Page 98 – Sonoma Magazine

How to Celebrate Pride Month in Sonoma County

June 2023

By Elissa Torres

Kevin Witham, center, waves a pride flag as and other Sutter Health Santa Rosa employees participate in the Sonoma County Pride Parade in Santa Rosa, California, on Saturday, June 1, 2019. (Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat)

Pride Month is here and in Sonoma County there are several ways to celebrate the diversity, resilience and accomplishments of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Recognized nationwide in June, Pride Month provides an opportunity for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community and its allies to come together and celebrate. It is also a significant period for fostering acceptance, promoting equal rights and raising awareness about LGBTQ+ issues.

Local events include drag performances, wine events, dance shows, pool parties, parades and more. Some events will dedicate a portion of the money raised back into the community for local LGBTQ+ nonprofits and services.

Here’s a roundup of events through the end of June:

Thursday, June 1

Pride Event in the Sonoma Plaza: To kick off the first day of Pride Month, an extra flag will be raised over Sonoma City Hall to honor the Valley’s LGBTQ+ community. The public is invited to take part in the Sonoma Valley Pride Flag Raising Ceremony with Mayor Sandra Lowe, who will be welcoming attendees. There will also be a procession around the square. Free. 5:30 p.m. 453 First St. E, Sonoma. pdne.ws/3Mz7MOF

Friday, June 2

Pride Movie Night on Old Courthouse Square: Grab a blanket, your low-back lawn chairs and order dinner from a downtown Santa Rosa restaurant for an outdoor showing of the LGBTQ+ favorite, “Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert.” The event is hosted by Jan Wahl. It’s open seating and Pride Bar opens at 6 p.m. The movie starts at 7 p.m. Free. 6 p.m. 600 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. pdne.ws/428hs8o

Friday, June 2

Pride Fiesta “Al Cien”: This is a Latinx dance party with DJ Rotten Robbie at La Rosa Tequileria and Grill. The event is 21 and older. $20. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. 500 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. pdne.ws/3q6xsKV

Saturday, June 3

Sonoma County Pride 2023: The 38th annual Sonoma County Pride Celebration is three days worth of events and activities. The theme for the celebration is “Community,” which aims to honor how each person is a unique individual, yet united. Music and performances will be held throughout the event. The parade begins at noon in Old Courthouse Square. Free 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 600 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. pdne.ws/435qlBe

The Sonoma County Pride Parade in Santa Rosa, California, on Saturday, June 1, 2019. (Alvin A. H. Jornada / The Press Democrat)

Saturday, June 3

GayDars’s Boogie Nights After Party: Join Lolita Hernandez and her radical drag sisters Aubrey D O’night, Deja More and Billie Jean Queen as they dazzle with a drag show at the Flamingo Resort and Spa in Santa Rosa.The queer dance party continues with the beats from DJ Lady Char and Luke Dice. There’s also a Studio 54 Lounge where attendees can groove to disco tunes under the mirror ball or chill out with divas of the 1970s. This event is 21 and older. $20. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. 777 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. pdne.ws/437tgt8

Saturday, June 3

Queer Pride Matinee Concert and Eli Conley Album Release at the Lost Church: Indie folk singer-songwriter Eli Conley and soulful self-proclaimed “queer Jewitch song-tender” Lauren Arrow are playing a Queer Pride Matinee Concert at the Lost Church in Santa Rosa. The show is all ages and wheelchair accessible. $15. 1-4 p.m. Between Ross Street and Mendocino Avenue in Santa Rosa (Use 427 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa for GPS). pdne.ws/43HHsZR

Saturday, June 3

Standing on Ceremony: Join the Cloverdale Performing Arts Center for a staged reading of “Standing on Ceremony” or “The Gay Marriage Plays,” a series of vignettes focused on marriage within the LGBTQ+ community. The show is recommended for those 13 and older. $10. 7:30 p.m. 209 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale. pdne.ws/3q6ZaYa

Sunday, June 4

Wigs and Waffle Drag Brunch: Graton Resort and Casino hosts Sonoma County Pride’s 2nd annual “Wigs and Waffles” Pride Brunch at 630 Park Steakhouse. The over-the-top and most fabulous brunch is hosted by Sonoma County native Mrs. Princess Panocha with Mary Vice and Kochina Rude. Guests may have to share tables. Show begins at 11 a.m. $85. 10:30 a.m. 288 Golf Course Drive W., Rohnert Park. pdne.ws/3q4lAsV

Sunday, June 4

Aqua Boogie Pool Party: Performances by Kiesza, Mo Heart and Crystal Waters at Graton Resort and Casino. DJs for the event are DJ John Parker, Luke Dice and Joe Gauthereaux. $35 and up. 1-6 p.m. 288 Golf Course Drive W., Rohnert Park. pdne.ws/3MpQRhi

Sunday, June 4

Queens in Wine Country Drag Brunch at Fairmont Sonoma: Enjoy a delicious brunch, celebratory cocktails and glittering live performances by some of the most fabulous Kings and Queens in the business including Bobby Friday, Kylie Minono, Mahlae Balenciaga and Hera Wynn. Tickets include a brunch buffet and a mimosa or Bloody Mary to get the party started. VIP ticket holders can enjoy all of the above plus bottomless mimosas. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Face2Face Sonoma County. This event is 21 and older. $89 or $139 for VIP. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 100 Boyes Blvd., Sonoma. pdne.ws/43mlf3L

Saturday, June 10

Love Wins in Windsor Pride Festival: The 2nd annual event celebrates identity, inclusivity, community and love at Windsor Town Green. Activities include a music festival, kid zone and street fair. Free. 2-8 p.m. 701 McClelland Dr., Windsor. pdne.ws/3MTXKJn

Saturday, June 10

LGBT Pool Party: Fountaingrove Lodge will host a pool party. Food and drinks will be provided. Please RSVP to the event. Price: TBD. 1-4 p.m. 167 North High Street Sebastopol. pdne.ws/4344r12

Saturday, June 10

Phoenix Pride Benefit Showcase: The Phoenix Dance Team is putting on a community benefit performance in support and celebration of LGBTQ+ organizations in Sonoma County at the Californian. The event includes musical and drag performances by local performers, a dance party with DJ Danny D. All ticket proceeds will be donated to Sonoma County organizations that support the local LGBTQ+ community, including Positive Images and Translife Sonoma. $20 to $25. 7:30-11 p.m. 528 Seventh St., Santa Rosa. pdne.ws/3IGxTCm

Friday, June 9-Sunday, June 11

Out Watch Wine Country’s LGBTQI Film Festival: All films will be shown at Rialto Cinemas in Sebastopol.

“Maybe Someday” will be shown at 7 p.m. Friday. The movie follows a non-binary photographer in her 40s who is battling depression as she attempts to move across the country amid a separation from her wife.

At 4 p.m. Saturday, “Wildhood” will be shown, a film that follows a teenager who lives with his toxic father and younger half-brother. The two brothers discover one of their mothers may still be alive and run away for a better life while reconnecting with their Indigenous heritage.

