Local Guides
Sonoma County
Sonoma, California

Sonoma, California

Sonoma City lies in the Sonoma Valley, surrounded in the East by the Mayacamas Mountains and the West by the Sonoma Mountains with the Sears Point lying southwest.  The Mexican colonial past is still evident in many areas of the city, adding to its charm to visitors and residents alike. Remnants of its historical past can be seen in many preserved architectural establishments like Sonoma City Hall in the town plaza which is still in use. Both the natural scenic beauty and the rich cultural heritage displayed in Sonoma City makes tourism a success in the area.The city is the home for the Sonoma Valley AVA Apellationand the Sonoma International Film Festival. It is also the birthplace of the wine-making industry of California.It is an economically and historically significant city in Sonoma County all in all.


Sonoma Events


Upcoming Events


Backyard kids' theater presents aladdin jr
Sebastiani Theatre
476 1st St East, Sonoma CA 95476
March 31, 2023
07:00 pm
April 2, 2023
01:00 pm

Backyard kids' theater presents aladdin jr. Shows are March 31st - April 2nd! March 31st 7pm, April 1st 1pm, April 1st 7pm, April 2st 1pm.

Cesar Chavez Day of Service at Sonoma Garden Park
Sonoma Garden Park
19996 7th Street East Sonoma, California 95476
April 1, 2023
09:00 am
April 1, 2023
12:00 pm
Free

Cesar Chavez Day is meant to encourage neighbors to participate in an act of community service that pays homage to Chávez’s lifetime of work as an American farm laborer, union organizer, and civil rights activist. Honor his memory by joining us for a day of service at Sonoma Garden Park on Saturday, April 1 from 9:00 am-12:00 pm.

California Native Plant Sale
Sonoma Garden Park
19996 7th Street East Sonoma, California 95476
April 8, 2023
09:00 am
April 8, 2023
12:00 pm
Free

We will be selling native California plants that have been cultivated at our Native Plant Nursery at Sonoma Garden Park on April 8 from 9:00 am-12:00 pm. This is a wonderful opportunity to source California landscape and restoration plants for your garden! Sonoma Ecology Center’s Native Plant Nursery is located at Sonoma Garden Park.

Jenna Mammina
Sebastiani Theatre
476 1st St East, Sonoma CA 95476
April 8, 2023
07:30 pm

Jenna may be Blue Coast Records’ most prolific recording artist with several live-in-the-studio albums. Jenna is also the featured singer for Derek Jones’ albums. She doesn’t just cover Warren Zevon, Elvis Costello and James Taylor, she reupholsters them. Doors at 6:30pm, Show at 7:30pm.

EASTER AT FAIRMONT SONOMA
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
100 Boyes Blvd Sonoma, CA 95476
April 9, 2023
10:00 am
$39.00 - $110.00

Grab the family and hop on over for Easter at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa! Join the Easter Bunny for a fun-filled Egg Hunt on the front lawn, followed by a delicious Easter Brunch at Santé. Easter Brunch | 10:30am – 2:30pm | $110 per adult, $39 children ages 6-12, complimentary for children 5 & under.

Trashion Barbies Gallery & Auction
Sonoma Community Center
276 East Napa Street Sonoma CA 95476
April 13, 2023
09:00 am
April 29, 2023
05:00 pm
$25/per entry OR $40/two entries

Trashion Barbies Gallery & Auction. April 13th – April 29th at the Trash Bash. Upcycle Barbies and Dolls into new works of art for Gallery 212’s in-person Art Exhibit and Silent Auction. Mail in submissions are accepted. Free dolls available at the Main Office at the Center! Applications must be submitted by March 31st, 2023.

de-escalation & conflict resolution for social service providers
Virtual Event
Sonoma, CA
April 20, 2023
09:00 am
April 20, 2023
12:00 pm
$145

This virtual workshop describes everyday communication skills that can be utilized in the workplace to nurture peaceful conflict resolution as well as detailing more concentrated efforts during an interaction with an agitated individual to de-escalate and support safety.

