Things to Do in Sonoma County this Weekend

Coming up this weekend is the GoPro Grand Prix at Sonoma Raceway, Water Bark at Spring Lake, the Petaluma River Craft Beer Festival and more. Where will you be?

Spring Lake Park’s Water Bark starts this Sunday, Sept. 17. (PD FILE)

Spring Lake Park's Water Bark starts this Sunday, Sept. 17. (PD FILE)
Spring Lake Park’s Water Bark starts this Sunday, Sept. 17.

Clear your calendars for these fun upcoming events. This Saturday is the Petaluma River Craft Beer Festival. Also on Saturday is EarleFest, with headliner Lucinda Williams. On Sunday is the Poetry Walk through Petaluma, and the dog-friendly Water Bark at Spring Lake. All this and more is in our list of things to do.

FRIDAY, Sept. 16

Sonoma Valley Crush: Eleven boutique wineries are taking part in this annual event, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what happens during harvest. During the three day event, guests will be able to taste fermenting wine, sample grapes and juices, tour wineries and more. The event takes place 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $10-$45. Find out more at www.heartofsonomavalley.com. (Sept. 16-18)

(Photo by John Burgess)
Eleven boutique wineries are taking part in Sonoma Valley Crush, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what happens during harvest. (Photo by John Burgess)

North Bay Cabaret: The topic of sexuality comes out of the bedroom and onto the stage when North Bay Cabaret presents their latest variety show, “SeXtember” at Whiskey Tip in Santa Rosa. Through burlesque, standup, spoken word and more, the event addresses all angles of modern sex culture. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show takes place 8-11 p.m., with dancing and DJ’d music from 11 p.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are $10-$15. Find out more at sextember.brownpapertickets.com.

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The North Bay Cabaret will be performing at the Whiskey Tip in Santa Rosa on Friday. (Photo by Estefany Gonzalez)

GoPro Grand Prix of Sonoma: The series finale to this Sonoma Raceway’s 2016 racing schedule will be full throttle this weekend with the Verizon IndyCar Series. The fun starts Friday and continues through Sunday with racing, autograph sessions, ride-alongs, and more. Entertainment includes the Patriots Jet Team Air Show, retro dance hits with the Pop Rocks, Q&A sessions with several racers and tons of fun. Find out all the details at sonomaraceway.com. (Sept. 16-18)

Movies in the Park: Howarth Park presents an outdoor showing of “Zootopia” this Friday for its final Movies in the Park event. The free movie includes pre-show entertainment and opportunity to purchase food from vendors. The movie begins at dusk, around 7:45 p.m. Find out all the details at pd2go.net/HowarthMoviesInThePark.

Movies in the Park
Howarth Park presents an outdoor showing of “Zootopia” this Friday for its final Movies in the Park event on Friday.

SATURDAY, Sept. 17

Into the Forest: Healdsburg author Jean Hegland will discuss her book, “Into the Forest,” after the 7:10 p.m. Saturday and the 1:15 p.m. Sunday film adaptation screening at Rialto Cinemas in Sebastopol. The Sunday showing will also include time for book signings. $10.75 movie admission. rialtocinemas.com/sebastopol. (Sept. 17-18)
See Dan Taylor’s article about Jean Hegland and this event here.

Petaluma River Craft Beer Festival: This Saturday, enjoy quality craft beer by local purveyors at the 4th annual Petaluma River Craft Beer Festival. Taking place 1-5 p.m. on the Water Street plaza, the event features 20 local brewers, plus additional brewers from neighboring communities. New this year will be cider, kombucha and more, plus delicious food from Petaluma eateries and live music from local bands. Tasting tickets are $40, or $20 for designated drivers. More information at www.petalumrivercraftbeerfest.org.

EarleFest: The popular concert benefiting the Earle Baum Center of the Blind has moved to SOMO Village, with acts that include Lucinda Williams, The Mavericks, The Paladins and Girls + Boys. Doors open at 1 p.m., and the show starts at 2 p.m. Tickets are $55-$65. Find out more at earlefest.com.
See Michael Shapiro’s story on Lucinda Williams here.

(Photo by Katie Ging)
On Saturday, watch North Coast Ballet’s dance exhibition as they celebrate 35 years and a new name. (Photo by Katie Ging)

Sonoma County Oktoberfest: Germany and Sonoma County collide in this celebration of German beer and locally-sourced foods From 1-5 p.m., enjoy an afternoon of beer, food and music. Tickets are $25-$50. Find out more at socoof.com.

