Written by Crissi Langwell & Dan Taylor for the Press Democrat.
Looking for something to do this weekend? We have lots of ideas! Celebrate Arbor Day this weekend in Sonoma with a ceremony, a tree planting and a few hikes to choose from. On Saturday, cheer on your local bookstore on Independent Bookstore Day with tons of events at a Copperfield’s Bookstore near you. Also on Saturday, extend your Earth Day celebrations with a few fun happenings at Montgomery Village’s Day on the Green. And on Sunday, get your grub on for a great cause at the 4-H ChickenQue. All this and more is in our list of things to to.
April 29-30
Arbor Day Celebration: This Friday at the Sonoma Plaza, a Jack London Coastal Oak will be presented to Sonoma. Commemorating the occasion will be a free event program that starts at 11 a.m. and includes music, poetry and a presentation of this year’s Rotary Conservation Award. On Saturday, the celebration continues with the planting of the Jack London oak at 10 a.m. And on both Friday and Saturday will be moderate 3-mile hikes. For more information, visit jacklondonpark.com/arbor-day.html.
April 20-May 1
Santa Rosa Gem Faire: This weekend, expand your collection of fine jewelry, beads, precious and semi-precious gemstones, gold and silver, crystals and more when the Gem Faire comes to the Sonoma County fairgrounds. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $7 for a weekend pass, and free for kids 11 and under. Find out more at www.gemfaire.com.
Friday, April 29
H-Town Youth Theatre Spring Gala: This Friday, enjoy a catered reception at Healdsburg Parkpoint and a comedic performance at the Healdsburg Raven in a fundraiser for H-Town Youth Theatre — a community based theatre company dedicated to nurturing self expression in youth through a theatre arts curriculum. The reception is from 5:30-7 p.m., and the show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $50 for the full gala, and $25 for the performance. Find out all the details at htownyt.com.
Friday, April 29
High Heels for Hope: Enjoy an evening of glamour this Friday in a posh fundraiser benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Don your best heels, nosh on wine country appetizers, sip Sonoma County wines, dance the night away and bid on bachelors and bachelorettes. The fun starts at 6:30 p.m. at Vintners Inn in Santa Rosa. Tickets are $65, or $75 at the door. Find out more at squareup.com/store/high-heels-for-hope.
Friday, April 29
Opening Night of “Disney’s The Little Mermaid”: Take an enchanting trip under the sea when the production of “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” comes to the Spreckels Theatre stage in Rohnert Park. From April 29-May 22, fans of The Little Mermaid can watch Ariel and her crabby sidekick, Sebastian, battle the evil sea witch, Ursula, and win the heart of Prince Eric. Tickets are $16-$26. Find out more at pd2go.net/LittleMermaid.
Saturday, April 30
Independent Bookstore Day at Copperfield’s: Join the party this Saturday at all 8 Copperfield’s stores as the independent bookseller celebrates 35 years of business alongside this national event for indie bookstores. All day long, each store will host various happenings, including author events, a Literary Costume Contest, raffles, coloring, storytime, open mics and more. For a complete listing of the day’s events, visit copperfieldsbooks.com/IBD-2016.
Saturday, April 30
Windsor Day Parade: Celebrate Windsor Days this Saturday at the annual parade and festival around Windsor Town Green. The parade kicks off at 10 a.m., followed by the festival from noon to 3 p.m. Enjoy music by the Poyntlyss Sistars Band, food and drink, games, crafts and more. Find out all the details at the Facebook events page.
Saturday, April 30
Downtown Eats & Beats: From noon to 5 p.m. this Saturday in Old Courthouse Square, enjoy a day of food, wine, brews and live music. Food trucks will be abundant for your dining pleasure, and lawn games will be all the rage as local bands and DJs provide tunes to tap your feet to. Tickets are $15 before the event, and $20 at the door. Must be 21-plus to attend. Find out more at www.facebook.com/EatsAndBeatsEvent.
Saturday, April 30
Healthy Kids Day: Join the Sonoma County Family YMCA this Saturday for a day of games, healthy snacks, crafts, science projects and more. The fun is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the College Ave. campus in Santa Rosa. Find out more at www.scfymca.org.
Saturday, April 30
Healdsburg Bicycle Tour: Whether you prefer the ruggedness of a beaten path or the smooth sailing on a paved road, an avid cyclist or a weekend roller, you are invited to ride through the Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River valleys this Saturday for the 30th annual Healdsburg Bicycle Tour. Distance options include 20, 40 or 60-mile rides, all moderately challenging and gradually increasing with difficulty. The rides kick off at 6:30 a.m. Ticket sales have ended (Sorry! But you can still head out and cheer). Find out more at eventbrite.com.
