Events in Santa Rosa today

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.

This summer kayaking clinic introduces campers to the core skills of an Olympic sport in a welcoming, supportive setting. Participants will practice balance, learn foundational paddling strokes, and focus on water safety while building teamwork. The experience includes plenty of individual attention so everyone can gain confidence on the water and have fun learning.

The Sonoma County Fair is an annual celebration bringing together community spirit, agriculture, entertainment, and family-friendly fun. Enjoy amusement rides, live music, exhibits featuring local produce, crafts, and artwork, plus fair food and live animal exhibits that highlight the region’s agricultural heritage.

Settle into a regenerative yoga practice rooted in Ayurveda with guidance from Tirza Dawn at the OCA studio. Bring an open, receptive mindset as you move through a nourishing morning session. Drop-in admission is $20, with a $15 rate for OCA members. Classes are available on Mondays and Wednesdays, and registration applies to the Monday class. Payment may be made at the door for single visits, or arranged in advance for four weeks at a time.

Young sailors ages 10 to 17 build or refresh core sailing skills with guidance from experienced instructors on the Petaluma turning basin. With enrollment capped at six campers, everyone receives focused instruction and challenges matched to their abilities and interests. The fleet features remote control sailboats, El Toros, a Captain's Gig, and a Lido 14, offering multiple ways to practice and gain confidence on the water. A sibling or friend discount is available. Tuition is $375 per camper.

Movie Monday in downtown Santa Rosa features the 1993 comedy So I Married an Axe Murderer with Mike Myers. Parts of the film were shot locally, including scenes at the historic Luther Burbank Home & Gardens, which adds a hometown connection that fits Santa Rosa’s Summer on the Square. Admission is free. Expect activities before the screening, consider dinner at nearby restaurants, and bring blankets and lawn chairs for comfortable seating. This showing is supported by Poppy Bank, Kaiser Permanente, Keysight Technologies, Sutter Health, Dave & Buster’s, Dax Entertainment LLC, Stellar XP, Inc., and Wine Country Radio stations KRSH 95.9, The Drive 95.5, Latino 100.9, Exitos 98.7, and BOB FM 96.7.

Enjoy fun, casual Magic the Gathering play with goblins.

At Barrel Proof Lounge, The Honeycomb Hideout delivers a community-driven night centered on reggae, hip hop, and dancehall. The evening eases in with happy hour and a plug-in segment where guests can play their own music, then builds into live performances followed by DJs including DJ DEKS. Alongside the sounds, an open art bar, games, and vendors add to the mix. The energy rises from relaxed conversation to a lively scene, welcoming people who are tired of uneventful nights and who value culture-forward music among creative, social crowds.

Join a beginner-friendly paint night at Mountain Mike's Pizza in Santa Rosa. You’ll paint the “Tuscany Summer Fields II” scene step by step with an instructor guiding you from first brushstroke to a finished canvas. Everything you need is included, and you can order a drink from the bar while you paint. This is a fun date night, girls’ night out, or birthday activity, but note that it’s 21 and over only and you’ll need a valid ID at the door.

At Mary’s Pizza Shack in Rohnert Park, DJ Trivia brings a live, DJ-hosted game where teams compete on screen against other players in the room. The host keeps the pace lively while guiding questions and scoring for an interactive experience. Build a team with friends or arrive solo and connect with fellow players. The competition stays friendly, prizes may be on the line, and the setting welcomes families. Call to reserve a table. Businesses interested in visibility during the live games can ask about advertising opportunities.

Part of a weekly summer series in Healdsburg Plaza, this concert spotlights Cassie B with a lively mix of Top 40, Motown, and pop favorites. The San Diego singer, dancer, and bandleader leads the Cassie B Project, drawing on a background in musical theater, time with Culture Shock, and eight and a half years performing at SeaWorld. Known for energetic shows, she and her band also perform as the Padres house band. Locally sourced food will be available for purchase from Tacos Don Tacos, Healdsburger, Chef Degen, Lola’s Market, and Pacheco Roasted Corn. Tuesdays in the Plaza is presented by the City of Healdsburg Community Services, with thanks to Hotel Trio for its generous sponsorship.

At HenHouse Brewing Company, pet lovers can create a personalized portrait during a friendly paint session. Choose a ticket that features one pet on a canvas or select the option for two pets on a single canvas. After purchasing, send two or three clear photos taken in natural light to artist and owner Alana Tillman at info@artxcursion.com or via Instagram direct message to @artxcursion. A custom line drawing based on your images will be prepared for you to paint at the event. Everything you need is provided, including a 9 by 12 canvas, paints, and brushes, and the guided experience lasts about two and a half hours. A complimentary beverage from HenHouse is included, with non alcoholic choices available. Any type of pet can be submitted, and leashed, well behaved dogs are welcome. A food truck may be on site, and if not, ordering delivery is encouraged. Sending photos early helps ensure your rendering is ready.

