Family events in Sonoma County, CA

A clean and sober supportive gathering for everyone follows the open AA meeting. Expect a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with fun, food, friends, and conversation. Attendees are welcome to bring a favorite board game and a snack to share, or simply hang out and enjoy the evening. The meetup takes place in Room 3 of the education building.

This annual car show returns to Plaza North Shopping Center in Petaluma with free admission for spectators. The event is family friendly, takes place rain or shine, includes dash plaques, and is limited to 150 vehicles. Expect music, vendors, a raffle, and food offerings from businesses in the center. Vehicle entry is open to pre-1986 models of all makes, with a $45 entry fee or $50 on the day of the show. A non-judged Show & Shine area welcomes 1980 to 1986 vehicles and modern muscle from 1987 and newer. Awards span 25 trophies across many classes, covering early pre-1939 and each classic decade, convertibles, muscle cars, Chevy Tri-5, Chevelle, Camaro, Mustang, Mopar muscle, rat rods, pickups including Chevy and GMC C/K trucks, projects under construction, foreign makes and VW, more-door sedans and wagons, and low riders. Special honors include Traditional Rod and Custom, People’s Choice, Best in Show, Kid’s Choice, and the Bad Ass award in memory of Bonnie Jenkins. A Pinup Contest produced by the Nor Cal Pin Up Girls offers a goody bag for each entrant, prizes for the top three, a cap of ten participants, and a theme to be announced. Entrants are asked to provide a brief bio and up to two photos. Shirts are sold out, and only the first 30 registered vehicles receive the event T-shirt. Registration is available only in person on show day or in advance through the official website, and anyone asking for direct contact to secure a space is not legitimate. No refunds or exchanges.

Now in its fourth year, this family-friendly fall festival offers a full day of autumn fun for all ages. Attendees can explore a pumpkin patch, paint pumpkins, climb a hay bale pyramid, enjoy games and crafts, browse a farm stand, and pick up treats at the concession stand. Children may select a pumpkin to decorate and take home, with additional pumpkins available for purchase. Live entertainment is part of the celebration, including interactive music and instrument making with Arann Harris, also known as Farmer Arann, along with performances by Hannah Jern Miller. A dedicated sensory friendly hour provides limited capacity, a quieter setting without loud or live music, and plenty of opportunities for sensory play. Admission is $6 per person with advance registration or $8 at the gate. Registration is encouraged and drop-ins are welcome. Children 2 and under are free and do not require their own registration.

Commemorate sixty years of the Peanuts holiday classic It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. The event features special guest appearances, live music, hands-on crafts, and friendly contests for costumes and mustaches.

Peter Solo returns to Moonlight Brewing Company in Santa Rosa for a solo performance. A food truck will be on site with Moonlight beers available, and the set will include song requests from the audience. The venue welcomes dogs and kids.

A casual meet and greet at Grand Central Petaluma with Wags N Wishes pairs coffee with time among friendly pups. Dogs will be on hand for introductions, and there are opportunities to learn about fostering. Attendees can also enjoy something to eat and offer a friendly hello.

Now in its fourth year, Lectura Fest brings a free, family-friendly celebration of books, music, and culture to the Central Santa Rosa Library. Activities include face painting, live music, snacks, book giveaways, and more. Funded in part by the City of Santa Rosa Event Support Program and the library sales tax.

Butterfly numbers have been slipping in many places, raising questions about whether that trend is real and what is driving it. This program looks at the causes of change, why some species adapt well to urban environments while others remain more common in rural landscapes, and how home gardeners can create welcoming habitat for both caterpillars and adult butterflies. Sonoma County Master Gardener Suzanne Clarke shares practical guidance for planning a colorful native plant garden that supports pollinators and provides enjoyment for people throughout the year.

Experience a symphonic salute to composer John Williams as the Symphony Pops brings beloved film music to life. Hear swashbuckling adventure from Hook, the soaring heroism of Superman, the wide-eyed wonder of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and the stirring patriotism of The Patriot. Travel to distant galaxies with selections from Star Wars and feel the prehistoric power of Jurassic Park, all performed live in a concert filled with cinematic energy. A conversation before the performance offers added insight. Support for this program is provided by Nancy and Michael Hall and the Heck Foundation.

Board games take center stage at the downtown Round Table, right next to Goblin Bros Petaluma. The setting is usually quiet and not too busy, creating a comfortable place to play. A mix of accessible games for all ages and more gamer focused titles is provided, so every experience level can find something on the table and good company to play with. Help with learning rules is available for anyone who wants to try something new. Compared to the Friday game nights, there is more time to play, which allows for longer sessions and Euro themed games.

Explore Fulton Community School & Farm on a tour that offers a look at a typical day and the program’s educational philosophy in action. Observe hands-on activities, creative play, and an emergent curriculum that foster meaningful engagement while supporting growth and curiosity. The visit includes a walk through the farm to see how the garden and animals are integrated into daily learning, encouraging empathy, responsibility, and an appreciation for the natural world. It serves as an introduction to a setting designed to nurture resilience and a lasting love of learning in young children.

Presented by the Petaluma Educational Foundation, this information night focuses on transitional kindergarten and kindergarten at the Petaluma Women’s Club. Families can connect with representatives from local schools, explore a range of programs and educational approaches, get details on enrollment for the next school year, and find answers to their questions in one convenient setting. Admission is free, all families are welcome, and babies in arms may attend.