Trashion Fashion Runway Show
Sonoma Community Center
276 East Napa Street Sonoma, CA
April 22, 2023
09:00 am
April 22, 2023
05:00 pm
$25.00 to $45.00—Application Fee: Juniors (9-17) $25, Adults (18+) $45

The runway show features unique garments, made by community members from recycled, found and unconventional materials.Anyone over the age of 9 is welcome to apply! Rules and guidelines can be found in the form below. Applications are due by March 24th, 2023.

Authors on the Plaza in Historic Sonoma
Sonoma
1 The Plaza NW Lawn Sonoma, CA
April 28, 2023
11:00 am
April 30, 2023
01:00 pm
Free

This family-friendly free event promises you will laugh, be moved, gain insight, and be entertained while you relax on the lawn under the towering trees of the eight-acre historic Sonoma Plaza. Bring a picnic or purchase food and beverages from the many restaurants that border the square. Don't forget a blanket or beach chairs.

Sonoma Valley Author's Festival
Fairmont Spa at Sonoma Mission Inn
100 Boyes Blvd Sonoma, CA 95476
April 28, 2023
07:15 pm
April 30, 2023
07:15 pm
Individual Sponsor Packages

The Sonoma Valley Authors Festival brings people together to hear authors from a variety of literary genres, and speakers who discuss advances being made in science, technology, and medicine. At a time when the art of listening seems to be disappearing, the need for civil discourse has never been greater.

Pasquale Esposito
Sebastiani Theatre
476 1st St East, Sonoma CA 95476
April 29, 2023
07:30 pm
April 29, 2023
09:00 pm
$50-$75

Doors at 7:00pm, Show at 7:30pm. PBS Italian Tenor Pasquale Esposito debuts at the Sebastiani Theatre with an intimate evening accompanied by his international band and special guests on Saturday, April 29, 2023. He has released four PBS Specials and tours internationally. About Pasquale Esposito visit www.PasqualeEsposito.com.

Old Blind Dogs
Hop Monk Sebastopol
230 Petaluma Ave, Sebastopol, CA, 95472
May 3, 2023
07:30 pm
$20.00 - $30.00

Four musicians from very different musical backgrounds came together to create a full-time professional touring band with the aim of showcasing the rich tradition of songs and tunes of the North East of Scotland on an international stage.

EARTHLESS
Sebastiani Theatre
476 1st St East, Sonoma CA 95476
May 20, 2023
08:00 pm

(((folkYEAH!))) presents: EARTHLESS . Sebastiani Theatre. Downtown Sonoma, CA. Saturday, May 20 2023. Doors 7pm / Show 8pm. Wine bar provided by Gundlach Bundschu. ALL AGES

TOYOTA/ SAVE MART 350 NASCAR CUP SERIES RACE
Sonoma Raceway
29355 Arnold Dr. Sonoma, California, United States
June 9, 2023
12:00 am
June 11, 2023
11:59 pm
Kids 12 and under: Free - $10; Adults: $40-140

NASCAR Weekend returns to Sonoma Raceway, June 9-11, 2023, with the NASCAR Xfinity Series joining the NASCAR Cup Series race weekend for the first time in the history of the series!

PERFORMING ARTS CAMPS
Sebastiani Theatre
476 1st St East, Sonoma CA 95476
July 17, 2023
10:00 am
July 28, 2023
04:30 pm
$725.00

Over 25 years at the historic and beautiful Sebastiani Theatre PAC invites you to learn the secrets of great acting, improv, Shakespeare, tap dancing & boys’ tap, jazz, movement, hip-hop, magic (advanced and beginner), juggling, bolas, karaoke, puppetry, arts & crafts, costume creation, story-telling, stilt-walking, journalism, and more!