“Commitment of Life” will be shown at 7 p.m. Saturday. It’s a true story of a group of people living with HIV/AIDS in early ‘80s Los Angeles and those who changed the course of the epidemic and saved lives.

“Unsettled” will be shown at 4 p.m. Sunday. The documentary shares stories of LGBTQ+ asylum seekers who have fled their home countries and have resettled in the U.S.

The festival will conclude Sunday with a 7 p.m. showing of “Big Boys,” a coming-of-age comedy about a teenage boy who falls for his cousin’s straight boyfriend while on a camping trip.

$15 for general admission and $13 for seniors 65 and older. 6858 McKinley St., Sebastopol. pdne.ws/3IGtaAl

Saturday, June 17

Pride Open Mic Night: The festivities will include up-and-coming drag queens ready to strut their stuff on the Cloverdale Performing Arts Center stage. The event is hosted by Nathanya Neurotica. Bring your dollar bills and come support the acts. $10. 7:40-9:45 p.m. 209 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale. pdne.ws/43xW1it

Wednesday, June 21

Queer Art Club: Every third Wednesday of the month, the Sonoma Community Center hosts a safe and inclusive space for teens ages 10-17 to find their artistic voice through radical self-expression. Each month they explore a new art theme, including a demonstration from a professional artist and all the materials needed to make the project. This club offers an artistic community of inclusion for all identities of gender, sexuality, race and ethnicity. Register in advance. $5 to $25 (suggested donations). 6-8 p.m. pdne.ws/3MxA5x0

Thursday, July 1

Pride Night: Transcendence Theatre Company is celebrating Pride with the performance of the “Beat Goes On” under the stars at Belos Cavalos Ranch. It’s an evening where LGBTQIA+ folks and allies come together to showcase their pride. Attendees can enjoy a pre-show picnic with vendors, including signature cocktails, performances, specialty provisions and more. A portion of all wine and beverage sales will be donated to Face2Face, Positive Images and local participating LGBTQ+ nonprofits. $45 to $180. 5 p.m. 687 Campagna Lane, Kenwood. pdne.ws/3MUHWGb

Friday, July 14-Sunday, July 16

Gay Wine Weekend: The three-day annual event makes a move to the Russian River Valley and Healdsburg wine region of Sonoma County, with all-new venues, wineries and restaurants. Proceeds benefit Face2Face, ending HIV in Sonoma County. $40 to $950. Location: TBD. pdne.ws/434AZYV

Friday, July 21

Queens and Kings Drag Night at Epicenter: Poppy Bank Epicenter in Santa Rosa will be shutting down Victory House and Chuck’s Bowling Bar early for the event hosted by Danny D of Resonance Entertainment. There will be drag performances by queens and kings, dancing and queeraoke. Chuck’s Bowling Bar will offer specials on bowling during the event. Event organizers suggest bringing dollar bills to tip the performers. This event is 21 and older. $10. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. 3215 Coffey Lane, Santa Rosa. pdne.ws/45BiDk2

Monday, July 31-Monday, Aug. 7

Lazy Bear Week 2023: A fundraising event featuring the biggest, hairiest, beefiest, burliest, craziest, laziest guys around. Lazy Bear Fund Inc. puts on one of the largest and most successful “bear” gatherings in the world. For over 25 years they have entertained thousands in Guerneville during their annual event. Attendees enjoy pool parties, dance parties, campfires, live entertainment and DJs. All events are ages 21 and older. All of the profits for the event go to charity. The organization has raised over $2.2 million for worthy causes. $200. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. pdne.ws/3oqdjzd

Guide to Sonoma County Summer Festivals 2023

June 2023

By Maci Martell

Summer is unofficially here, now that we’ve passed Memorial Day. And while in the last few years, some of our beloved local festivals and events have struggled to adapt to changing conditions yet keep crowds coming, it seems this summer most if not all of the longstanding events, and newer ones, have returned.

We’ve gathered a list of 17 of the most prominent in Sonoma County, covering country music to food and wine. So make plans to get out with your friends, your kids or anyone else ready to enjoy long days and entertainment outdoors.

Many events have special discount pricing for early-bird tickets, which could run out fast.

Music

Railroad Square Music Festival: After a two-year hiatus, the Railroad Square Music Festival returned last year and is back again June 11 in Santa Rosa, with a lineup of Bay Area artists and family-friendly activities. The diverse lineup of nearly 30 acts includes local talent such as Banda La Congora, Tru Lyric, Sebastian Saint James, The Musers, Damion Square and Brittany Aquamarine. The event is free and entirely volunteer-run. At Santa Rosa Railroad Square off Fourth Street, railroadsquaremusicfestival.com

Country Summer Music Festival: This three-day country music extravaganza June 16-18 at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds will feature more than 20 artists — including Lynyrd Skynyrd, Eric Church, Brothers Osborne, Ella Langley, Halle Kearns and Lewis Brice. Single-day, two-day and three-day passes are available online, ranging from $99-$269, plus VIP add-ons and parking passes. 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, 707-837-3921, countrysummer.com

Healdsburg Jazz Festival: The 25th annual Healdsburg Jazz Festival will be a nine-day celebration of jazz, past and present, from June 17-25. Concerts will feature locally and nationally known jazz artists, including Dianne Reeves, Samara Joy, John Santos, Stella Heath’s Billie Holiday Project and more. Concert tickets can be purchased online and range from $25-$500 (including VIP passes). Various locations in Healdsburg, healdsburgjazz.org

Rodney Strong Summer Concert Series: Rodney Strong Vineyards and Luther Burbank Center for the Arts will present the 31st annual Rodney Strong Summer Concert Series all summer long, featuring Grammy-winning artists. The lineup includes Marc Cohn and Shawn Colvin starting at 6 p.m. on June 17; The Wood Brothers and ZZ Ward at 5 p.m. on July 15; Chris Isaak at 5 p.m. on July 30; and Larkin Poe at 5 p.m. on Aug. 26. Tickets range from $59 to $125 and can be purchased online at lutherburbankcenter.org, by phone at 707-546-3600 or in person at the Luther Burbank Center box office at 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. The concerts are held at Rodney Strong Vineyards, 11455 Old Redwood Highway, Healdsburg. 707-431-1533, rodneystrong.com/summer-concert-series

Petaluma Music Festival: The 16th annual Petaluma Music Festival featuring more than a dozen bands kicks off at 11:30 a.m. on July 29 at Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds. Local food and merchandise vendors will be on site as well as an artist booth for meet-and-greet sessions. General admission is $60, tickets for students 13-17 are $25 and children 12 and under are free with a paying adult. VIP tickets are $169 and include a shaded seating section and complimentary hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. Tickets will be available starting June 16 at The Next Record Store in Santa Rosa or at McNear’s Restaurant in Petaluma. All proceeds benefit music education programs at Petaluma public schools. Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds, 175 Fairgrounds Drive, Petaluma, petalumamusicfestival.org