The Princess Bride at the Drive-In: “As you wish,” my friends. Watch the cult classic film starring Cary Elwes and Robin Wright on the big screen from the comfort of your own car. This Saturday, park at the Citrus Fair Fairgrounds for pre-show entertainment and a movie, plus food and drinks from Healdsburger, Bear Republic and more. Pre-sale tickets are $50/car, or $15/person without a car (bring a lawn chair). Find out more at avfilmsociety.org.

At Twilight, A Celebration of the Arts: This Saturday, watch North Coast Ballet’s dance exhibition as they celebrate 35 years and a new name. As well, enjoy tastings from local food and beverage purveyors, and relax to live music under the stars. The event begins at 7 p.m. at the Petaluma Arts Center, and tickets are $55. Find out more at petalumaschoolofballet.com, and purchase tickets at eventbrite.com.
See Dan Taylor’s story on this event here.

Safety event at Petaluma Outlets: This Saturday, Old Navy is partnering with Missing and Exploited Children for a community event geared toward safety. From noon to 2 p.m., Old Navy is hosting the Petaluma Police Dept. and Fire Dept. for a meet and greet, and to answer questions about safety. For more information, call Lisa at (707) 782-0103, or visit missingkids.org.

(Photo by John Burgess)
Dogs are invited for off-leash fun and swimming at Spring Lake Swimming Lagoon during Water Bark on Sunday. (Photo by John Burgess)

SUNDAY, Sept. 18

Petaluma Poetry Walk: In its 21st year, local poets share their work at various stops around Petaluma, starting at 11 a.m. The free event shines a spotlight on the literary talent of more than 20 poets, with events at Copperfield’s, Aqus Cafe, Phoenix Theatre and more. Find out all the details and a schedule of events at petalumapoetrywalk.org.

Water Bark at Spring Lake: This Sunday starts the annual event every dog anticipates. From 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., dogs are invited for off-leash fun and swimming at Spring Lake Swimming Lagoon. Entry fee is $5-$7, plus applicable parking fees. Other dates include Sept. 24-25, plus a “Mellow Monday” event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for owners looking to enjoy a calmer experience. Find out more at waterbark2016.brownpapertickets.com.

Holocaust performance at Congregation Beth Ami: The Santa Rosa Jewish congregation presents the musical performance, “Erased: Babi Yar, the SS and Me,” this Sunday at 2 p.m.. The musical, written by Bay Area songrwiter and clarinet player, Corey Weinstein, coincides with the 75th anniversary of the gunfire massacre in the Babi Yar ravine during WWII. The performance is free, though donations will be accepted. Find out more at bethamisr.org.

Other upcoming events:

(Photo courtesy of Nitty Gritty Dirt Band)
Country rock with iconic Nitty Gritty Dirt Band on Monday at Weill Hall and Lawn, Green Music Center. (Photo courtesy of Nitty Gritty Dirt Band)

Friday, Sept. 16

‘50 Years of Dirt’: Country rock with iconic Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, 7:30 p.m., Weill Hall and Lawn, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $25-$65. (866) 955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.

‘Baskerville’: Sherlock Homes mystery, opens 8 p.m., runs through Oct. 9, Spreckels Theatre, Rohnert Park. $16-$26. 588-3400, ci.rohnert-park.ca.us.

Saturday, Sept. 17

The B-52s: Summer concert series season finale, 5 p.m. Saturday, Rodney Strong Vineyards, Healdsburg. $84-$129. 431-1533, rodneystrong.com.

Old Grove Festival: Poor Man’s Whiskey hootenanny band, 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Armstrong Woods Redwood Forest Theater, Guerneville. $10-$75. stewardscr.org.

Latino Heritage Month Fiesta: Outdoor event with authentic food, music, games and activities, 1-7 p.m. Sunday, Luther Burbank Center, Santa Rosa. Free. 800-7512, lutherburbankcenter.org.

Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally: Music and comedy, strong adult content, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Weill Hall and Lawn, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $25-$65. (866) 955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.

Burrofest 2016: Sonoma County youth rockers, 12:30 p.m. Sunday, HopMonk Tavern, Sebastopol. $10. 829-7300, hopmonk-sebastopol.ticketfly.com.

Monday, Sept. 19

Ottmar Liebert & Luna Negra: Grammy-nominated Spanish-influenced guitarist and his band, 8:30 p.m. Monday, Mystic Theatre, Petaluma. $27. 765-2121, mystictheatre.com.

