Crustacean lovers, rejoice! The Bay Area’s commercial crab-fishing season officially opened Jan. 5, following delays since November to protect migrating whales from getting caught in fishing lines. Now that the region’s acclaimed Dungeness crab is back on the menu, it’s time to dive into Sonoma County’s highly anticipated feasts.
Two dozen local organizations have planned their annual crab feeds from mid-January through February. So grab your handy crab claw crackers and get ready for over a month of buttery, succulent, all-you-can-eat crab.
Penngrove Social Firemen, Jan. 17
The Penngrove Social Firemen’s annual benefit crab feed will start with cocktails at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m., Jan. 17, at the Penngrove Community Clubhouse. Dinner will include crab, salad, pasta and bread. Tickets are $85 per person. Proceeds support improvements to the Penngrove Park and Clubhouse. Purchase tickets at Penngrove Market or on Eventbrite by Jan. 15. 385 Woodward St., Penngrove. 707-318-2191, penngrovesocialfiremen.org
Montgomery Education Foundation Crab Feed, Jan. 17
Montgomery Education Foundation’s 16th annual crab feed, its biggest fundraiser of the year, will be held from 5:30-9 p.m., Jan. 17, at the Friedman Events Center in Santa Rosa. General admission is $76.54 and a VIP table for eight people is $855.50 (including fees); purchase general admission and VIP tickets by Jan. 15. VIP tables include two bottles of Champagne and/or wine, a dedicated server and a dessert plate. To-go dinners are also available for $49.87 and include salad, rolls, clam chowder and about a dozen crab legs and pieces. Purchase a to-go box by Jan. 17 for pickup from 5:30-6:30 p.m. the same day outside of the Friedman Center. Purchase tickets on Eventbrite. Friedman Center, 4676 Mayette Ave., Santa Rosa. montgomeryedfoundation.org
Russian River Rotary Crab Feed, Jan. 24
The Russian River Rotary’s 39th annual all-you-can-eat crab and pasta feed will double as a birthday party celebrating the club’s 95 years of serving the community. The event will be held from 4:30-8:30 p.m., Jan. 24, at Santa Rosa’s Friedman Events Center. Dinner will include all-you-can-eat crab, pasta, salad and a special dessert, plus local wines. There will also be live music, raffles, games and a live auction, with Sen. Mike McGuire returning as auctioneer. Tickets are $115 per person. A $1,500 sponsorship includes a table for 10, wine or Champagne, desserts, front area seating and promotion of your business. Purchase tickets and/or make a donation online. Friedman Center, 4676 Mayette Ave., Santa Rosa. 707-478-1805, russianriverrotary.org
Forestville Chamber of Commerce Crab Feed, Jan. 24
The Forestville Chamber of Commerce will host its annual crab feed starting at 5 p.m., Jan. 24, at Holy Ghost Hall in Sebastopol. Dinner starts at 6 p.m. and will include all-you-can-eat crab, pasta, salad and bread. Beer and wine will also be available for purchase. There will be a raffle and silent auction. Tickets are $75 per person. Call 707-481-3565 to purchase tickets. Holy Ghost Hall, 7960 Mill Station Road, Sebastopol. 707-481-3565, forestvillechamber.org
Ursuline Alumnae Association Crab Feed, Jan. 24
The Ursuline Alumnae Association will host its 14th annual crab feed starting at 5:30 p.m., Jan. 24, at the Cardinal Newman High School gymnasium in Santa Rosa. The feast will include all-you-can-eat fresh crab, pasta, salad, French bread and dessert. There will also be a no-host bar, raffle and three types of auctions (live, silent and dessert). Tickets are $75 per person and $575 for a table of eight. Proceeds benefit the Ursuline Alumnae Association scholarship fund. Purchase tickets online. Cardinal Newman High School, 4320 Old Redwood Highway, Santa Rosa. 707-953-6500, ursulinealumnaesr.org