Cotati Accordion Festival: Cotati’s annual Accordion Festival will have more than 30 artists playing accordion-centric music, from polka to zydeco, on Aug. 19-20 at La Plaza Park. Tickets can be purchased online and range from $17-$32. Kids 15 and under enter free when accompanied by a paying adult. La Plaza Park, Cotati, 707-664-0444, cotatifest.com

Food-centric

Santa Rosa Wednesday Night Market: Santa Rosa’s popular summer Wednesday Night Market series brings together local vendors and bands from 5-8:30 p.m. each Wednesday through Aug. 9. Live concerts are free to attend and a range of vendors sell food, drinks, art, clothes and more. A kids space is available with games, exhibits and interactive activities. Fourth Street and Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa, wednesdaynightmarket.org

Beerfest — The Good One: Sonoma County’s beer festival will offer tastings from more than 40 Northern California breweries and cideries from 1-4:30 p.m. on June 10 at Luther Burbank Center for the Arts. Net proceeds will benefit local nonprofit Face2Face, supporting people living with HIV. Tickets are $50-$65 and can be purchased on EventBrite. 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa, f2f.org/beerfest

North Coast Wine and Food Festival: Celebrate the best of the region’s wine and cuisine at this festival sponsored by The Press Democrat and featuring 25 top local chefs and 90 award-winning wines, from 1-4 p.m. on June 17 at Luther Burbank Center for the Arts. General admission is $95 per person, and designated driver tickets are $50 per person. VIP tickets are $160 per person and include early entrance at noon and access to the VIP Lounge. Purchase tickets online or in person at the Luther Burbank Center box office. 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa, 707-521-5231, northcoastwineandfood.com

Taste of Sonoma: The Sonoma County Vintners presents the Taste of Sonoma wine and food festival at Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens from noon to 4 p.m. June 24. Guests can taste wines from more than 100 wineries, eat at food trucks (included in the ticket price) and attend guided wine seminars and garden tours. General admission is $200 until June 23 and $220 on the day of the event. VIP admission — which includes access to the VIP Club Reserve area, a wellness spa lounge and a special wine and food pairing — is $245 until June 23 and $265 on the day of the event. Purchase tickets and add-on experiences on EventBrite. 5007 Fulton Road, Fulton, tasteofsonoma.com

Bodega Seafood Art & Wine Festival: The 27th annual Bodega Seafood Art & Wine Festival will feature live entertainment, kids activities, local cuisine, wine and beer tastings and a craft and fine-art marketplace. The weekend event will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Aug. 26 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 27 at Watts Ranch in Bodega. Adult tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the gate. Tickets for seniors, military and first responders are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate. Tickets for youth ages 12-18 are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate, and children under 12 enter free. Part of the proceeds will benefit Stewards of the Coast & Redwoods. 16855 Bodega Highway, Bodega, bodegaseafoodfestival.com

County fairs, arts and crafts

Sonoma County Pride: A month of pride activities is in store for the county, with the main festival kicking off at noon Saturday, June 3, in downtown Santa Rosa on Courthouse Square. The 38th annual Sonoma County Pride Celebration will include live music, exhibits, local vendors, a pride artwalk and a pre-festival pride parade from 11 a.m. to noon along Fourth Street and Mendocino Avenue. The festival is free to attend; check online for more information on other ticketed Pride Month events. 2665 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, sonomacountypride.org

Head West Marketplace: The Head West outdoor marketplace features live music, food, dozens of local merchants and community booths one weekend each month through December at The Barlow in Sebastopol. The kid- and pet-friendly marketplace is free to attend, with food, drinks and merchandise available for purchase. Summer dates are June 10-11, July 8-9, Aug. 12-13 and Sept. 9-10. 6770 McKinley St., Sebastopol, headwestmarketplace.com

Sonoma-Marin Fair: The Sonoma-Marin Fair, from June 21-25, will feature live concerts, carnival rides, exhibits, a junior horse show and Petaluma’s trademark World’s Ugliest Dog Contest, plus local food and merchandise vendors. Gate admission is $22 for people ages 13-64 and $15 for seniors (65 and older) and children ages 4 to 12. Tickets can be purchased online. 175 Fairgrounds Drive, Petaluma, 707-283-3247, sonoma-marinfair.org

Rivertown Revival: Petaluma’s 12th annual Rivertown Revival will celebrate community and the surrounding river at Steamer Landing on July 22-23. The festival will include water activities, live local music, food and drinks, interactive art and a children’s play area. Tickets range from $5-$40 and can be purchased online. Steamer Landing Park, Copeland Street, Petaluma, rivertownrevival.com

Sonoma County Fair: This year’s county fair is a Jurassic jubilee that will have animatronic dinosaurs, carnival rides, live concerts, a flower show, the NorCal Brew Fest, rodeos and horse races, a monster truck derby and more, from Aug. 3-13. General admission is $15 for people 13 and older and $12 for children ages 6-12. Fair tickets can be purchased online, including tickets for specific events. 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, 707-545-4203, sonomacountyfair.com

Gravenstein Apple Fair: The 50th anniversary of Sebastopol’s renowned Gravenstein Apple Fair will be a weekend full of lively fair fun and apple treats from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Aug. 12-13, at Ragle Ranch Regional Park. Festivities will include live music, apple-themed contests, kids activities, farm exhibits, local vendors and all the apple foods you can eat, down Apple Alley. Advance general admission tickets are $23 for adults and kids 13 and older, $10 for children ages 6-12 and free for kids 5 and younger. Purchase tickets online. Ragle Ranch Park, 500 Ragle Road, Sebastopol, 707-837-8896, gravensteinapplefair.com

Gary Saperstein’s Favorite Places in Sonoma County

May 2023

By Karen Kizer

“When was the last time you were dancing in a vineyard?”

That’s the question Gary Saperstein of Sonoma’s Out in The Vineyard likes to ask when describing the events of Gay Wine Weekend, which he puts on each summer. Wine is poured, dancing bursts out, and positive community vibes overflow. Events have featured an aerialist pouring wine while hanging from a sphere, stilt walkers in light-up fantastical costumes, and a drag queen jumping onto the brunch table.

All fun and flourishes aside, the events raise crucial funds—over $500,000 to date—for Face to Face, a nonprofit supporting HIV-positive Sonoma residents, and Positive Images, which works with LGBTQ+ teens.

Saperstein likes to support the brands “that think outside of Pride month and want to communicate with and engage with the community.” He adds that when companies raise money for LGBTQ+ causes, “we know they’re being authentic about it. Over the years, more and more wineries are doing that… You don’t have to put the rainbow flag on your website,” he advises.

“Images go a long way. If you can show two men or two women or an interracial couple, that speaks volumes to people. It means you recognize us, recognize us as people.”

Click through the above gallery to see some of Gary Saperstein’s favorite places in Sonoma County.

To Taste the Best Beer in Sonoma, Join the ‘Drink Fresh’ Movement

May 2023

By Tina Caputo

Jake Nichols, left, and Cassidy Barber, both of Rohnert Park, toast each other with some brews during HenHouse Brewing Company’s Freshtival beer festival at SOMO Village Event Center in Rohnert Park. (Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat)

At a typical beer festival, the focus is mainly on presenting a variety of tasty brews — some local, others from farther-flung locations. But last month, at SOMO Village in Rohnert Park, a Sonoma County brewery hosted a different kind of event.

