Free events in Sonoma County, CA

Build confidence with a fly rod at a free, public clinic focused on instruction and hands-on practice. RRFF volunteer instructors support brand-new and experienced casters alike, offering guidance on fundamentals while answering questions about tackle and gear, knot tying, fly selection and tying, and techniques for both freshwater and saltwater species. Participants ready for the next step can work on advanced skills such as the double haul, using shooting heads, quick casting for saltwater, and spey methods. Instruction follows approaches from Fly Fishers International and the Golden Gate Angling and Casting Club, incorporating the FFI Fly Casting Skills Development program and GGACC levels from beginning through advanced. Sessions depend on the weather and do not take place in the rain. The RRFF Casting Pond at Galvin Community Park is also available for individual practice during regular park hours.

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.

Discover the harvest market at Sonoma Garden Park with organic fruits and vegetables, fresh-cut flowers, and starter plants grown in the on-site 6.1 acre sustainable garden. You will also find local olive oil, honey, and eggs from neighboring Sonoma farms. Credit cards and Apple Pay are accepted. Please bring a reusable shopping bag.

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.

A celebration of North Bay theater with MTJA and North Bay Bohemian includes the announcement of awards. Admission is free for all fans of the stage, and RSVPs are optional. At The California, attendees will find a full no host bar along with food options, and public parking is available nearby.

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.