Sonoma County Features: Weekender - Oct. 17

Your Weekly Guide to Events, Stargazing and Service

Oct 17, 2025

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SONOMA COUNTY, Calif. — Welcome to the Sonoma County Features Weekender, your guide to local events and experiences. Each Friday we deliver a quick-scan format organized into three sections: Around the County for festivals, concerts and other gatherings; Farmers Markets around the region; In the Sky for night-sky highlights; and Lend a Hand for volunteer opportunities. This edition offers options from free to affordable to suit a range of interests. New events since the last issue are marked (N) while recurring ones are tagged (R) for easy reference.

Have an event, community gathering or opportunity we missed? Email us at SonomaCountyFeatures@gmail.com.

Around the County

(R) Hands-On Cheesemaking Classes at The Epicurean Connection
Recurring weekly, Thursday–Saturday, through Dec. 20, noon–2 p.m. and 3:30–5:30 p.m. Cheesemaker Sheana Davis and wine educator Ben Sessions lead interactive cheesemaking workshops at The Epicurean Connection in Sonoma. Guests craft a 2- to 3-pound wheel of crème de ricotta, sample artisan cheeses, enjoy a glass of rosé and take home supplies that include a cheese cloth, ladle, recipe card and cheese trail map. $125. More info at the website, email sheanadavis@gmail.com or 707-235-9530. The Epicurean Connection, 19670 Eighth St. E., Sonoma.

(R) A Taste of Sonoma Bike Tour
Recurring weekly Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sonoma Adventures leads a guided full-day bike or e-bike ride through the vineyards and backroads of Sonoma Valley, with stops at local wineries and tasting rooms. The tour includes a catered picnic lunch from Sonoma’s Best Gourmet Deli, featuring artisan sandwiches, fruit and dessert, served on winery grounds overlooking the vineyards. Riders cover 3 to 5 miles between tastings, with options to visit additional olive oil, brewery or boutique tasting rooms. $179 per person. More info at the website, email office@sonoma-adventures.com or 707-938-2080. Sonoma Adventures, 1254 Broadway, Suite A, Sonoma.

(N) Flynn Creek Circus: “The Bridge”
Thursday–Sunday, Oct. 16–19, various times. Flynn Creek Circus returns to Sebastopol with “The Bridge,” an original, family-friendly tale inspired by Nordic legend and the theme of connection. The 2025 show features acrobatic stunts, comedy and colorful characters including a troll, a goat and a wolf. Select evening performances are “Adults Only” versions with a raucous twist. Beer, wine and light concessions available for purchase; free parking on-site. Tickets range from $23 to $190 depending on seating. More info at the website. Sebastopol Grange, 6000 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol.

“The Bridge” at the Flynn Creek Circus in Calistoga, 2025 — Tim Carl Photo

(R) Harvest Moon Classic Dog Show at Sonoma County Fairgrounds
Friday–Sunday, Oct. 17–19, times vary. ABBA Dogs presents a four-day dog agility trial at the fairgrounds featuring Standard, jumpers with weaves, FAST and Time 2 Beat classes, with Premier/Master/Excellent on Thursday and full slates Friday through Sunday. Entry fee $25 per run. More information at the website. lorie45abbott@gmail.com. Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa.

(N) Hitchcock Film Festival 2025
Friday–Saturday, Oct. 17–18, 5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. The Bodega Bay Area Chamber of Commerce presents a two-day celebration of Alfred Hitchcock’s films at Bodega Bay Grange Hall. Friday evening features “The Birds” with doors at 5:30 p.m. and screening at 7 p.m. Saturday includes a 3:30 p.m. matinee of “The Trouble With Harry,” followed by a 7 p.m. showing of “The Birds.” Cocktails, beer, wine and concessions will be available. The festival raises funds for Grange Hall kitchen restoration and arts programs at Bodega Bay Elementary and Tomales Elementary. Tickets from $23.18. More info at the website. Bodega Bay Grange Hall No. 777, 1370 Bodega Ave., Bodega Bay.