At HenHouse Brewing’s “Freshtival,” every beer served was less than one week old. The fest brought together more than 50 California brewers, including more than a dozen from Sonoma County — all disciples of a growing “drink fresh” movement.

“Freshness is as important a quality factor as anything that happens in the brew house,” explained Sayre Piotrkowski, brand manager for HenHouse Brewing. “Time, temperature and travel have the ability to drastically transform the way your beer tastes.”

Toasting fresh beer at the 2023 Freshtival_courtesy HenHouse Brewing — Toasting fresh beer at Henhouse Brewing Company’s 2023 Freshtival in Rohnert Park. (Henhouse Brewing Company)

Some of the 130 different beers brewed by Henhouse Brewing Co. in the past year. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

Beer that is exposed to warm temperatures in transit or at a retail location may take on a cardboard-like flavor, he said, or it simply might not taste as good as it did when it left the brewery. This kind of degradation is a problem for craft brewers that obsess about every detail from hop selection to yeasts to mash temperatures.

“All these things have very subtle impacts on the way the beer tastes and particularly on hop aroma, which is the principal character driver in our most popular beers,” said Piotrkowski.

When beer starts to break down, he added, “It won’t be world class, so we’re fighting the fight to make sure consumers don’t have to go and purchase their beer directly from a brewery. You shouldn’t have to make any extra effort to encounter beer the way the brewer intended.”

Brewers take control

In pursuit of optimum freshness, Sonoma County brewers such as HenHouse are now opting to self-distribute their beers via refrigerated trucks and restrict sales to local outlets. HenHouse started out delivering its beers in a converted ice cream truck and now has a fleet of 10 temperature-controlled vehicles. Barrel Brothers in Windsor will even deliver beer by the can or keg directly to consumers in a refrigerated truck.

“The main thing that a brewery can do is keep the beer cold,” said Piotrkowski. “Now, we’re taking some steps to make sure the other [human] links in the chain between us and the end consumer are being educated and encouraged to do the right thing.”

That includes selling only to retailers that ensure that the beer is kept cold from the minute it arrives in their stores. Likewise, sales representatives monitor order sizes to make sure accounts are not bringing in more beer than they can sell during its freshness window.

The brewery also prints a “best by” date on its cans, which has become a trend among many local brewers, and offers a quality app that lets customers know when the beer they’re purchasing is in its prime.

How to find the freshest beer

While buying beer directly at the brewery or taproom is the most reliable path to fresh beer, there are other ways that beer lovers can avoid buying past-their-prime brews.

“If the beer is outside of a cooler, don’t even look at it,” Piotrkowski advised. “That says a lot about that retailer’s regard for you as a customer and what they feel you deserve. Number two, always check the best-buy date.” (Typically, craft beers should be consumed within 60 days of production.)

Buying local, rather than purchasing brands with national distribution, is another key strategy for buying beer at its best, he said.

“When I go to Los Angeles, I drink different coffee than I do at home and I’m excited to do so. That should be your relationship to beer,” said Piotrkowski. “The beer you drink every day, the beer that you purchase when you go to the grocery store, should be made around the corner.”

Dustin Dodgen, who works in sales and brewery operations at Barrel Brothers, agrees that hometown brews have an advantage. “That’s definitely the best way to get the freshest beer,” he says. “Sometimes the hops are hand-selected from local farms and the flavors are so much more intense and tropical.”

Eric Grimes pours a glass of Atlas Blonde Ale at Fogbelt Brewing Companys Fogbelt Station in Healdsburg on Friday, August 12, 2022. (Christopher Chung/The Press Democrat) — Eric Grimes pours a glass of Atlas Blonde Ale at Fogbelt Brewing Company’s Fogbelt Station in Healdsburg. (Christopher Chung/The Press Democrat)

Three ‘freshness first’ breweries

Seeking out brewers that have made a commitment to freshness is another good strategy, and there are plenty to choose from in Sonoma County. Here are three of our favorite local breweries to seek out at your favorite beer shop or restaurant, or to visit in person.

HenHouse Brewing

The brewery started out in Petaluma in 2013 making just two beers: a coriander-scented saison and a stout brewed with local oysters. HenHouse has since expanded to a larger production facility and taproom in Santa Rosa and will open a sleek new gastropub in Fairfax in June. Along with the original oyster stout, HenHouse now offers a range of fun IPAs and other well-crafted brews.

Fogbelt Brewing Company

Expressing a sense of place is Fogbelt’s jam; the brewery uses locally grown hops and names its brews for California’s coastal redwood trees. Flagship brews include a tasty trio of IPAs (try the piney Del Norte), as well as the Atlas Blonde and Sapling Crushable Ale. The brewery operates a cozy taproom in Santa Rosa and a mini beer garden in Healdsburg.

Old Caz

Based in Rohnert Park, Old Caz gets its name from Old Cazadero Road, a forested path in west Sonoma County that connects the towns of Guerneville and Cazadero. Beers are similarly Sonoma focused, from the Acreage IPA to the Cavedale Porter. Stop into the taproom to sample beer flights and pick up some cans to go.

For more like-minded brewers in Sonoma County and beyond, see the list of 2023 Freshtival participants.

Healdsburg Home with Guesthouse and Lap Pool Listed for $2.9 Million

May 2023

By Karen Kizer

A water wall offers a series of pretty outpourings into the lap pool. (Ned Bonzi) — A stone wall fountain gushes water into the lap pool, which is surrounded by modern loungers. (Ned Bonzi)

A 4,400-square-foot Healdsburg estate just hit the market for $2,995,000. In addition to five bedrooms and four bathrooms, it comes with a guesthouse and plenty of amenities, including a 45-foot lap pool, an outdoor kitchen and a five-car garage.

The home at at 330 Chiquita Road was built in 1986 and features a sunken living room and a kitchen that opens toward the dining area. Plenty of windows make the home feel even more expansive. Updated cabinets, countertops and built-in bookshelves offer a pretty blank slate for styling. The property has been given the high-contrast black-and-white treatment, which offers a sleek but dramatic look.

The guesthouse, or accessory dwelling unit, has a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and French doors that open to a seating area on a stone patio.

Outside, a stone wall fountain gushes water into the lap pool, which is surrounded by modern loungers. A full, covered kitchen completes the outdoor experience. On a hill above is a hobby vineyard and, further up, a small shed, which can be used a space for working on different projects but also enjoys great sunset views, according to realtor Ryan Anderton.

Click through the above gallery for a peek inside the home.