Saturday, April 30
Girls on the Run 5K: Cheer on or run with Sonoma County girls and their families in a non-competitive fun fun at Sonoma Mountain Village. The event begins at 9 a.m., and cost is $25-$40. Online registration and more information is available at www.gotrsonomacounty.org.
April 30 & May 1
Blossoms, Bees & Barnyard Babies: This weekend, visit any one of three dozen participating Sonoma County farms, checking out barnyard babies and adorable seedlings at this farm Trails event. Activities will include farm tours, demonstrations, animal petting, crafts and more. Many stops will also offer snacks, lunches and picnic sites. Plus, you can purchase farm-fresh items from the farm stands. Admission is free. Find out all the details and locations at pd2go.net/BarnBabies.
April 30 & May 1
May Day and Monet: Celebrate May Day on Saturday and Sunday at the Russian River Rose Company with a May-Pole Dance, surrounded by abundantly blooming gardens and the scent of rose in the air. Then unleash your inner Monet as you help paint a large group canvas for the garden. Other activities include demonstrations of roses being processed into rose water and rose oil, and opportunities to sample rose sorbet. The May-Pole Dance occurs at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The nursery and garden are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $2. Find out more at www.russian-river-rose.com.
Saturday, April 30
Day of the Child/Dia Del Niño: This Saturday, fifteen locations throughout Sonoma County are inviting Sonoma County’s youth and their families to partake in free or low cost activities, many of them outside. Fun happenings include nature, crafts, kayaking, visits with animals, hiking and more. All offerings are offered in English and Spanish. For information on this event and its locations, visit www.sonomaecountyee.org.
Saturday, April 30
Montgomery Village’s Day on the Green: Extend your Earth Day celebrations with a few fun happenings at Montgomery Village in Santa Rosa. Starting at 11 a.m., the free event includes an art show and sale, live music and dance performances, creative activities, henna painting and more. Find out all the details at mvshops.com.
Saturday, April 30
Children’s Day at the Mission: This Saturday, kids are invited to Mission San Francisco Solano de Sonoma on the Sonoma Square for a fun-filled day for the whole family. Activities include candle making, basket weaving, spinning wool, games and more. The event is free for kids, and $3 for adults. Find out more at www.sonomaparks.org.
Sunday, May 1
Day Under the Oaks: This Sunday, the SRJC is offering free admission and free parking to their annual event located at their Santa Rosa campus. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., activities include music and dance performances, interactive demonstrations, Native American performances, a Planetarium Star Show, a peek at student clubs, fun for kids and more. Potential students can also learn about college courses and register for classes, and learn what the SRJC has to offer. Find out more at santarosa.edu/about_srjc/day-under-the-oaks.
Sunday, May 1
Healdsburg Homes Tour: On Sunday, visit six exquisite homes of varying historic and modern features in the annual Homes Tour presented by the Healdsburg American Association of University Women. Guests will not only be able to view these beautiful homes, but will also be treated to home baked treats by the Russian River Tea Company and live music by young musicians. There will also be chances to enter a raffle with impressive prizes. Tickets to the tour are $35 in advance, or $40 on the day of tour. Find out more at Healdsburg-ca.aauw.net.
Sunday, May 1
55th Annual 4-H ChickenQue: Bring your appetites this Sunday to the Sonoma County Fairgrounds for the annual 4-H BBQ fundraiser. The highlight of the event is the BBQ chicken lunch and delicious homemade cake. The event also includes games, 4-H exhibits, animals, a chance to learn more about the 4-H program and more. The free event is 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and lunch is $10. Find out more at pd2go.net/chickenque.
Other upcoming events:
Friday, April 29
Juanito Pascual: Flamenco guitarist with his New Flamenco Trio, 8 p.m., Occidental Center for the Arts. $15-$20. 874-9392, occidentalcenterforthearts.org
Pete Stringfellow: Country musician plus acoustic-rock Pat Jordan Band, 7:30 tonight, HopMonk Tavern, Sebastopol. $15-$18. 829-7300, hopmonk-sebastopol.ticketfly.com.
Saturday, April 30
‘Grease’ Sing-Along: Alexander Valley Film Society drive-in movie fundraiser, 6:30 p.m. gates, 7:45 p.m. movie, Saturday, Citrus Fairgrounds, Cloverdale. $15-$50. 893-7150, avfilmsociety.org.
Tortoise: Chicago-based quintet plus multi-instrumentalist Chris Cohen, 8 p.m. Saturday, Gundlach Bundschu Winery, Sonoma. $35-$40. gunbun.ticketfly.com
Jean Hegland: ‘Into the Forest’ and ‘Still Time’ author, 7 p.m. Saturday, Copperfield’s Books, Santa Rosa. Free. 578-8938, copperfieldsbooks.com.
Paula West: Jazz and cabaret artist, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $30. 866-955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.