DENSO NHRA SONOMA NATIONALS
Sonoma Raceway
29355 Arnold Drive Sonoma, CA, 95401
July 28, 2023
12:00 am
July 30, 2023
11:59 pm
$65-$155 / Kids 12 and under: $25-$75

The DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals will come thundering back to Sonoma Raceway the weekend of July 28-30, 2023, the third and final stop of the summer's three-track Western Swing. The Friday night session under the lights will kick off this thrilling three-day event, and every ticket is a pit pass, giving fans extra access to see the cars up close and the teams in action. Tickets and camping information for the 2023 DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals weekend can be found by visiting SonomaRaceway.com or calling 800-970-RACE (7223).


Current Events


Sonoma's Walking Food, Wine, Cocktail & History Tour
Sonoma, CA
PO Box 253 Sonoma, CA 95476
September 17, 2021
11:00 am
September 14, 2023
02:00 pm
$115

Experience guided walking food tour, by a local foodie, to specially selected "off-the-beaten-path" food locations within the quaint historic downtown square of Sonoma. The food and wine/cocktail samplings on our tours will stimulate your senses and whet your appetite for more!

Sonoma Garden Park Volunteer Fridays
Sonoma Garden Park
19996 7th Street East Sonoma, California 95476
July 15, 2022
09:00 am
April 21, 2023
12:00 pm
Free

Volunteers play a vital role at the Garden Park. We invite you to get your hands dirty every third Friday of the month! Join us from 9:00 am-12:00 pm and meet existing and new volunteers. Activities include weeding, planting, pruning, and harvesting. After work, enjoy a light lunch provided by Sonoma Ecology Center.

The Epicurean Connection Retail Shop with Sheana Davis & Ben Sessions
The Epicurean Connection
19670 8th St East Sonoma, CA
January 6, 2023
09:00 am
December 28, 2023
12:00 pm

The Epicurean Connection retail shop is open each Friday & Saturday from 9:00-12:00. Prepared foods featuring local and seasonal products. In addition, we have a full pantry of Rancho Gordo beans, popcorn, and rice, The Apple Farm products, Deb.

Montini Walk with Local Biologist: Explore Plant Communities
Montini Open Space Preserve
175 1st St W, Sonoma, CA 95476
January 16, 2023
01:00 pm
March 31, 2023
03:30 pm
Free

Explore the different plant communities in Montini Open Space Preserve with us on Friday, March 31, 1:00-3:30 pm. For each community, you will learn about the blooming spring wildflowers found in the community, management concerns, and the factors that control the distribution of the community within the preserve.

Teens Create
Teen Room
755 W Napa St Sonoma, CA
January 18, 2023
02:30 pm
December 20, 2023
04:00 pm
Free for Teens

Join us for an afternoon of crafts and fun! Come craft every 3rd Wednesday of the month in the Teen Room. Drop in anytime between 2:30-4pm. Supplies provided!

Hands on Cheese-making Class with Sheana Davis & Ben Sessions
The Epicurean Connection
19670 8th Street East Sonoma, CA 95476
January 20, 2023
12:00 pm
January 21, 2033
05:30 pm
$125.00

Hands on Cheesemaking Class with Sheana Davis & Ben Sessions. Each group will enjoy an artisan cheese tasting while making a fresh batch of Creme de Ricotta. You may choose to make a wheel or use our flavor bar and spice up your cheeses in individual containers. The class is 90 minutes. Offered at Noon & 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, Saturday!

California Native Habitat Gardens Workshop
Sonoma Garden Park
19996 7th Street East Sonoma, California 95476
January 21, 2023
10:00 am
May 13, 2023
12:00 pm
Free

There’s plenty to do in the heart of winter in the California garden! Whether you’re looking for waterwise, climate friendly landscape improvements, or are interested in inviting more birds and butterflies to your garden, we recommend that you consider California native plants.

WE ARE STILL HERE
Sonoma Valley Museum of Art
551 Broadway, Sonoma CA, 95476
January 21, 2023
11:00 am
April 30, 2023
05:00 pm
Free for SVMA members, and $10 for non-members

Pomo Artists and Our Cultural Landscape. We Are Still Here: Pomo Artists and Our Cultural Landscape highlights contemporary artwork of Native Pomo artists and reflects the resilience of the Pomo Tribe and the strong connections to their land as a place for ceremonies, family events, gatherings, and religious observances.