For more information about his property at 330 Chiquita Road, contact Ryan Anderton, 707-244-7181, David Hunt, 707-244-7863 with the Sonoma Realty Group, Healdsburg, 330chiquitard.com, sononmarealtygroup.com

Modern Sonoma Home Listed for $6.95 Million Takes Design Cues from Restoration Hardware

May 2023

By Karen Kizer

The home was designed by Mia Coakley, who drew out her ideas and passed them on to a structural engineer and then to Sonoma-based Salt Shed Design Build, to translate her ideas into a finished product.(Provided by Carol Sebastiani of Sotheby's International Realty) — The home was designed by owner Mia Coakley in collaboration with a structural engineer and Sonoma-based Salt Shed Design Build. (Provided by Carol Sebastiani of Sotheby’s International Realty)

A Sonoma home built in 2020, with furniture, fixtures and fabrics from Restoration Hardware, is on the market for $6,950,000. The four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom home has an outdoor pool surrounded by six palm trees, which gave the property its name: Six Palms Estate.

The home at 19480 Seventh St. East was designed by owner Mia Coakley, who used few but exquisite design elements to make it shine. Coakley collaborated with a structural engineer and Sonoma-based custom home builder Salt Shed Design Build.

The 4,000-square-foot home sits on over an acre. An open floor plan with numerous steel-framed floor-to-ceiling windows seamlessly connect the indoors with the outdoors. The patio is partially covered by an extension of the roof with heaters in the eaves, so that al fresco dining and outdoor time isn’t limited by weather conditions.

Working with designer Brandon Neff, Coakley furnished the home with pieces and textiles from Restoration Hardware. The result is a mix of muted tones and opulent design pieces. In the living room, a crystal chandelier elevates the look in an otherwise effortless and neutral space, with angular sofas, nubby fabrics and grainy woods. Potted plants throughout the home bring the outdoors inside — large plants are kept in pairs, offering a more disciplined take on a lush interior.

The kitchen comes with a wine cellar and walk-in pantry, and features a large marble counter with five chairs, allowing entertaining in the kitchen rather than the dining area — a long-held practice among Coakley’s large Italian family.

Click through the above gallery for a peek inside the home.

For more information about this property at 19480 Seventh St. East, please contact listing agent, Carol Sebastiani, 415-290-3123, or Kristie Eddy, 949-577-1717, Sotheby’s International Realty – Wine Country – Sonoma Brokerage, 793 Broadway, Sonoma, sotheybysrealty.com, carolsebastiani.com/19480-7th-st-east-sonoma

Classic Diner Dishes with Modern Flair at Santa Rosa’s Americana

May 2023

By Heather Irwin

Crab Cakes with crispy fries and slaw from Americana in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

Samantha Ramey comes from a family of New Yorkers who’ve worked in the restaurant business for generations. She started working for her father’s meat and provisions business at age 13.

However, she said, there’s no contest when it comes to East Coast versus West Coast bagels and pizza. Sonoma County wins.

“I just love the sourdough crusts on the pizza here. They’re better than anything I’ve had in New York. I also love, love, love Ethel’s bagels in Petaluma,” she said.

As co-owner of Valley Ford’s Estero Cafe, Santa Rosa’s Americana restaurant and a forthcoming restaurant in Sebastopol, she’s one of the region’s biggest food cheerleaders. When she talks about Sonoma County food — food from farmers and fellow chefs to producers like Ethel’s — she’s entirely a local.

Her husband and culinary collaborator, classically trained chef Ryan Ramey, is a Sonoma County native. He’s equally enthusiastic about local food, from the produce his close friend Will Scott grows at Freestone’s Worker Bee Farms to meat from Sonoma County Meat Co. and cheese from Valley Ford Creamery.

Samantha and Ryan Ramey have the new dinner menu at Americana in Santa Rosa April 13, 2023. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

The menus at the Rameys’ restaurants proudly shout out their ingredients, giving props to 10 or more farms at a time. At Americana in Santa Rosa’s Railroad Square, a Farm Trails sign and a Snail of Approval award from Sonoma County’s Slow Food chapter hang above the dining room entrance.

While their Estero Cafe has been serving destination-worthy breakfast and lunch classics — biscuits and country gravy and sourdough French toast made with Red Bird Bakery’s soft Pullman loaf soaked in custard and topped with housemade vanilla cider syrup — Americana is their pandemic baby.

Opened in 2020 (while Samantha was pregnant with their second child), Americana was a tough go for the couple for nearly three years. Though they offered takeout meals, the Rameys’ food is so much better eaten on the spot. Preferably with gusto.

However, they’ve seen a serious uptick in customers in recent months. Americana is running at full speed now, with an established breakfast and lunch menu and new dinner service from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Mini Corn Dog appetizer from the new dinner menu at Americana in Santa Rosa, April 13, 2023. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat) — Mini Corn Dog appetizer from the new dinner menu at Americana in Santa Rosa April 13, 2023. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

French Onion Soup from the new dinner menu at Americana in Santa Rosa April 13, 2023. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

Dinner here is a come-as-you-are affair. The ingredients and the preparations are white tablecloth-worthy, but the vibe is entirely casual. It’s American comfort food, after all. Think corn dogs, fried chicken, meatloaf, salads and chocolate cake.

“I love contributing to our community. I want to share the opportunity with everyone,” Ryan said as he took a break outside the compact kitchen where cooks stand elbow to elbow.

Americana is about food made with love for Sonoma County and the people who eat it.

“If I could, I’d do this for free. I just love feeding people,” Samantha said.

A Chocolate cake and other tasty dessert treats available all day at Americana in Santa Rosa April 13, 2023. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

Best Bets

You’ll find some of the same dishes at Estero and Americana for breakfast and lunch. Americana’s new dinner menu, created by Ryan, includes dinner entrees and all-day favorites like pancakes and omelets. Breakfast for dinner! Prices are not cheap and accurately reflect the cost of buying sustainable, regionally grown food.

The dinner menu runs two full pages, so this is just a sampling of the many dishes. The menu at the new Americana restaurant set to open this summer in Sebastopol will mimic the current Santa Rosa menu.

Corn Dogs, $15: Half-size dogs, full-size flavor. Inspired by the county-fair-food favorite, these pups are covered with delicately fried cornmeal batter, with super snappy Polish smoked sausage tucked inside. Served with sweet cider or tongue-nipping mustard sauce and with fries and a side of slaw.

Americana Onion Soup, $13: Bone broth is the secret to the Mariana-Trench level depth of flavor in this onion soup. Caramelized onions, herby croutons and a notable thyme and sage kick are blanketed by bubbly, melted Swiss cheese.

Fried Chicken Dinner, $25.95: This is as old-school as it gets, with two ridiculously plump pieces of buttermilk-soaked fried chicken, a homemade biscuit the size of a compact car, mashed potatoes, greens and a mushroom gravy we wish was served in a small wading pool. For a more breakfast-style version, try the Chicken Fried Chicken ($24.50) or Fried Chicken and Waffles ($22).

Crab Cakes and Seared Steak with sides from the new dinner menu at Americana in Santa Rosa April 13, 2023. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

Mushroom Melt, $19.50: A souped-up spin on grilled cheese, this version gets a mess of grilled king trumpet mushrooms added to buttery melted Estero Gold cheese and creamy aioli on Village Bakery sourdough. Onion rings are a perfect side for this, though we wouldn’t say no to a side of soup for dipping.