Sunday, May 1
Occidental Community Choir: ‘A West County Home Companion’ of songs and stories, 3 p.m. Sunday, Sebastopol Center for the Arts. $15-$20. 874-8622, occidentalchoir.org.
Margaret Leng Tan: ‘Ode to Schroeder’ performance on toy pianos and other toy instruments, 3 p.m. Sunday, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $30. 866-955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.
Tom Holland: ‘Five Decades of Art’ exhibit opening, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Art Museum of Sonoma County, Santa Rosa. $7-$10. 579-1500, sonomacountymuseum.org.
Monday, May 2
CeresFest: Live music, Irish-inspired dinner benefit for Ceres Community Project, 5:30 p.m. Monday, Lagunitas Brewing Co., Petaluma. $12.50-$25. 829-5833, ext. 108, ceresproject.org.
Tuesday, May 3
‘Hamlet’: Shakespearean tragedy opening sold-out, 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 3, Evert B. Person Theatre, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park. Daily through Sunday, May 8. $10-$17. 664-4246, sonoma.edu/theatreanddance/productions/hamlet.
Wednesday, May 4
‘Westside Stories’: True-life storytelling competition, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sonoma Portworks, Petaluma. $8-$10. 477-4416, westsidestoriespetaluma.com.
Thursday, May 5
Roseland Cinco de Mayo: Community event celebrating Mexican heritage on Sebastopol Ave., Santa Rosa. Free rides with Rosie the Trolley to and from the event. Park in Food Maxx parking lot. 4-9 p.m. www.santarosacincodemayo.com
The Dixie Giants: New Orleans jazz classics and pop/rock jazz reinterpretations, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Cloverdale Arts Alliance. $20. 894-4410, cloverdaleartsalliance.org.
David Sedaris: Humorist, author and storyteller, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Uptown Theatre, Napa. $59. 259-0123, uptowntheatrenapa.com.
Friday, May 6
Yuja Wang: World-renowned 27-year-old classical pianist, 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 6, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $40-$90. 866-955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.
Sol Flamenco: ‘Viva Espana!’ program of passionate song, dance, guitar, 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 6, Sebastopol Center for the Arts. $15. 829-4797, sebarts.org.
Marshall Tucker Band: Southern rock/country band’s ‘Long Hard Ride Tour,’ 8 p.m. Friday, May 6, Uptown Theatre, Napa. $30-$40. 259-0123, uptowntheatrenapa.com.
Kathleen Madigan: ‘The Mermaid Lady Tour’ stand-up comedy, 8 p.m. Friday, May 6, Luther Burbank Center, Santa Rosa. $35. 546-3600, lutherburbankcenter.org.
‘Bob – A Life in 5 Acts’: One man’s genuine-yet-comedic search for ‘greatness,’ opens 8 p.m. Friday, May 6, Main Stage West, Sebastopol. $15-$25. 823-0177, mainstagewest.com.
‘My Fair Lady’: Triumphant musical opens 8 p.m. Friday, May 6, 6th Street Playhouse, Santa Rosa. $15-$37. 523-4185, 6thstreetplayhouse.com.
Saturday, May 7
Human Race: Nonprofit fundraising run/walk plus pancake breakfast, marketplace and entertainment, 8-11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 7, Herbert Slater Middle School, Santa Rosa. Donations, $3-$6 breakfast. 573-3399, humanracenow.org.
Santa Rosa Symphony: ‘Jazzy Impressions’ with pianist Gabriela Martinez, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, May 7, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $10-$80. 546-8742, srsymphony.org.
Matsuri! Japanese Arts Festival: Japanese performing and visual arts, food, crafts, clothing and activities, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, May 7, Juilliard Park, Santa Rosa. Free. sonomamatsuri.com.
‘On the Wing’: Sonoma Bach program of poetry and music depicting birds and angels, plus avian guests, 8 p.m. Saturday, May 7, Penngrove Clubhouse. $15-$25. sonomabach.org.
Sunday, May 8
Mother’s Day Open Garden: Self-guided rose garden tours, 650+ rose varieties, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, May 8, Russian River Rose Co., Healdsburg. $2. 433-7455, russian-river-rose.com.
Mother’s Day Piano Concert: Jack London Piano Club with vocalist Laura Benward, 2-4:30 p.m. Sunday, May 8, Jack London State Historic Park, Glen Ellen. $20 includes parking. 938-5216, jacklondonpark.com.
Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch: Tours aboard the African Queen or brunch only, 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 8, Safari West, Santa Rosa. $18-$75. 579-2551, safariwest.com/wild-about-mom.
Mother’s Day Bubbles & BBQ: Slow-cooked barbecue, sparkling wines, live music, noon-2 p.m. Sunday, May 8, Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards, Sonoma. $45-$70. 933-1917, gloriaferrer.com.