THE NEW CALIFORNIANS
Sonoma Valley Museum of Art
551 Broadway, Sonoma CA, 95476
January 21, 2023
11:00 am
April 30, 2023
05:00 pm
Free for SVMA members, and $10 for non-members.

Photographs by Judy Dater. Dater’s portraits of Californians reflect the diversity and cultural richness that immigrant, indigenous and itinerant residents contribute to our beloved state. She writes, “We are a typical cross-section of people residing in the San Francisco Bay Area; and we reflect, in microcosm, the population pool of the entire state.love”.

The Tastes of Sonoma Bike Tour
Two local wineries for tastings
Sonoma, CA
January 27, 2023
09:30 am
December 28, 2024
03:00 pm
Starting at $159-$179

2 wineries, access behind the scenes at wineries, vineyards, caves! Our Classic Half-Day Sonoma Bike Tour is popular for good reason: You’ll enjoy the unique experience of bicycling through wine country – visiting two local wineries for tastings – and still finish early enough to make other plans for your afternoon! 5+ Hours, Bike 10-14 miles

That 70th Show Gallery Exhibit
Sonoma Community Center
276 East Napa Street Sonoma, CA
January 27, 2023
05:00 pm
April 30, 2023
07:30 pm

Join us for the gallery opening celebrating the Community Center’s 70th birthday. Since March 1952, the Center’s been bringing opportunities for creativity, community, and connection to the Sonoma Valley – and we’re celebrating this milestone (read about our history here) in all kinds of ways.

Cura - Sonoma Women's Circle
Musette Atelier
492 1st Street East Sonoma, CA 95476
February 2, 2023
06:00 pm
December 7, 2023
08:00 pm
$20

Once a month from 6pm-8pm PT. A monthly circle and salon dedicated to the lives and creative cycles of women. A time to honor our stories, our challenges, our blessings, our creativity and our dreams. Come together to explore where we are in our lives in sacred space. Our rituals will include Meditation and Red Thread Circles curated by Shiloh Sophia.

Trashion Design Class for Kids & Teens
Sonoma Community Center
276 East Napa Street Sonoma, CA
March 4, 2023
10:00 am
April 1, 2023
12:30 pm
$50 / $100 / $150

For young designers ages 9-17 who want to participate in the upcoming April 22nd Trashion Runway Show, and need space, guidance, or just a place to creatively start. Under the guidance of experienced Trashion Fashion 2021 & 2022 2nd place winning designer, Amanda Ahlborn and team.

Free Trashion Design Open Studios
Sonoma Community Center
276 East Napa Street Sonoma, CA
March 4, 2023
02:00 pm
April 1, 2023
04:00 pm
Free

Come and have access to space, tools, supplies, and recycled materials to work on your runway, barbie, and/or dog trashion fashion design! Limited space – registration is recommended. Choose 1 or all 4 of the Open Studio dates. WE WANT TO SEE HOW YOU “TURN TRASH INTO TREASURE!”

Spring 2023 Sonoma Ecology Center California Naturalist Program
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
2605 Adobe Canyon Road Kenwood, California 95452
March 15, 2023
06:00 pm
May 6, 2023
08:30 pm
$499

UC California Naturalist certification course. This 8-week course explores our local ecology, engages you in participatory science, and allows you to share your knowledge with others. The 40-hour course combines a science curriculum with guest lecturers, field trips, and project-based learning to explore the unique ecology and natural history.

Sonoma Plaza Ghost Walk
Large Oak Tree Is Meeting Spot
1st Street E Sonoma, CA
March 22, 2023
08:00 pm
December 29, 2023
10:00 pm
$30.00

Meet the Ghosts of Sonoma on this 2 hour spooky ghost walk led by local paranormal investigators (as seen in Haunted Sonoma County, Ghost Adventures, and Haunted Wine Country) who share ghost hunting equipment and macabre tales in around the plaza and through the city streets.