Americana Burger, $18: We love a mess of a burger that barely gets from the plate to your mouth without falling apart, but this burger isn’t that. Instead it’s a big and beautiful one-third pound of Stemple Creek Ranch beef, Clover cheddar cheese, housemade aioli and a freshly baked bun. Simple, straightforward and concealing nothing. Perfection. Go for the Blue Cheese Mushroom Bacon Burger ($24) if you want something more dramatic.

“The Bear” Cake, $15: If you’ve seen the PTSD-inducing restaurant kitchen drama “The Bear,” you know this is Chef Marcus’ obsessive cake. If not, it’s just a dang good chocolate-on-chocolate-on-chocolate layer cake. The slices are hearty, and I ate mine over three days.

Meatloaf Dinner, $24.95: This classic blue-plate special recently arrived on the menu, served with whipped potatoes and a daily vegetable. It was too late to taste before this article was written, but who doesn’t like meatloaf?

Steak and Frites, $36.95: The bourbon-soaked, dry-aged sirloin steak and fries is a unique concept with the less pricey cut of beef tenderized by a boozy dip and brief aging. Served a perfect medium-rare, it’s a lovely dish, but in my mind, there are just too many other things on the menu I craved.

Americana is at 205 Fifth St., Santa Rosa, 707-755-1548, americanasr.com. Breakfast and lunch from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, dinner 5 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Maison Porcella Is a French Feast in Sonoma County

May 2023

By Carey Sweet

Charcutier Marc-Henri Jean-Baptiste radiates joy as he shows off the walk-in cooler at Maison Porcella, the new retail shop and bistro in Windsor he runs with his wife, Maud. The spot is a celebration of traditional French foods—and the realization of a dream first hatched during an internship at Tennessee’s famed Blackberry Farm resort in 2009.

It was there that Marc-Henri first learned the art of transforming pork into sublime pâté, glistening rillettes, sausages, and chunky terrines.

Inside, a cooler is stocked with whole, organic heritage Duroc pork legs ready to be deboned, trimmed, brined, and cured into jambon supérieur, an incomparably silky Parisian-style ham that is a family favorite. It’s a three-day process, Marc-Henri explains, which includes an intricate “tapping” move to form the brined and cured pork into a succulent oval shape, followed by a 12-hour cook in a sous-vide bath. (Here, Maud playfully interjects, “Don’t give all the secrets!”—as if one might try to make this at home.)

Finally, the ham is hand-sliced into lacy thin curls that nearly melt when popped in your mouth, thanks to the tiniest ribbons of perfect fat. The buttery-rich slices are thrilling eaten as is, but pure heaven when paired with the bistro’s crusty Marla Bakery bread and crisp, sweet cornichons.

Owners Marc-Henri and Maud Jean-Baptiste of Windsor's new Maison Porcella. (Kim Carroll/for Sonoma Magazine) — Owners Marc-Henri and Maud Jean-Baptiste of Windsor’s new Maison Porcella. (Kim Carroll/for Sonoma Magazine)

Born on New York’s Roosevelt Island to a Haitian father and a mother from Bordeaux, France, Marc-Henri spent his summers in rural France and learned to cook alongside his Italian grandmother. While attending Vermont’s New England Culinary Institute, he took an internship in San Francisco and fell in love with fresh California ingredients.

Work then took him to international, high-end French restaurants under chefs Daniel Boulud and Alain Ducasse. While at Ducasse’s Le Louis XV in Monaco, Marc-Henri ventured to Lyon to visit a world-famous charcuterie market. At a bar there, he met Maud, who had grown up in France’s mountainous Jura region and also worked in hospitality.

“After that, we really didn’t ever leave each other’s side,” says Marc-Henri. “So we came here, got married, had our son, and started our business right off the bat.”

Marc-Henri taught cooking classes and studied with the Napa-Sonoma Small Business Development Center while navigating the many challenges of creating a food business. He first launched at local farmers markets, realizing a sales increase of more than 3000% in the first year. In 2022, fate led them to the site of a former catering operation in Windsor, which they’ve redecorated in classic French bistro style, including a tile-flanked bar, French antiques, and family heirlooms.

“We spend a lot of time here, so I selfishly wanted to have a place that feels like home,” Maud says, pointing out a clever play area for their 4-year-old, Henri, and his friends. Tucked in a quiet corner of the restaurant, it’s decorated like a tiny French marché, complete with red-and-white striped awning.

For such a whirlwind journey, Maison Porcella is an oasis of quiet charm and elegant European grace. Marc-Henri and Maud brim with ideas for the business, including new casual soirées in the style of the apéro dînatoire gatherings popular in France. “It’s when you hang out with friends at each other’s homes and put a lot of small bites on the table,” explains Maud. “Dessert, drinks, and we all share, and it’s a nice little moment.” In this case, local winemakers and French wine importers join to pour and chat.

Guests gather at the bar for bites and a glass of white. (Kim Carroll/for Sonoma Magazine)

This spring, they expanded into lunch service, and retail sales are soaring as people discover their grab-and-go celery root remoulade salad, a delicious stracciatella of Italian water-buffalo mozzarella from Ramini Farms soaked in cream, and savory croque monsieur pastries layered with Parisian ham, béchamel, and three types of cheese in golden, butter-lacquered housemade milk bread.

Always, Marc-Henri and Maud are eager to visit and chat about charcuterie. “My overall goal is also to teach people about the French charcuterie-making tradition that’s been going on for hundreds of years,” says Marc-Henri. “Because that’s the only way the tradition continues.”

Maison Porcella, 8499 Old Redwood Highway, Windsor. 707-955-5611, maisonporcella.com. Charcuterie is also available at farmers markets on Friday in Sonoma, on Saturday in Healdsburg, and on Sunday in San Rafael.

Spicy Banh Mi with Quick-Pickled Vegetables

By Chef Marc-Henri Jean-Baptiste of Maison Porcella

This spicy Vietnamese-style sandwich stuffed with homemade pickled vegetables travels well and is perfect summer picnic fare, especially paired with a simple green salad. Marc-Henri suggests making it with his housemade spicy pork and Parisian-style ham, available at farmers markets or from his store and bistro in Windsor. The pickled vegetables can be made a day in advance and will keep for up to three weeks.

For the pickled vegetables:

1 cup rice vinegar

1 cup white vinegar

½ cup sugar

1 tbsp. coarse sea salt

1 tsp. whole coriander seeds

1 tsp. whole black peppercorn

1/4 bunch cilantro

1 carrot

1 cucumber

1 daikon radish

To make the pickled vegetables:

Rinse and dry the carrots, cucumber, and daikon. Peel the carrots and set aside. Cut the cucumber and daikon into 2-inch lengths. Using a mandoline or sharp knife, thinly slice all the vegetables into long, ¼-inch-wide strips. Place the vegetables in a colander set over an empty bowl and sprinkle with sea salt. Use your hand to work the salt into the vegetables, then allow them to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.

