APRIL 9: Battle of the Brews
Now that Wine Country also includes Beer Country, this 20th annual event promises to be bigger than ever, with a full day of beer and food tastings and pairings, a professional brewing competition and more. 1-8 p.m. $50-$95.
Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, 707-545-4200, battleofthebrews.com
APRIL 9-10: Bodega Bay Fisherman’s Festival
The high point is the Sunday morning Blessing of the Fleet ceremony, but there is plenty to do all weekend, with good food, an art show, craft booths, live music, and tastings of beer and wine. General admission $12, $10 for seniors, $20 for a two-day pass, 12 and under free.
Westside Regional Park, 2400 Westshore Road, Bodega Bay, bbfishfest.org
APRIL 16-17: Apple Blossom Festival
The old-fashioned parade down Sebastopol’s Main Street on the first day of this two-day celebration is its signature event, but there is a lot more to stay for, including food, drink, crafts and entertainment, including a live Blues Explosion concert the second day.
Ives Park, 7400 Willow St., and Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 High St., Sebastopol, 707-823-3031, appleblossomfest.com
APRIL 16-17: April in Carneros
For two days, wine buffs can roam Carneros, the region that bridges Sonoma and Napa counties, enjoying open-house events at numerous wineries. Take advantage of food and wine pairings, live entertainment, and barrel, reserve and vertical wine tastings. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. both days. General admission $75, designated driver $15, VIP pass $125, which includes pairings with a chef, wine blending workshops and more.
APRIL 23: Butter & Egg Days Parade & Festival
The 35th annual parade steps off at noon in downtown Petaluma, as the city celebrates its rich agricultural heritage. The festival opens at 10 a.m.
with food, arts and crafts vendors, informational booths and more. Highlights include the Cutest Chick Contest for kids and the Cow Chip Throwing Contest. Free.
707-762-9348, petalumadowntown.com
APRIL 23-24: Passport to Dry Creek Valley
More than 45 wineries throughout Dry Creek Valley will offer top wines, gourmet food and live entertainment during this two-day event. Introduced last year is Prelude to Passport on April 22, where guests can choose a vineyard tour and lunch or dinner with a winemaker (prices vary). Two-day passport $135, Sunday only $75.
707-433-3031, drycreekvalley.org
APRIL 30: Paula West
The beloved Bay Area jazz and cabaret singer brings her unique sound, including many standards and classics, to the Green Music Center’s intimate Schroeder Hall for a concert at 7:30 p.m. $30.
Schroeder Hall, Green Music Center on the Sonoma State University campus, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park, 866-955-6040, sonoma.edu