(N) Sonoma County Art Trails Open Studios Experience
Saturday–Sunday, Oct. 18–19, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sonoma County Art Trails, the county’s largest open studios tour, returns for its 41st year with 155 juried artists opening their workspaces to the public. Visitors can explore studios across the county, meet artists and view works in the environments where they are created. Admission is free. More info at the website. Contact plenaerts@sebarts.org. Multiple participating studios, Sonoma County.

(R) FieldNotes at SingleThread Farm
Saturday, Oct. 18, 9 a.m.–10 p.m. SingleThread Farm in Healdsburg hosts FieldNotes, a one-day gathering of chefs, farmers, artisans and community members featuring hands-on workshops, shared meals and conversations on food, farming and sustainability. The day program includes two small-group workshops, a family-style garden lunch with Kansas-style barbecue by Chef Darryl Bell and an afternoon panel moderated by journalist Guy Raz. The evening begins with a Champagne reception and canapés, followed by a six-course collaboration dinner led by Chef Kyle Connaughton with guest chefs Matthew Kammerer, Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski. Day program $195, evening dinner $590–$1,180. More information at the website. SingleThread Farm, 2836 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg.

(N) Free Movie Night at Sebastiani Theatre
Thursday, Oct. 23, 6–9 p.m. Sonoma Home Winemakers marks its 40th year with a screening of Joe Daniel’s documentary “Tiny Vineyards,” a look at local hobby winemaking through the seasons. Free admission with RSVP; wine tasting available with purchase of a commemorative glass. More info at the website. Contact sonomahomewine@gmail.com. Sebastiani Theatre, 476 First St. E., Sonoma.

(N) Halloween Paint Night at Korbel
Friday, Oct. 24, 5:30–8:30 p.m. Korbel Champagne Cellars hosts an evening of painting, champagne and Halloween fun. Guests can create seasonal art while enjoying a glass of Korbel California champagne, with snacks and additional bubbles available for purchase. A costume contest will award a prize for the best look. Tickets are $60 per person, $55 for wine club members, advance purchase required. All guests must be 21 and over. More information at the website. Contact wineclub@korbel.com or 707-824-7000. Korbel Champagne Cellars, 13250 River Road, Guerneville.

(N) Wine & Art: A Sensory Celebration of Petaluma’s Harvest and Artisans
Saturday, Oct. 25, 4–7 p.m. The Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance and Petaluma Arts Center present a new collaborative event celebrating local art and wine. Guests begin at the Petaluma Arts Center with an exhibit preview and toast before boarding shuttles to Beaumont Farms for wine tasting, a silent auction of painted wine barrels and a night-sky viewing experience. Participating wineries include Adobe Road, Blue Farm and MacRostie among others. Tickets $101.34. More info at the website. Petaluma Arts Center and Beaumont Farms, 230 Lakeville St., Petaluma.

(N) Rocktoberfest
Saturday, Oct. 25, 6–9 p.m. Vintage House in Sonoma hosts Rocktoberfest, where Oktoberfest spirit meets Halloween in a night of live rock music, dancing and costumes. The event includes two bars, food from a local truck and a “Dress as Your Favorite Rock Star” contest. Costumes encouraged but not required. Tickets $20 online or $30 at the door. More info at the website. Vintage House, 264 First St. E., Sonoma.

(N) Wizards of Elixirs Cocktail Competition
Tuesday, Oct. 28, 5:30–8:30 p.m. The Perfect Purée of Napa Valley and Charbay Distillery present the seventh annual cocktail competition at Brewsters Beer Garden in Petaluma. Seventeen bartending teams from wine country will serve Halloween-themed creations, with costumes encouraged and prizes for best dressed. VIP admission is $65 with 5:30 p.m. entry, general admission $40 in advance or $45 at the door with 6:30 p.m. entry. Guests must be 21 and over. Proceeds benefit Una Vida. For more information call 617-233-8024, email debbie@drinkpr.com or visit their website. 229 Water St., Petaluma.

(N) Jordan Winery Events
Experience a season of refined wine country hospitality at Jordan Winery in Healdsburg, where elegant dining, wellness, and afternoon indulgence take center stage this November.