Press firmly on the vegetables to release any remaining juices, then rinse, pat dry, and set aside in a tempered glass container with a lid, such as a repurposed pickle jar or mason jar.

Remove the leaves from the cilantro stems and set the leaves aside in an airtight container, reserving the stems.

Put the coriander seed, black peppercorn, and cilantro stems in a small square of cheese cloth. Tie the cloth to make a bundle and place in the vegetable container.

For the sandwich:

1 French baguette

2 tbsp. mayonnaise

4 oz. spicy pork pâté

2 oz. ham

1 cup pickled vegetables

Bring 2 cups of water to a boil with the two types of vinegar and sugar. Pour the hot brine over the container of vegetables and spices. The vegetables should be fully submerged in the brine (if they’re not, try a smaller container).

Close the container and refrigerate overnight. The pickles will be ready the next day or can be stored in the brine for up to three weeks

To assemble the sandwiches:

Cut a long baguette in half, lengthwise, and spread with mayonnaise.

Pull pickles from the jar, reserving the pickling liquid.

Slice the pâté and arrange on the bottom half of the baguette. Top with ham, pickles, and reserved cilantro leaves. Sprinkle a small amount of the reserved pickling liquid on the bread for extra flavor. Slice and enjoy.

Duck Fat Fries and Ahi Tuna Nachos: Our Favorite Food at BottleRock Napa Valley

May 2023

By Heather Irwin

Maitake salad with chickpeas and burnt ends from Stateline Road Smokehouse at BottleRock 2023. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)

For the past ten years, Napa Valley’s BottleRock culinary scene has been the place to see chefs rocking both behind the food booth and on the culinary stage.

This year, the Williams-Sonoma culinary stage has a particularly stellar lineup of internationally known chefs, including Jose Andres, David Chang, Roy Choi and Andrew Zimmern, who will pair up with performing bands for general silliness. But, and I say this delicately, there’s a noticeable lack of local chefs rocking inside their food stalls and a real dearth of creativity on the menus.

Unless, that is, you love fried chicken sandwiches or barbecue pulled pork. These comfort food classics dominate food stall menus, comforting, easy(ish) to make and at a price point under $20. They’re absolutely fine, but meh.

For a decade, BottleRock has been an annual highlight, with new restaurants popping up and menus reflecting the innovation and farm-fresh local food Wine Country is known for. Every year has been more and more impressive, with new chefs and new restaurants putting their best feet forward.

Maybe I’m jaded after a decade of covering BottleRock, but fried chicken and barbecue definitely seem to be a popular formula. Not especially exciting, but it seems to be the right mix of familiar, gut-filling and priced reasonably.

It’s a natural progression as the event becomes more accessible to larger crowds. Complicated food that needs tweezers and plating isn’t festival food, admittedly.

The food offerings at BottleRock will always be music to my ears because Wine Country just knows how to eat. But I challenge the chefs to stay tuned into their creativity.

Here are some solid bets because you’re going to get hungry.

1. Compline, Duck Fat Fries, $14: I’m not sure if fries cooked in duck fat are all that much better, but these are certainly some excellent fries if you’re hankering for a little greasy goodness. The Togarishi aioli served with them is incredible.

2. Tarla, Chicken Pita Gyro, $18: This is undoubtedly the best value I’ve found. It’s a big, meaty gyro with shredded lettuce, onions and garlic sauce. Easily sharable. The frozen lemonade is a great thirst quencher.

3. Stateline Road Smokehouse, Maitake Mushroom Salad ($18): I wanted this to be a solid win for the much-anticipated Napa restaurant from Michelin-trained chef and Kansas City native Darryl Bell. Unfortunately, the Kansas City burnt ends were dry and the sauce was not exceptionally flavorful. The salad ($18) was the best bet, with a citrusy dressing, chickpeas and a refreshing mix of greens.

4. Gerard’s Paella, $24: Local chef Gerard Nebesky travels the festival circuit, providing much-needed fuel for the hungry masses. His large plates of paella are rib-sticking and still a fantastic value.

5. Buckhorn BBQ, Garlicky Pulled Pork Sandwich, $18: A soft roll stuffed with tender pulled pork will keep you rocking for hours. A few pumps of their sweet sauce make this the barbecue I’m after.

6. Press, Best in Show, Ahi Tuna Nachos, $22: For the price and the ingredients, I’d call this a shareable value. Fresh tuna, fermented peppers, radishes and black lime chips with a drizzle of crema were a favorite of the day. Do not order the buttered pretzel. For $5, yes. For $15? Nope.

The VIP area offers some higher-end options that include wood-fired pizza and high-low corn dogs with caviar. Of everything we tried, the poke nachos ($20) were the most interesting.

Masahuru Morimoto’s new Asia Napa restaurant is represented, but the gummy dim sum samplers underwhelmed. The restaurant stall also offers an 8-ounce container of orange chicken ($24). Really. Orange chicken.

Mustard’s, Gerard’s Paella and Tarla have repeated menus inside the VIP area.

15 Ways to Spend Memorial Day Weekend in Sonoma County

May 2023

By Beth Schlanker

At Spring Lake in Santa Rosa. (Sonoma County Regional Parks)

With temperatures forecast in the 70s, the upcoming three-day Memorial Day weekend offers a number of opportunities to get out and explore Sonoma County.

Here are 15 ways to spend the long weekend. Click through the above gallery for inspiration.

Attend a Memorial Day observance

Cloverdale

A ceremony will be held 10 a.m. Monday at the Cloverdale Cemetery, located at Crocker Road and E. First Street in Cloverdale. The event is hosted by the American Legion Post 293.

Petaluma

The annual Memorial Day event begins 11 a.m. Monday at Cypress Hill Memorial Park, 430 Magnolia Ave. The ceremony will feature the Avenue of the Flags display within the park’s section devoted to veterans and their spouses, and presentations by local veterans. The event is free. Refreshments will be available at the Veterans Memorial Building at 1094 Petaluma Blvd S.

Rohnert Park

A Memorial Day observance begins at 10 a.m. Monday at the Community Center, 5401 Snyder Lane. In a patriotic display, American flags will line the street outside of the Community Center complex.

Santa Rosa

Rural Cemetery – Free docent-led tours will start at noon Monday at Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery, 1600 Franklin Ave, Santa Rosa. Visitors will learn about veterans of the War of 1812, the Mexican War, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, and World Wars I and II. Attendees should walking shoes and meet at the Franklin Avenue gate.

Santa Rosa Memorial Park – A brief ceremony 10 a.m. Monday will honor military veterans. Santa Rosa Memorial Park, 1900 Franklin Ave. Volunteers are needed Saturday morning to place flags on veterans’ graves. Meet at the Veteran’s Patio for instructions at 9 a.m.

Sebastopol

A Memorial Day service begins 11 a.m. Monday at Sebastopol Memorial Lawns, 7951 Bodega Ave., followed by refreshments at Sebastopol Veterans Memorial Building, 282 High St.

