January to May
*phone numbers 707 unless noted
- Whale Watching
Great sites along the Sonoma Coast State Beaches, but two of the
best are Bodega Head and Salt Point, which is about 10 miles north
of Bodega Bay. Rangers and volunteers are usually on hand to answer
questions on weekend afternoons. Time: 12 Noon - 5pm, 865-2391.
The annual gray whale migration begins sometime in December and
continues into April, but January is often considered to be the
"peak time" for sightings due to the sheer numbers,
but that really can vary. From December to early February the
whales are migrating south to Baja's waters. In February whales
begin migrating back to Alaska with their calves, so there's an
overlap. On their northern migration they generally swim closer
to shore with their babies on the shore side, so in early March
you could very well see some to the calves--but tour boats are
restricted from getting too close. Each year is somewhat different
from the number of sightings, so you just have to approach it
with a sense of adventure.
March to September
- View harbor seal pups at Goat Rock, Stewards
of Slavianka, Sonoma Coast State Beach, Jenner
Spring
- Salmon Fishing season
- Abalone diving season
- April
Russian River Wine Road Barrel Tasting
Over 70 wineries participate in the longest running "Free"
wine event in California, offering the opportunity to taste wines
straight from the barrel and to purchase "futures."
An event not to be missed! (800) 723-6336
Semi-Annual Outdoor Antique Faire Held in Historic
Downtown Petaluma (recently added to the national register) at
Kentucky and Water Streets. Features 200 vendors. Come browse
and bargain! Time: 8am - 4pm (707) 765-1155
Butter & Egg Days Parade, Downtown Petaluma
Parade features Petaluma's history as the World's Egg Basket.
Cutest Little Chick contest, floats, and food booths. Parade starts
at noon. 762-9348
Apple Blossom Festival in Sebastopol. Family
friendly celebration of Spring in the Wine Country. Saturday Parade
kicks off two day fair with over 100 arts & crafts booths,
3 music performance stages, Sonoma grown food & wine pavilion,
micro-brew garden, and lots of children's activities. Ed and Kathy's
daughter is, of course, one of the most famous among the Apple
Blossom Queens.
The Festival is held at Ives Park, Sebastopol. 823-3032
Bodega Bay Fisherman's Festival, Bodega Bay.
A weekend of wine, music, tradition, and fun. Bathtub races, decorated
boat parade, crafts, art show & more. Blessing of the fishing
fleet on Sunday. 875-3866
Summer
-
June
Russian River Stumptown Days, Guerneville.
Parade at 11am Saturday, Downtown Guerneville. Barbecue and
rodeo in Duncans Mills Saturday & Sunday. (800) 253-8800
Festival of Art and Wine, Duncans Mills. Featuring
a fine art and quality craft show, 2 stages of entertainment,
food, kids zone, art competition, a tasting with 15 wineries
and 12 micro breweries, and the Duncans Mills duck races. Little
rubber ducks race for great big prizes. A benefit for Stewards
of Slavianka, the volunteer arm of State Parks. Fee: $5 Time:
10-5 pm 824-8404
Kate Wolf Memorial Music Festival, Sebastopol. Memorial
concert featuring Arlo Guthrie, Iris Dement, Richie Havens,
Utah Phillips and many, many more. Camping Available. Workshops
and a Kids Area with Storytelling.
- July
Fireworks over Bodega Bay!
Fireworks Over the River, Guerneville, Celebration usually
includes other family activities beginning at dusk on the beach.
Johnson's Beach, Guerneville. 869-9000
Living History Day at Fort Ross, Fort Ross, Come
join over one hundred costumed participants as they recreate the
sights and sounds of a day in the life of this 19th century Russian-American
Company settlement. 847-3286
- August
Petaluma Summer Music Festival. The City of Petaluma
is the star each August when Cinnabar Theater stages this three-week
celebration of the musical arts. Concerts are presented in the
city's finest Victorian and Queen Anne homes, musical brunches
are held in lush private gardens, children's programs are performed
in the Polly Klaas Theater, and the Cinnabar Theater itself is
host to a varied program of candlelight concerts, special events,
operas, musicals and cabaret offerings. 763-8920
Gravenstein Apple Fair, Sebastopol. For old-fashioned
fun, visit the sweetest little fair in Sonoma County. Highlights
the area's agriculture bounty with apple displays, sheep dog demonstrations,
pie-eating contests, chef competitions, hay rides, arts and crafts,
live entertainment and delicious foods, and much, much more! Held
at the oak tree adorned Ragle Ranch Park, Sebastopol. Fee, Saturday
/ Sunday, 571-8288
Grape to Glass, Russian River Winegrowers, Meet
the growers, talk with the winemakers, taste the wines, experience
the beauty! Exclusive vineyard and winery tours and tasting are
open to the public once a year during this 3-day event. Over 30
vineyard and winery tours to choose from. Call RRVW, 546-3276
Bodega Bay Seafood, Art and Wine Festival, Bodega
Bay, This treasure of an event features delicious seafood offerings
from over one dozen caterers, wine and beer tasting with an ocean
view, a top-quality music and entertainment program, a hundred
select art and craft exhibitors, a Recycled Art Competition, a
hands-on Kids Art Zone, horseback riding and more! Held on the
700 acre Chanslor Ranch, on Highway 1, one mile north of the town
of Bodega Bay. This event benefits the Chanslor Wetlands Wildlife
Project. Fee: $6 Adults, $5 Seniors, Under 12yrs. Free Time: Sat.
10-6, Sun. 10-5, 824-8404
Fall
- September
Annual Studio Discovery Tour, North coast artists
from Cazadero to The Sea Ranch, Gualala, and Little River will
open their studios to the public. Visit the studios, meet the
artist and see their sculpture, stained glass, paintings, ceramics,
tiles, jewelry and much, much more! Contact Gualala Arts Center
or the North Coast Artists' Guild for a free brochure. 884-4602
or 884-1138
- September to March
Winemaker Dinners at Bay View Restaurant, Inn
at the Tides, Bodega Bay, 875-2751
Russian River Jazz Festival, Guerneville, Two days of
amazing music! Among the best festivals in Northern California,
lying on the beach, splashing in the river, and resting among
the redwoods while listening to music that moves you. The earlier
you buy your tickets the less you pay. No glass, cans, pets or
audio/video equipment allowed. Johnson's Beach, Guerneville. 869-3940
Annual Sebastopol Celtic Festival, Sebastopol,
Workshops, Scottish Games, and more! Call for schedule of performers
and events. Fee, 823-1511
- December -- Occidental Holiday Crafts Faire,
The Occidental Community Council will host their 16th Annual Faire
at the Occidental Community Center. This traditional event includes
offerings from the rich cultural diversity that is West County.
Entertainment, food. 874-3420
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