed two hour outing. Admission is $75 per person and includes all equipment, guided storytelling, and post-paddle perks at nearby local businesses. More than a standard tour, it offers a welcoming way to connect with place, people, and a river narrative that continues to evolve.

Mark the museum’s anniversary with a warm welcome to its home of 24 years. Enjoy a big-screen presentation of a new Peanuts animated special, catch live dance performances, explore a mini sculpting craft, take part in pet adoptions, and share hugs with Snoopy.

Second Saturday Cartoonist features author and illustrator MariNaomi. Attendees can meet the artist, watch, and have a conversation. MariNaomi created Dragon’s Breath and Other True Stories, an Eisner-nominated book, along with many other works.

Santa Rosa hosts a vegan comfort food pop-up from the barbecue spot named number one in the country by VegNews and USA TODAY. Expect Southern classics and creative sandwiches, with choices such as fried chickun, smoked meats, mac n cheeze, beer-cheeze battered Beyond Burgers, jambalaya, po boyz, Cajun corn, totchos, and more. The menu is entirely nut free and includes several gluten free options.

Taking Parkinson’s to the Mat is a community-focused evening that supports cutting-edge Parkinson’s research through the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Hosted by Foxflow at Bacchus Landing, the event combines yoga, live music, wine, food, and time to connect, all held outdoors. With strong community backing, previous gatherings have raised more than $90,000 to advance research, and every ticket, sponsor, and attendee contributes to further progress. Local partners and sponsors will be featured throughout the program to create an engaging, impactful experience. Early-bird tickets are $50.

Movies at the Green presents a screening of Goat on Weill Lawn. The event is presented by Bank of America and receives support from Sonoma State University Student Involvement. Lawn admission is $6 per person, and children 12 and under are admitted free.

Dry Creek Station brings a lively mix of country hits, classic rock favorites, dance-ready tunes, and rich harmonies to Washoe House in Petaluma. Arrive early for dinner and drinks, then enjoy a full evening of live music and dancing. The celebration also includes a birthday nod to guitarist Spencer.

Ok Good Comedy Productions is bringing a comedy showcase to Santa Rosa at The Lost Church. Expect a lineup of comics from across the region, mixing seasoned performers with rising voices, plus a host. Doors open at 7:30 PM, with the show running from 8:15 to 10:00 PM.

Catch metalcore band What's Wrong at The Phoenix Theater in Petaluma. The show is scheduled for 8:00 PM, with tickets available through Bandsintown.

Catch The Beat Farmers live at HopMonk Tavern Novato. The show is scheduled for 8:00 PM.

Catch a high-energy nu-metal and alt-rock night featuring the Pimp Bizkit tribute band performing Limp Bizkit classics, plus special guests Turn of the Century playing ’80s to ’00s party rock favorites live. Doors open at 8:30 PM with the show starting at 9:00 PM, and there’s free popcorn. Seating is limited, and the event is for ages 21 and up.

The Cruisin’ Hooters series returns for 2026 with monthly cruise-ins at Hooters presented by Cruisin’ North Car Club, Inc. The spotlight is on classic vehicles from 1986 and earlier, with all makes welcome. From June through November, Hooters selects a Best of Show at each gathering, and the December edition is dedicated to Toys for Tots. A meal deal is available to participants displaying a vehicle and to attendees who purchase raffle tickets. Options include a half pound bacon cheeseburger, eight boneless wings, a chicken sandwich, three tenders, eight fried shrimp, and a garden chicken salad. Curly fries are included with each choice unless noted, and the salad does not come with fries. Offerings and prices may change. In December, the Toys for Tots cruise-in invites an unwrapped toy donation. If it rains, donations can be dropped off from a regular everyday vehicle. There is no raffle in December. As a courtesy, please avoid parking in front of neighboring businesses such as Mattress Firm.

At Truett Hurst Winery in Healdsburg, the Summer Music Series pairs live performances with prizewinning wines and grilled tri-tip in a relaxed setting. This edition features Used Goods Band. Advance tickets are $25 and include a glass of wine, grilled tri-tip, and the music. Tickets are $35 at the door, and Truett Hurst and VML members receive complimentary admission. No pets are allowed in the venue.

Enjoy live americana and folk-country blues music with Marty O'Reilly. The performance is scheduled for midday at Ragle Ranch Park during the Gravenstein Apple Fair.

At Healdsburg Plaza, the Sundays in the Plaza series offers a relaxed summer afternoon of live music with an acoustic salute to The Beatles. Drew Harrison and Scott Southard, recognized for portraying the voices of John Lennon and Paul McCartney in a popular, critically acclaimed Beatles tribute group, perform a stripped-down set that highlights the pair’s songwriting and harmonies. Each week in this series spotlights a local band or performer, and the easygoing setting pairs well with a picnic and a comfortable seat.

Enjoy a BBQ on the lawn while THE ILLEAGLES bring a high-energy tribute to the music of the Eagles. Gates open at 3:00 PM and music starts at 4:00 PM.

A Tenacious D tribute takes the stage at The Lost Church Santa Rosa, with Jordan Anderson stepping into the role of Jack Black and Nathan Jarrell channeling Kyle Gass. Jake Turner will perform intimate, stripped down versions of songs from his band Osito. The show includes one intermission. General admission is $18. Save $3 per ticket with the promo code earlybird5 at checkout. Promo codes are not accepted at the door, are not case sensitive, and must be entered as one word. Recommended if you like Tenacious D, Shawn Mullins, or Lou Reed.

Board games take over the downtown Round Table Pizza beside Goblin Bros in Petaluma, where the setting is typically calm and uncrowded, a comfortable place to settle in for play. A broad mix is available, from easy to learn favorites for all ages to deeper titles for dedicated gamers, and teaching is offered for anyone interested in trying something new. With more time than the Friday sessions, tables can dive into longer play and classic Euro style games.

At the Elephant in the Room pub, Eric Lindell shares his original take on American roots music with his band, the West Side Summer League. The performance blends the flavor of New Orleans soul with a relaxed West Coast ease, driven by blues-soaked riffs and an easy, feel-good groove.

Enjoy an evening of live music featuring Anuhea and Sammy Johnson at the Blue Note Napa Summer Sessions. The show starts at 7:00 PM, and tickets are available through Ticketmaster.