North Bay SBK brings New York style salsa to Sonoma County with an On2 class at Studio Move in Santa Rosa. Geared toward dancers who already feel at ease with On1, the class helps you transition to Mambo timing so you can break on the two and deepen your musicality. Instruction includes modern shines and footwork, partner turns and combinations, and techniques used by social dancers and competitors around the world. The aim is to broaden your social dancing, add versatility and smooth partnering, and connect you with the wider Mambo community. Monthly members can apply their membership to this class. Drop-ins are welcome, with pricing at $25 for a single visit or $80 for four class credits.

A yoga class rooted in Ayurvedic practices, led by Tirza Dawn in the OCA studio. The session encourages arriving with an open heart and open mind, with an emphasis on self care. Drop-in admission is $20 per class, with a $15 rate for OCA members. You can pay at the door for individual sessions or choose to pay in advance for a four-week block.

Enjoy a fun, community-focused fair featuring agriculture, entertainment, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Expect thrilling amusement rides, live music, exhibits with local produce, crafts, and artwork, and live animal displays. There will also be tasty fair food and competitions that highlight the region’s agricultural heritage.

An after-hours networking mixer hosted by Kelly's Appliance in partnership with the Rohnert Park Chamber of Commerce will be held at Kelly's Appliance Center. Complimentary appetizers and refreshments will be available, admission is free and the gathering is open to all. Attendees can bring a raffle item to promote their business, and there will be a business card drawing. Chamber members are entered in the Chamber Member Pot of Gold drawing, and must be present to win.

Cruisin' North CC hosts a general meeting at Round Table Pizza. Conversation will focus on club activities and upcoming community events. The gathering welcomes the public, and attendees can choose to get involved in community events.

Kanekoa presents a performance that includes a special Allman Brothers set. The Hawaii based ensemble builds a jam oriented sound around electrified ukulele, moving from traditional island music to 80s pop and jam band blues while keeping its own distinctive voice. Grounded in the culture and landscape of Hawai‘i, the group is known for winning over new listeners at each show. Their musicianship has earned admiration from Mick Fleetwood, Los Lobos, John Densmore, Dave Davies, and Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann, who has likened them to a Hawaiian twist on the Dead.

Rufus Wainwright brings his acclaimed voice, songwriting and composing to the stage. Recognized by the New York Times for his originality, he was born in New York and raised in Montreal. His catalog includes ten studio albums, three live albums and three DVDs, with Rufus Does Judy at Carnegie Hall earning a GRAMMY nomination. He has worked with a wide range of artists, among them Elton John, Burt Bacharach, Miley Cyrus, David Byrne, Boy George, Joni Mitchell, Pet Shop Boys, Heart, Carly Rae Jepsen, Robbie Williams, Jessye Norman, Billy Joel, Paul Simon, Sting and producer Mark Ronson. His work also spans two operas and songs created for film and television. Recent highlights include the GRAMMY-nominated Unfollow the Rules, a collection of original songs, and Folkocracy, a return to his family’s folk heritage through reimagined duets with collaborators such as Chaka Khan, Brandi Carlile, John Legend and Anohni. Beyond the studio, his first stage musical based on John Cassavetes’ Opening Night, created with Ivo van Hove, premiered at the Gielgud Theatre, and his Dream Requiem debuted with the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France with Meryl Streep as narrator.

At the Sonoma County Fair, the California Brown Swiss Cattle Association presents the California Brown Swiss State Show, highlighting Brown Swiss cattle and offering opportunities for learning. A clinic for junior showmanship, led by Mandy Brazil Schmidt, provides practical instruction to help young participants build skills for the future, and exhibitors from all breeds are welcome to take part. Entries close by the posted deadline.

S.R. Laws brings storytelling songs that feel both new and comfortably familiar, shaped by a love of the classic records many grew up hearing. Raised in Northern California, he first discovered music by rescuing stacks of 45s from his father’s garbage route, cleaning them up, and dropping the needle to find hidden gems. That early spark led him to Texas with two suitcases and a small bankroll, where nights at open mics and songwriter gatherings in Austin helped refine his craft. Now living in Sonoma County, he tours as a singer songwriter and fronts his original rock outfit, The Heartsleeves. Influences such as John Hiatt, Lou Reed, Steve Earle, Neil Finn, and Ron Sexsmith inform the narratives, yet the voice and ideas remain distinctly his. Listeners and presenters often praise his clear, conversational lyrics, smooth baritone, and a steady groove that leans rootsy and mid tempo. Expect a set that builds slowly and vividly, inviting the room to linger for just one more song.