Sonoma

The 65th annual Sonoma Valley Joint Memorial Day Observance begins 11 a.m. Monday at the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Park, located at 126 First St. W., Sonoma. Vietnam Army veteran Tony Lazzarini will be the keynote speaker. Any veterans who would like to take part in a “Grand March,” should meet at 10:30 a.m. in the parking lot.The event is followed by a free picnic at the Veterans Memorial Building at 126 1st St. W., Sonoma.

Windsor

A ceremony will be held at noon Monday at Shiloh District Cemetery, 7130 Windsor Road. The American Legion Honor Team will perform flag duties and play taps.

Volunteer

Get a jump start on veteran-focused Memorial Day activities by volunteering 9 a.m. Saturday morning at Santa Rosa Memorial Park, 1900 Franklin Ave, Santa Rosa. Helpers are needed to place flags on veterans’ graves. Meet at the Veteran’s Patio for instructions at 9 a.m. On Monday, a ceremony at the cemetery will honor military veterans.

Rock it out

If you don’t already have tickets to this year’s BottleRock Napa Valley festival there is still hope. The festival runs Friday through Sunday, at the Napa Valley Expo, 575 3rd St, Napa.

Featured artists this year include Red Hot Chili Peppers, Post Malone, Lizzo, Duran Duran, Lil Nas X and The Smashing Pumpkins. Some general admission tickets are still available. Get those tickets here. Some sold-out tickets are still available at BottleRock’s official ticket exchange at lyte.com.

Cruise Lake Sonoma

The water is back to full capacity and boaters can expect to be in good company at Lake Sonoma this weekend.

Lake Sonoma Marina offers a variety of boat rentals, including, pontoon, speed, fishing boats. Also available for rent are Jet Skis, kayaks, paddle boards and canoes. In addition, to spending time on the water, visitors will find plenty of locations overlooking the water to camp, hike or picnic.

Enter the splash zone

The inflatable water park at the Spring Lake Regional Park swimming lagoon in Santa Rosa will test the balance, coordination and courage of many visitors. It features slides, obstacles, climbing features and more. The popular floating structure is open each summer from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

There are three sessions each day for the Spring Lake Water Park and the $10 tickets often sell out. Children must be 6 years or older and at least 42 inches tall. The park is located at 5585 Newanga Ave, Santa Rosa.

Piddle paddle around

Kayak and stand up paddleboard rentals return for the summer season on Memorial Day weekend at Spring Lake Regional Park in Santa Rosa and continue through Labor Day.

Rentals are available: 10:15 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; and 10:15 a.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Hourly rental rates for kayaks are $14 for a single and $18 for a tandem. Hourly rental rates for stand up paddleboards are $14. Reserve in advance online or in person at the Boat Rental Office at the park’s Violetti Entrance, 93 Violetti Road in Santa Rosa.

The hills are alive

Classical music and nature lovers can wander the grounds of Jack London State Historic Park on Saturday, while pianist Hunter Noack performs live on a 9-foot Steinway grand piano in the Beauty Ranch Meadow. The concert titled, “In a Landscape: Classical Music in the Wild” is from 5:30 -7 p.m. Tickets are $40 and are available here. The park entry fee of $10 per vehicle, with up to nine passengers, is not included. Attendees may bring picnic supplies, beverages, and lawn chairs or blankets. During the concert, headsets are available so guests can explore the park, while listening to the music.

Dust off your binoculars

There are three birding events Saturday morning in Sonoma County:

Petaluma: Join a Petaluma Wetland Alliance docent for a free guided walk 9-11 a.m. Saturday at Ellis Creek, located at 3890 Cypress Drive. Try to spot some of 50-plus species that visit Ellis Creek’s fresh water ponds and tidal flood plains. Bring binoculars, water, and a hat. Meet near the main entrance kiosk.

Kenwood: Join a docent led 2.3-mile beginner birding hike 8:30-11:30 a.m. on Saturday. Meet near the white barn at the Sonoma Ecology Center in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, 2605 Adobe Canyon Road, Kenwood. Tickets are $10 general, $5 for students, youth, park members or volunteers. The docent will share information about bird anatomy, tips to identify species by sight, sound, flight pattern and behavior. Bring water, binoculars, and wear clothing layers. Parking fees apply.

Jenner: Learn to identify birds by their sound 8:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday. Meet at Willow Creek Road off Highway 1 south of Jenner. Tickets start at $25. Park in the half-circle parking area on the right, just past the kayak launch on the left.

Find a farmers market

Santa Rosa Community Farmers’ Market: 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa

Windsor Certified Farmers Market: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sunday, Windsor Town Green

Sebastopol Certified Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sunday, Sebastopol Plaza.

Get your gaúcho on

Step back in time to 1840s Mexican California during the Petaluma Adobe Living History Day. The event is 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park, 3325 Adobe Road, Petaluma.

Meet the vaqueros, traders, cooks, and crafts people who lived in Mexican California. Dip candles, make baskets, churn butter, rope with vaqueros, and play historical games. Bring a picnic lunch, since drink and food concessions are not available in the park. Make sure to leave your pets at home.

Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for ages 6-7, and ages 5 and younger are free.

Celtic Festival

Experience a taste of Celtic culture and history from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday at Holy Dormition Orthodox Church, 1521 Rose Ave., Santa Rosa.

The Celtic Festival features food, high tea, archery, crafts, entertainment, Highland games activities, and Scottish country dancing lessons. After dinner, enjoy Celtic music and dancing. Bring your fiddle or pipes and join the music. Admission is free.

Look inside the lighthouse

Make the trek to Point Reyes National Seashore, near the hamlet of Inverness, to sneak a peek inside Point Reyes Lighthouse. A park ranger will be available to answer questions about the lighthouse from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Friday to Monday afternoons. Be prepared to climb 313 stairs, both ways, and dress for windy and cold weather conditions.

Hear Herr Schmutzinberry

Enjoy a free family concert with featured guest composer and musician, Wolfgang Amadeus Schmutzinberry, as part of the Valley of the Moon Music Festival. The event is 11 a.m. Sunday at the Sonoma Community Center, 276 E Napa St., Sonoma.

According to the event organizers, Schmutzinberry may be the only living composer that loves wearing powdered wigs. Tickets are free, but it is necessary to RSVP. More information at pdne.ws/45quAsq.

Get kite crazy

Check out the exhibition “Kite-Flying Foibles” from Saturday to Monday at the Charles M. Schulz Museum & Research Center, 2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa. Make your own kites to take home, experiment with wind, learn how kites fly and even feed a kite-eating tree.

The exhibit runs from 10 a.m. to noon. Tickets are $10 per child and are free for up to two adults per child before 11 a.m. Regular museum admission applies after 11 a.m.

Take a hike for all ages

Join Sugarloaf Ridge State Park docents from 10-11:30 a.m. Monday on a 2-mile family-friendly hike. Learn about the park’s plants, animals and history, while ascending 400 feet in elevation. The event is free, but an RSVP is required. Meet outside the visitor center at the Sonoma Ecology Center, 2605 Adobe Canyon Road, Kenwood. Parking fees apply. The event will be canceled if there are heavy rains.