Petaluma Woman’s Club Crab Feed, Jan. 30
The Petaluma Woman’s Club will host its annual crab feed, which includes live and silent auctions, from 5:30-9 p.m., Jan. 30, at its clubhouse. An auction preview will begin when doors open and dinner starts at 6:30 p.m., featuring fresh Dungeness crab, green salad with housemade Thousand Island dressing, French bread and butter, and a “Better Than Sex Cake” for dessert. Beer, wine and soda will also be available. The in-person dinner is $85 per person. A takeout-for-two option is available for $130, for pickup from 3-5 p.m. at the clubhouse. Proceeds benefits the Petaluma Woman’s Club Restoration Fund. Purchase tickets on Eventbrite. 518 B St., Petaluma. 707-762-4271, petalumawomansclub.com
Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay & Crab Feast, Jan. 30-31
Kendall-Jackson Wines will host its 21st annual Chardonnay and Crab Feast from 6-9 p.m., Jan. 30-31, at the Fulton winery. Dinner will include appetizers, Dungeness crab and family-style side dishes such as Caesar salad, charred broccolini, roasted potatoes and focaccia. The two-day, 21-and-over event will feature estate Chardonnay. Tickets are $175 per person and $140 for wine club members. Purchase tickets on Tock. 5007 Fulton Road, Santa Rosa. 707-571-8100, kj.com
Hanna Academy Crab Feed, Jan. 31
Hanna Academy’s second annual crab feed will take place from 5-9 p.m., Jan. 31, in the Hanna Center Auditorium in Sonoma. The event will include an all-you-can-eat crab dinner, specialty drinks and live entertainment. General admission tickets are now sold out, but people can donate to the Hanna Academy or become a sponsor for the event (sponsorships from $500–$10,000) online. Proceeds support the students of the special education nonpublic high school. 17000 Arnold Drive, Sonoma. 707-933-2560, hannaacademy.org
Petaluma Riding & Driving Club Crab Feed, Jan. 31
The Petaluma Riding & Driving Club will host its annual crab feed starting at 5 p.m. on Jan. 31 at its Skillman Lane clubhouse. Takeout orders will be available for pickup from 3-5 p.m. and a seated dinner starts at 6 p.m. The dinner will include fresh crab, pasta, salad, bread and dessert. There will also be a silent auction and no host bar. The in-person dinner is $80 per person and takeout dinners are $75. A wine corkage fee is $10. Purchase tickets online. 1820 Skillman Lane, Petaluma. 707-228-6736, petalumaridingclub.com
Piner High School Crab Feed, Jan. 31
The Piner High School Foundation will host its 18th annual crab feed starting at 5 p.m., Jan. 31, at the Friedman Event Center in Santa Rosa. A raffle and silent auction bids start at 5 p.m., when a no-host bar will be open with beer and wine. Dinner starts at 7 p.m. and will include appetizers, bread, salad, crab, pasta, dessert and coffee. Dinner is $75 per person. Purchase tickets online; at any Oliver’s Market locations; by calling Joan Fleck at 707-888-3995; or via a form mailed (with payment) to the Piner Hall of Fame at P.O. Box 12284, Santa Rosa, CA, 95406. Forms with payment should be received by Jan. 24. Friedman Center, 4676 Mayette Ave., Santa Rosa. pinerhighfoundation.org
Pacific Empire Chorus Crab Feed, Jan. 31
Petaluma’s Pacific Empire Chorus will host a crab feed from 5-9 p.m., Jan. 31, at the Petaluma Veterans Building. The event will include all-you-can-eat crab, pasta, salad, French bread and handmade desserts, as well as wine and Lagunitas beer. There will be auctions and a live a cappella show. Tickets are $80 for adults, $30 for children 10 and under, and $780 for a captain’s table for eight. Purchase tickets online. Petaluma Veterans Building, 1094 Petaluma Blvd. S., Petaluma. pacificempire.org
Great Sonoma Crab & Wine Fest, Feb. 7