Tuesday, Sept. 20

Business Expo at Forestville Farmers Market: Network with other local businesses while enjoying local produce, specialty foods and drinks, hand-crafted jewelry and gifts and more. 4-7 p.m. 6990 Front St., Forestville. forestvillefarmersmarket.com

‘Richard II’: Shakespeare tragedy screened from London’s Globe Theatre, 1 and 7 p.m. Tuesday, Rialto Cinemas, Sebastopol. $18-$25. 525-4840, rialtocinemas.com.

Wednesday, Sept. 21

Iron & Wine: Singer-songwriter Sam Beam, plus Ryley Walker, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Gundlach Bundschu Winery, Sonoma. $45. gunbun.ticketfly.com.

‘Jackass’: Cast members of ‘Jackass’ reality TV show recount pranks and tales, 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Mystic Theatre, Petaluma. $37-$47. 765-2121, mystictheatre.com.

Thursday, Sept. 22

Sonoma Grown Showcase: ‘Krush Backyard Concert Series’ season finale, 6 p.m. Thursday, KRSH radio, Santa Rosa. Free. krsh.com.

Ann Patchett: Discussion and book signing with ‘Commonwealth’ author, 7 p.m. Thursday, Luther Burbank Center, Santa Rosa. $46, including book. 546-3600, lutherburbankcenter.org.

Kingsborough: Santa Rosa band’s modern twist on American rock, 5-8 p.m. Thursday, The Barlow Street Fair, Sebastopol. Free. 824-5600, thebarlow.net.

Unauthorized Rolling Stones: Tribute band, ‘Concert Under the Stars,’ 5:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Village Court, Montgomery Village, Santa Rosa. Free. 545-3844, mvshops.com.

Wine Country Film Festival 30th Anniversary: International and independent films, events and live music, Thursday through Sept. 25, various times and Kenwood locations. $10-$75. 935-3456, wcff.us.

Friday, Sept. 23

‘Sweeney Todd’: Opening night of the Steven Sondheim musical, 8 p.m. Sept. 23, Raven Performing Arts Theater, Healdsburg. Runs through Oct. 9. $10-$30. raventheater.org.

‘Run for your Wife’: Farce about a cabbie with two wives, opening night, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23, Cloverdale Performing Arts Center. Through Oct. 9. $12-$22. cloverdaleperformingarts.com.

Terrie Odabi: Blues and soul singer and the Evolution Blues Band, 7 p.m. Sept. 23, Studio Barndiva Gallery, Healdsburg. $40. barndiva.com.

Saturday, Sept. 24

Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival: Wine tasting, grape stomp, art, music, kids’ activities, 11 a.m., 8 p.m. light parade Sept. 24, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 25, Sonoma Plaza. Free. valleyofthemoonvintagefestival.com.

Santa Rosa Toy & Comic Con: More than 200 booths, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 24, Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa. $15, $25 at 9 a.m. santarosatoycon.com.

Soul Fuse: Funk, soul and fusion band, KRCB ‘Concerts in the Garden’ season closer, 4-6 p.m. Sept. 24, Chroma Gallery, Santa Rosa. Free. 293-6051, chromagallery.net.

Weekend Along the Farm Trails: Farm visits, tastes, tours and demonstrations, various hours, Sept. 24-25, Sonoma County farms. Free or nominal fees. 837-8896, farmtrails.org.

Kendall-Jackson Heirloom Tomato Festival: Food, wine, live music and 150-plus heritage tomato varieties, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Sept. 24, Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens, Fulton. $95. kj.com/visit-tomato-festival.

Chris Young: Country singer-songwriter, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 24, Weill Hall and Lawn, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $45-$85. (866) 955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.

Wings Over Wine Country: Pacific Coast Air Museum airshow, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 24-25, Sonoma County Airport, Santa Rosa. $8-$18. 566-8380, wingsoverwinecountry.org.

Sunday, Sept. 25

Elizabeth Pitcairn and the Red Violin: Benefit recital and reception with the virtuoso violinist, 5-8 p.m. Sept. 25, Sonoma Valley Museum of Art. $175. 939-7862, svma.org.

Sonoma County Harvest Fair Awards Night: Gourmet dinner, awards and agricultural honorees, 4 p.m. Sept. 25, Luther Burbank Center, Santa Rosa. $125. 545-4200, harvestfair.org.