The Sonoma County Fair presents an open 4D barrel race in the outdoor Chris Beck Arena, hosted by GSGRA/BAC, with fast runs under the arena lights. The Open runs first, followed by Youth. This is a cash only event. Time-only runs are available for $5 cash at the gate. The Open entry fee is $60 with $500 added, and Youth riders 17 and under are $35 plus a $5 office fee. Buckles will be awarded to the winner in each division for both Open and Youth. It is a primary WCBRA event, co sanctioned with Outlaw Barrel Racing. Pre entries are encouraged, and a $10 late fee applies to late entries; entries can also be taken at the race with the late fee. To enter, send a photo of the entry form by text to Barb at (707) 321-2102 or email walkerapples@gmail.com. If you need to scratch after entering, please notify Barb by text to avoid being charged. Event sponsorships are welcome.

Learn or sharpen fly casting skills through hands-on instruction and practice at Galvin Community Park. This free clinic welcomes the public, is dependent on the weather, and casting sessions are not held when it rains. RRFF volunteer instructors cover the fundamentals for newcomers and can field questions about tackle and gear, knot tying, fly selection and tying, and techniques suited to both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Anglers seeking to progress further can receive coaching on advanced skills such as the double haul, working with shooting heads, quick presentations for saltwater species, and spey casting. The teaching approach follows methods from Fly Fishers International and the Golden Gate Angling and Casting Club, incorporating the FFI Fly Casting Skills Development program with levels ranging from beginner to advanced. Consistent practice is emphasized to build the feel of the line loading the rod and to improve line control in a variety of fishing situations. The park’s casting pond is open to the public during regular hours for independent practice.

An evening of poetry unfolds in the Meditation Garden as Osmosis welcomes Rumi's Caravan, a beloved California ensemble devoted to the living tradition of spoken word and to renewing the soul of the world. For more than 25 years, its performances have interlaced the wisdom of poets, mystics, and storytellers to inspire reflection, connection, and wonder. Admission includes a wine and cheese reception with Black Kite, a cedar enzyme footbath, a live performance by Rumi's Caravan, and access to the Meditation Garden and the Osmosis grounds.

Join us for an intimate Cider Salon evening series under the apple trees at Ethic Cider. Enjoy music from up-and-coming artists in a relaxed orchard setting while you sip on ciders and other libations. Tickets aren’t necessary for this event.

Happening on the second Thursday each month, this event centers on tasty plant-based fare. The mint chutney is prepared without yogurt, keeping it fully vegan. If naan is available, it is made without ghee, so no butter is used.

Paint Nite is hosting a fun in-person session where you’ll paint a vibrant Mother’s Day bouquet. It’s a laid-back night out with step-by-step guidance, and supplies are included so you can just focus on creating. The event runs for about 2 hours and takes place at Mountain Mike’s Pizza in Santa Rosa.

At Simmer Claw Bar, a performance-forward karaoke night transforms the dining room into a stage. It brings a distinctive vibe to Sonoma County. Singers are encouraged to step up and deliver for the whole room, bringing energy and presence instead of staying out of sight. The atmosphere is fun, welcoming, and family friendly, so kids and adults can both take part. Enjoy food while the focus stays on bold, stage-ready performances, far from ordinary karaoke. Whether you sing or simply watch, you are part of the show.

DJ Trivia features a live, on-screen quiz led by a DJ, creating a restaurant and bar style game night. Teams face off in real time against others on location in a spirited, friendly contest. Friends can form a team, and the welcoming setting makes it easy to meet new people. Prizes may be available. The experience is appropriate for families. Advertising opportunities during the live games are available for businesses.

An open mic gathering invites expressions of grief, loss, dying, and death in a thoughtfully facilitated setting. Participants may offer songs, poems, stories, dance, or speak from the heart, and each contribution is limited to five minutes. There will be an intermission. Attending solely as a listener is welcome and just as meaningful as taking the microphone. General admission is $15. From the Luminous Threshold Collective, a group of end of life doulas and deathcare practitioners who support people and those close to them through the end of life, this event seeks to strengthen community connection and encourage a fuller appreciation of life. The atmosphere centers on caring presence, deep listening, and witnessing. Framed as a communal grief ritual, it offers space for cathartic release, tenderness, and coming together around a subject that is both universal and often unspoken.

Angelo De Augustine performs live with Elanor Moss at Sebastiani Theatre in Sonoma. The show begins at 8:00 PM.