The Sonoma County Farm Bureau will host its 36th annual Great Sonoma Crab & Wine Fest starting at 4 p.m., Feb. 7, at the Sonoma County Event Center at the Fairgrounds. Reception and silent auction starts at 4 p.m. in the Hall of Flowers. Dinner and a live auction starts at 6:30 p.m. at Grace Pavilion. Proceeds from the event support the Farm Bureau’s agricultural education programs. Tickets are $165 per person and include two bottles of gold medal-winning wines along with the full crab dinner. Sponsorships featuring a number of VIP perks are also available, from $1,650–$4,500. Purchase tickets online. Sonoma County Event Center at the Fairgrounds, 1450 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. 707-544-5575, sonomafb.org
Annual Forestry Crab Feed, Feb. 7
The 63rd annual Forestry Crab Feed — a benefit for the employees of The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) — will be held from 5-10 p.m., Feb. 7, at Holy Ghost Hall in Sebastopol. Dinner will include all-you-can-eat crab cioppino, marinated crab, shrimp salad, garlic bread and wine. There will be a raffle, silent auction, cash bar and live DJ music. Tickets are $100 per person. Purchase tickets online. Holy Ghost Hall, 7960 Mill Station Road, Sebastopol. forestrycrabfeed.com
Rancho Adobe Firefighters Association Crab Feed, Feb. 7
The Rancho Adobe Firefighters Association will host its annual crab feed starting at 6 p.m., Feb. 7, at the Penngrove Clubhouse. The event will include all-you-can-eat crab, a raffle, live entertainment and a chance to meet local firefighters. Tickets are $75 per person. Purchase tickets at the Penngrove fire station at 11000 Main St., Penngrove. Penngrove Clubhouse, 385 Woodward St., Penngrove. 707-795-6011, rafd.org
Maria Carrillo Athletics Crab Feed, Feb. 7
The Puma Athletic Booster Club will host its 28th annual crab feed and auction benefiting Maria Carrillo High School athletics programs starting at 5 p.m., Feb. 7, at the Friedman Event Center in Santa Rosa. Enjoy a crab dinner with all the fixings and bid on items in the silent and live auctions. The event is 21 and over only. Tickets are $85 per person, $100 for reserved VIP seating and $1,000 for a Puma Pride table for eight. Sponsorships are available from $250–$5,000. Purchase tickets online. Friedman Center, 4676 Mayette Ave., Santa Rosa. mchspab.org
Sebastopol Rotary Club Crab Feed, Feb. 14
The Rotary Club of Sebastopol will host its annual crab feed with seatings at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., Feb. 14, at Holy Ghost Hall in Sebastopol. The four-course Valentine’s Day dinner will include crab, salad, clam chowder, sourdough bread and dessert. There will also be live music, raffles and a no-host bar. Proceeds support the rotary’s Mark Sell Teacher Grant Program. Early bird tickets are $85 per person and tickets will be $90 after Jan. 31. Purchase tickets online. Holy Ghost Hall, 7960 Mill Station Road, Sebastopol. sebastopolrotary.com
Rohnert Park Chamber Crab Feed, Feb. 14
The Rohnert Park Chamber of Commerce will host its annual ‘Hot’ Crab Feed Fundraiser from 5-9 p.m., Feb. 14, at the Rohnert Park Community Center. Dinner will include all-you-can-eat crab (served hot), bread, salad and Mary’s Pizza Shack pasta, plus dessert and a no-host bar. There will be games and raffle prizes. Tickets are $85 presale and $95 after Jan. 16. VIP sponsorships are available, from $900–$1,100. Purchase tickets online. Rohnert Park Community Center, 5401 Synder Lane, Rohnert Park. 707-584-1415, rohnertparkchamber.org
Bodega Bay Grange Crab Cioppino, Feb. 15
