Click through the gallery above for our picks for what to do in Sonoma County in September and October.
11 Fun Things to Do in Sonoma County in September & October
Looking for something fun to do in Sonoma County? Here are some top picks for September and October.
SEPTEMBER 11-16: Sonoma Plein Air Festival
The 15th anniversary salute to the art of painting outdoors will feature 36 internationally known artists who will spend the week painting in Sonoma County. The week culminates with a gala dinner and auction Sept. 15 at Buena Vista Winery in Sonoma, and a daylong free art show and sale Sept. 16 at Sonoma Plaza. sonomapleinair.com (Courtesy photo)
SEPTEMBER 16: Petaluma River Craft Beer Festival
Let’s hear it for hometown brews. Taste the best from 23 local breweries in historic downtown Petaluma at the city’s fifth annual salute to beer with a down-home flavor, and food created to go with the beer. Presented by the Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Petaluma Valley. 1-5 p.m. General admission: $40; designated driver: $20. Water Street, downtown Petaluma. 707-762-2785, petalumarivercraftbeerfest.org (Photo courtesy of Petaluma Chamber of Commerce)
SEPTEMBER 17: Sonoma Valley Uncorked
This popular wine and food tasting event features more than 40 wines produced by amateur Sonoma Valley winemakers. It includes a silent auction of gifts and experiences. 2-5 p.m. $40 in advance; $50 at the door. Sonoma Veterans Memorial Hall, 126 First St. W., Sonoma, sonomavalleyuncorked.eventbrlte.com
SEPTEMBER 20-25: Wine Country Film Festival
This annual celebration of the unique pairing of wine and cinema brings dozens of films of all genres from all over the world, shown at a variety of Sonoma Valley venues, including wineries. Tickets and full schedule at wcff.us
SEPTEMBER 23: Call of the Wild Gala
Performers bring the characters of author Jack London's most beloved works to life under the stars at this fundraiser in the winery ruins at Jack London State Historic Park. Enjoy a sampling of artisanal whiskeys, followed by dinner prepared by Stellar Catering, with wines from Kenwood Vineyards. 6-10 p.m., $200, Jack London State Historic Park, 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen. 707-938-1003, jacklondonpark.com (Photo by Alvin Jornada)
SEPTEMBER 23: EarleFest
Catch big-name acts including Los Lobos, the California Honeydrops, singer-songwriter Tift Merritt and guitarist Nina Gerber, with Pam Delgado and Jeri Jones, on the main stage at this annual all-day outdoor benefit event for the Earle Baum Center of the Blind, presented by SOMO Concerts. A second stage features local acts including Arielle, the Timothy O'Neil Band, Dirty Cello and Emily Lois. Gates open at 3 p.m. and music starts at 3:30. Tickets cost $55 in advance, or $65 the day of the show. SOMO [Sonoma Mountain] Village Event Center, 1100 Valley House Drive, Rohnert Park, earlefest.com
OCTOBER 1: Kendall-Jackson Harvest Celebration
After 20 years of hosting the popular Heirloom Tomato Festival — devoted to “wine and all things tomato” — the Kendall Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens broadens its focus to launch this celebration of the bounty of the harvest. Enjoy fresh produce, including tomatoes, as well as wine, food, live music, seminars and demonstrations. $125, $175 with a box of assorted heirloom vegetables. Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens, 5007 Fulton Road, Fulton, 800-769-3649, kj.com
OCTOBER 6-8: Sonoma County Harvest Fair
Now in its 43rd year, the county’s fall festival showcases world-class wines, award-winning beer and a taste of local cuisine. You must be 21 or older to visit the Grand Harvest Tasting Pavilion, open from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 6 and 1-4 p.m. Oct. 7-8. Admission to the pavilion costs $60 in advance or $65 at the event, and includes festival admission. Festival hours are 4-9 p.m. Oct. 6 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 7-8. Gate admission: $65. Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, 707-545-4200, harvestfair.org
OCTOBER 14-15 AND 21-22: Tolay Fall Festival
It just wouldn’t be fall in Sonoma County without this iconic annual event, offering two weekends of outdoor family fun that include hay rides, a pumpkin patch, farm animals to pet, a replica of a Native American Village, food vendors, picnicking and more. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $5 for adults; $3 for children age 12 and younger. Tolay Regional Park, 5869 Lakeville Highway, Petaluma, 707-565-2041, parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov
OCTOBER 19-22: Alexander Valley Film Festival
Expecting to host more than 40 screenings and events during its third annual gathering, the festival is expanding to include a screenwriter’s panel and an extra full day of films. Venues include the Raven Film Center in Healdsburg and the Clover Theater in Cloverdale. Tickets and schedule at avilmsociety.org
OCTOBER 21: Fünkendänk Oktoberfest
SOMO Concerts presents live music by The Motet, Dragon Smoke, Afrolicious, Frobeck, The Pulsators and Saell, plus beer from two dozen top Northern California breweries. Doors open and the music starts at 3 p.m. Ages 21 and up, $49-$140. SOMO (Sonoma Mountain) Village Event Center, 1400 Valley House Drive, Rohnert Park, funkendank.net
