The best arts & culture spots in Sonoma County

“Hembree House Cultural Center turns Windsor’s backstory into a fun browse in the historic Hembree House, from Fred Wiseman’s first all-California airplane and the world’s first airmail to the town’s WWII German POW tale and George Greeott’s iron spike figures and wood carvings. It’s history that actually sticks.”

From the Windsor newsletter, September 9, 2026

“Skip the same-old weekend scroll and drop into the California Indian Museum & Cultural Center, where exhibits, language resources, and hands-on STEM programs spotlight living California Indian knowledge, from basket math to acorn foodways.”

From the Santa Rosa newsletter, September 28, 2026

“Whether you know your Wookiees from your wampas or just want a nostalgia hit, Rancho Obi-Wan is a nonprofit museum in Petaluma housing the Guinness-certified world’s largest Star Wars memorabilia collection. Book a tour, meet passionate docents, then revel in deep-cut artifacts you didn't even know existed.”

From the Petaluma newsletter, October 7, 2026

“Petaluma Historical Library & Museum keeps local stories alive with thoughtfully curated exhibits and community events, and right now it’s the last chance to catch “The Fabric of Democracy: Quilts and the Power of the People,” running through August 2. A quick brain break that feels productive.”

From the Napa newsletter, August 7, 2026

“If your living room can only handle so many science experiments, the Children's Museum of Sonoma County delivers the hands-on fix with air cannons, art studio time, a dinosaur dental clinic, and an explorative garden. Camps, weekly programs, and sensory friendly afternoons keep the wonder rolling year round.”

From the Santa Rosa newsletter, October 14, 2026

“The California Theatre of Santa Rosa is an intimate cabaret-style spot where you can grab a drink, catch anything from blues jams and comedy to Left Edge Theatre productions and Salsa Sundays, then linger at the bar and grill. Friendly vibes, zero dull moments.”

From the Santa Rosa newsletter, September 26, 2026

“Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center houses the largest collection of Peanuts strips in the world, pairing sharp exhibitions with an interactive timeline and a Museum Store of exclusive finds. Drop in for classes and camps for kids or just soak up pure Sparky magic, no homework required.”

From the Santa Rosa newsletter, October 6, 2026

“If you like your nights out intimate and a little offbeat, The Lost Church Santa Rosa is a 501(c)(3) arts nonprofit curating live music, comedy, dance, original theater, even festivals and educational programs.”

From the Santa Rosa newsletter, September 20, 2026

“Santa Rosa Junior College Multicultural Museum quietly punches above its weight with exhibits that teach you something, from the Elsie Allen Pomo Basket Collection to Breaking Traditions, Saving Traditions. Right now From Sheep to Loom: Diné Weaving Traditions runs August 17 to October 22, 2026...”

From the Santa Rosa newsletter, September 22, 2026

“Raven Performing Arts Theater keeps Sonoma County’s creative pulse going with original plays, concerts and the Healdsburg International Short Film Festival, all under one roof. This week, the extended run of Who Will Dance with Pancho Villa?”

From the Santa Rosa newsletter, August 15, 2026

“California Wine Museum’s virtual collection is basically a time capsule for wine nerds, packed with vintage corkscrews, grape presses, vineyard tools, old bottles, and all the quirky ephemera that built California wine.”

From the Petaluma newsletter, October 15, 2026