The Bodega Bay Grange will host its annual Crab Cioppino from noon to 5 p.m., Feb. 15, at Bodega Bay Grange Hall. Dinner will include all-you-can-eat Dungeness crab cioppino, cold-marinated crab, green salad, garlic bread, ice cream and cookies. You can bring your own beer or wine ($10 corkage fee) and other refreshments will be sold on site. Proceeds support the Bodega Bay Grange, including scholarships for local students. Seating times are at noon, 1:45 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $95 per person, plus fees. Purchase tickets on Eventbrite. 1370 Bodega Ave., Bodega Bay. 707-875-3616, bodegabaygrange.org
Rotary Club of Petaluma Crab Feed, Feb. 20
The Petaluma Rotary Club will host its 54th annual crab feed with a no-host bar from 5:30-8:30 p.m., Feb. 20, at the Petaluma Veterans Building. Dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. and will include all-you-can-eat crab, salad, pasta, rolls and dessert. There will be a live auction to benefit the Petaluma Boulevard South Roundabout Beautification Project. General admission is $115 per person and includes two drink tickets. Purchase tickets on Eventbrite. Petaluma Veterans Building, 1094 Petaluma Blvd. S., Petaluma. rotaryclubofpetaluma.com
Rotary Club of Rohnert Park-Cotati Crab Feed & Seafood Festival, Feb. 21
The Rotary Club of Rohnert Park-Cotati will host its seventh annual Crab Feed & Seafood Festival starting at 5 p.m., Feb. 21, at Sally Tomatoes in Rohnert Park. Dinner will include cracked Dungeness crab, New England-style clam chowder, Bay Shrimp Louie salad and garlic bread. There will be raffles as well as live, silent and dessert auctions. Early bird tickets are $90 per person until Jan. 31 and $100 per person starting Feb. 1. There are also sponsor tables available that include eight crab meals, early entry with appetizers and two bottles of wine with dinner. Sponsor tables are $1,000 until Jan. 31, after which they’ll be $1,100. Purchase tickets online. Sally Tomatoes Event Center, 1100 Valley House Drive, Rohnert Park. 707-228-0364, rotaryrpc.org
Gary Farrell Crab Dinner, Feb. 21
Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery will host its 19th annual crab dinner from 5:30-9:30 p.m., Feb. 21, in the winery’s barrel room. Winemaker Brent McKoy and the winery team will craft a crab feast paired with library selections of Gary Farrell Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Tickets are $300 per person and $275 for club members. Purchase tickets on Tock. 10701 Westside Road, Healdsburg. 707-473-2909, garyfarrellwinery.com
Redwood Empire Active 20-30 Crab Feed for Kids, Feb. 21
The Active 20-30 Club of the Redwood Empire #1029 will host its 23rd annual crab feed fundraiser for kids from 5-10 p.m., Feb. 21, at the Friedman Events Center in Santa Rosa. The 21-and-over event will include all-you-can-eat crab, cocktails, a silent auction and dessert auction. Proceeds benefit programs for local, disadvantaged youth. General admission is $110 per person and a table for eight is $875. Sponsorship opportunities are available from $1,250–$2,250. Purchase tickets on Eventbrite. Friedman Center, 4676 Mayette Ave., Santa Rosa. redwoodempire1029.com
Sonoma County Democratic Party Crab Feed, Feb. 27
The Sonoma County Democratic Party will host its 38th annual crab feed and fundraiser from 5:30-9 p.m., Feb. 27, at Graton Resort & Casino in Rohnert Park. Dinner will include crab, pasta, salad and Sonoma County wines. Tickets are $80 per person, and sponsorships are available from $250–$3,000. Purchase tickets online. Graton Resort and Casino, 288 Golf Course Drive W., Rohnert Park. 707-575-3029, sonomademocrats.org
Becoming Independent Crab Feed, Feb. 28
Local nonprofit Becoming Independent will host a crab feed to support its programs and resources from 5-8 p.m., Feb. 28. The evening will include a crab feast, drinks, raffles, and live music and performances. Tickets are $75 per person. Purchase tickets online. 1455 Corporate Center Parkway, Santa Rosa. 707-524-6600, becomingindependent.org