An Evening of French Elegance – Friday, Nov. 7, 6:30–9:30 p.m. A formal multi-course dinner celebrating the art of French gastronomy, featuring Champagne and caviar reception, seasonal ingredients, black truffles, and Jordan vintages in the Jordan Dining Room. Formal black-tie attire encouraged. $295 per person; member pricing from $200–$250.
Yoga at Vista Point – Sunday, Nov. 9, 9:45 a.m.–noon. A rejuvenating morning yoga experience atop the winery’s Vista Point hilltop with panoramic vineyard views, followed by breakfast bites and Jordan wines. Guests should bring yoga mats and water bottles. $75 per person.
Afternoon Fall Tea – Friday, Nov. 14, 3:30–5 p.m. A refined tea service featuring sandwiches, petits fours, and foraged teas paired with Jordan Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. The afternoon begins with a garden-inspired tisane in the Oak Tank Room. $95 per person.

For more information visit their website, call 707-431-5250 or email reservations@jordanwinery.com. Jordan Winery, 1474 Alexander Valley Rd., Healdsburg.

(N) Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue
Saturday, Nov. 8, 7:30 p.m. The touring stage comedy “Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue” brings Dorothy, Blanche, Rose and Sophia back to the stage in a new storyline filled with sharp humor and outrageous twists. Featuring a cast of comedic actors and a set inspired by the iconic TV show, the production offers fans a chance to relive the spirit of the beloved sitcom. Tickets start at $35, with VIP packages including premium seats and photo opportunities on the set. More information at the website. Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa.

(N) WinterBlast
Saturday, Nov. 15, 3–8 p.m. WinterBlast returns to Santa Rosa’s SofA Arts District with a nighttime procession of decorated sofas, stilt walkers, marching bands and lanterns to celebrate the coming winter season. The event features food, live music, art studio open houses and family-friendly activities throughout the evening. Free admission. More info at the website. Contact winterblast@srurbanarts.org. SofA Arts District, Santa Rosa.

Have an event, community gathering or opportunity we missed? Email us at SonomaCountyFeatures@gmail.com.

Farmers Markets

(R) Sonoma Valley Certified Farmers Market
Fridays, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Long-running Friday morning market with local produce and goods. Find more details on their website. 284 First St. W., Sonoma.

(R) Rohnert Park Certified Farmers Market
Fridays, 5 to 8 p.m.
Seasonal evening market featuring produce, artisan vendors and family-friendly booths. More information is available on their website. 500 City Center Drive, Rohnert Park.

(R) Healdsburg Certified Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to noon
Saturday market at the West Plaza lot with local produce, flowers, baked goods and crafts. For more information, visit the organization's website. 1 North St., Healdsburg.

(R) Petaluma Walnut Park Farmers Market
Saturdays, 2 to 5 p.m.
Afternoon market with fresh produce, baked goods and live music. More information is available on their website. Walnut Park, D Street at Fourth Street S., Petaluma.

(R) Sebastopol Farmers Market
Sundays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Weekly downtown market with local produce, crafts and live music. Find more details on their website. 6908 Weeks Way, Sebastopol.

(R) Cloverdale Certified Farmers Market
Sundays, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sunday market featuring produce, honey, baked goods and flowers. Website. North Cloverdale Boulevard at West Second Street, Cloverdale.

(R) Bodega Bay Community Farmers Market
Sundays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Coastal market with seafood, produce and seasonal goods behind the community center. Find more details on their website. 2255 Highway 1, Bodega Bay.

(R) Cotati Community Farmers Market
Wednesdays, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Midweek market in the plaza with fresh food, handmade goods and music. More information is available on their website. La Plaza Park, Cotati.

(R) Occidental Community Farmers Market
Thursdays, 4 to 8 p.m.
Small-town evening market with live music and fresh food. Visit their website for more information. Downtown Occidental.

