- July 12 – 15 :
Sonoma County Showcase of Wine and Food
Over the past 28 years, this four-day festival has grown into The epicurean event in Sonoma County. Wine tastings, lunches and dinners at the wineries, hands-on discussions in the vineyards, meet world-renowned winemakers and chefs, and much more, all benefiting local charities.
Fees and times vary. Call 707-522-5848 - July 12 :
Julian Lage
Sonoma County's favorite son, jazz guitarist Julian Lage, returns with his trio to perform at the Palette Art Café's Thursday Night Jazz Series.
Two shows: 7 p.m. and 9 p.m; $10; 235 Healdsburg Avenue, Suites 105/106, in Healdsburg. (707) 433-2788 - July 12 :
Charlie Musselwhite at Windsor Summer Nights on the Green
Free; farmers’ market starts at 5 p.m., music at 6 p.m.; (707) 838-1260 - July 12 :
Garlic Is Life with Chester Aaron
Chester Aaron grows almost 100 varieties of garlic from 30 different countries at his farm in Occidental. He'll share his knowledge of variety types, planting tips, lore and recent developments in health research.
$40; 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m; 7151 Wilton Ave # 202, Sebastopol, (707) 824-9913 - July 14 - 15 :
TASTE of Sonoma County
This is the flagship event of Sonoma County Showcase of Wine and Food . Each afternoon offers wine seminars, vineyard tours, cooking demonstrations, the Sonoma County Wine Market, and more.
Noon - 4 p.m.; 2-day ticket $250, 1-day ticket $150; 707-522-5848. - July 14 and 15 :
Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic
Two days of beautiful hot air balloons, food, crafts, balloon rides, and fun. The popular “Dawn Patrol” event is at 5 a.m., in which you can see three beautiful balloons glowing, illuminated from the flame within, against the dark sky. Dress warmly and bring a blanket or chairs to sit on. The main launch, which includes about 30 balloons, is at 6:30 a.m. Tethered rides follow.
5 a.m. to 11 a.m.; $8 ($5 presale), ages 6 to 12 is $5; Keiser Park, 700 Windsor River Road, Windsor; (707) 837-1884 - July 14 - 15 :
Duncans Mills Civil War Days
Over a thousand re-enactors will converge upon Duncan Mills for one of the largest Civil War re-enactments west of the Mississippi.
Saturday 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., Sunday. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.; $10, parking $5 per car; (831) 751-6978 - July 14 :
16th Annual Red & White Ball
Celebrate Sonoma Valley's superb wines and extraordinary cuisine. Sip, stroll, and sample over 20 of the finest local caterers and restaurants, then dance under the stars to a live band. Wear red and white: perhaps a haute couture ball gown or maybe some plaid Bermuda shorts.
5:30 – midnight.; $75; Sonoma Plaza; (707) 996-3885 - July 14 :
Stones and Images Tour
Learn the meaning of the symbols and emblems carved on the tombstones, the origin of the styles of the stone markers and the significance of some of the trees and shrubs which were a part of grave site planting. An easy, one-hour stroll led by knowledgeable docents.
10 - 11a.m.; tours leave every 15 minutes; Free, donations suggested; Historic Rural Cemetery, Franklin and Monroe Streets in Santa Rosa. (707) 543-3292 - July 14 :
Chris Isaak performs at the Rodney Strong Vineyards
Doors at 5 p.m.; show at 6 p.m.; $65, $95; 11455 Old Redwood Hwy, Healdsburg; (707) 869-1595 - July14 :
Sustainable Winegrowing Hike
See sustainable winegrowing and nature's beauty up close at Kunde Estate with docent Bill Myers. No reservations needed. Moderately strenuous hike. Please wear appropriate footwear. Hikes conclude at the winery tasting room, and guests are encouraged to bring a sack lunch.
Tours begin at 10 a.m.; Free; Call to RSVP (707) 833-5501 Ext. 334 - July 14 :
Sonoma Valley Footrace and Festival
5k run/walk on the beautiful grounds of Sonoma Developmental Center. Live music, car show, kids fun run, Violet The Clown, carnival games, more.
Race starts at 9 a.m., festival at 10 a.m.; free admission, race registration $30, $20 for kids ($5 less if you pre-register) ; 15000 Arnold Dr), (707) 938-6381 - July 15 : Napa-to-Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon
7:15 a.m,; $15 - $50 registration; (707) 933-1769
- July 15 :
Petaluma Art & Garden Festival
Stroll through historic downtown Petaluma and enjoy the works of over 110 local artists, gardeners, merchants, restaurants and wineries.
11 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Free; (707) 762-9348 - July 15 :
St. Anthony Farm Day
22nd Annual Farm Day, located at St. Anthony organic farm in Petaluma, features live music, delicious farm-style food, a bread baking contest, and an old-fashioned butter churning demonstration for children and adults alike.
12 p.m. - 4 p.m., $10 Adults, $5 Children; (707) 794-7127 - July 17 - 30:
Sonoma County Fair "Bee Cool"
This is the biggest annual fair—and one of the biggest annual events—in the county. Midway, headliner entertainment, flower shows, carnival rides, rodeo, exhibits, food, contests for kids, and much, much more.
This year, the fair realizes a longstanding goal this year when it partners with the Charles Schulz family to celebrate “Peanuts on Parade.” The award-winning Hall of Flowers exhibition will be themed to the legendary Peanuts comic strip, and the fair will feature visits from Peanuts characters, contests and displays of Peanuts artifacts.
Headline entertainment this year includes Blake Shelton, Melissa Manchester, Eddie Money, the Jonas Brothers and Kimberly Locke.
An extra week of horse-racing has been added after the fair, for a total of three full weeks of horseracing from July 18-August 6.
10 a.m. - 11 p.m. (buildings and gates close at 10 p.m.); $7 adults, kids and seniors are free; Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa. (707) 545-4200 - July 18 :
Pinot Noir, Unravel the Mystery
This class will show you why Pinot Noir is one of the world's great grapes.
6 p.m. - 7 p.m.; $50; Wine Spectrum Shop & Bar in Historic Railroad Square, 123 Fourth Street, Santa Rosa, (707) 636-1064 - July 18 :
Santa Rosa Downtown Market
Market and street fair.
Wednesday nights, 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Free; located along 4th street from B Street to D Street in downtown Santa Rosa;
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