Looking for something fun to do in April? Browse the gallery above for our favorite picks.
6 Best Sonoma County Events in April
Looking for something fun to do in April? Here are our favorite picks.
MARCH 29-APRIL 2: Catch the grand finale of
Sonoma International Film
Festival. Last fall, the Sonoma International Film Festival made MovieMaker Magazine’s top 25 list of Coolest Film Festivals in the world. And no wonder. Now in its 20th year, Sonoma’s event routinely draws 5,000 film fans over five days of screenings, VIP receptions, parties, live entertainment and other fun. Venues — among them the historic Sebastiani Theatre and the Veterans Memorial Building — are all within walking distance of the downtown plaza. For tickets and event
schedule, contact the SIFF office, 707-933-2600 or go online to sonomafilmest.org. (Alvin Jornada)
APRIL 8: Battle of the Brews, Santa Rosa
Sip on great local beer for a great cause as the Active 20-30 Club of Santa Rosa puts on their 21st homage to beer, Battle of the Brews, at the Sonoma County Fairground's Grace Pavilion in Santa Rosa. The event draws beer lovers from across the United States and includes one of the top craft beer competitions north of San Francisco, "The Craft Cup," featuring premier microbreweries from across the country, as well as a "Sandwich Showdown," which highlights delicious sandwiches prepared by local chefs. All of the proceeds benefit children in need in Sonoma County. Tickets are $95 for the Craft Cup, $50 for the Main Event, and $10 to enter the raffle. For tickets and more information, click here. Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, battleofthebrews.com. (Alvin Jornada)
APRIL 8-9: Bodega Bay Fisherman’s Festival. The theme for this year’s 44th annual event is “A Wish for Fish. "The festival’s Sunday morning boat parade, the Blessing of the Fleet ceremony, is one of Sonoma County’s most colorful and popular traditions. The weekend also includes food, beer, wine, an art show, craft booths and live music. $12; $10 for seniors; 12 and younger free.Westside Regional Park, 2400 Westshore Road, Bodega Bay, bbfishfest.org. (Beth Schlanker)
APRIL 22-23: Apple Blossom Festival. If this 71st annual two-day fest had nothing more to offer than its iconic, nostalgic parade down Sebastopol’s Main Street on the first day, that would be enough. But stick around for the second day for the high-powered live “Blues Explosion” concerts. Ives Park, 7400 Willow St., and Sebastopol Center or the Arts, 282 High St., Sebastopol, 707-823-3032, appleblossomfest.com. (John Burgess)
APRIL 29: Butter & Egg Days Parade & Festival. The 36th annual parade steps off at noon in downtown Petaluma, as the city celebrates its rich agricultural heritage. The festival, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., offers food, arts and crafts vendors, informational booths and more.
Highlights include the Cutest Little Chick Contest for kids and the Cow Chip Throwing Contest. Free. 707-762-9348, petalumadowntown.com. (Alvin Jornada)
APRIL 29-30: Passport to Dry Creek Valley. More than 45 wineries throughout the Dry Creek Valley offer two days of food and wine pairings, gourmet creations by top Sonoma County chefs, winemaker lunches and dinners, vineyard tours and wine tastings. Two-day passport, $138.50. 707-433-3031, drycreekvalley.org. (Jeremy Portje)