In the Sky

October

Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS)
Predawn hours, through October
Predicted to become very bright, possibly visible to the naked eye as it passes through the inner solar system. Look east near Leo, Virgo or Hydra. Could be one of the year’s most spectacular events if brightness predictions hold.

Orionid Meteor Shower Peak

Oct. 21–22, after midnight. Produces about 20 meteors per hour at its peak. Known for their bright and fast meteors originating from Halley’s Comet debris. The moon will be about 37% illuminated during this time but should not interfere significantly with meteor viewing.

New Moon

Oct. 22, all night. A moonless night provides excellent conditions for observing faint deep-sky objects such as galaxies and nebulae under dark skies.

Full Hunter’s Moon

Oct. 28, moonrise around 6:30 p.m. Traditionally marks hunting preparations for winter. Great for capturing detailed lunar shots or atmospheric moonlit landscapes.

Lend a Hand

Mentor Me – Petaluma People Services
Mentor Me pairs adult volunteers with Petaluma-area youth for academic and personal mentorship, with a one-hour weekly commitment. For more information call 707-765-8488, ext. 108, email mentorme@petalumapeople.org or visit their website. 1500 Petaluma Blvd. S., Petaluma.

Sonoma County Library – Volunteer Program
Volunteers assist with adult literacy tutoring, homework clubs, special events and Friends of the Library sales across county branches. For more information call 707-545-0831, email volunteer@sonomalibrary.org or visit their website. Multiple locations.

La Luz Center – Family Resource Volunteer
Volunteers support food distribution, English-language instruction and administrative services for immigrant families. For more information call 707-938-5131, email info@laluzcenter.org or visit their website. 17560 Greger St., Sonoma.

North Bay Organizing Project – Community Support
Volunteers help with advocacy and community outreach focused on immigrant rights, housing and education. For more information call 707-843-6111 or visit their website. 555 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa.

Council on Aging – Meals on Wheels Driver
Volunteers deliver meals to homebound seniors across the county. Training and background checks are required. For more information call 707-525-0143 or visit their website. 30 Kawana Springs Road, Santa Rosa.

Sonoma County Human Services – Friendly Visitor Program
Volunteer opportunities are available supporting isolated older adults, including roles such as friendly visits, support calls and other companionship or assistance activities as part of the Adult and Aging Services Division. To learn more or get involved, call 707-565-5936 or email volunteer@sonoma-county.org. Office: 3725 Westwind Blvd., Santa Rosa.

Redwood Empire Food Bank – Veterans Pantry
Redwood Empire Food Bank offers volunteer opportunities that support food distribution for veterans and low-income households at pantry locations throughout Sonoma County. Volunteers help distribute groceries and fresh produce at a variety of community sites, including those that specifically serve veterans. To learn more or sign up, call 707-523-7905 or visit their website. Headquarters: 3990 Brickway Blvd., Santa Rosa.

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 223 – Community Projects
Volunteers with Chapter 223 support veterans through outreach, donation drives (such as annual care package assemblies), food access programs, scholarships and public events honoring and advocating for local veterans. To learn more or get involved, call 707-526-4218 or visit their website. Mailing address: P.O. Box 6814, Santa Rosa.

Humane Society of Sonoma County – Animal Care Volunteer
Volunteers help socialize animals, assist with adoptions and support events or the Pet Rescue Thrift Store. For more information, call 707-542-0882 or visit their website. Main campus: 5345 Highway 12 W., Santa Rosa.

Forgotten Felines of Sonoma County – Shelter Volunteer
Volunteers help with fostering, cat care, adoption events and trap-neuter-return programs. For more information call 707-576-7999 or visit their website. 1814 Empire Industrial Court, Santa Rosa.

Dogwood Animal Rescue Project – Foster and Event Volunteer
Volunteers foster rescued animals or assist with adoption events and fundraising. For more information email dogwoodanimalrescue@gmail.com or visit their website. Location provided upon approval.

Bird Rescue Center – Wildlife Care Volunteer
Volunteers train to care for injured and orphaned birds and assist with education and outreach programs. For more information call 707-523-2473 or visit their website. 3430 Chanate Road, Santa Rosa.